We recently headed to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a last getaway before the kids start school. I was so surprised by how many activities there are for kids, especially if you love nature like we do. Even with a packed itinerary, we left wishing we had more time to explore. Since my husband had to work, I traveled with my mom and the kids, making it a fun multi-generational trip. If you’re visiting with kids—or grandparents too—here’s a guide to help you plan a trip full of family-friendly fun.
You can also follow more of my travel tips on my Instagram page @CarmenOrdonezTV
Getting Around Chattanooga
We rented a car, which I highly recommend when traveling with kids, especially if you have little ones still in car seats. It makes getting around much easier and more flexible than relying on rideshares or public transport.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
We flew from Miami to Chattanooga (with a layover), arriving around 6 PM. On the first day, I always suggest keeping things light in case of flight delays. Spend some time settling into your hotel and maybe enjoy a quick dip in the pool.
Where We Stayed:
We stayed at the Westin Chattanooga, right in the heart of downtown, and it couldn’t have been more convenient (approximately 5-10 minutes from all the major attractions). The rooms are spacious, with big windows that give you either a view of the mountains or downtown.
The hotel has a lot to offer for families: a heated outdoor pool (which our kids loved), a fitness studio if you want to squeeze in a workout, and several dining options, including Paloma Bar de Tapas on the rooftop. The rooftop spot is gorgeous for a drink or small bite.
One thing I loved is that the hotel is part of the West Village, a newer development with pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets and locally-owned restaurants. It makes walking around the area really pleasant, even with kids in tow. Overall, it felt like a convenient and comfortable home base for our Chattanooga adventures.
Dinner:
We walked to Old Gilman Grill, right across from our hotel. This upscale American restaurant serves thoughtfully curated dishes, from juicy steaks and fresh seafood to creative sandwiches and handcrafted cocktails. It’s a relaxed spot for families while still feeling special for adults.
DAY 2: Tennessee Aquarium & Pinball Museum
Tennessee Aquarium:
The aquarium is a must-visit in Chattanooga. It’s split into two buildings:
• River Journey: Freshwater animals including river otters, alligators, turtles, giant catfish, and more.
• Ocean Journey: Saltwater habitats with penguins, touchable stingrays, colorful coral reefs, butterflies, and a walk-through butterfly garden.
The kids were fascinated. This is an activity that's perfect for little ones and preteens too, even my mom said this was one of the prettiest aquariums she has been to. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours here.
Lunch:
Mayan Kitchen
We enjoyed Mayan Kitchen, which serves flavorful Mexican dishes.
Quick Tip:
If you’re driving, look for public parking lots instead of private ones, they’re usually cheaper and convenient with app-based payment. Many of these used Pay by Phone, which we use back in Miami, so it was already setup on my phone.
Chattanooga Pinball Museum:
After lunch, we visited the Chattanooga Pinball Museum. When you’re traveling with a 12-year-old and a 5-year-old, it can be tricky to find activities they both enjoy. I tried to balance our itinerary with options for both ages, and this spot worked well. Adults are $20, kids are $16, and my 5-year-old didn’t have to pay. It was a fun way for the kids to play and for us adults to feel a bit nostalgic.
Dinner: Paloma Bar de Tapas (Inside Westin Chattanooga Hotel)
Back at our hotel, we stopped by Paloma Bar de Tapas. The rooftop view is gorgeous. Some dishes are on the spicier side and there’s no kids’ menu, so plan accordingly. We ended the night with a relaxing late swim at the hotel pool.
Day 3: Rock City & Downtown Fun
Rock City Gardens:
On Day 2, we headed to Rock City Gardens, which was definitely a highlight of our trip. The Enchanted Trail is full of huge rock formations, a 140-foot waterfall, and the iconic Swing-A-Long Bridge that stretches nearly 200 feet. The coolest part? You can actually see seven states from one lookout.
Quick Tip: Strollers aren’t allowed, but the trail is totally doable for my 5-year-old. If you have little ones, don’t miss the Fairy Tale Caverns—it’s perfect for them to explore.
It’s about a 15 minute drive from our hotel.
Lunch: State of Confusion
We headed to State of Confusion on Chattanooga’s Southside. The restaurant features made-from-scratch Latin American, New Orleans, and low-country dishes. Be sure to get their ceviche and their loaded nachos--they were delicious!
Coolidge Park:
After lunch, we visited Coolidge Park. There’s an indoor carousel perfect for younger kids. My daughter enjoyed the carousel, while my 12 year-old played some soccer at the park (and made new friends).
Ice Cream Stop:
We grabbed a sweet treat at Clumpies, a local favorite.
Dinner:
Wooden City
We dined at Wooden City, offering American cuisine with house specialty cocktails, seasonal burrata, wood-fired pizza, and chef-inspired dishes like Lamb Bolognese and Beet Ravioli.
Day 4: Ruby Falls & Creative Discovery Museum
Ruby Falls:
Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S.—and it’s seriously impressive in person. The falls were discovered by accident in 1928 when Leo Lambert was digging an elevator shaft. He named them after his wife, Ruby, and opened the caves to the public in 1929. Today, it’s one of Chattanooga’s must-see attractions.
The tour starts with a short elevator ride down into the cave, followed by about a 30-minute walk through winding tunnels until you reach the waterfall. You’ll have a few minutes to take pictures before you retrace your steps back.
Pro Tips:
– Buy timed-entry tickets online in advance
– Wear sneakers
– Bring a light sweater (yes even in the summer) because it can get chilly
– strollers are not allowed
Creative Discovery Museum:
Next, we visited the Creative Discovery Museum, consistently ranked among the nation’s top children’s museums. Highlights include making clay sculptures in the Artist Studio, digging for dinosaur bones in Excavation Station, and exploring the interactive watercourse at TN RiverPlay. That said, my daughter’s favorite part was simply playing pretend in their toy kitchen lol. She didn't want to leave.
Quick Tip: I’d say this museum is best suited for younger kids, probably around 7 or 8 years old at the most.
Lunch:
STIR
We ate at STIR, a modern restaurant with remnants of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station. The blackened fish tacos and shrimp & grits were delicious. It was delicious. Take a walk around the historic terminal while you’re there.
Evening Swim:
Another night, another late swim back at the hotel.
Day 5: Trains, Tea & Panoramic Views
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum – High-Tea & Train Ride: This was probably my favorite activity of the trip. We did the High-Tea and Train Ride Experience. We checked in at 10:50 AM. Guests are taken upstairs to the adorable tea room, where you get a selection of sweet and savory treats along with two different teas. My 5-year-old, who loves playing tea party, was in heaven, and my mom—who loves anything antique—loved it too.
After tea, it was time for the train ride! The vintage train departed at 12:30 PM for a short 20-minute journey. There’s a quick stop where they show how the train tracks switch and a peek inside the train shop where they fix the trains. Then it’s back on board to complete the ride—a perfect mix of charm, history, and fun for all ages.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Lunch: Nic & Norman's
We grabbed a late meal at Nic & Norman’s, co-founded by filmmaker Greg Nicotero and actor Norman Reedus (you might know him as Daryl from The Walking Dead. The menu features handcrafted burgers and Southern-inspired comfort food.
Optional Summer Fun:
We wrapped up our last day with a visit to The Passage, located right by the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s basically a series of walkways, steps, with water flowing like a river. and shallow water areas where kids can splash around and explore. If you’re visiting in the summer, bring swimsuits so the little ones can cool off. You can also decide to do this on the same day you visit the aquarium, since it's right there.
Dinner:
Aleia
For our last night, we went to Aleia, a chic, chef-driven restaurant that’s popular on social media. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, perfect for families or if you’re celebrating something special.
Overall, we loved visiting Chattanooga and highly recommend adding it to your list of places to visit in the U.S. It's southern charm with modern touches. So whether you’re traveling with little kids, tweens, or grandparents, Chattanooga is such a great spot for family adventures and it’s perfect for making memories that everyone will remember.
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