Fun in Chattanooga With Kids – Without a Car
As Colby and I began planning a road trip to Walt Disney World, we wanted to be sure that we somehow made our way back to Chattanooga, Tennessee. After visiting earlier this year, it has quickly become one of our favorite cities. There is so much to do and see — and all within a short walk or drive from the city center.
Fun in Chattanooga With Kids
Speaking of the city center, this is also where you will find a sparkly new Holiday Inn. Updated and modern, the hotel offers a comfortable place to relax and refresh during your visit to Chattanooga. In fact, leaving the amazing sitting area of our corner king suite each day was difficult. I could have sat on that sectional couch with my feet kicked up for a while simply staring at the vast view of the city. Alas, there were kids waiting and plenty of fun scheduled.
In two short days, we fit in a variety of great family-friendly activities, most within walking distance of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chattanooga Downtown.
Bike Chattanooga — If you want to leave the car but perhaps still grab some wheels, hop on a city bike! It offers an eco-friendly, economical public bike transit system making travel around the city fun and easy. Ride as many times, on as many bikes as you want. All rides under 60 minutes have no ride fees.
Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball — “Take me out to the ballgame.” The AT&T Field where the Lookouts play their home games is literally 2 blocks away. In fact, we could see the field clearly from our room at the Holiday Inn. Tickets are affordable (costing us $50 for a family of 5) and there is still entertainment found in America’s favorite pastime.
Coolidge Park — Take a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge and you will find yourself at Coolidge Park. Overlooking the Tennessee River, there is plenty of green space to spread out and enjoy the weather. From the antique carousel to the nearby shops, there is plenty of charm found at this city park.
Creative Discovery Museum — Less than a city block away, and one of the top children’s museums in the country, you don’t want to miss the Creative Discovery Museum. The hands-on exhibits and immersive programs bring learning and fun together for a wonderful interactive experience. The only problem with the museum is getting the kids to leave!
High Point Climbing — With 30,000 square feet of climbing inside and outside, there is a rock climbing wall for every level of climber. The Kid Zone is built just for kids and offers the smaller climbers a variety of enjoyable cityscapes and different configurations to conquer.
Tennessee Aquarium — Another attraction where you will definitely want to spend some time is the Tennessee Aquarium. Divided into a river and ocean journey, you will be able to explore life under the water from the mountains to the seas. Not to mention, on their River Gorge Explorer, you can get into the natural habitat of the animals that call the Tennessee River home.
As an added bonus, we highly recommend The Ice Cream Show if you are in the mood for a delicious treat! On the west side of the Walnut Street Bridge, this little ice cream shop serves up vanilla or chocolate with a variety of mix-ins and flavor combinations. Creamy and smooth, it is the perfect afternoon snack on warm Chattanooga days.
While you’re visiting, you don’t want to miss a few other attractions that will require transportation from the Holiday Inn… but completely worth the drive!
Incline Railway — Get a breathtaking view of the Chattanooga Valley as trolley-style rail cars slowly carry you up historic Lookout Mountain along an incredible pulley system. At one point along the way, the railway achieves an incline of 72.7%, making The Incline Railway one of the steepest railways in the world.
Rock City — Found atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City offers guest a look at massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views. They also feature special themed events throughout the year for the whole family.
Ruby Falls — You will take an hour long tour deep underground that features nature’s wonders such as unusual rock formations, stream beds and cave passages. The highlight of the tour is Ruby Falls; a 145 foot cascading waterfall located over 1120 feet underground.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Holiday Inn. The opinions and text are all mine.