A Fun Chattanooga Weekend Getaway for families

Are you looking for a fun Chattanooga weekend getaway for families?  Here is your guide for the best family-friendly activities, restaurants, and places to stay in Chattanooga. 

Note: This post on A Fun Chattanooga Weekend Getaway for Families has affiliate links from trusted partners and websites such as Amazon, and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Location: How to get to your family’s Chattanooga weekend getaway

Chattanooga is the crossroads of the south.  Situated at the intersection of I75 and I24, Chattanooga is easily accessible for a family weekend getaway.  Chattanooga is 1 1/2 hours from Atlanta and 2 hours from Nashville.  It is also 1 and 1/2 hrs from Huntsville, AL, and 1 1/2 hours from Knoxville, TN.  This makes it the perfect day trip or long weekend vacation.

History & Fun Facts about Chattanooga for families

History

The area of southeastern Tennessee, including Chattanooga, was part of the Cherokee nation before the colonization of North America.  And before that, the ancient Moundbuilder civilization used the riverways such as Moccasin Bend to navigate highways all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Old French Store was the first white settlement that was established on Williams Island in 1769.

Ross’s Landing was established as a trading post by Chief John Ross in 1816.

In 1838, the area was formally named Chattanooga.  Chattanooga comes from the Tastangui (Creek) language meaning “rock coming to a point,” which alludes to Lookout Mountain.

In the early 1900s, Chattanooga became an industrial powerhouse.  The Great Depression was a speed bump, but Chattanooga recovered quickly when the New Deal’s work project came to town. The Tennessee Valley Authority put hundreds of locals to work, and World War II only increased industrial production. 

Modern Chattanooga has pivoted from industry to tourism.  Today the city has the remanence of the past while blazing new trails with exciting and new things to do around the Scenic City. 

5 Fun Facts about Chattanooga, TN:

1. Chattanooga is home to the sweet marshmallow snack, the Moonpie.

2. “The Chattanooga Choo Choo” song became a best seller in 1941.

3. Chattanooga is known as Gig city and boasts the fastest internet in the nation.

4. Chattanooga is known for having the first tow truck.

5. Some famous people that call Chattanooga their hometown include Samuel L Jackson, Usher (born in Dallas, but grew up in St. Elmo), and Dennis Haskins (better known as Mr. Belding from “Saved by the Bell”). And Bessie Smith, the Empress of Blues from the 1920s and 30s was born and raised in the Scenic City. Check out her music here.

Seasons & Weather: When to take your Chattanooga Weekend Getaway for Families

Spring

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Chattanooga with family.  The weather is very enjoyable with highs starting in the low 60s in March and rising to the high 70s to 80s in May.  March is the wettest month for Chattanooga, so make sure to pack an umbrella or rain jacket for the occasional rain shower.  

Spring is the time for athletes in Chattanooga.  The Scenic City hosts marathons, volleyball tournaments, soccer competitions, cycling races, and an Ironman triathlon in the spring.  

Kids will love Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari, where local businesses create hands-on activities for children and scavenger hunts around the downtown make for super fun family activities for a Chattanooga weekend getaway.

Melissa recommends visiting Chester Frost State Park during the spring with the family for the annual fishing tournament.

Summer

Summer is a great time to visit the mountains and Chattanooga for a family weekend getaway.  It can get hot, no doubt about it.  July and August can get into the 90s and there is plenty of humidity to go around.  That is all the more reason to enjoy some of the awesome water activities Chattanooga has to offer like paddleboarding or kayaking.  

Make sure to pack sunscreen and bug spray if you plan to be outside for hikes or swimming.  Pack lightweight clothes, swimsuits, comfortable sneakers, hiking shoes, or hiking sandals (like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens).

Larissa loves the Rock City summer music series that runs from May to August each weekend.  These bluegrass and modern folk concerts go perfectly with a freshly squeezed Lemonade in the summer.  The kids will love the Birds of Prey raptor show and Critter Classrooms that are also open during the concerts.

Riverbend Music Festival is kind of a big deal.  Famous performers such as The Commodores, ZZ Tops, Keith Urban, and many more have graced the stages.  If you love music and concerts, this is the place for you.  Plan to visit Chattanooga the first week in June.

Fall

Fall is one of my most favorite times to visit Chattanooga with the kids.  With the leaves turning vibrant colors and the crispness in the air, there is something magical about enjoying one of Chattanooga’s many hikes or taking in the views at Rock City.  Fall temperatures are pleasant in Chattanooga.  The temperatures fall from 80s in September to 60s in November.  This makes it the perfect time to bring a light jacket and sweater for those hikes or exploring Chattanooga’s downtown.  

Heather suggests planning your fall Chattanooga weekend getaway to see the Head of the Hooch.  It is a regatta (boat race) that takes place in November.  The weekend event hosts over 2100 boats!

Winter

Winter is mild in Chattanooga.  January is the coldest month.  Although the Scenic City does see 1-2 snowfalls per year, the snow usually doesn’t last very long.  Temperatures can dip below freezing at night, but highs in the 50s make it easy to get out and about.  

Ice skating is a great activity to enjoy during a winter Chattanooga weekend getaway with kids.

Things to do for a Chattanooga weekend getaway with the kids

Downtown

Tennessee Aquarium– The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions to see in Chattanooga.  The twin glass-peaked towers house over 12,000 species of marine and wildlife.  One tower is dedicated to ocean ecology and the other tower is all about freshwater habitats.  

From jellyfish and massive sharks to feisty otters and adorable penguins, the Tennessee Aquarium will spark curiosity and wonder in you and your kiddos.  Don’t miss the butterfly garden at the top of the Oceans Tower.  My kids all love the otters best.  Not gonna lie, I love them too.  The jellyfish exhibit is pretty awesome too.  There is a cheeky octopus in that area that loves to play hide and seek.

The Tennessee Aquarium is located right downtown, along the Tennessee River.  There is a parking garage within walking distance of the aquarium or there is metered parking on the streets.  

You can choose to buy admission into the aquarium or buy a ticket that also includes the IMAX movie theater as well.  There are concessions just outside the two towers, but there are also many other restaurants downtown within easy walking distance of the aquarium.  

Plan for at least 1 hour for each aquarium tower, but be ready to spend longer, especially if your children like to enjoy the hands-on tanks or listen to the educational programs that happen throughout the day.  

Southern Belle– The Southern Belle riverboat is a charming way to see Chattanooga on a weekend getaway from the water.  This 1.5-hour cruise can be taken during the day or at sunset.  You will sail from Lookout Mountain to the Bluff View Art District and dock at Ross’s Landing.  During the cruise, you will learn about the history of Chattanooga and many interesting facts.

Hunter Art Museum– The Hunter Art Museum sits atop the rocky slope that reaches up from the Tennessee River and forms the Bluff View Art District.  The Hunter Museum focuses on American art from the 1700s to today.  They have curated a diverse collection of all types of media including sculptures, photographs, paintings, and mixed media.  

The Hunter Museum is a great place to take the kids during a Chattanooga weekend getaway because children 17 and under are free!  There are Family Fun Days that engage children in hands-on experiences with art.  There are also resources available for guests on the autistic spectrum to help them most enjoy their experiences. 

The Hunter Museum does offer free parking to its guests.  There is also parking in the Bluff View Art District, but spots fill up fast.  The Bluff View Art District has lovely cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, or you could take a short walk downtown to get even more food options.

Creative Discovery Museum– One of Carol’s favorite family activities is to visit the Creative Discovery Museum in downtown Chattanooga.  This experiential, hands-on children’s museum is so fun that kids don’t realize they are learning so much. 

The Creative Discovery Museum has learning exhibits that entice children to explore art, STEM science activities, water play, and dinosaur excavation.  The rooftop includes a bee hive display, gardening, and a playscape.   

My boys loved visiting the Creative Discovery Museum when they were young.  We had the best time learning about motion, playing pretend doctor, understanding how water moves, and learning how the body works.  This Chattanooga weekend getaway activity is best suited for ages 2-12, although older siblings will still find plenty to spark their interest.  

There is a paid parking lot behind the museum and several other parking places around town within walking distance.  There is a cafe in the museum to refuel.

Family Friendly Ghost Tour– If you’re looking for something a little spooky for your family to enjoy during your Chattanooga weekend getaway, then try this family-friendly ghost tour.  Starting at the Tennessee River, the tour will lead you through the haunted parts of Chattanooga from the Hunter Museum to finish at the aquarium.  You will learn all about the scary and supernatural side of Chattanooga.

iGNiS Glass Studio– For a really unique family experience, Heather nominates iGNiS glass studio in downtown Chattanooga. This fiery experience allows your family to choose a design, turn the molten glass in a 2000-degree oven, and blow the glass into your own special shape.  You can create a family ornament or paperweight that is sure to be a treasured family souvenir of your Chattanooga family weekend getaway.

This is on my list of things to do next time I go back to visit Chattanooga!  

National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum– This new museum walks visitors through time from the American Civil War to the War on Terrorism to education on the Medal of Honor recipients.  Guests learn about the heroic tales of the brave men and women who earn the prestigious award. 

International Towing and Recovery Museum– Maybe I’m showing my age, but my boys were BIG fans of the Disney movie Cars when they were little.  Tow Mater was a celebrity in our home for many years.  So when I took the boys to the International Towing and Recovery Museum, they were pumped.  We spent a long time wandering through all the different types of tow trucks, picking out which looked the most like Mater.  

The International Towing and Recovery Museum is a great addition to your Chattanooga weekend getaway if you have “car” people in your family or “Cars” fans.  This museum is located just outside of downtown, at the base of Lookout Mountain.  

Chattanooga’s North Shore and Coolidge Park Guided Segway Tour– Taking a segway tour is a great way to zip around Chattanooga and enjoy learning more about the Scenic City.  If you have older children and want a fun and unique was to see the city, this is for you.  This tour takes you around downtown and across the Tennessee River to the North Shore.  You will also glide through Coolidge Park, a beautiful recreational area that has a carousel and splash fountain.

Lookout Mountain

Ruby Falls– The largest subterranean waterfall in North America is definitely something you should see on your Chattanooga weekend getaway with the family.  The elevator at the gift shop takes you down into Lookout Mountain 260 feet in 30 seconds.  From there, a guide will lead you through the passageways, pointing out the natural wonders such as stalagmites and stalactites, and finally delivering you to the impressive falls.  

Ruby Falls now has more than just the caves to explore.  There is also a zip line that stretches 700 feet and offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

Rock City– Rock City is one of the most famous landmarks of Chattanooga.  It is also an essential attraction to visit on your Chattanooga weekend getaway.  Rock City is located at the top of Lookout Mountain.  The magical, fairy theme is woven through the natural rock formations.  

Visitors can slide through narrow passageways, across swinging bridges, and look out over Lover’s Leap to see 7 states.  Rock City also has a Christmas lights event, where guests can wander through millions of sparkling lights and enjoy hot chocolate during the Christmas season.

Incline Railway– What better way to get to the top of Lookout Mountain than to ride the Incline Railway?  This mile-long track takes visitors up the steep mountain face to enjoy Rock City and Ruby Falls.  

The Incline Railway has been around for more than 125 years.  Famous riders include President Teddy Roosevelt and actress Elizabeth Taylor.   Today visitors enjoy the Incline Railway with some ice cream from Clumpies.  

Lookout Mountain Military Park (Point Park)– If you enjoy Civil War history or spectacular vistas, this is the place for you.  Point Park is 10 acres of land at the top of Lookout Mountain dedicated to the memorials of the Civil War.  The visitors’ center offers exhibits outlining Chattanooga’s place in many battles.  Once inside, visitors can wander through the paved nature trails which overlook the city of Chattanooga and read the commemorative plaques and monuments erected by each state.   

Outside Activities for Family Weekend Getaways in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is meant to be enjoyed outdoors.  If you are planning a Chattanooga weekend getaway for your family, make sure you include some time spent in nature.  Here are some perfect attractions to get you outside and enjoying time together.

Raccoon Mountain– Raccoon Mountain is a lesser-known yet equally impressive cave system as Ruby Falls.  If crowds are not your thing, head over to Raccoon Mountain to tour the Crystal Palace caverns.  

Although there is no waterfall here, the natural geological features in this cave system are impressive.  A 45-minute tour will allow your guide to tell you all about the unique features on a 1/4-mile walk through the caves.  If you’re looking for something more intense, they also offer Wild Cave Expedition Tours.  

The Crystal Palace tour was just right for my elementary-aged kids along with the grandparents when we visited.  Children must be 3 years or older and walking on their own to enter the Raccoon Mountain caves since it’s not safe to carry a child due to the uneven paths.

While you are visiting the cave, make sure to stay and pan for some gems at the Raccoon Mountain Gem Mine.  Kids enjoy searching for shiny vibrantly colored stones as well as getting wet in the process.  

Visiting Raccoon Mountain is definitely a fun afternoon activity during your weekend getaway to Chattanooga.

Chickamauga Battlefield– Here is another great place for history buffs and nature lovers.  The Chickamauga Battlefield in Georgia is the perfect place to brush up on your Civil War history and get in touch with nature on the miles of hiking trails.  

The Chickamauga Battlefield visitors’ center is where you can pick up a trail map that lists 50 miles of hiking trails.  It also has a diorama of the battles that took place within the park.  There is a short informational video that guests can watch and hosts the Civil War gun museum.  

Some of the many outdoor activities guests can enjoy at the park include:

If you are quiet (but who am I kidding, my crew is not quiet) you are likely to see deer in the open meadows or along the trails.  We’ve encountered deer once or twice, but my sister, who walks the battlefield often, sees deer regularly.  

There are also ranger programs, educational activities, and Civil War reenactments that occur at the Chickamauga Battlefield.  If you are in town during an event, make sure to plan to come.  These can be lots of fun and very educational for the kiddos, and parents too.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum– Kids and trains just go together.  The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is the place to go with the kids for your Chattanooga weekend getaway.  

As you enter the museum parking lot, you are greeted by massive locomotives.  These impressive beasts get children excited to ride the rails.  Heck, when the wheel of one of these machines is taller than me, it’s pretty stunning.  The train station is where you can still buy tickets, but it has also been converted into a gift shop, cafe, and museum.  

There are several different rides you can take.  The most kid-friendly ride is the Missionary Ridge Local.  This 65-minute tour takes visitors 6 miles through a pre-Civil War bridge to the restoration shop.  Guests get to take a peek at the place where mechanics work to restore locomotives and other train parts.  Then kids will be delighted to see the 360-degree turnstile.  The train engine gets turned around to push the train cars back to the station.  

We have taken this trip with grandparents and school field trips.  The ride and experience always delights.  TVRM also offers several Christmas train rides, including a Polar Express and a Christmas Tea.  

Chattanooga Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking Tour– Combine a tour of Chattanooga with the adventure of kayaking the Tennessee River.  Larissa suggests this a great family activity for your weekend getaway in Chattanooga.  This tour will show you some of Chattanooga’s iconic landmarks from the water.  You will also get access to Maclellan Island and Audubon Acres, which are bird sanctuaries and only accessible by boat.  Bonus: snacks are included!

Audubon Acres– Another nature persevere not to be missed is Audubon Acres.  This bird sanctuary is not just for bird lovers.  Chickamauga Creek cuts through the persevere and is a lovely spot for canoeing.  There are plenty of hiking trails and suspension bridge.  

We actually used to live in the neighborhood backing Audubon Acres.  I would take the kids through the trails and wander through the woods.  Fall was my favorite time to visit.  If you are coming in the summer, make sure to bring bug spray because it does get muggy, but its the perfect time to splash in the creek.

There is plenty of history to explore at Audubon Acres.  A meadow is preserved as the site of the Napochie people who settled in the area before the 1550s.  There is also a cabin that represents the settlement of the Cherokee people in the Chattanooga area before the Trail of Tears. 

Lookout Mountain Flight Park– This is on my bucket list.  I have seen these beautiful machines soaring through the air and it looks so fun.  If you are looking for adventure in Chattanooga, this is it.  Lookout Mountain Flight Park offers tandem flights, hang gliding, and parasailing.  Children must be 10 years or older to fly tandem, so this is an activity for families with older children. 

Private Helicopter Tour– If soaring on a kite is not your thing, try a helicopter tour of Chattanooga during your weekend getaway.  Getting a bird’s eye view of the Scenic City and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking.  Three passengers are able to ride at the same time, so if you have multiple children make sure to divide and conquer.  

I took a helicopter ride with my parents when I was a child, and I still remember the exhilarating feeling.  A helicopter ride is a thrilling family weekend getaway experience.

Cloudland Canyon– Cloudland Canyon State Park is actually in Georgia, and it is where you can view some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the mountains.  Cloudland Canyon has many activities and the nature is stunning.  You can hike over 64 miles of trails or mountain bike through 30 miles of trails.  There is disc golf, horseback riding, fishing, and geocaching.  

The Waterfalls Trail leads visitors down many metal steps to a very stunning waterfall.  This hike was not difficult for my family with two young boys, but we took our dog.  The metal steps were hard on her paws, so just be aware of that if you decide to go with your pets.  

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a great nature day trip option for a Chattanooga weekend getaway.  

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center– 10 minutes away from Chattanooga is a peaceful yet exciting nature center that you will want to explore.  The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center has 300 acres of native landscape along with many outdoor experiences for families and school groups.  This really is a beautiful place to enjoy with the family.  My boys and I visited here with my sister and my mom, and it was a lovely way to spend the morning.

The Arboretum offers hundreds of plant species.  The Nature Center also has a wildlife refuge where guests can view red wolves and other endangered animals that are cared for because they cannot be reintroduced into the wild.

Families can schedule a Nature Experience during a visit.  These experiences include:

• Animal Encounter
• Birding 101
• Exploration Backpack
• Hike with a Hawk (how cool would that be!) 

Free Things to do in Chattanooga with Kids

If you are on a budget, Chattanooga has plenty for a family to enjoy on a weekend getaway. 

Chattanooga Riverwalk- Along the south shore of the Tennessee River, families can spend the whole day strolling or cycling on the Chattanooga Riverwalk.  This 16-mile paved trail takes you from the Chickamauga Dam all the way to Ross’s Landing in downtown Chattanooga.  On the Riverwalk there are parks, playgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium.  Visitors can also take a trail spur into downtown that leads from MLK Blvd. into St. Elmo.  This free activity in Chattanooga is a great way to see the city and get some energy out while not spending a dime.  (who just spends a dime anymore though?)

Chattanooga Farmers’ Market– The Chattanooga Farmers’ Market is Staci’s recommendation for visitors from April to November.  Located in the covered First Horizon Pavillion on Sundays, this market is not just for fruits and veg (although they have a lot of that).  There is live music, food trucks, local artisans, bakeries, desserts, fresh flowers, and much more.  Stroll through for free, or grab a treat to enjoy.

Walnut Street Bridge– The iconic Walnut Street Bridge spans the Tennessee River and connects downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore.  The beautiful blue metal supports offer tourists and locals alike a safe way to see both sides of the river on this pedestrian-only bridge.   

Coolidge Park– Coolidge Park was opened in 1999 and boasts a beautiful 13 acres of green space right along the North Shore riverfront.  Visitors can enjoy a picnic, play in the splash-pad fountain, view the war memorial, and walk along the paved paths or pedestrian bridge all for free.  The park also has a rock-climbing wall and a 100-year-old carousel that kids love to ride. 

Chattanooga Public Library– The Chattanooga Library in downtown is three stories of literary goodness.  Melissa shares that her out-of-town guests are usually ‘wowed’ by this impressive collection.  The library offers a wide variety of children’s activities that you can take part in too.

*Don’t forget these two attractions that we already mentioned.  They are free things to do in Chattanooga with kids too:

• Chickamauga Battlefield
• Reflection Riding Arboretum

What to eat on your family weekend getaway to Chattanooga

Our mom squad has eaten at a lot of restaurants in the Chattanooga area over the past few years.  Here are some of the best local places we love.

We also know that allergy sensitivities can be an issue for many families.  Finding places that you or your child can safely enjoy is a priority for any mama.  Here are several restaurants in Chattanooga that have allergy-friendly menu items: 

Where to stay for a Chattanooga weekend getaway with the family

There are so many lovely places to stay in Chattanooga. Stay downtown to experience all the local attractions, or choose a VRBO cabin in the woods for some quiet family time. Don’t rule out camping! Chattanooga has lots of outdoor lodging options such as:

Hotels and Rentals in Chattanooga for families:

Travel Helps

Roam Right – RoamRight provides travel insurance coverage with customer service and claims administration all at a competitive price.  Their policies are designed to provide coverage for any type of traveler, and they offer an easy to navigate technology platform for making purchases and managing coverage. From trip cancellation, overseas medical coverage, and even baggage delays, RoamRight travel insurance can help give peace of mind when taking your perfect vacation.

Upside – If you are on a road trip, make sure to download this free cash back app. 

Upside users earn up to 25¢/gallon cash back on gas, up to 45% cash back at restaurants and up to 30% cash back at grocery stores. 

Hotels.com – Hotels.com® offers more than 1,000,000 properties in 200 countries – from hotels and B&B’s to condos and all-inclusive resorts.  Earn free nights for every 10 nights booked with the Hotels.com Rewards program.  Find hotels during sold-out periods.  Book the perfect trip- backed by the Hotels.com Price Guarantee.

Groupon – Groupon is a great way to find discounts for things to do on vacation.  You can save money on fun activities for the whole family.  

Viator– Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide.  I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great.  They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need.  

In conclusion

Chattanooga is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway for families. There is so much to do, so much nature to explore, and so much food to try. You will definitely want to come back to visit again.

What is your favorite thing to do during a Chattanooga weekend getaway?

I love to hear new ideas about the places I love. Let me know your best tips for visiting Chattanooga in the comments. If this guide helped you, don’t forget to Pin, Share, and Save!

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