Start your trip by exploring the Tennessee Aquarium, ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country. The aquarium has exhibits featuring freshwater and ocean animals, including sharks, stingrays, and turtles. Don't miss the butterfly garden and the otter exhibit for an extra dose of cuteness.
Take a scenic drive up Lookout Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. While there, visit the legendary Rock City Gardens, a natural wonder featuring ancient rock formations, over 400 species of native plants, and a 140-foot waterfall. The family can also enjoy an adventurous stroll through the Enchanted Trail, traversing bridges and caves.
On your final day, take the kids to the Creative Discovery Museum. This interactive children's museum provides hands-on exhibits geared towards children under the age of 10. Exhibits include a human-sized kaleidoscope, a rooftop treehouse, and many other interactive activities to keep the kids entertained for hours.
Getting around Chattanooga is relatively easy, but having a car is highly recommended to visit all the recommended places. With that said, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft and taxis are readily available. Expect to spend around $20 per ride, depending on the distance between the locations.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where you can learn about its history and walk its many trails. For foodies, you can add a visit to the Chattanooga Market and local restaurants, such as The Terminal Brewhouse or Tony’s Pasta Shop.
If you have less time, you can skip Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens or the Creative Discovery Museum, depending on your family's interests.
The main airport of Chattanooga is the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), located in the city's east side, approximately 12 miles away from downtown. It offers direct flights from major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago. Renting a car or using a ridesharing service from the airport is recommended.