Discover Chattanooga's Top Interactive Family Attractions: Safe Fun for All Ages
The past year brought virtual learning, Zoom meetings, and endless streaming. Now, families crave real-world, hands-on experiences. While not fully back to normal, many attractions offer safe visits with precautions like masks and timed entries.
Chattanooga is an ideal family getaway, blending museums, history, culture, and nature. Each site follows safety protocols—check ahead for details.
Reconnect with these Scenic City highlights for unforgettable family bonding.
Creative Discovery Museum
Ranked among the nation's best children's museums, the Creative Discovery Museum emphasizes learning through play. Kids explore puppet theaters, dig for dinosaur bones, sculpt in artist studios, or navigate boats through RiverPlay locks and dams—sparking interest in science, engineering, and nature. Operating at 20% capacity with required masks, it ensures ample space for social distancing.
Take an Art Tour
Experience the Visual Art Map to discover Chattanooga's artistic side. Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art, perched above the Tennessee River in stunning architecture. Explore works from colonial eras to modern times, including paintings, sculptures, glasswork, and crafts.
Online exhibition guides create a no-touch experience here. Masks required for ages 5+; check capacity limits for galleries, store, and elevators here in the "During My Visit" section.
Tennessee Aquarium
America's top-rated aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium brings marine life up close. River Journey showcases freshwater habitats from mountains to sea; Ocean Journey features saltwater wonders like Arapaima catfish, penguins, otters, jellyfish, and turtles.
Tickets are limited—book ahead. Masks for ages 12+, timed entry, reduced capacity, and new UV-filter HVAC units enhance safety. Learn more about upgrades here.
Ruby Falls
A Chattanooga must, Ruby Falls boasts the U.S.'s tallest underground waterfall, reached via a 26-story elevator amid otherworldly caverns. Guided tours reveal geology; outdoors, enjoy Tennessee River views from Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook, plus 700 feet of ziplines and a climbing tower.
Buy tickets online in advance—no on-site sales. Masks required.
High Point Climbing and Fitness
Challenge your family at High Point Climbing and Fitness, home to a 60-foot indoor wall and 28,000+ square feet of climbing terrain. Lessons from Southeast experts suit all levels, rain or shine. Masks required indoors.
Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo brings 500+ animals close for behavior observation. Compact and stroller-friendly, it features chimps, giraffes, cougars, red pandas, snow leopards, and a petting zoo. Upgrade with guided tours, wildlife encounters, or camel rides. Masks for ages 12+ indoors or where distancing is tough.
National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Opened in 2020, the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center uses immersive storytelling, life-sized exhibits, and tech to honor recipients. Ideal for school-aged kids, bringing history alive. Groups stay together; max 10 guests per gallery every 15 minutes. Frequent cleaning and hand stations ensure safety.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
This park commemorates 1863 Civil War battles across Tennessee and Georgia. Explore Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, and Signal Point. History buffs and kids alike enjoy trails and open spaces.
Ride the Rails
Train lovers ride the Missionary Ridge Local: 55-minute, 6-mile trips with diesel/steam engines and historical narration. Or ascend via the Incline Railway—a 72.7% grade up Lookout Mountain, dubbed "America's Most Amazing Mile."
Advance tickets and masks required.
Plan ahead, stay safe, and let Chattanooga create lasting memories.
