Chattanooga with the Family: Tennessee Aquarium and Area

About 10 years ago, Kim made a trip to Chattanooga, TN, for a professional conference.  She immediately recognized the city as particularly family trip friendly destination, and we resolved to bring the then-hypothetical children back, probably at about age 2-3, to begin enjoying it--see the story of our first trip with E here and here (Lookout Mountain).  Now, we’ve made our second family trip to Chattanooga with both E and G, and we have been delighted each time.

The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see for visitors of any age and just about any interest.  Divided into two buildings, one focused on saltwater and one focused on freshwater, the aquarium is thoughtfully designed and includes clearly more than “just fish.”  A butterfly garden is among the treats, as are several touch tanks and a spectacular gallery of jellyfish, colorfully illuminated, alongside aquatic-inspired art.  Several areas showcase full habitats you can experience, including a bayou with alligators.  And did we tell you there are penguins?!?!

In terms of tourist comforts, the aquarium is beautifully clean, and there are two well-stocked, reasonably-priced gift shops.  In seasonable weather, there are areas for shallow water play in simulated rivers outside the aquarium complex—dress the kiddos appropriately.  There is a nearby IMAX theater, and you can purchase combination aquarium visit, IMAX film tickets.  Check online for relevant gift shop coupons, but discount admissions are hard to find.  We recommend investing and making a day of it.  If you are staying downtown, you can certainly walk in decent weather—or you can take the electric shuttle.  We’ve now had two solid stays at the Read House Hotel, and its prices are often lower than closer hotels for just a bit more walking. There are several nearby family-friendly “fun vacation” restaurants (Mellow Mushroom and Sticky Fingers, for example) and ice cream places, and there’s a nearby Coolidge Park across the Walnut Street Bridge.  The park has a seasonal “splash pad” and lovingly-restored carousel (ride for a nominal $1 cost).

Speaking of that park and bridge, the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States, crosses the Tennessee River and makes for a delightful walk or bike ride.  If you are fascinated by the river, you can explore it aboard Chattanooga Ducks and aboard the aquarium’s own boat rides.  Even if you are just out for a walk, crossing the bridge is a delightful way to see the city…and on the other side of the river at what is known as the North Shore, you’ll find a few intriguing shops in easy walking distance.  Near the river itself, there are walking paths, and we’d recommend you check out the outdoor sculptures at the Hunter Museum of American Art also nearby—just cross the glass (yes, glass) bridge to the site.  Roanokers, you’ll recognize the architecture—it was designed by the same architecture firm as the Taubman.

Other attractions in this area include the children's museum called the Creative Discovery Museum, and we Haltermans wouldn't leave without visiting two interesting bookstores, AllBooks and Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore, and grabbing a snack at the area's Moonpie General Store.