Enjoy quality family time in Chattanooga. Kids of all ages and families of all sizes will fall in love with this riverfront city full of award-winning attractions, delicious food and hotels that make you feel right at home. Start planning your Chattanooga getaway with these ideas in mind.
The Ultimate Chattanooga Family Vacation
Explore some of the family hot spots in Chattanooga.
March 6, 2020
Stay in the middle of it all at SpringHill Suites in downtown Chattanooga. Chattanooga's only riverfront hotel has loads of space for your family and offers studio, one and two-bed suites with pull-out queen sofa beds. High-speed internet, Smart TVs, microwave and mini fridge are all in-suite. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and 24-hour access to the fitness center.
Edwin Hotel
If you want a stylish stay, book a room at the Edwin Hotel, Chattanooga's first luxury boutique hotel. Steps away from the historic Walnut Street Bridge, choose from a king or double bed room with a stocked mini-bar, flat-screen television and city views.
Where to Eat
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
Kids will love the pepperoni pizza, house-made tacos, crispy chicken strips, ribs and wide selection of burgers at Big River Grille & Brewing Works. You will, too, along with their selection of local brews on tap. Save room for dessert as the carrot cake, chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream and the key lime cheesecake are hard to pass up.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
Brisket, pulled pork and smoked pulled chicken can be found at Edley's Bar-B-Que. Choose sides from mac n' cheese to coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad. The Tuck Special is a fan favorite which includes your choice of meat, house-made pimento cheese, over easy egg, red and white barbecue sauce and pickles. Small children can have corn dog nuggets, barbecue sandwich, fried chicken tenders or a grilled cheese with their choice of a side.
What to Do
Rock City Gardens
Journey through the narrow tunnels, bridges and beautiful blooms of Rock City Gardens. Kids will love the Swinging Bridge, Enchanted Trail where natural beauty abounds, and the Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village where they can see some of their favorite fairytale characters. Make your way to Lover's Leap and "See 7 States" with panoramic views. Art installations can be found throughout the trails. Have lunch with a view at Cafe 7 located at Lover's Leap which offers family-friendly southern dishes like barbecue, brisket salad, catfish, shrimp and grits and more.
Tennessee Aquarium
Go to the Tennessee Aquarium to see penguins and touch sting rays. Kids can crawl through view tubes to get closer looks at creatures like giant crabs. You could spend hours in front of the large aquariums watching tropical, regional and local fish gracefully swim in their tanks. Seahorses, jellyfish and turtles are popular exhibits. Watch otters frolic and lemurs leap from one tree limb to the next. You can easily spend a couple of hours at the Aquarium.
Tennessee Valley Railroad and museum
All aboard for a fun, educational time spent at the Tennessee Valley Railroad and Museum. After you learn about the history of steam engines in Tennessee through the exhibits displayed, take a 55-minute train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local. The six-mile round trip ride features local history and railroad operations facts, a pass through the pre-Civil War tunnel, a demonstration of a train turntable that turns the locomotive around for the return trip and a tour of the train restoration facility. The train ride is available daily.
High Point Climbing and Fitness
Let the kids use their energy at the many climbing challenges at High Point Climbing and Fitness. Children can safely test out their climbing abilities in the Kid Zone Room. Bouldering, top roping and auto belays are also available. Brave climbers can even try their hand at the outdoor wall that is located on High Point's exterior.
The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend in Memphis, Tennessee
Shopping, food and endless adventures await in the Birthplace of Rock n' Roll
