At Enjoy Unique Stays, we believe that the best family memories happen when you escape the ordinary. Chattanooga is one of our favorite places to help families do exactly that. It is full of outdoor adventure, cool history, and fun places to play.
If you are looking for things to do in Chattanooga with kids, you have come to the right place. We have hosted thousands of families in this beautiful city. We know the spots that kids love and parents appreciate.
Whether you want to see an underground waterfall or sleep in a treehouse, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.
Downtown and Riverfront Fun
The downtown area is very walkable. It is easy to spend a whole day here without moving your car. You will find some of the top attractions right along the Tennessee River.
Tennessee Aquarium
We think the Tennessee Aquarium is the heart of downtown. It is not just a regular aquarium. It has two huge buildings to explore. One focuses on the river and the other focuses on the ocean.
Our guests often tell us their kids love the butterfly garden and the penguins. It is a great place to learn about nature while having fun. You can spend hours here watching otters play or touching stingrays.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
- Contact: +1 423-265-0695
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM (Saturdays open at 9 AM)
- Insight: Over 29 million people have visited since it opened. It is the top attraction for families in the city.
Learn more about Tennessee Aquarium
Creative Discovery Museum
If you have younger children, this museum is a must. It is right down the street from the aquarium. We love recommending this spot for rainy days or when the kids need to burn off energy.
The museum is very hands-on. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, play with water, or create art. Our guests appreciate that it is educational but feels like pure play.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
- Contact: +1 423-756-2738
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Learn more about Creative Discovery Museum
Coolidge Park
Coolidge Park is located on the North Shore of the river. You can walk there across the Walnut Street Bridge. It is a fantastic open space where kids can run free.
The best part is the antique carousel. It features hand-carved animals and is very affordable to ride. In the summer, the splash pad is a hit for cooling off. We suggest grabbing a picnic and relaxing by the water.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Contact: +1 423-643-7866
- Hours: Daily 7 AM–11 PM
Learn more about Coolidge Park
💡 Insight: Did you know Chattanooga is nicknamed the “Scenic City”? It is because of the beautiful mix of mountains and river views right in town.
Adventures on Lookout Mountain
Just a short drive from downtown, Lookout Mountain offers some of the most famous sights in the area.
If you want to stay close to these adventures, check out our Lookout Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City is truly unique. It features massive ancient rock formations and gardens with over 400 native plant species. We love the “See Seven States” view on a clear day.
Kids usually enjoy the Fairyland Caverns. It is filled with glowing scenes from favorite fairytales. The swinging bridge is also a fun thrill for brave little adventurers.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
- Contact: +1 706-820-2531
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–9:30 PM
Learn more about Rock City Gardens
Ruby Falls
Imagine seeing a waterfall deep underground. That is what you get at Ruby Falls. You take an elevator 260 feet down into the mountain to see the tallest underground waterfall in the country.
Our guests often describe it as magical. The cave formations are cool to look at, and the light show on the falls makes it very special. It is a memorable experience for kids who like exploring.
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409
- Contact: +1 423-821-2544
- Hours: Daily 8 AM–8 PM (Check specific days)
Learn more about Ruby Falls
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
This is known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” The Incline Railway is a trolley-style train that goes straight up the mountain. It is very steep and exciting.
Kids love looking out the windows as the city gets smaller below. At the top, you can walk to Point Park or grab some ice cream. It is a fun and easy way to see the views without hiking.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409
- Contact: +1 423-821-4224
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–6 PM
Learn more about Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Unique Stays for Families
At Enjoy Unique Stays, we believe where you sleep should be part of the adventure. Instead of a boring room, why not stay somewhere your kids will talk about for years?
Treetop Escapes
If your kids love climbing trees, they will love sleeping in one. Our Treetop Escapes are real treehouses built high in the canopy. They are comfortable and safe but full of adventure.
Located near Chattanooga, these stays let you wake up to birds singing. You can enjoy your morning coffee on the deck while the kids look for squirrels. It is the perfect way to connect with nature without giving up comfort.
Learn more about Treetop Escapes
Paradise Pointe
For families who want space to roam, Paradise Pointe is a great choice. Perched on Sand Mountain, it overlooks the beautiful Nickajack Lake. The views here are incredible.
This location is great for relaxing after a busy day in the city. We offer different types of cabins here. It is a peaceful spot where you can roast marshmallows and look at the stars.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 11211 AL-73, Bryant, AL 35958
- Contact: (423) 500-7300
Learn more about Paradise Pointe
💡 Insight: Many of our cabins have hot tubs and game rooms. This means the fun does not stop when you get back from sightseeing.
More Fun Around Town
Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo is a favorite for many local families. It is smaller than big city zoos, which makes it very manageable for little legs. You can see everything in a couple of hours.
We love the red panda exhibit. The zoo focuses on getting you close to the animals. They also have a petting zoo area that younger kids really enjoy.
- Location: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
- Hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM
- Insight: The zoo is very involved in conservation efforts, especially for the red pandas.
Audubon Acres
If your family loves the outdoors, visit Audubon Acres. It is a nature preserve with miles of trails. It is a quiet break from the busy downtown area.
You can walk across a suspension bridge or look for wildlife by the creek. It is a nice spot for a picnic and a gentle hike.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 900 N Sanctuary Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
- Contact: +1 423-892-1499
- Hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM (Closed Sundays)
Learn more about Audubon Acres
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
This is a hidden gem in the city. It is a large park filled with huge art sculptures. It is free to visit and gives kids plenty of room to walk around.
The sculptures are massive and very cool to look at. It is a great place to take fun family photos. Just remember that the sculptures are for looking, not climbing.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 1800 Polk St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
- Hours: Daily 8 AM–8 PM
Learn more about Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
💡 Insight: Chattanooga offers a free electric shuttle downtown. It is a fun and easy way to get around without worrying about parking.
Plan Your Chattanooga Adventure With Us
There are so many wonderful things to do in Chattanooga with kids. From the depths of Ruby Falls to the heights of our treehouses, this city is made for families. We hope this guide helps you plan a trip that is fun, easy, and full of happy memories.
At Enjoy Unique Stays, we are here to help you escape the ordinary. Whether you choose a cozy cabin or a high-flying treehouse, we want your stay to be just as special as the activities you do.
Explore our Chattanooga Vacation Rentals to find the perfect home base for your next family getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga kid friendly?
Yes, Chattanooga is very kid friendly. It has a top-rated aquarium, a children’s museum, and lots of parks. The downtown area is easy to walk, and there are many family activities nearby.
How much does the Chattanooga Aquarium cost?
Ticket prices can change, so it is best to check their website. It is a premium attraction, but most families find it worth the cost because it includes two large buildings and takes several hours to see.
What are some unique things to do in Chattanooga?
You can visit an underground waterfall at Ruby Falls or see rock formations at Rock City. For a truly unique experience, you can stay in one of our treehouses at Treetop Escapes.
What is the best time of year to visit Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is great all year. Spring and fall offer beautiful weather for hiking. Summer is perfect for water activities on the river. Winter is cozy, especially during the holiday light festivals at Rock City.
