Attractions

Hometown Inn Soddy Daisy is a vantage point from which you can enjoy a variety of activities! We are only 15 miles from Chattanooga Metro Airport. The Children's Discovery Museum, Chattanooga Choo-Choo, the Hunter's Museum of American Art, Rock City Gardens, Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee Aquarium are all an easy distance away.

The Children's Discovery Museum

321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 756-2738

Creative Discovery Museum is one of the top children's museums in the country. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, just steps away from the Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Riverfront and other fun Chattanooga Attractions for kids.

Our Service

We're a popular place! Our staff welcomes approximately 260,000 guests every year. The Museum fulfills its mission through permanent and temporary exhibits and an extensive array of education programs. The audience for these exhibits and programs include children, families, parents, teachers, caregivers, schools and organizations that serve children. The Museum is recognized as a vital educational resource and collaborates with over 40 different community partners providing a variety of educational programs.

The General Admission visitor to the Museum is offered a variety of programs including art lessons, science demonstrations, story times, as well as "spur of the moment" activities. The art lessons change monthly and offer parents and children the opportunity to engage in a fun educational lesson offered by trained instructors. The science demonstration changes two or three times per year and feature subjects such as liquid nitrogen, light, bugs, and health. The "spur of the moment" activities might include bringing a snake into the atrium of the Museum for children to touch or inviting children to "get their heart rates up" in an activity called Just Move .

We strive to be as accessible as possible to families throughout the greater Chattanooga area. Over 30,000 children and families take advantage of free admission programs each year. The Museum provides free admission to the community for two days during the week before Christmas. We also distribute free tickets to various social service agencies that serve clients that otherwise could not afford to come to the Museum. We also provide free admission to the families of children who attend the Museum Magnet elementary and middle schools. In addition to the free admission program, the Museum offers discounted admissions to school groups with students who participate in free or reduced school lunch programs.

Schools are served by the Museum in a variety of ways including school tours and school outreach. School tours include the highlights tour and the themed tour offering a more in-depth classroom curriculum connected experience within the Museum setting. Each year about 25,000 students are served through one of these tour formats.

In addition to opening our doors for guests to come to the Museum, we have Museum instructors who bring the Museum to you ! Our instructors presented interactive science and art lessons to over 18,000 students as part of the school outreach program. This program was launched in 2004 with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

As part of the Museum's mission, we want to not only meet but exceed the expectations of every child. Throughout the year, the Museum hosts several programs for children with disabilities, as well as, a fun, interactive exhibit emphasizing disability awareness that is educational for children and adults.

Hunter Museum of American Art

10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 267-0968

Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. This panorama is equaled only by the exceptional collection of American art inside, recognized as one of the country's finest.

Once inside, the inspiration continues, because it's not just about the art; it's all about you, the visitor. The Hunter is for the entire family to enjoy. Together, you will see art with new eyes as a way to better understand American history and to learn more about what makes us Americans today.

The Hunter Museum focuses on American art from the Colonial period to the present day. The collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture, furniture and contemporary studio glass covering a range of styles and periods. A few of the artists whose work is represented in the Hunter include Thomas Cole, Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, Robert S. Duncanson, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, John Marin, Thomas Hart Benton, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Nevelson, Jack Beal, George Segal, Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Gilliam, and Andy Warhol.

MISSION

The Hunter Museum of American Art's mission is to engage our diverse audiences in active dialogues about the importance, meaning, and relevance of American Art through:

  • Preservation, growth and interpretation of its exemplary collection
  • Challenging, wide-ranging, and interactive exhibitions
  • Compelling and innovative educational programs
  • An exciting, thought provoking and enjoyable museum experience
  • A commitment to inclusion, diversity, and openness

VALUES

At the Hunter Museum of American Art, We Believe:

  • That art and creativity are forces for personal growth and positive community change.
  • In the importance of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
  • It is our responsibility to be stewards of the Museum, its collection, and its surroundings.
  • In integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement.

The Chattanooga Choo Coo

1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 266-5000

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is the only Historic Hotels of America resort in Chattanooga, TN. The Terminal Station in Downtown Chattanooga has been converted into the most fun and beautiful of all Chattanooga hotels! Whether you stay in one of our Victorian Train Cars , as one of the top Tennessee resorts, you can enjoy our indoor and outdoor pools, gardens and on-site shopping.

There are many wonderful Chattanooga Restaurants at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel or within a short walk or free electric shuttle ride away. Check out the best deals on Chattanooga Attractions , such as the Tennessee Aquarium.

Rock City Gardens

Regular Operating Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm

Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. Rock City is splendid year-round - "Each season there's a new reason to visit!"

Rock City Tickets

General Admission Rates:
$19.95 adults
$11.95 children (ages 3-12)

Located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City Gardens is an enchanted 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, caves and lush gardens. Nearly a half million people from all over the world visit this natural attraction each year.

Self-guided walking tour along The Enchanted Trail that gently meanders through the 14-acre property

  • Massive rock formations estimated to be 200 million years old
  • Gardens featuring more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, plants, shrubs and trees
  • Panoramic views of seven states from 1,700 feet above sea level
  • View of the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge-Civil War battlefields
  • Some points of interest along The Enchanted Trail include the 100-foot waterfall, 1,000-ton balanced rock, Swing-A-Long Bridge (ideal for pictures), Legendary view of seven states from Lover's Leap, Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village

Hours of Operation (Rock City is located in the Eastern Time Zone)

Dates
Ticket Office Opens Ticket Office Closes
January 6 – March 9 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
March 10 – May 24
8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
May 25 – September 2 8:30 a.m.
8:00 p.m.
September 3 – November 2 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
November 3 – November 21 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

November 22 – January 4, 2014

* Rock City's regular daytime tour is closed Dec. 25

8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Enchanted Garden of Lights (Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2014)

* The Enchanted Garden of Lights is closed Dec. 24

6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Starbucks at Rock City - 706-419-4015 Mon - Thur
6:30am - 9:00pm
Friday
6:30am - 10:00pm
Saturday
7:30am - 10:00pm
Sunday
8:00am - 9:00pm


Rock City Gardens is located atop beautiful Lookout Mountain, Georgia; approximately six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Rock City Gardens
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-2531
800-854-0675
Directions
GPS: (34.582397, -85.210006)

General Admission pricing is

$19.95 Adults
$11.95 Children (ages 3-12)

*Premiere Event Pricing may apply during Special Events. See Ticket Information Calendar for more details.

*Applicable State and Local Taxes will be added to purchases at ticket desk.

Purchase an annual pass and come back all year.

Annual Pass

Ultimate VIP Annual Pass

Adult Pass $35.00 $55.00
Child Pass (ages 3-12) $19.00 $30.00

Family of 4 Pass
(includes 2 adults and up to 2 children ages 3-15)

$89.00 $130.00

Family of 6 Pass
(includes 2 adults and up to 4 children ages 3-15)

$119.00 $175.00
Add an additional guest to your VIP Annual Pass Adult VIP Add-on
$39.00
Child VIP Add-on
$22.00

Your Rock City Annual Pass includes discounts like unlimited daytime admission to Rock City Gardens, food and retail discounts, discounted or free admission to the Enchanted Garden of Lights and the Enchanted MAiZE, and more! For a full listing of all Annual Pass discounts click the link below.

Special Offers / Discounts for Annual Pass Holders

Tennessee Aquarium

Open daily 10am-6pm

Come see for yourself why visitors like you have rated the Tennessee Aquarium the best aquarium in America for 3 consecutive years ! Enjoy a remarkable journey with 10,000 animals. Then, let us take you to places you've only imagined at Chattanooga's IMAX 3D movie theater with a screen six stories tall. Ride the River Gorge Explorer , the most thrilling Chattanooga riverboat cruise. Discount ticket packages make visiting the best Chattanooga attractions easy and affordable.

Things to do

  • There are lots of fun things to do in Chattanooga. The Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, and downtown area are great - just to name a few.

    Benjamin - Ooltewah, TN

  • Chattanooga is a great place to visit. It's a very pretty town right on the river with a large park with fountains, horse and buggy rides, many places to visit, good restaurants and very scenic.

    Betty - Rising Fawn, GA

  • The waterfront is very neat. The aquarium is an awesome place to visit and is great for children. They can learn a lot about the ocean and the river life.

    Betty - Gainesboro, TN

  • Very well done! The aquariums are beautifully put together and maintained. The information provided is easy to obtain. The people are knowledgeable and willing to help.

    Randy - Knoxville, TN

  • Lots of good family-friendly attractions including the Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum and Chattanooga Zoo.

    Eric - Birmingham, AL

  • Good weekend getaway for adults or whole family. Loved the Aquarium, Rock City, IMAX and Ruby Falls.

    Jason - Pell City, AL

  • LOTS of fun things for kids to do...very pretty place to visit and take lots of pictures!!

    Jennifer - Huntland, TN

  • There is a lot of variety--the Aquarium, Shopping, Creative Museum, Choo-Choo, Rock City, Ruby Falls and many other activities for all ages.

    Jenny - Conyers, GA

The Tennessee Aquarium is rated by locals and visitors alike as one of the best things to do in Chattanooga . Looking for a money-saving deal better than any coupon? Buy a combination ticket to the Aquarium, River Gorge Explorer and/or IMAX and save.

Tennessee Aquarium – The top-rated aquarium in America offers a journey through two buildings loaded with things to do and engaging experiences on Chattanooga's beautiful downtown riverfront. River Journey fascinates visitors with river otters, turtles, alligators, giant catfish and thousands of freshwater wonders. Ocean Journey delights guests with penguins, sharks, butterflies and often scuba divers who interact with guests. Plan at least two hours for your aquarium visit. Aquarium admission includes access to both River Journey and Ocean Journey. Tickets are good all day so you can come and go and take advantage of these great combination ticket deals. Ticket Information

IMAX Movie Theater – With a brand new state-of-the-art sound system and six-story screen, this IMAX movie theater is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga. Plan on 45 minutes for a traditional IMAX film and add it to your aquarium visit for only $6. Check movie showtimes.

River Gorge Explorer – Four water jets propel this hydrofoil-assisted vessel smoothly and swiftly downstream. Angled seating allows each guest to relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows. River cruises last two to three hours. Riverboat Tickets and Schedule.

Backstage Pass – The hottest new addition to the list of things to do in Chattanooga. Get VIP access to be up close, touch and feed Aquarium animals. Go behind the scenes and put yourself in the boots of one of the Aquarium's animal keepers. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes. Go Backstage.

Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari – The Tennessee Aquarium is bringing kids, nature and fun together in a new experience. Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari is located in the lower level of the River Journey building next to the Seahorse Gallery. Animal presentations will be offered daily from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Learn more.

 



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