Things to do with kids in Chattanooga, TN
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Chattanooga time)
Coming up in Chattanooga: Fitness Central Turkey Trot & Kiddie-K (Nov 26), Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo (from Nov 20), Holidays at Ruby Falls (from Nov 27) and 2 more events. 6 always-open places, led by Chattanooga Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Thanksgiving events in Chattanooga
Fitness Central Turkey Trot & Kiddie-K
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · Kiddie-K 8am; family walk 8:15am; 4-mile 8:30am
- Cost
- 4-mile from $43; see site for Kiddie-K and walk fees
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A Thanksgiving tradition with a Kiddie-K for ages 12 and under at 8am, a 3-mile family walk/jog at 8:15am (strollers and dogs welcome) and a 4-mile run at 8:30am.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas & holiday events: Santa and lights
Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Sat, Jan 2 (Wed–Sun, plus every night Thanksgiving week (Nov 22–28), Christmas week (Dec 20–26, closed Dec 25) and New Year’s week (Dec 27–Jan 2)) · Evenings until 9:30pm; last entry 8:30pm
- Cost
- Non-members $23.50 adults, $17.50 ages 3–12; 2 and under free (ticket required)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Hundreds of hand-crafted silk lanterns in nearly 50 scenes across the zoo, with swings, seesaws and other interactive displays. Photos with Santa on Dec 11, 12, 18 and 19. Timed tickets must be bought online in advance.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holidays at Ruby Falls
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24 (Nov 27 – Dec 24)
- Cost
- Cave tours need timed-entry tickets (buy online ahead); the café is open without a cave ticket
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor + outdoor
Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain decks out for the season: twinkling lights around the outdoor plaza, decorations and activities in the 1929 castle, and a Forest of Wishes where kids add a handwritten wish. Pair it with a guided walk to the underground waterfall.
✓ Checked Oct 28, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 · 4–8pm; fireworks 8pm
- Cost
- FREE to attend
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Friday after Thanksgiving, now at Coolidge Park: live reindeer (4–6:30pm), free photos with Santa (4:30–7:30pm), a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides and face painting, then the Lighted Boat Parade on the river at 7pm and fireworks at 8pm.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Storytimes
Toddler Time at the Downtown Library
- When
- Thu, Oct 29 – Sat, Jan 9 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) · Mon, Thu & Sat 11–11:30am; Tue 10–10:30am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Ages 18–36 months · Indoor
A 30-minute, action-packed program of songs, rhymes, finger-plays and books for children 18 to 36 months and their caregivers. No registration needed.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Chattanooga Zoo
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Open daily 9am–5pm (last admission 4:30) except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day; buying online saves $3 per ticket
Tennessee Aquarium
- Price
- Adults $39.95; youth 4–17 $29.95; toddlers 0–3 free (both aquarium buildings)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Two buildings, River Journey and Ocean Journey, on the downtown riverfront; check the site for today’s hours and last entry
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Creative Discovery Museum
- Price
- General admission $19.95 for adults and children; under 2 free
- Best for
- Ages 0–10 (our guidance)
Downtown children’s museum, 10am–5pm (Sat from 9am); closed Wednesdays through March 15 and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Ruby Falls
- Price
- Cave tours $19.95–$42.95; advance reservation required
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Underground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain, reached by a glass-front elevator 260 feet down
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Coolidge Park
- Price
- Free general admission; carousel rides $1 (under 2 free with a paid adult)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
North Shore riverfront park with the restored 1894 Dentzel carousel, open daily 11am–7pm (closed Christmas Day)
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Chattanooga Public Library – Downtown
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Downtown library with Baby Bounce and Toddler Time several mornings a week
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Chattanooga this weekend?
This weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1) we list 1 family event in Chattanooga: Toddler Time at the Downtown Library (Sat).
What time is trick-or-treating in Chattanooga?
Sunset on Halloween in Chattanooga is at 6:47 p.m. Chattanooga doesn't list official trick-or-treat hours, so plan around dusk.
What are free things to do with kids in Chattanooga?
These are free according to their official sites: 1 place and 1 upcoming event in Chattanooga, including Coolidge Park and Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade (Fri, Nov 27).
Where can kids play indoors in Chattanooga when it's too cold or rainy?
We list 4 indoor places in Chattanooga: Tennessee Aquarium (kids 4–17 $29.95), Creative Discovery Museum (kids 2 and up $19.95), Ruby Falls (Cave tours $19.95–$42.95) and Chattanooga Public Library – Downtown.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in Chattanooga?
We list 2 Thanksgiving events in Chattanooga, 1 free: Fitness Central Turkey Trot & Kiddie-K (Thu, Nov 26) and Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade (Fri, Nov 27, free). Our Thanksgiving weekend guide for the Chattanooga area has more nearby.
When and where can kids see Santa in Chattanooga?
We list 2 events with Santa in Chattanooga, 1 free: Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo (Nov 20 – Jan 2) and Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade (Nov 27).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Chattanooga?
We list 2 holiday light events in Chattanooga: Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo (Nov 20 – Jan 2) and Holidays at Ruby Falls (Nov 27 – Dec 24).
Are there storytimes or regular kids' programs in Chattanooga?
We list 1 everyday program in Chattanooga: Toddler Time at the Downtown Library (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
What is there to do with toddlers in Chattanooga?
We list 5 places in Chattanooga that welcome kids under 2, including Chattanooga Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum. See all 5 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
What are the big family attractions in Chattanooga?
The best-known family attractions we list in Chattanooga are Chattanooga Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium (kids 4–17 $29.95), Creative Discovery Museum (kids 2 and up $19.95) and Ruby Falls (Cave tours $19.95–$42.95). They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Chattanooga family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 3 places in Chattanooga: Tennessee Aquarium (adult $39.95, kids 4–17 $29.95), Creative Discovery Museum (adult $19.95, kids 2 and up $19.95) and Ruby Falls (Cave tours $19.95–$42.95). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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