Chattanooga Tennessee Family Travel Guide
Less than five hours from Memphis, Chattanooga has become one of our favorite family getaways. We’ve been several times now, and every trip reminds me why we love it so much. There is so much to do for families, from outdoor adventures and scenic views to museums, great restaurants and fun attractions the kids still talk about. If you’re planning a weekend trip, here are some of our favorite things to do in Chattanooga with kids.
Best Things to Do in Chattanooga with Kids
Creative Discovery Museum
If you’re visiting Chattanooga with kids, don’t skip the Creative Discovery Museum. There is so much to do both inside and outside. The kids loved the swings, climbing tunnels and outdoor play area, and inside they could have spent hours exploring the water exhibits, slides, race cars and all of the hands-on activities. It’s one of those places that’s fun for toddlers, bigger kids and even adults, and you could easily spend half a day or more here.
Tennesse Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is still one of the coolest aquariums I’ve ever visited. It’s actually the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, and it’s spread across two buildings with four levels of exhibits. We saw sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, alligators and so much more. The kids especially loved touching stingrays and getting up close to the butterflies. There is so much to see that you could easily spend most of the day here.
The Passage
After the aquarium, pack the kids’ swimsuits and head over to The Passage. This free splash area ended up being my kids’ favorite part of the entire trip. It’s such a fun place for them to cool off while parents relax nearby. Trust me—you’ll want towels and a change of clothes because they won’t want to leave.
Ruby Falls
On our most recent trip, we finally visited Ruby Falls, and it completely lived up to the hype. Riding the elevator deep underground before walking through the cave to the waterfall was such a unique experience. It’s one of those attractions that’s fun for both kids and adults, and it’s a great option if it’s raining or just really hot outside.
Tennessee Valley Railroad
This was such a fun experience for our family. We rode the Missionary Ridge Local, a 65-minute train ride that departs from Grand Junction Depot. Along the way you’ll ride through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, watch the turntable demonstration and learn a little about the railroad’s history. Grayson absolutely loved it because he’s obsessed with trains, but all three kids had a great time. It was just the right length for younger kids, and there are snacks and drinks available at the depot too.
Rock City
Rock City was even better than I remembered. We wandered through trails, squeezed between giant rock formations, explored caves and tunnels, crossed the swinging bridge and took in the incredible views from Lookout Mountain where you can see seven states on a clear day. It’s beautiful, fun for all ages and one of those places that really makes you stop and appreciate how pretty East Tennessee is.
Where to Eat in Chattanooga
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey is always one of our favorite breakfast and coffee spots in Chattanooga. The food is so good, and I love that there’s an outdoor turf area behind the restaurant where the kids can run around while we finish our coffee. It’s one of those places we look forward to every time we visit.
Big Bad Breakfast
We’ve eaten at several Big Bad Breakfast locations over the years, and it’s always so good. I ordered the veggie and goat cheese omelet, and I still think about it. The atmosphere is casual, the portions are generous and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast before heading out for the day.
State of Confusion
We loved State of Confusion for dinner. The patio is perfect for families because the kids can play shuffleboard and giant Connect Four while you’re waiting on your food. Everything we ordered was delicious, especially the steak skewers, and the whole restaurant had such a fun atmosphere.
Stir
Stir was another favorite. I ordered the salmon, Leighton had the steak and Grayson ordered chicken from the kids’ menu. Everything was delicious. They also have a patio, and since it’s next door to Frothy Monkey, the kids can run around on the turf area outside before or after dinner.
Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
We couldn’t leave Chattanooga without stopping at Clumpies. Everyone found a flavor they loved, and I appreciated that they also had gluten-free and dairy-free options. It’s the perfect treat after dinner and an easy walk from several restaurants downtown.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga
Kinley Chattanooga
We loved staying at the Kinley Chattanooga. It’s located in the Southside, which ended up being one of our favorite parts of town. We could walk to restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and Clumpies Ice Cream, which made exploring Chattanooga so easy.
Treetop Escapes
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay near Chattanooga, I definitely recommend checking out Treetop Escapes. We stayed there on one of our recent trips, and it ended up being just as memorable as everything we did in Chattanooga. Waking up surrounded by the trees with beautiful mountain views was such a peaceful way to start the day, and it was the perfect place to unwind after exploring. Even though it feels tucked away in nature, it’s still an easy drive to all of Chattanooga’s best attractions, making it a great home base for your trip.
Tips for Visiting Chattanooga
- Plan at least 2–3 days if you want to experience several attractions without feeling rushed.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll do a lot of walking at places like Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium.
- Bring swimsuits and towels if you’re visiting during warmer months so the kids can enjoy The Passage.
- Reserve tickets ahead of time for popular attractions like Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
Final Thoughts
Every time we visit Chattanooga, we find another reason to come back. There is such a great mix of outdoor adventures, family attractions, delicious restaurants and unique places to stay that it never gets old. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, Chattanooga is one of our favorite weekend getaways from Memphis. Have you been to Chattanooga before? What are your favorite things to do in Chattanooga? Find more things to do in Chattanooga here.
