SHE Travels: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Spring Break is next week for a lot of the schools around town.  So, I thought I would share some of the fun things to do in my city.  Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful town with tons of fun family activities. Not all of them cost, which is a bonus.  The weather does call for chances of rain next week, but the highs will be in the upper 60's. Chattanooga has lots of fun hiking trails and outdoor spaces and if you do those you only need a picnic and water.  Here is a list of free or cheap things to do.

Free or Cheap

1. Tennessee River Park-(4301 Amnicola Hwy) There is around 8 miles of riverfront walking/biking/skating areas.  There is a playground and places to picnic. 
2. Coolidge Park-(1 River Park)  Great place to play Frisbee or catch.  You can picnic here or buy food from vendors or Northshore area restaurants.   There is a carrousel you can ride. (11 and under cost 50 cents and 12 and older is $1)
   
3. Walnut Street Bridge-Next to Coolidge Park.  It is so fun to walk across this pedestrian bridge.  There is an ice cream place on the downtown side and on the North Shore side there is Julie Darling Donuts.....I think I will get both!
   
4. Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain-(1836 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain, TN) This playground is our favorite.  We love to take a picnic and hang out here playing on the huge slide.

 Point Park on Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga Battle Field  are almost free and the kiddos might learn something.


Now for the iconic Chattanooga Things To Do list.  Even if you live here these things never get old.

1. Tennessee Aquarium-1 Broad Street-Best Aquarium around!  During Spring Break they are hosting "Be a Critter for a Day", lots of fun activities that are included in your admission price. (3-12 year olds $18.95  Adults $29.95)
   
2. Chattanooga Zoo-301 North Holtzclaw-It may be small, but it is mighty and beautiful!  (3-12 $5.95, Adults $8.95)
3. Creative Discovery Museum-321 Chestnut Street-Finally a place where children are encouraged to touch every single thing!  (2-Adult $12.95)
4. Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline have a triple play ticket where you can enjoy each attraction-(3-12 $26.90, Adults $49.90)  Or you could do one of the attractions the cost is (3-12$11.95, Adults $19.95)  We have been to all of them numerous times and love to go whenever we have the chance.  We live here and never get tired of them!
   

Now if you are feeling like a little drive....Sometimes we head up to Sweetwater, Tennessee and visit the Lost Sea (5-12 $9.95, Adults $18.95)   It is inside a cave and the temperature is 58 degrees all year long, so bring a jacket!  The kids love it!  Now after we leave the Lost Sea

we always go by the Mayfield Dairy. (4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, TN 37303) You can take a tour and see how the Mayfield products are made and after the tour you can visit the gift shop and of course get ice cream!  They are not open on Wednesdays, but the other days 9-5.  The kiddos love the hair nets they have to wear.

Another cool day trip is Dollywood.  Dollywood has over 40 attractions at least 15 shows and right now they are celebrating the Festival of Nations.  Next week they are open from 10-7 and a one day ticket will cost 12-59 year olds $65 and 4-11 $52. 

Chattanooga is a great city to visit and even a better place to live.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!  Hope to see you next week!!

Lisa B!  Hope I see you out and about in my fabulous city!