Buckle Up

Welcome to Chattanooga, Tennessee—a city packed with mountain adventures, scenic riverfront fun, and a rich history. Whether you’re riding one of the world’s steepest railways, exploring underground waterfalls, or strolling the beautiful Riverwalk, Chattanooga is the perfect family-friendly getaway.

From thrilling outdoor experiences to delicious Southern food, let’s dive into the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids! 🚂🏞️⚡

1. Must-See Attractions & Family Favorites

Incline Railway – A Historic Ride Up Lookout Mountain

Take a ride on the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, climbing up Lookout Mountain at a 72.7% grade!

📍 Location: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: ridetheincline.com
🚂 Best View: The Lookout Mountain Observation Deck offers stunning panoramic views!

Ruby Falls – A Waterfall Inside a Cave

Located deep inside Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is a 145-foot underground waterfall discovered in 1928. The guided cave tour takes you through stunning rock formations before revealing the breathtaking falls.

📍 Location: 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: rubyfalls.com
🕳 Must-See: The illuminated waterfall show makes Ruby Falls even more magical!

Tennessee Aquarium

Ranked as one of the top aquariums in the U.S., the Tennessee Aquarium is split into two buildings: the River Journey (freshwater fish, otters, and turtles) and the Ocean Journey (sharks, penguins, and jellyfish).

📍 Location: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: tnaqua.org
🐠 Kid Favorite: The Butterfly Garden is a hit with little ones!

2. Offbeat & Hidden Gems

Rock City – See Seven States at Once!

Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City features massive rock formations, beautiful gardens, and the legendary “See Seven States” overlook.

📍 Location: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA
🌎 Website: seerockcity.com
🌄 Best Spot: The Swinging Bridge over a massive gorge is an adventure in itself!

Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel & Gardens

A historic train station turned hotel, the Chattanooga Choo Choo features beautiful gardens, vintage train cars, and family-friendly attractions.

📍 Location: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: choochoo.com
🚂 Fun Tip: Book a stay in a real vintage train car!

Creative Discovery Museum

Perfect for younger kids, this interactive science & art museum offers hands-on exhibits like a rooftop playground, waterworks station, and art studio.

📍 Location: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: cdmfun.org
🎨 Must-Do: The Dinosaur Dig Pit lets kids be paleontologists for a day!

3. Outdoor Adventures & Active Fun

Coolidge Park & Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

One of Chattanooga’s best outdoor spots, Coolidge Park features a beautiful carousel, water fountains for kids to play in, and access to the famous Walnut Street Bridge—one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.

📍 Location: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: visitchattanooga.com
🌉 Best Spot: Walk the bridge at sunset for an amazing view of the river!

High Point Climbing & Fitness

One of the coolest climbing gyms in the U.S., High Point offers indoor and outdoor climbing walls, including a fun kids’ area with bright, playful climbing walls.

📍 Location: 219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: highpointclimbing.com
🧗 Kid Favorite: The Kid Zone is perfect for young climbers!

4. Catch a Game – Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball

Baseball fans will love catching a Chattanooga Lookouts game at AT&T Field. As the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Lookouts provide a family-friendly baseball experience with affordable tickets, mascots, and post-game fireworks.

📍 Location: 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: lookouts.com
⚾ Best Nights: Check for “Kids Run the Bases” and Fireworks Fridays!

5. Best Places to Eat (Kid-Approved & Unique!)

Aretha Frankensteins

A quirky breakfast spot known for massive pancakes, killer waffles, and breakfast burritos served in a cozy, fun setting.

📍 Location: 518 Tremont St, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: arethas.com
🥞 Must-Try: The Banana Pancakes are legendary!

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken

For Southern-style fried chicken, Champy’s serves up crispy, juicy chicken, hand-cut fries, and sweet tea in a fun, lively setting.

📍 Location: 526 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: champyschicken.com
🍗 Best Pick: The hot & spicy fried chicken is a must!

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

A local ice cream shop serving homemade flavors, Clumpies is a sweet treat stop after a long day of exploring.

📍 Location: Multiple locations in Chattanooga
🌎 Website: clumpies.com
🍦 Best Flavor: The Tennessee Whiskey Caramel is a local favorite!

6. Easy, Eco-Friendly & Mindful Travel Tips

• Ride the Electric Shuttle – Chattanooga’s downtown shuttle is free and reduces traffic.
• Use the Bike Share Program – Rent a bike at one of the many locations downtown for easy exploring.
• Support Local – Shop at independent stores & farmers’ markets to support Chattanooga businesses.

7. Nearby Adventures & Day Trips

Lula Lake Land Trust (30 Min Drive)

A hidden gem for hikers, Lula Lake features breathtaking waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and crystal-clear creeks.

📍 Location: Lookout Mountain, GA
🌎 Website: lulalake.org

Raccoon Mountain Caverns (20 Min Drive)

For an underground adventure, explore caves, crystal formations, and wild cave tours!

📍 Location: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: raccoonmountain.com

Are We There Yet?

From mountain train rides and baseball games to waterfalls and riverfront fun, Chattanooga is the ultimate family road trip destination. Whether you’re exploring caves, riding a vintage railway, or eating world-class fried chicken, this city is packed with adventure and charm.

💬 Have you explored Chattanooga? Tag us in your adventures with #TheFamilyRoadTrip and share your favorite spots!