May 8–11, 2026 — The best kid-approved activities, museums, and family outings in the Scenic City.
Chattanooga's premier children's museum with rotating exhibits, a rooftop play area, and hands-on STEM activities. Perfect for ages 2–12. Check for weekly toddler mornings and sensory-friendly hours.
Two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. Penguins, otters, butterflies, and a giant shark tank. Plan 3–4 hours. IMAX Theater next door pairs well for a full day.
Hand-carved 1894 carousel right on the river. $1 per ride. Splash pad opens in warm weather. Combine with an ice cream walk across the Walnut Street Bridge.
Compact, walkable zoo with snow leopards, red pandas, chimps, and a petting zoo. The carousel and train ride are big hits. Mornings are best for active animals.
Massive climbing gym with dedicated kids' walls, auto-belays, and an outdoor climbing wall visible from Broad Street. Day passes available; no experience needed.
6-story screen showing nature and science documentaries. 45-minute runtimes are great for shorter attention spans. Combo tickets with the Aquarium save a few bucks.
Free story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers at Chattanooga Public Library. Check the branch calendar — downtown has a dedicated children's floor with play areas.
Dedicated kids' area with bounce houses, face painting, and crafts while parents browse the market. Runs April–November.
Parking is free on Sundays downtown. The Aquarium and CDM are a 5-minute walk apart — do both in one trip. Pack snacks; most venues allow outside food for kids. The Walnut Street Bridge pedestrian path is stroller-friendly and connects downtown to Coolidge Park in 10 minutes.
Get family-friendly picks + the full weekend list every Thursday.
Updated: May 1, 2026. Events verified at time of publication.