Location: Chattanooga
Top Things to do in Chattanooga
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10 Things to do Good for Kids in Chattanooga That You Shouldn't Miss
The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil War, Native American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored by foot, car, bike or train.
Restaurants in Chattanooga
1. Chattanooga National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By ISC624 - Acworth, United States
A maliciously maintained National Cemetery, and the final resting place of a family member. There are several areas of historical interest in the cemetery, including the grave of Corporal Desmond Doss; awarded the MOH for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge.
2. Enterprise South Nature Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Pismomomma - Chattanooga, United States
Thank you, Volkswagon, for this gorgeous nature preserve to enjoy! We hike, bike, and take visitors here all the time! The beauty is every-changing. This is a TREASURE BEYOND MEASURE!!!
3. Creative Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 965 reviews
Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on children's museum in the heart of downtown Chattanooga that inspires all children to explore, innovate, create, and play. Our exhibits are designed to both entertain and educate as children discover the world around them and all it has to offer including art, music, dinosaur digging, water exploration, and science. Rated the #7 children's museum in the U.S. by Trekaroo in 2015.
Reviewed By kellypM5119NE - Munfordville, United States
We had a blast with our two year old this morning! Three levels of exhibits to learn and play through; lots of opportunities for pretend play! The highlights for us were the splash zone and the dinosaur area. The more involved you are with your kid, the more fun they’re going to have! Some exhibits geared toward older kids; I wouldn’t expect this location to appeal to a kid over 10. The 2-8 crowd though will be ecstatic ???? Covid stuff- timed entry, temp checks, masks inside pretty well-enforced. The staff are making a great effort to keep things clean in an impossible environment—It’s a hands-on museum; thousands of things for kids to touch and feel everywhere you look. So fellow parents, before you go, make sure your little understands to not touch their face, not put their hands in their mouth and to sanitize often.
4. International Towing and Recovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
A museum commemorating the history of the tow truck.
Reviewed By Rhonda4713 - Moss Point, United States
We found the museum to be VERY interesting. Lots of history and timelines of vehicles and their history. Before entering the museum you are shown a brief video which reveals dates and history of this amazing towing industry. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. A big plus to their interesting gift shop! We highly recommend this museum.
5. Tennessee Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,874 reviews
More than 9,000 animals swim, fly and crawl through this aquarium dedicated to educating visitors about freshwater ecosystems.
Reviewed By kphil27 - La Vergne, United States
My husband and I have been several times and we have a blast every time we go! I could spend all day just watching the fish swim around it's so relaxing. There is a new exhibit called "island life" which is so cool! There's more fish and turtles and lizards in this exhibit. If you go during March, April, or May be prepared to fight off armies of little dudes on their school field trips ???? Be sure to look for Oscar the sea turtle when you're in the ocean journey building! ????????
6. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,246 reviews
Reviewed By C8004SFlt
Whether for the usual attractions or exploring this beautiful mountain, it is worth the short trip from Chattanooga. You can ride the incline to the top or drive to see the beautiful historic homes, famous Rock City with Lovers Leap, Point Park, Ruby Falls or explore nature at Lula Lake Falls or watch the Hang-gliders jump from the cliffs and soar over the valleys. Great day trip!
7. Ross's Landing Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Walk over the world's longest pedestrian bridge
Reviewed By beatrive - Dortmund, Germany
One of Chattanooga's best spots to enjoy the riverfront. Just a few blocks from great food and lodging. There are always events going on to bring locals and tourists downtown.
8. Bluff View Art District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River, Bluff View Art District is widely known as Chattanooga's premier spot for quality dining and culinary delights made on site throughout the District's many kitchens, bakery and coffee roaster. Its location provides for a breathtaking destination in the heart of the city where locals and travelers alike may view equally stunning works of art, horticulture and architecture, all of which define the District's unique atmosphere.
Reviewed By glennmcf - Washington DC, United States
When visiting Chattanooga, you don’t want to miss this part of town, even if you only have one day. The Hunter museum is here and worth a visit but if the weather is nice, why not spend your time walking through the acres of art on the River Walk? Although the art displayed is privately owned it is publicly displayed for all to see for free. You can also pop into a wide variety of restaurants serving up delicious fare from artisan coffee to fine dining for dinner with a view of the river and the surrounding city. If you plan to spend a night or two, the Edwin Hotel is an amazing boutique hotel which boasts a huge collection of local only arts that would make any city envious.
9. IMAX Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
A 3-D movie theater thats always a hit with the kids.
Reviewed By hdoyle001 - Greeneville, United States
Due to a mix up on show times, we had to see the volcano film instead of the Great Barrier Reef. But the volcano film was so amazing that we came back the next day to see the Great Barrier Reef one. I wear glasses but the 3d glasses fit right over them. My teen loved both movies. My tween said it was okay. My suggestion would be to confirm the show times of the film you want to see by phone or stop by the window out front and ask. Do not use the website to look up times. There are concessions on-site so you can eat/drink in theatre. There is a virtual reality experience, seperate from the imax, but in their lobby and my kids loved it! A lovely garden with koi pond and seating right outside the back door of lobby. It is obviously underused and that’s a shame cause it’s very nice.
10. Coolidge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
Named in honor of a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, this seven-acre park features a restored hand-carved carousel, pavilion and interactive play fountain.
Reviewed By Loren256 - Russellville, United States
Coolidge Park is a must for us every time we visit Chattanooga. Our 3 small dogs pout if they don't have a walk here. Despite a sign at the entrance (which we didn't notice at first), it is actually dog-friendly. We have often seen other people with their dogs. It's a beautiful park, has restrooms, splash pad (during hot weather), plenty of doggy-bags for cleaning up, and the park is immaculate. We always meet such nice people when we visit. And the view of the river is awesome. If you have children, they have an enclosed carousel, which is vintage and beautiful. Highly recommend it!
