Quick Getaway To Chattanooga, TN.
A two day action packed itinerary for visiting Chattanooga with young children!
We have loved living in north Metro Atlanta so far. There are so many fun little weekend or day trip destinations just a short car ride away. I have had Chattanooga Tennessee on my list of places to visit this year, so when I had a free week between summer camps and vacation bible schools I took the girls for a fun two-night adventure.
Traveling is always more fun with friends and family so we invited my cousin and her kids along for the ride. Since we had two adults and 4 kids (yikes) I decided to try out AirBnb for the first time and rent a historic home just outside of downtown Chattanooga in a historic Mid 20’s home that did not disappoint. This place was so well decorated I felt like I was in a West Elm catalogue but it was done in a way that it was kid friendly so I was not too stressed about the kids destroying anything. If you are looking for a great house in the area I would highly recommend this place! It was a great first Airbnb experience over all.
Here are some weekend (or weekday) itinerary Ideas for visiting Chattanooga, TN with elementary and preschool aged kids:
Day 0ne:
Breakfast at Julie Darling Donuts: This place had a fun variety of donuts for the kids and adults in your travel crew. Fun place to grab breakfast and a coffee before starting your day. I don’t know about your kids but mine are up and at me no later than 7am and most attractions don’t open until 10am so this is a great first stop to kick off your day and have some yummy donuts.
Creative Discovery Museum: This place was amazing! They had stuff to keep the big and little kids busy ALL day long. I recommend getting there as they open and staying through lunch. You can read more about the Creative Discovery Museum in our posts here: 6 Tips For Visiting
I recommend spending a day here then swinging over the historic Southside for dinner at one of the trendy food spots and if you have it in you check out the fun murals and the Choo Choo hotel. The kids will enjoy the trains and just running around outside to burn off any extra energy they might have (because lord knows they will still have some) despite a fun long day at the museum.
Day Two:
Breakfast at Milk and Honey: This is a fun trendy spot with a fun open air atmosphere and yummy food!
Tennessee Aquarium: We loved our visit to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga! (read more here). The property sits on the river front and is beautiful. Make sure if you are visiting in the hot months to bring a change of close so the kids can enjoy the water features that are designed on the outside of the Aquarium. Lots of fun paces to splash around. If you can bring a picnic lunch!
After spending the day at the Aquarium, you can walk over the Walking bridge (makes for great photos) or drive if you think you littles will be too pooped to walk. Across the bridge is Coolege Park. They have a historic carousel and a fun splash pad for the kids.
Once you have worked up an appetite for dinner head over to the Good Dog for a family friendly dining experience and some yummy hot dogs! Right next door is Clumpies a great place to stop for ice cream for an after-dinner treat.
If you are staying for more than two days make sure to check out Point Park on Lookout Mountain. There are beautiful vies and fun trails to hike. Also, consider an Airbnb!
There is so much to do in Chattanooga! We cannot wait to go back and explore more of the great places the city and surrounding area has to offer. Hopeful on our next visit we can spend more time in the art district and check out the train museum.