35 Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee This Weekend With Kids & Family

What’s up folks! It’s Adam.

So, you know how you’re so used to interesting bad things happening during travel that you expect something to happen every time? This was me in Chattanooga. Things kept going as planned and I kept thinking, ‘this is too good to be true! When is that terrible thing going to happen?’

Well, nothing happened.

Chattanooga turned out to be one of the smoothest trips I’ve ever taken. If you know me, then you know what a big deal this is. I’ve had a fair share of ‘interesting’ experiences. Like the time I entered the wrong train in Texas. Or that time I lost my passport in Japan.Or when I got lost on a hiking trail on Manitoulin Island. The list is endless.

I explored and conquered Chattanooga like a true champ. I mean, I went on 3 hiking escapades and completed them without getting lost! Isn’t that champion-like behavior?

Furthermore, I explored the best attraction sites and dined in all the gems I could find. The locals were friendly, and so were the tourists.

I’m definitely going back to Chattanooga in the near future. If you’re planning a trip there, read on.

About Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city on the southeastern side of the State of Tennessee. 

It is a renowned travel destination owing to its wide range of attraction sites.

It is home to the renowned Tennessee River, historical military museums, famous geological formations, including the tallest underground waterfall in the world, and more attractions. 

It is a family-friendly destination that is ideal for solo travelers, families, and children. There are things to do for people of all ages. 

Outdoor lovers will especially love this city that has some of the most beautiful and scenic hiking and camping grounds.

The trails offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Visitors have unlimited options of hiking close to the city or far from the city. 

Whether you are visiting Chattanooga for a long or short period of time, you will find enough activities to do.

To help you create your itinerary we have compiled a list of 35 things to do in Chattanooga with kids & family.

This list will help you narrow down to the things that match your interest.

35 Things to do in Chattanooga

1. The Tennessee Aquarium

4.7★

Entry tickets: $26.95 for adults (13+) – $16.95 for children (3-12) 

Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The Tennessee Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction site located in downtown Chattanooga along the banks of the scenic Tennessee River. It opened in 1992 as a public aquarium and not-for-profit facility. 

It is one of the most prestigious and most visited aquariums in the United States. The aquarium is home to over 12,000 marine animals of over 800 species. 

The facility is a perfect attraction for adults and children. 

Things to do: If you love exploring marine life the aquarium will be an ideal place for you to stop by. It consists of two exhibits, the River Journey and the Ocean Journey.

They both showcase and feature different themes and marine species.

The River Journey consists of exhibits like the River Giants, Rivers of the World, Delta Country, and more. It showcases marine species like seahorses, American alligators, American paddlefish, and arapaima, among others.

The Ocean Journey exhibits macaroni penguins, sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, and Japanese spider crabs, among other marine species.

• It is 15 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

2. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

4.7★

Entry tickets: Check their website

Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Why you should go: If you want to explore Tennessee’s mountainside you should include the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in your list of things to do in Chattanooga.

Founded in 1960, the railroad museum showcases vintage rail locomotives, equipment, and memorabilia. 

It also takes visitors on fun excursions aboard its vintage trains. 

Things to do: A visit to this historical museum will give you an opportunity to see how the rail industry was back in the day.

You will see vintage trains and equipment that were used in previous centuries. 

The museum offers interactive train rides up the scenic mountains of Chattanooga.

Apart from experiencing how train rides were back in the old times, you will also experience the lush greenery of the landscape around you. The trains are pulled by steam locomotives. 

There are full-day and half-day excursions.

• It is 6 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

3. Ruby Falls

4.4★

Entry ticket: $22.95 for adults (13+) – $12.95 for children (3-12)

Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409

Why you should go: Ruby Falls is one of the most renowned attraction sites in the United States. It is ranked the highest and deepest waterfall located underground in the nation. 

The waterfall is made up of a series of cascading waterfalls.

It was discovered in Lookout Mountain in 1928.

The waterfall is found in one of the famous caverns in Chattanooga and guests have to go under 260 ft. to see it and explore other features found in the cavern. 

Things to do: To access the waterfall you will hike to the summit of Lookout Mountain which stands at 2,388 meters above sea level.

Descend the elevator and see this natural wonder that has been marked a National Historic Landmark. The waterfall is 145 ft. tall. 

While inside the cavern you will have an opportunity to explore other ancient geological formations. There are guides to teach you about the formation of the cave, the waterfall’s history, and other formations in the cave. 

• It is 20 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

4. Creative Discovery Museum

4.7★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: If you are traveling with children, the Creative Discovery Museum is one of the places you should have on your list of things to do in Chattanooga. 

It is an interactive children’s museum located in the city’s downtown that allows children to create, innovate, and explore while having fun at the same time.

The museum exposes children to the fields of music, arts, and sciences. 

Things to do: The Creative Discover Museum has exhibits that serve children between 18 months to 12 years old.

Children will have a fun time learning and exploring the various educational exhibits, water-themed areas, and an inventor’s workshop.

Children will enjoy visiting the water-themed area called RiverPlay as they engage in exciting water activities.

It will be a great experience watching your children engage in these activities. 

• It is 20 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

5. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

4.4★

Entry ticket: $15 for adults (13+) – $7 for children (3-12)

Address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Why you should go: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is renowned for being the steepest passenger railway in the world.

It takes visitors up the famous Lookout Mountain and has been doing so since the 1800s. 

It is a convenient and exciting way to access the mountain’s top as you enjoy the inclined journey as well as the surrounding scenic landscape.

A breathtaking view and various attractions await you at the top of the mountain. 

Things to do: If you would like to explore the attractions on top of Lookout Mountain like Ruby Falls you should take this exciting ride. 

The trip to the top is one mile long with a promise of beautiful views along the way and a breathtaking view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River from the mountain’s summit.

Children and adults will enjoy this famous ride alike. 

• It is 19 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

6. Chattanooga Ducks

4.8★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: A visit to Chattanooga Ducks will give you an opportunity to explore the Tennessee River aboard historical WWII amphibious vehicles.

The vehicles are famous for their ability to ride in the water and on dry land. 

This tour is also an opportunity to learn the history of this beautiful city. 

Things to do: If you love history you will have a great time at Chattanooga Ducks. The trip will start with a tour of the city’s downtown area.

There is knowledgeable staff aboard the amphibious vehicles who will tell you everything you need to know about the place. 

This is followed by a tour in the Tennessee River where you will enjoy spectacular views and a visit to Maclellan Island.

There is a wildlife sanctuary on the island. 

The attraction is ideal for both adults and children.

• It is 19 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

7. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

4.5★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419

Why should go: Anyone who appreciates geography and natural geological formations, in general, should include this historical attraction in their list of things to do in Chattanooga. 

Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground was discovered in 1929. It is home to the top-rated cave system in the United States.

It consists of countless caves and natural geological formations.

Its caverns and natural formations are well preserved making it one of the top places to visit in Chattanooga. 

Things to do: Explore over 5.5 miles of passageways as you explore the caverns and learn more about their history and how they were formed.

If you enjoy hiking you will have fun exploring the caverns under the guidance of knowledgeable guides. 

For camping lovers, there are designated campsites where you can set up your tent, enjoy a bonfire, and the beautiful views of Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Mountain.

• It is 21 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

8. Coolidge Park

4.7★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Why you should go: Coolidge Park is a family-friendly waterfront park that you should have on your list of things to do in Chattanooga with children.

It consists of amenities that will offer you and your children entertainment and a fun-filled experience. 

The city park overlooks the North Shore area of the breathtaking Tennessee River thus offering beautiful grounds for a family or solo picnic. 

Things to do: When you want to enjoy a relaxed day during your vacation in this beautiful city, organize to have a picnic in the lush green park as you view the scenic river. 

Children can have fun and splash water at the animal-themed interactive fountain. 

Another exciting activity to do here is riding a tiger on the park’s restored historic carousel. The antique carousel is said to be 100 years old. 

Coolidge Park also offers grounds for various events and concerts that take place throughout the year. 

• It is 21 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

9. Walnut Street Bridge

4.8★

Entry ticket: Free

Address: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Why you should go: The Walnut Street Bridge is a renowned historic bridge that links North Chattanooga to downtown Chattanooga, across the Tennessee River.

The bridge, which was built in 1891, is considered one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. 

Its historical significance is owing to its unique architectural design as well as holding the record for being “the first non-military highway bridge across the Tennessee River”.

Things to do: The historic bridge is a favorite attraction site among locals and travelers alike.

Since it is a pedestrian bridge it is safe to visit it to admire the beautiful view of the Tennessee River, especially at sunset or sunrise. You will also get a dreamy view of the city at night. 

You can also use the bridge as a link between attraction sites located in Chattanooga’s North and downtown.

Sometimes, a new area is best explored on foot. You have more time to take in its beauty in its entirety. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

10. Southern Belle Riverboat

4.4★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The Southern Belle Riverboat is a famous boat company that takes visitors on a memorable cruising tour in the breathtaking Tennessee River.

It offers a variety of cruising options that ensure everyone, from children to adults, has a fantastic time. 

Its luxury boats are specially designed for fulfilling sightseeing and leisure tours. 

Things to do: Learn the history of the city of Chattanooga by taking this majestic ride that takes you back in time.

There are expert guides aboard the boat who will give you all the significant historical details of the city.

They will also show you and tell you about all the attraction sites that you will encounter as you cruise up and down the river. 

The boat ride is also an opportunity to enjoy the best of the city’s cuisines and music. 

Southern Belle Riverboat also offers cruises for special events like Valentine’s Day and more. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

11. Tennessee Riverpark

4.7★

Entry ticket: Free

Address: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The Tennessee Riverpark is an approximately 10-mile stretch along the Tennessee River. It is dotted with fishing piers, picnic tables, and public art.

The park offers amazing views of the beautiful city and breathtaking sites for visitors who love photography. 

The park is also the location for the renowned Tennessee Riverwalk which stretches over 22 miles along the river. 

Things to do: It is a beautiful family-friendly city park which offers a scenic site for a picnic.

You can spend a day here enjoying the view of the river and the riverine vegetation while on a relaxed picnic. You can also take some time to go fishing or learn fishing.

The park also offers movie nights under the stars.

If you love a chilled nature walk or cycling, the Tennessee Riverwalk will ensure that you have a memorable experience.

It stretches from downtown Chattanooga, across the Walnut Street Bridge, to the Chickamauga Dam. 

The Riverwalk is perfect for baby strolls, thanks to its enchanting atmosphere. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

12. Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater

4.7★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 201 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The IMAX 3D Theater in Chattanooga is part of the Tennessee Aquarium. However, you can visit it as a standalone attraction to watch movies without having to explore the aquarium.

If you are looking for an evening plan, this theater is worth adding to your list of things to do in Chattanooga. 

It is an ideal place to enjoy watching a movie whether you are traveling alone or with your children. 

Things to do: After exploring the city, visit the IMAX Theater and choose a movie from their wide selection of wildlife and marine films.

The films are meant to educate and enlighten visitors on marine life and general wildlife conservation. 

The movies are as entertaining as they are educative.

• It is 15 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

13. High Point Climbing Gym

4.7★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: If you love rock climbing or are seeking to learn a new outdoor activity you should pay a visit to High Point Climbing Gym in downtown Chattanooga.

The gym boasts over 30,000 sq. ft. of outdoor and indoor climbing space. 

It is an ideal space for learners, adults, and children as it offers different challenges for all ages and expertise. 

Things to do: High Point Climbing Gym offers a wide range of activities. Apart from rock climbing, you can also do yoga, bouldering, and cardio, spin classes, and fun kid activities at the designated Kid Zone. 

Visit this facility to find out why it is considered the best rock climbing spot in Chattanooga. 

14. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

4.8★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 3370 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Why you should go: Although listed as located in Georgia, the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is located between the states of Georgia and Tennessee.

It borders Tennessee in the South East and Georgia in the North. 

The military historic parks are ideal attraction sites that exhibit the history of the American Civil War. The park also offers great and scenic views of the city as it is located on top of Lookout Mountain. 

Things to do: Explore the four main areas of the parks; the Chickamauga Battlefield, the Missionary Ridge, Moccasin Bend, and the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park. 

Apart from learning the history of the American Civil War which consists of the Siege of Chattanooga and the Battle of the Chickamauga, the four areas above offer a wide variety of things to see and do. 

The Moccasin Bend, for example, offers hiking grounds, an archaeological site that was a settlement for American Indians, and a beautiful meadow.

• It is 19 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

15. The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park

4.4★

Entry ticket: $10.95 for adults, $7.95 for children

Address: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Why you should go: Established in 1937, the Chattanooga Zoo is a 13-acre zoological park. It is found in Warner Park and is home to a variety of animals.

The zoo is widely recognized for its wildlife conservation efforts, especially for endangered species. 

The zoo hosts several exhibits, with its Himalayan Passage exhibit hosting the world’s grandest indoor red panda exhibit. All exhibits here host different animals based on their themes.  

Things to do: The zoo is a family-friendly facility and is an ideal attraction site for both adults and children. 

Explore the four themed exhibits and learn about all the animals found in each. The Makazi ya Twiga is home reticulated giraffes.

The Walkin’ the Tracks exhibit is home to North American animals like the white-tailed deer and prairie dogs. The Gombe Forest is an indoor and outdoor exhibit that’s home to chimpanzees. 

The whole family will enjoy seeing all these animals, learning about their habitats, and how you can contribute to the conservation of the environment. It is a great way of introducing the young ones to wildlife conservation.

• It is 13 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

16. Rock City Gardens

4.7★

Entry ticket: 

Address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Why you should go: Rock City Gardens sits on the summit of the Lookout Mountains. It is a tourist attraction site, famous for the claim that it is possible to see 7 American states from its location.

Although this is just a fact that has not been officially documented yet, visitors have claimed to see notable landmarks belonging to seven states. 

The attraction boasts rock formations, nature trails dotted with gardens of trees and other local plants, and rock caves. 

Things to do: A trip to Rock City Gardens is worth every minute and should be on your list of things to do in Chattanooga.

If you love hiking, you can walk to the summit which sits at 1700 ft. with the promise of scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

While here, you can opt to go down into the caverns and see Ruby Falls. But should you choose not to, you will still have the pleasure of seeing the High Falls, a manmade 140 ft. waterfall. 

Despite being geographically located in the state of Georgia, the attraction is very close to Chattanooga at only 24 minutes from Chattanooga Airport by road. 

• It is 24 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

17. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

4.9★

Entry ticket: $14.50 per person (21+)

Address: 1439 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery is one of the top-rated attractions in the city.

It is famous for being Chattanooga’s first distillery to craft whiskey in 100 years plus.  

The facility, located in the city’s downtown area, offers one-hour guided tours with a bonus whiskey tasting session at the end of the tour.

The distillery opened in 2015 and offers two forms of tours, the Traditional Tour & Tasting and the Whiskey Flight Tasting.

Things to do: If you are a whiskey lover, you will enjoy exploring this distillery.

It offers guided tours where you will learn the facility’s history, the art of whiskey crafting, and the distillery’s secret to being and remaining a unique distillery in the United States. 

You will also get a chance to taste well blend quality whiskey as your tour comes to an end. 

You should reserve a tour in advance. 

• It is 14 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

18. Warehouse Row

4.3★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 1110 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: When looking for areas to shop while visiting Chattanooga, Warehouse Row should be on the top of your list. The facility is formerly a Civil War site.

It transformed into a warehouse district and houses over 30 shopping stores, eateries, art galleries, and other commercial outlets.

You can find anything from home furniture to designer outfits. 

Things to do: It is always a good idea to explore the shopping scene of a city to see what is on offer and how different or similar it is to your city.

For this experience, include Warehouse Row in your list of things to do in Chattanooga. 

You can buy gifts or souvenirs to take back with you here. It is also an opportunity to taste Chattanooga’s cuisines. 

•  It is 14 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

19. Songbirds Chattanooga

4.7★

Entry ticket: $18.95 for adults (13+), $11.95 for children (5-12)

Address: 35 Station St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Why you should go: Songbirds is a live music venue and music museum.

As a museum, the facility exhibits the history of music in Chattanooga and a range of vintage musical instruments used in the region over the years. 

At night the exhibition closes, and the facility transforms into a concert venue.

It hosts live music performances by local artists and other music-oriented events. It can host up to 200 seated guests and 500 standing guests.

Plans are underway to expand the facility into a learning and performing arts center. 

Things to do: Music lovers will love exploring this facility as they look at all the vintage musical instruments and musical works by artists from the local area. 

For an entertaining and memorable evening or night, visit the facility and catch a live concert.

It is an opportunity to mingle and socialize with the locals and other visitors. 

• It is 14 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

Music lovers will enjoy very much visiting the “Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum” but it’s in Nashville, the country of arts, here is more things to do in Nashville & things to do in Gatlinburg!

20. Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

5.0★

Entry ticket: $20 for adults (11+), $16 for children (10 and below)

Address: 409 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is an interactive facility that offers pinball and other classic games.

It is an all-you-can-play kind of museum that is dedicated to the history of pinball and other games. 

Things to do: This is a family-friendly attraction. You can visit with your children for a fun-filled day. Enjoy the wide range of games available as well as go down memory lane as you explore the various classic pinball machines on the site. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

21. Lookout Mountain

4.7★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Why you should go: If you are an outdoor lover you cannot visit Chattanooga and not visit Lookout Mountain.

Geographically it is located in the state of Georgia but it is very physically close to Chattanooga. It sits on the Southeastern border of Tennessee. 

It offers a wide variety of attraction sites and things to do.

Things to do: This is the ideal location to go hiking.

It has beautiful hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape throughout your hike. 

At the summit, you will find Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, and other geological formations.  

• It is 25 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

22. Tennessee Riverwalk

4.5★

Entry ticket: Free

Why you should go: The Tennessee River is a famous attraction and can be explored by taking a tour of the Tennessee Riverwalk.

It stretches for over 20 miles and consists of beautiful views of the city and scenic riverbank vegetation. 

It is a relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors in Chattanooga.

Things to do: You can take a walk or cycle along the designated path as you take in the beauty around you. It is pet-friendly as long as your pet is on a leash. 

It is also an ideal walking or cycling experience for children.

• It is 13 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

23. Hunter Museum of American Art

4.6★

Entry ticket: $20 per adult (18+), Free for teens and children, $18 for seniors (65+)

Address: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Why you should go: The Hunter Museum of American Art is located in the Bluff View Art District. It is an art museum that houses historical collections from the 19th century.

The collections have been sourced from the Hudson River School, the Ashcan school, and include works like American Impressionism, 19th-century genre painting, and more. 

Things to do: Visit the site to learn the facility’s history which dates back to 1904.

The museum is housed in a mansion that was designed by Abram Garfield, President James A. Garfield’s son.

Explore all the exhibits to see all the collection genres housed here.

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

24. Gallery 1401

5.0★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 1478 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: If you would like to see modern art you should include Gallery 1401 in your list of things to do in Chattanooga. The gallery features work by over 40 artists from the United States and globally. 

Some of the genres featured include contemporary realism, classical styles, contemporary impressionism, and more. 

Things to do: You can tour the gallery as an individual or as a group.

They also offer advice on the best art for different spaces like your home, office, or any other commercial space.

If you would like to buy someone an art-related gift they offer advice on the same too. 

• It is 14 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

25. Chattanooga Market

4.6★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 1829 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Why you should go: The Chattanooga Market is the largest farmers’ market in the city that sells art and craft and farm produce sourced locally. The market has over 300 vendors and receives over six thousand visitors every Sunday. 

The market is open every Sunday from April to December each year.

The most unique aspect of the market is that the seller is the sole owner and creator of the products he or she is selling.

Things to do: This is the best place for you to explore the farming and art scene in Chattanooga. You are assured of the best products since the sellers only exhibit what they have produced themselves. 

If you are staying in an apartment during your visit you should get your groceries from this market.    

• It is 15 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

26. Chattanooga Ghost Tours Inc.

4.5★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 57 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: Chattanooga Ghost Tours is a spooky-themed shop that takes visitors on a historical trip to Chattanooga’s dark side.

They have experienced storytellers who take visitors through dark stories of things that took place in the city back in the day. 

Ghost tours are only offered to people aged 16 years and above. 

Things to do: Ghost tours are not for everyone, however, if you enjoy dark and ghost stories you will have fun on this tour. 

You will be taken on a tour of the city as you explore and stop by locations where tragic or spooky events happened.

The guides use ghost-finding gadgets during the tour. 

If you take a photo in one of the ghost locations, they are said to be photobombed by these ghosts. 

• It is 15 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

27. Cravens House

4.6★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: Point Park Visitor Ctr, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Why you should go: Cravens House is a historical site located on Lookout Mountain.

It is a renovated version of the original house which was used during the American Civil War as headquarters for the Confederates. 

The current house was built in 1905 by the Cravens family. 

Things to do: If you would like to learn the American Civil War history, this is an attraction you want to include in your list of things to do in Chattanooga.

There are exhibits dedicated to teaching visitors all about the battle. 

Cravens House also has beautiful grounds that are great for hiking.

You will have breathtaking views of the city from afar and the surrounding landscape.

• It is 23 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

28. International Towing & Recovery Museum

4.7★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 3315 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Why you should go: The International Towing and Recovery Museum is a facility that preserves the history of the towing industry.

It houses equipment, machinery, tools, and toys belonging to the tow truck industry. 

The museum’s site holds historical significance in that the first towing truck was created near the museum, about 6 kilometers away, by the Ernest Homes Company.

Things to do: Explore the museum to see how the towing and recovery industry has evolved over the years.

You will see artifacts, memorabilia, and pictorial history of the industry.

There is an exhibit dedicated to workers in this industry who lost their lives in the line of duty. The exhibit is called the “Wall of the Fallen”.

• It is 23 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

29. AT&T Field

4.6★

Entry ticket: Check the website

Address: 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The AT&T Field is a baseball stadium that is home to the Chattanooga Lookouts. It has a seating capacity of 6,382. 

If you are a baseball fan you can check out when there’s a game and attend during your vacation in this beautiful city. 

Things to do: You can visit the stadium to watch a baseball match or attend an event. The facility hosts different games and events throughout the year.

• It is 18 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

30. Prentice Cooper State Forest

4.6★

Entry ticket:

Address: 3998 Game Reserve Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Why you should go: Prentice Cooper State Forest is one of the best places for outdoor lovers to go hiking and camping.

It is located in South East Tennessee and covers over 6,000 acres of protected land.

There are over 35 miles of hiking trails that offer scenic lush green views. The Tennessee River runs through it.

Things to do: Explore the hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful outdoor atmosphere in this scenic forest. If you enjoy camping, the forest offers beautiful camping grounds, giving you more time to find out what the forest has to offer. 

• It is 41 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

31. Audubon Acres

4.4★

Entry ticket: $6 for adults (13+), $3 for children (5-12), $5 for seniors (55+)

Address: 900 N Sanctuary Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

• Nature Sanctuary.
• Located along South Chickamauga Creek.
• Conveniently close to the city.

Why you should go: There are days, while on vacation, you’ll wake up feeling like you want to do something easy and relaxed.

If this happens when you travel to Chattanooga, the best attraction site to visit is Audubon Acres. 

It is a scenic nature park with lush green vegetation and a lovely creek. There are hiking trails of over five miles across the 130-acre land. 

Audubon Acres runs an archaeological museum in the visitor center located here. 

Things to do: If you love hiking in lush green places, you should make your way to this lovely park. Trails are serene and offer a beautiful atmosphere.

You will hear singing birds and other animal sounds as you move around the park.

The hike is easy and suitable for hikers of all hiking levels. You can hike alone or with your loved ones. 

It is a beautiful picnic site where you can spend the day breathing some fresh air and enjoying the beautiful view. 

At the visitor center, check out the archaeological museum to learn more about the historical areas found in Audubon Acres.

You can later explore these areas during your hike.

At Chickamauga Creek, you can go canoeing, swimming or kayaking, in summer. 

• It is 41 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

32. Bluff View Art District

4.6★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 411 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

• Located in Downtown Chattanooga.
• Perfect for a day’s visit.

Why you should go: This district is a small neighborhood that sits on a bluff that overlooks the Tennessee River.

Here you will find three forms of art: landscape, culinary, and visual arts.

Bluff View Art District is very small in size but is home to some of the most notable attractions in Chattanooga.

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Hunter Museum of American Art, and The River Gallery are all located in this lovely neighborhood. 

Famous eateries like Trattoria, Tony’s Pasta Shop, and Rembrandt’s Coffee are all found here. 

Things to do: Thanks to its small size, most of the attraction places in the Bluff View District are in proximity to each other.

You can easily walk from one place to the other. Owing to its size, you will only need a day to explore the district. 

In your schedule for things to do in Chattanooga, dedicate a full-day tour to Bluff View Art District. 

Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art to explore its art exhibits which display a permanent collection of photography, sculptures, and paintings.

For a unique art experience, you can visit the River Gallery, which boasts a lovely sculpture garden. 

You can have a taste of Chattanooga’s cuisine in any of the eateries mentioned above.

It is a beautiful experience.

You will dine and wine with a breathtaking view of the Tennessee River, beautiful architecture, and the surrounding landscape. 

• It is 17 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

33. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

4.7★

Entry ticket: $10 per person

Address: 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419

• Botanical garden.
• Historical site.
• It opened in 1956.
• Non-profit institution.

Why you should go: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Garden is a nature center in Chattanooga with a botanical garden, hiking trails, woodland gardens, and ponds. 

It sits on 317 acres of land and boasts over 150 tree species and over 1,000 plant species. 

The center focuses on the study and preservation of plant and tree species. 

It is one of the most serene places in Chattanooga to have a nature walk and get lost in lush green woods. 

Things to do: If you are an outdoors and nature lover, this botanical garden will blow your mind. It has over 15 miles of hiking trails.

Its tree and plant population creates an ambiance that ensures your hike is enjoyable and comfortable. 

For those who love driving in the woods, the center boasts a 3-mile driving loop. Take an early morning or evening drive to enjoy views of sunrise or sunset rays as they seep through the tall trees. 

You can choose to take a walk around the garden to admire the massive flora and educate yourself on plant species. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

34. Chattanooga Choo Choo

4.3★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

• It opened in 1973.
• Historical landmark.

Why you should go: Chattanooga Choo Choo lists as a National Historic Place. Once you hear its history, you will understand why it deserves the title. 

It was once a terminal station that closed and was later reopened as a hotel and named after a song of the same title, ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’.  A look at its architecture will have you thinking that it is a train station.

However, once you hit the inside, you will see that it’s home to a hotel, shops, restaurants, and a railway museum. 

The transformation to a hotel did not alter the original design so much.

You will see some of the station tracks here. There are sleeper cars that were converted into decent world-class accommodation rooms without interfering with the original design. 

Things to do: You can spend your vacation nights in Chattanooga in this historic hotel. If not for all nights, maybe for one night.

It’ll be a unique accommodation experience compared to the usual hotels in the city. 

You will appreciate and learn the intriguing history behind the hotel. 

If not for accommodation, include Chattanooga Choo Choo in your list of things to do in Chattanooga for its historical past.  

35. Coker Museum

4.8★

Entry ticket: $10 for adults (13+), $8 for children (5-12)

Address: 1309 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

• Owned by Corky Coker.
• Located inside Honest Charley Speedshop.
• Family-friendly attraction site.

Why you should go: If you are a vintage car and motorcycle fanatic, Coker Museum should not miss your list of things to do in Chattanooga. 

The museum is home to Corky Coker’s collection of vintage cars, airplanes, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, and trucks. 

The collection dates back to the early 20th century. Every item at the museum has some history behind it.

The museum’s friendly staff are more than eager to answer visitors’ questions. 

Things to do: This collection of motorcycles and cars will probably be the largest you will ever see in one place. Explore the museum’s collection and learn the history behind every car, motorcycle, or bus. 

This little museum is children-friendly. Your kids will enjoy seeing the collection just as much as you. 

If luck is on your side, you might meet the owner, Corky Coker.

The business mogul and vintage car enthusiast was president of Coker Tire for 40 years. His father, Harold Coker, founded Coker Tire. 

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

To enjoy Tennessee the most, here are lists of best things to do in Pigeon Forge and places to visit in Knoxville you might need to check before leaving.

That’s it folks. Let me know everything about your Chattanooga experience in the comments section below. Stay adventurous!