{"id":4543,"date":"2018-11-05T17:54:05","date_gmt":"2018-11-05T17:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/?p=4543"},"modified":"2026-08-20T16:38:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T16:38:06","slug":"20-things-to-do-in-chattanooga-tennessee-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/index.php\/2018\/11\/05\/20-things-to-do-in-chattanooga-tennessee-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee for Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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20 Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee with Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the South\u2019s best-kept secrets for family fun. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by scenic mountains, this city offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, educational attractions, and kid-friendly charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Chattanooga with kids<\/strong>\u2014from exploring underground waterfalls to riding historic railways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chattanooga is a beautiful city that is rich in history and art. It has that small-town feel with all of the amenities of a big city. From museums and aquariums to historic train rides and riverboat cruises, Chattanooga offers lots of fun activities for the whole family! We love that we live only 2 hours away from this city!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll share 20 family-friendly activities in Chattanooga<\/strong> that are sure to delight toddlers, teens, and parents alike. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Chattanooga Riverwalk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 13-mile, self-guided tour is a great way to see Chattanooga. These pathways run from the riverfront at Ross’s Landing to the Tennessee Riverpark and Chickamauga Dam. You can decide if you want to walk, jog, skate, or bike the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The views from the river walk can’t be beaten. And, there is so much to do here! The whole family will enjoy the glass bridge and easy access to restaurants and shops. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a break, a snack, or a restroom break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Incline Railway <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We recently visited Chattanooga and our first stop was the Incline Railway. It is a really fun and unique experience that we all enjoyed. The ride goes up the side of the mountain and it is about a mile long. This train ride lasts about 10 minutes and the trains run every 30 minutes or so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We rode the train backward, which makes for some amazing views as you ride. From the top, you will get a gorgeous panorama view of the city of Chattanooga. There are two railways – one that rides to the top and one that rides back down to the bottom. The trains synchronize their trips so that they meet and pass each other in the middle of the track. It’s called “The Switch”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the inline is the Lookout Mountain observation deck. The observation deck is actually the highest overlook point on lookout mountain. You can enjoy the beautiful views and then visit the gift shop and snack area. We got the kids some fudge and little souvenirs while we waited for the next train. They also have popcorn, pizza, and other snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to spend a little more time at Lookout Mountain, you can visit Point Park. It is a short walk (about 3 blocks) from the top of the incline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Station:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway \/\/  3917 St Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Station:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway  \/\/ 827 E. Brow Road – Chattanooga, TN 37350  \/\/  423.821.4224<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Point Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Point Park is a Civil War historical site in Chattanooga. This park is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. There are monuments, plaques, and a museum at the park. These are meant to commemorate the “Battle Above The Clouds” fought here in 1863. There are also cannons placed on the edge of the cliffs. These show where the Confederate army fought during the Civil War. You can even stand on the bluff where General Ulysses S. Grant stood at one time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This park offers some amazing views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. There are also some walking trails that visitors can enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can drive to the park, and there is a parking fee at the parking lot. The Chattanooga Incline Railway is another way to get to Point Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point Park \/\/ Highway 148 – Lookout Mountain, Tennessee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Ruby Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruby Falls has been a favorite spot for Chattanooga visitors for over 80 years. This massive waterfall is the deepest and tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. that is open to the public. The guided tour takes you 1,120 feet underground! It is very interesting to learn about the history of this cave and waterfall on this guided tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is amazing to enter this cave and see this 145-foot waterfall and light show. It’s also cool to see all the stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, and drapery formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three different tours at Ruby Falls-<\/p>\n\n\n\n