Things to do in Chattanooga with kids: what my daughter actually loved [2026 Update]

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Halfway up the steepest passenger railway in the world, Savannah and I looked back down the track and said the same thing at the same time.

Oh. This is a little scary.

Then we laughed, the way you do when you’re strapped into something and it’s far too late to change your mind.

We still talk about that moment. Not the view from the top, which was lovely. The bit before it, when the track tilted and we both went quiet and then didn’t.

This was a trip with just the two of us. Savannah was 9. Craig and Kalyra back in Raleigh, we were homeschooling then, and Chattanooga sat close enough to drive and far enough to feel like somewhere.

I’ve written a lot of city guides over 16 years. This one is a record of what one 9 year old responded to, which is a different thing, and more useful if you’re the one packing the car.

Why visit Chattanooga with kids?

Chattanooga was Tennessee’s best kept secret, but not anymore. It was once a dirty, railroad town, but has been revitalized over the years into one of the greenest cities in America – known for its electric buses, waterfront trails, world-class rock climbing sites, hiking and watersports activities.

It quickly jumped up to one of my favorite destinations in the Southeast USA. It checked off all the boxes: outstanding natural beauty, vibrant city life, thrilling adventures, and memories we’ll continue to laugh at forever.

Its beauty is mesmerizing, with the Tennessee River and its high jungled banks snaking through the city and the surrounding mountains covered in lush green foliage, with endless viewpoints to admire it all from.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (where we squealed)

Why drive up the mountain when you can take the most thrilling ride to the top on the Incline Railway with expansive views over the Tennessee Valley through the carriage’s glass windows? It’s also included in your entrance fee to Lookout Mountain, so you might as well, right?

Halfway up “America’s most amazing mile” was when we giggled in fear. One we felt safe in the thrill of it, Savannah said this was her favorite attraction.

If you are too busy closing your eyes and clutching your seat with fear over its 72.7% grade steepness, there is an observation deck with unobstructed views at your destination. It was just as thrilling as your favorite roller coaster ride and is not to be missed.

Of course, that is taking you to Lookout Mountain where Chattaooga’s top family friendly attrations are.

Lookout Mountain (where kids play)

Rising 2,000 feet above sea level and overlooking Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain, the star feature of a visit to this region for its extraordinary natural beauty, and only 6-miles out of the city center.

Lookout Mountain is where you’ll find outstanding views and Chattanooga’s top attractions: Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. In fact, the word Chattanooga is derived from a Creek word for Lookout Mountain, meaning “rock rising to a point.”

As well as admiring views from the viewpoints, Lookout Mountain is a popular hang gliding spot, if you’re looking to add more adventure to your trip. Check out the guys at Lookout Mountain Flight Park for tandem flight experiences. Some other things to do at Lookout Mountain are…

Tour Ruby Falls (where we went underground)

If you do one thing in Chattanooga, tour Ruby Falls.

You go underground, into cave tunnels that wander and double back, and you walk for a while in that damp stone quiet where sound behaves strangely. Then the tunnel opens and there’s a waterfall. Underground. Lit in rainbows by LEDs that should feel tacky and somehow don’t.

Savannah went still. That doesn’t happen often.

Awe is hard to manufacture for a child who has been traveling since she could walk. She’s seen a lot. Ruby Falls got her anyway, and I think it’s the strangeness of it, water falling in a place where water has no business falling.

Kids will also love the glass elevator ride into the cavern and admire the rock walls on either side! And if the kids don’t, parents will enjoy the introductory video, taking us back to 1928, sharing Leo Lambert expeditions to discover the Falls and motivations for doing so. It helped me reconnect to the importance of persevering with a dream and traveling the lesser known (harder) path.

When you have finished with your underground tour, there is an observation deck on top of the Ruby Falls Tower (built from the excavated rocks) with yet another gorgeous view over the valley and river.

Ruby Falls was the first attraction in the USA to receive the international Green Globe certification for its sustainability practices, which include LED lighting, solar panels, and recycling

Practical: it’s a guided tour (about 90 mins) so you’re on their timetable, not yours. Book ahead. The walk in is longer than people expect and the tunnels are narrow in places, which is worth knowing if anyone in your group doesn’t love enclosed spaces. At 9 Savannah handled it without blinking. I’d think harder about a nervous 5-year-old.

Rock City Gardens (where she twirled)

Savannah twirled. High leg kicks along the trails, the whole way, in that way kids move when a place gives them permission.

Rock City Garden is the place for whimsical behavior! Forested pathways, narrow canyons you squeeze through, cabins built like something out of a fairy tale. Getting lost on this 4,100-foot trail is half the fun!  Follow the signs as it takes you through this natural wonderland of over 400 species of plants, trees, and butterflies.

Rock City Gardens is one of Chattanooga’s top attractions. I was worried it was going to be kitschy, but instead found it delightful and enchanting, and quickly stopped caring that it was a paid attractio. Allow time to explore the unique rock formations, panoramic views and botanical wonders of the gardens. Feel the whimsy of Fairyland Caverns. Experience the enchantment of Rock City!

Don’t miss the Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, which have scenes (sculptures) from some of the world’s most beloved fairytale creatures (including the famous Rock City gnomes). And of course, spend awhile with the following view …

Lovers Leap Falls (where we wowed)

We turned a corner on the trail and found water coming over the cliffs and both said wow out loud, which is the correct response. That’s Lovers Leap Falls.

This waterfall is said to be named after a Cherokee woman named Nacoochee, who jumped from the falls after seeing her lover thrown from the top. Although the story behind the name is sad, the scenic viewpoint is beautiful.

You can also see Seven States from high on top of the mountain: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

Practical: the narrow passages really are narrow. Strollers are a problem. Small children will want carrying at some point on the trail.

Both Ruby Falls and Lovers Leap Falls were featured in our Best Waterfalls in the US list.

Glen Falls Trail (where she talked)

Savannah likes to talk.

So a short, easy trail was perfect, because the walking wasn’t taking any of her attention and all of it went into chattering at me. About nothing in particular. About everything.

Those are the hours I’d take back if I could take any hours back. Walking slowly next to your kid while she tells you who she is without realizing that’s what she’s doing.

This family-friendly hike on Lookout Mountain, Glen Falls Trail is a short 10 minute out-and-back walk through the forest to a small waterfall. We were the only ones on the trail, so we enjoyed the quiet serenity with each other.

Be sure to walk a little further up the rock steps and through a rock tunnel to the riverbed above the pool. It’s a great spot for the kids to play.

Another hike on Lookout Mountain that came recommended was from Cravens House to Point Park for a view of the horseshoe bend in the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.

Practical: short and easy, no real elevation. Good for the end of a day when everyone’s tired but nobody wants to go back to the hotel yet.

Battles for Chattanooga + Point Park (which she tolerated)

I’ll be straight with you. This Battles for Chattanooga + Point Park wasn’t her favorite.

She loved the Point Park view. The history of the famous battle here, less so, in the moment.

But we were homeschooling, and standing on the ground where something happened does more than a chapter about it ever will. She now sits in a history class at school, and I’d put money on her agreeing that Point Park taught her more.

Battles for Chattanooga theater teaches about the Confederates’ defense of Lookout Mountain and Sherman’s final victorious assault at Missionary Ridge before his victorious March to the Sea. It was a turning point in the Civil War – the Death Knell for the Confederacy.

Watc the short 30-minute production before crossing the street to Point Park, which is part of the National Park Service’s Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

As it looks over the Chattanooga Valley, you can easily picture in your mind how this battle took place. It’s a small, tranquil park that again, offers stunning views over the horseshoe-shaped Moccasin Bend in the Tennessee River.

Practical: the view is free from several spots around Lookout Mountain if the history isn’t landing with your crew. There’s no shame in taking the view and leaving.

Kayaking the Tennessee River, (where she relaxed)

Savannah sat in the front of the kayak, admired the scenery, and let me do the paddling.

Sometimes I let her. Sometimes I refused and made her pick her paddle back up and do some actual work, which she received with the enthusiasm you’d expect.

Here’s what she didn’t know I was thinking about.

We’ve kayaked together since she was 5. Her first trip was 16 kilometers through the Noosa Everglades.

Sixteen kilometers. At 5 years old.

And on that day I was the one slacking off, wrecked, arms gone, while this small child kept paddling with an energy that seemed to have no bottom to it. It blew my mind, what she showed me she could do.

So, 4 years later on the Tennessee River, with her lounging in the front and me doing the work, I wasn’t annoyed. We were just square.

We rented kayaks for an hour from L2 Outside, located in Coolidge Park (they also rent out paddleboards). The wind was low and the current gentle, so it was an easy paddle for us north to a nearby island in the river.

If time permits, you can alight from the kayaks to explore the island. We decided to paddle past, enjoying the birds flying overhead and the turtles sunning on logs.

Coming back around the other side of the island, we then paddled over the huge cliff faces to peek into small caves and kayak under the overhanging vines with beautiful views of the bridges and rivers.

Practical: it’s an easy paddle, calm water, and you can explore caves along the bank. Fine for a first-time kayaking child from around 6 or 7, and a 9-year-old can take a real turn at the paddle if you make them.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad (where she chewed popcorn)

A vintage train, an old depot, and popcorn.

Savannah loved the Tennessee Valley Railroad. I want to be accurate about the ranking here: I think she loved the popcorn slightly more than the train, and I’ve made peace with that.

We took the Missionary Ridge trip from Grand Junction Station along 3 miles of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga.

Commentary is given along the way to learn about the history of the railroad, and at the turning point, you get to see a demonstration of the locomotive turn table, one of the few remaining in the world.

Practical: check the schedule before you drive out. The rides run at set times and it’s a long way to go for a closed gate. Our ride took about an hour.

Southside murals (where she posed)

The Southside district is covered in murals, and Savannah spent a happy while striking poses in front of the colorful walls.

This is what a lot of family travel photography actually is. Not the composed shot you planned. Your kid being ridiculous in front of a wall, and you keeping the ridiculous one.

Over the past 20 years, the Southside District of Chattanooga has transformed from abandoned warehouses and run-down buildings to a vibrantly fresh, artistic entertainment, dining, and nightlife district. I love this revitalized area that offers so much Southern charm and modern fun.

The area stretches from 11^th to 20^th streets, with Main and Market Street being the main places to hang out. Our hotel was within walking distance of this area, and we loved exploring the murals and alleyways on our way to breakfast and dinner.

In the Southside District, there is a 33-acre public park filled with over 40 one-of-a-kind huge sculptures from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists.

We did not get time to visit, but be sure to put Sculpture Fields at Montague Park on your list of things to do in Chattanooga – especially for the art-minded families.

Practical: good light in the afternoon. It’s walkable and you can loop it with the Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is a few minutes away.

Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo (where we chooed)

The famous Chattanooga Choo Choo has been transformed into a cool entertainment space. It reminded me of Huntsville and the way they revitalized places like the Lumber yard into a fun district to hang out.

I’m sure you all know the famous Glen Miller song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which I recommend you sing as you walk around this area that was once Chattanooga’s train station.

The terminal station now serves as a lobby to the hotel and retains its 1909 historic grandeur. Out the back, you’ll find carriages converted into draft houses, escape rooms, and hotel sleeping quarters. There are also beautiful gardens, bocce games, restaurants, distilleries, shops, and a pedestrian alleyway with live music venues.

Clumpies Ice Cream, (where we indulged)

That’s the rule in our family and I’ve never once regretted it.

Clumpies Ice Cream Co has a huge sign that pops out in front of the mural, and Savannah made straight for the I was here shot. Ice cream in hand, sign behind her, absolutely delighted with herself.

Some kids want the landmark. Mine wanted the ice cream in front of the landmark.

Wander the Tennessee River

Downtown Chattanooga is a bustling place. It’s walkable and vibrant, with different neighborhoods to explore, great museums, and lots of restaurants. It’s also incredibly green, with electric buses taking you from place to place, and pedestrian bridges crossing the Tennessee River.

While in downtown, be sure to walk along the 8-mile greenway trail section in Tennessee River Park, next to the spectacular Tennessee River.

It extends from downtown to Amincola Marsh and meanders through the lush mountains that surround the city. It’s a great walk and makes you realize just how green this city is – a city that makes you sit up and pay attention.

OR, Find a section of the 16.1 miles of paved trails along the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam through downtown and to the foot of Lookout Mountain to bike or walk.

You’ll find sculptures, parks, picnic areas, and gorgeous views. We walked a small section of the trail at Blue Goose Hollow, which is a short and easy section for families.

Find a section of the 16.1 miles of paved trails along the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam through downtown and to the foot of Lookout Mountain to bike or walk.

You’ll find sculptures, parks, picnic areas, and gorgeous views. We walked a small section of the trail at Blue Goose Hollow, which is a short and easy section for families.

Chattanooga would be a fantastic city to explore on a bike. It’s pretty flat on the valley floor.

Hike to a Downtown View at Stringers Ridge

We did this on the morning before we departeed Chattanooga, and Savannah was pretty tired of hiking by then. If time allows you may want to squeeze this in as it offers a postcard-worthy ridgetop view of downtown Chattanooga. The short Cherokee Trail is at Stringer’s Ridge, a 92-acre urban wilderness in Chattanooga’s North Shore. It’s an easy, family-friendly activity if you want to stretch your legs in the forest. Mountain bikers will also love riding a few of the trails through the forest here.

Other things to do in Chattanooga with kids

• Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and it connects downtown to Coolidge Park, which has a carousel and space to run. We walked it. Good for burning off whatever’s left in them at the end of a day.
• The Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Zoo are both solid, and the Creative Discovery Museum is the right call if you’ve got toddlers rather than an older child. It has exhibits designed to educate, from STEM education to Art and Nature play zones, and encourages kids to touch, build, and explore.
• High Point Climbing has a wall on the outside of the building that you can watch from the street, which entertained us for longer than I’d like to admit. It has bouldering and lead climbing walls, a Kid Zone, and an outdoor climbing wall. It has a 45ft rope wall, 100+ boulder problems of all grades, and the highlight is the blue outdoor wall.
• Bluff View Arts District is pretty and walkable. The River Gallery Sculpture Garden here is a 2-acre outdoor art exhibit overlooking the Tennessee River. Tony’s Pasta Shop is a good spot for lunch. Savannah had the pizza and rated it highly. Grab a coffee, cake, and homemade chocolate from Rembrandt’s Coffee House and enjoy it in their garden area.
• More art can be admired at Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. This 33-acre park has 50 large-scale sculptures by various artists, accessed by winding trails through this green space. With a backdrop of Lookout Mountain, it’s the perfect place to admire nature and art all in one place.

Places to eat in the Southside District

This area is known to have the highest concentration of locally owned restaurants in the city. Whatever you crave, you’ll find it at a reasonable price and exceptional quality.

For delicious burgers, head to Urban Stack for creative and delicious handcrafted burgers – my choice was the Hamburguesa Mamacita with chorizo, pickled jalapeno, avocado, chipotle aioli, and pepper jack cheese.

Book ahead for the patio seating at State of Confusion, a Peruvian–New Orleans–Low–Country fusion restaurant with ample ceviche options, tacos, and handcrafted cocktails. Vegetarians will love the stuffed sweet potato.

Mean Mug has light fare and good hand-roasted coffee, and Bluegrass Grill will be your perfect sit-down Southern breakfast option. They have a ton of gluten-free options, which I greatly appreciated.

A few things for the grown-ups

Some of what I loved about Chattanooga had nothing to do with Savannah, and I’d rather say so than pretend a rooftop bar is a family attraction.

The Tap House in St Elmo has Lookout Mountain views and a cider list. The High Rail rooftop bar at the Chattanoogan has a fire pit and a smores brownie that I thought about for weeks afterward. You know the kids will love the smores – it’s a family friendly outdoor space.

If you’re traveling with another adult who can take a shift, they’re worth an evening.

Where to stay: The Chattanoogan Hotel

We loved our stay at the Hilton Curio Collection, The Chattanoogan Hotel. Located in the Southside District, it gave us easy access to all places of interest in Chattanooga.

We loved the ability to walk around the Southside area – our favorite – and downtown is also an easy 15-20 min walk away or a quick drive down Broad Street.

The Chattanoogan Hotel is also a block away from the city’s electric shuttle, which provides complimentary transportation in downtown Chattanooga.

The hotel was perfect for families with upscale amenities and modern rooms for an affordable price. We had beautiful views outside our window over the rooftop bar and the surrounding mountains. Sunset from our room was a winner. The hotel has three restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop bar.

Check out more options below 👇Or you may like an Airbnb rental instead. Click here for ideas.

Would I take a child here again?

Yes. And I’d do it in the same order.

Ruby Falls early, while they’re fresh and can handle the tunnels. Rock City on a good-weather day so the trails do the work for you. Kayaking when everyone still likes each other. Glen Falls at the end of a long day, when the talking is the point. If you go, tell me what your kid made of Ruby Falls. I want to know whether it’s just mine who went quiet.

Chattanooga is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure-loving families.

Its energy and vibe reminded me of Raleigh, and I noted Chattanooga down as the place we’ll move to if, for some reason, we ever have to leave our beloved city.

On this family trip, it was the beginning of Spring, the weather was warm and sunny, and the flowers were in bloom, so we were able to fully appreciate this sophisticated and eclectic Scenic City.

More Tennessee Travel Tips

• Best things to do in Nashville with Kids
• Fun Things to do in Knoxville Tennessee
• Insanely cool things to do in Memphis
• Places to visit on a Tennessee Road Trip
• Captivating things to do in in Franklin, TN on a day trip

And don’t miss these places close to Chattanooga in Georgia and North Carolina

• Amicalola Falls State Park
• Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls
• Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
• Bryson City, North Carolina

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Comment: What are you most excited to do in Chattanooga with kids? Let us know in the comments.