WANDER Chattanooga With Kids

Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of my family’s favorite southern towns. It is just a couple hours from our hometown of Nashville – but also a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Knoxville and combines small-town amenities, such as walkability, a vibrant art scene and easy navigation with big-city attractions like the incredible Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City. My family travels to Chattanooga a couple times a year and here are some of our favorite spots in Chattanooga with kids:

Wonder: Activity 1 – Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennesse Aquarium is simply amazing. The aquarium is divided into two buildings – The Ocean Journey and The River Journey, with an IMAX theater a couple blocks away. The Ocean Journey includes a Lemur Forest, a stingray petting area, a magical Butterfly Garden, and my kids’ favorite, penguins. My husband and I are enchanted by the jellyfish. The River Journey is fabulous because it focuses on local fish and river animals. At the aquarium, kids can touch and feed Aquarium animals with a backstage pass, take a ride on the River Gorge Explorer boat, step into the butterfly gardens and learn all about the local wildlife.

Tip: Many local zoo passes give aquarium discount tickets.

Adventure: Activity 2 – Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum is a playful learning environment where kids can dig for dinosaur bones in the Excavation Station, get creative in the artist’s studio or climb the two-and-a-half story RiverPlay structure. There’s a large water area, so you may want to pack a change of clothes. And, there is a PlayGym for kids under 3 years old.

Navigate: Activity 3 – Rock City

Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a Southern right of passage, in my opinion. On a clear day, Rock City provides breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views.  Here, you’ll also find ancient rock formations, gardens and an Enchanted Trail which takes you along a woodland path with Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village, a rope bridge, some tight squeeze passages and more. Plus, you can purchase the famous “See Rock City” birdhouse in the gift shop!

 Discover: Activity 4 – Walnut Pedestrian Bridge

The Walnut Pedestrian Bridge is a great path for families. Walk across the bridge (you can start at the Aquarium) to the NorthShore neighborhood, which is home to Coolidge Park. It’s one of the city’s largest parks and a free place to let the kids run off some steam, with an interactive water fountain and plenty of green space, along with rides on the restored antique carousel for just $1.

 Eat: Aretha Frankensteins

A bit of a hidden gem to travelers, Aretha Frankensteins is a unique off the beaten path spot in Chattanooga – with a punk theme – where they serve a menu of diner staples. But the pancakes! Oh the pancakes! You should only order one (it’s HUGE) and it’s so good, they even sell the mix. Don’t be in a hurry and there are only a few tables, so get there early and be prepared for a wait – while sipping an espresso or a beer on tap!

Rest: The Chattanooga Choo Choo

My family dreams of taking a train trip across the U.S.some day (or from Memphis to New Orleans), but in the meantime, we can sleep in a historic Pullman Train Car in Chattanooga. Located at the Chattanooga Choo Choo (which you can/should visit even if you’re not staying here), their historic collection of Pullman Train Cars dates back to the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The train cars have been updated into guest rooms complete with a queen size bed and a pull-out trundle bed for families with little ones ready for the ultimate train adventure.

Have you been to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Where are your favorite spots? Also, check out these southern cities that we love too: Knoxville, Dollywood, Asheville, Memphis and Oxford.