Rainy days don’t have to ruin your plans, and Chattanooga offers plenty to do indoors. Use this quick guide to make the most of a rainy day in town. No umbrella required!
Indoor Things for Families
Start the day at the Tennessee Aquarium. Beyond the thousands of fish on view, you can see river otters, stingrays, and friendly penguins! Across the plaza, the IMAX Theater is a great stop, too. You can catch a movie on a six-story screen and stay dry while you wait out the rain.
When it’s time to eat, stop by Puckett’s or Mellow Mushroom Pizza downtown for a kid-approved lunch that’s also delicious. After that, head to the Creative Discovery Museum, where kids can climb, splash, and experiment with hands-on exhibits for hours.
If the kids still have energy to burn, head over to High Point Climbing. Their indoor kids’ zone has climbing walls made just for them. Before calling it a day, swing by The Hot Chocolatier for a warm drink or a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, perfect for warming up on a wet day!
Rainy Day Activities for Couples
Start your morning with a coffee and something sweet from Rembrandt’s or Mean Mug. Then, head to the Hunter Museum of American Art, or take your time walking through the Bluff View Art District. There are plenty of galleries to head into to escape the rain, like the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, or River Gallery. Or if you feel like braving the weather, take a walk out in the River Gallery Sculpture Garden.
If you're looking for a little R&R, book at Dandle Spa & Skincare for a massage, facial, or other wellness treatments. A tasting at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery always pairs well with a rainy day. Afterwards, check the lineup at The Comedy Catch and spend the rest of the afternoon or evening having a laugh.
For dinner, the Alleia and Easy Bistro & Bar are both great options. The lighting’s low, the food’s great, and let’s face it, few things beat good company and good food, especially on rainy days.
Solo Travelers: Explore Chattanooga's Best Indoor Spots
If you’re spending the day on your own, it’s the perfect chance to do exactly what you want, when you want. Start with a visit to the Coker Museum to see vintage cars and motorcycles, or, stop by the Chattanooga Pinball Museum, where your entry fee comes with unlimited play! The Chattanooga Pinball Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to the nostalgia, history, science, and fun behind the fascinating game of pinball. Patrons to the museum have the opportunity to play and/or view our 50+ exhibits including many of the Classic Arcade games from the 80's and 90's
Afterward, head to the shops in the Northshore neighborhood for some classic retail therapy. Chattanooga sees more rain than Seattle, so bring an umbrella as it’s not all covered walkways between shops. If you’re up for something a little more daring, check out the Escape Experience downtown. You can join a group or book a solo time slot to take on an eerie jail escape or spy mission.
End your rainy day adventure with a glass of wine and live music at Barrelhouse Ballroom or a lowkey dinner at Public House.
Make the Most of a Rainy Day in Chattanooga
Just because the sun isn’t out doesn’t mean your day’s a wash! In Chattanooga, there’s always something to do, even when the forecast says otherwise! For more ideas on what to do when it’s wet out, check out our full list of things to do and places to eat.
