5 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga for Families
The Scenic City is packed with adventures the whole family will love and they’re all just minutes from MainStay Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place.
TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS
✔ Chattanooga offers world-class family attractions the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, and Creative Discovery Museum all within 15 minutes of our hotel.
✔ Every activity on this list is suitable for kids of all ages, with options ranging from hands-on learning to outdoor thrills and scenic train rides.
✔ Staying at MainStay Suites puts you in the heart of it all our fully equipped suites give your family the space and home comforts to recharge between adventures.
Planning a family getaway to Chattanooga? You’re in for a treat. Known as Tennessee’s “Scenic City,” Chattanooga sits at the foot of Lookout Mountain along the Tennessee River and it’s overflowing with experiences that will delight everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
From an iconic underground waterfall to one of the country’s best aquariums, here are the top five things to put on your family’s itinerary when you stay with us at MainStay Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place.
#1 Tennessee Aquarium
Estimated time: Half to full day | ~10 minutes from the hotel
One of the most visited family attractions in the Southeast, the Tennessee Aquarium features two distinct buildings: River Journey, dedicated to freshwater ecosystems, and Ocean Journey, exploring the deep sea.
Kids can crawl through view tubes to spot giant crabs up close, watch playful river otters, touch stingrays, and say hello to jellyfish, sea turtles, and seahorses. Don’t miss the lemur and penguin exhibits they’re always a crowd favorite!
📍 409 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
🎟 Adults ~$39.95 | Kids (5–17) ~$29.95 | Under 4 FREE
🌐 www.tnaqua.org
#2 Lookout Mountain: Ruby Falls, Rock City & the Incline Railway
Estimated time: Full day | ~15 minutes from the hotel
No family trip to Chattanooga is complete without a visit to Lookout Mountain — and there’s more than enough to fill an entire day. Ride the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, to the summit for breathtaking views stretching across seven states. Then descend into the mountain to discover Ruby Falls, a stunning 145-foot underground waterfall hidden inside the caverns. Round out your day with a stroll through Rock City, a magical garden trail winding through ancient formations, natural arches, and cascading waterfalls.
📍 Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
🎟 Pricing varies by attraction — book online to save
🌐 www.rubyfalls.com | www.seerockcity.com | www.ridetheincline.com
#3 Creative Discovery Museum
Estimated time: 2–3 hours | ~12 minutes from the hotel
Ranked as one of the best children’s museums in the country, the Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on wonderland for curious young minds. Kids can climb up to a crow’s nest, dig for dinosaur bones, build robots, sail boats through river dams, explore an art studio, and step into a treehouse adventure complete with a real weather station.
With exhibits covering science, music, agriculture, and the arts, there’s something new to discover around every corner and it’s guaranteed to keep kids talking long after you head home.
📍 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
🎟 Adults ~$14.95 | Kids ~$12.95
🌐 www.cdmfun.org
#4 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Estimated time: 2–3 hours | ~5 minutes from the hotel
All aboard for one of Chattanooga’s most beloved family experiences! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a 55-minute narrated train ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local a six-mile round trip through local history that includes a pass through a pre-Civil War tunnel, a live turntable demonstration that spins the locomotive around for the return journey, and a guided visit to the active train restoration facility.
Little engineers and the adults who secretly love trains just as much will be absolutely captivated from start to finish.
📍 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
🎟 Check website for current rates
🌐 www.tvrail.com
#5 Chattanooga Zoo
Estimated time: 2–4 hours | ~10 minutes from the hotel
Perfect for animal-loving families, the Chattanooga Zoo is home to more than 500 animals representing over 150 species including a Komodo dragon, red pandas, snow leopards, and chimpanzees.
The zoo’s compact, walkable layout is ideal for families with younger children, and it participates in the AZA reciprocal zoo program, so members of qualifying zoos at home may receive free or discounted admission. Open daily, it’s a wonderful way to spend a breezy morning before exploring other attractions in the afternoon.
📍 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
🎟 Adults ~$17.95 | Kids (3–12) ~$14.95 | Under 3 FREE
🌐 www.chattzoo.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far is MainStay Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place from downtown attractions?
Most of Chattanooga’s top attractions are between 5 and 15 minutes from the hotel by car. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is practically next door (~5 min), while the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and Chattanooga Zoo are all within a 10–15 minute drive. Lookout Mountain’s attractions are about 15 minutes away.
Is Chattanooga a good destination for families with toddlers?
Absolutely! Chattanooga is one of the most toddler-friendly cities in the Southeast. The Creative Discovery Museum, Tennessee Aquarium, and Chattanooga Zoo all offer exhibits designed specifically for very young children, with gentle pacing and plenty of interactive, sensory-friendly experiences. Many attractions offer free admission for children under 3 or 4.
Do the Chattanooga attractions require advance ticket purchases?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended for the Tennessee Aquarium, especially during peak travel seasons and summer months, as timed entry slots can fill up quickly. Ruby Falls and Rock City also benefit from booking ahead online, where you may also save a few dollars per ticket compared to gate prices. The Chattanooga Zoo and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum are generally more walk-up friendly.
What amenities does MainStay Suites offer families?
MainStay Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place is designed with families in mind. Our spacious suites feature fully equipped kitchens — perfect for preparing meals and snacks and saving money on dining out. We also have on-site guest laundry facilities, plenty of room for the whole family to spread out, and easy access to nearby shopping at Hamilton Place Mall. It truly feels like a home away from home.
Are there indoor activities in Chattanooga for rainy days?
Yes! Chattanooga shines as a rainy-day destination. The Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and Chattanooga Zoo are all great options regardless of weather. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum also has covered exhibit areas. For a fun alternative, families enjoy the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum downtown, where admission includes unlimited gameplay on classic pinball machines and video games.
What is the best time of year to visit Chattanooga with kids?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are widely considered the best seasons — the weather is mild, crowds are smaller than summer, and the natural scenery around Lookout Mountain is especially beautiful. Summer is peak family travel season with the longest attraction hours, but book accommodations and tickets early. Most indoor attractions are enjoyable year-round.
Ready to plan your Chattanooga family adventure? Book your stay at MainStay Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place and make yourself at home while exploring everything the Scenic City has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome your family!
👉 Book your stay: www.choicehotels.com/tennessee/chattanooga/mainstay-hotels
