Whether you’re chasing thrills on a 50-foot slide named after a local waterfall or exploring mini playgrounds along the Tennessee Riverwalk, Chattanooga’s playgrounds deliver a dynamic mix of down-to-earth fun and outdoor excitement. These kid-approved spots offer everything from epic slides to quick workout breaks, all wrapped up with unique, Chattanooga flair. So, grab some snacks and get ready to embrace a day of honest, energized play that only the Scenic City can offer.
A Two-for-One: Little Debbie Park + Imagination Station in Collegedale
Who doesn’t want to climb a giant-sized Cosmic Brownie or Oatmeal Creme Pie? The Little Debbie Park is a truly unique experience to play with your favorite foods—Little Debbie snack cakes of course! Right next door is a more traditional playground, Imagination Station, and the Collegedale Greenway, so you can make an afternoon out of this playful adventure.
Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain
This spot is a kid favorite and worth the drive up the mountain (it also pairs well with a stop at the jaw-dropping and easily accessible Signal Point Overlook). The Pumpkin Patch offers some of the most epic slides, like the 50-foot Falling Water Falls Slide (named for the Signal Mountain waterfall). It’s shaded by mature trees and large enough for your kids to separate if they all want to explore at their own pace and take a break from bickering in your backseat.
Riverfront Playground at Ross’s Landing
Within walking distance of popular spots like the Visitors Information Center, Tennessee Aquarium, and Water Steps at The Passage + right on the Tennessee Riverwalk, the Riverfront Playground at Ross’s Landing is a convenient spot to let your kids burn off some more of that energy they STILL have even after walking through both buildings of the aquarium while you take a well-deserved break on a bench or at a picnic table, enjoying the breeze from the river.
Bug Play Trail on the Tennessee Riverwalk
What we love about the Bug Play Trail playground is that it’s actually a series of mini playgrounds spread along a section of the Tennessee Riverwalk. Bring your bikes or scooters and stop off for breaks at each installation. Take turns on a dragonfly seesaw. Climb through and over a human-size honeycomb. Explore all the evolutions of a caterpillar to a butterfly. These mini educational playgrounds are especially great for the younger kids who want to keep exploring and learning about new things.
The Playground at St. Elmo Park
This recently renovated playground in the heart of the historic St. Elmo neighborhood has dedicated zones for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12—even the littlest of littles can have fun! This spot also features a challenge course for visitors of all ages and a fitness center, so you can squeeze in a workout too if you’re feeling so inclined (maybe after your ride on the Incline?).
