Story Ideas for Chattanooga

Chattanooga offers an abundance of vacation experiences for all types of families – from outdoor adventure opportunities and easily accessible urban attractions to unique art and culture family friendly experiences. This is a big year for many of the city’s iconic attractions as major anniversaries are plentiful. Tennessee Aquarium celebrates its 30th anniversary on May 1, followed by Rock City’s 90th Anniversary on May 21, Chattanooga Zoo’s 85th anniversary is in September and Hunter Museum of American Art will be honoring its 70th anniversary all year long.

Families can discover the city’s compact downtown via its eco-friendly bike share program or free electric shuttle which continues to grow and connect riders. Explore top attractions all within walking distance of the city’s downtown center, including the Creative Discovery Museum, High Point Climbing and Fitness, the Tennessee Aquarium and several family friendly dining options. Stop at Ross’s Landing Pier and walk along the Tennessee Riverpark which is expected to see its last mile completed this year creating a 25-mile loop around the city. Venture to Lookout Mountain, which is less than a 15-minute drive from downtown for timeless fun at the Incline Railway, Rock City Gardens or Ruby Falls. In recent year, Ruby Falls expanded with a whole new guest experience that includes a new entrance and ticket atrium, self-service kiosks, and a new Village Plaza for live music and food. Sketch away at the Hunter Museum of American Art’s ‘Hunter Kids’ program or take a walk on the wild side at the Chattanooga Zoo. Each spring, Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari promotion offers additional deals for families to stretch their budgets further on a visit.

For fun family events, the inaugural Rock the Riverfront (March – April 2022) transforms the Chattanooga Green into a space of urban play with interactive illuminated see-saws, local art vendors, musicians, and performers taking part in the fun, family-friendly festivities. Later in the year, families can enjoy traditional holiday events such as Holiday Trail of Lights (Nov. 2022-Jan. 2023) and Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights (November-December). Celebrate Main Street & the Southside District at the MainX24 24-Hour Festival (December 3), a 24-hour long festival packed with entertainment including fashion shows, parades, parties, live music, Big Wheel contest, chili cook off, an ice-skating rink, and so much more.

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