Whether you’re a remote-working parent, homeschooling for the season or just trying to fill the long summer days, Chattanooga has plenty to offer families. From land-to-water duck boat rides to hands-on art studios and indoor adventure parks, here are fun (and air-conditioned!) ways to keep kids entertained across the Scenic City.
SUMMER CRUISIN’
Chattanooga Duck Boat Tour
151 Riverfront Parkway
Climb aboard this land-and-water hybrid tour that takes you through the city and right into the Tennessee River. Kids love the thrill of splashing into the water, and adults get a fun (and breezy) crash course in Chattanooga history.
Chattanooga Rydables
707 Cherry St.
Let your kids ride around on plush motorized animals! This downtown attraction turns the sidewalk into a safari and is an easy win for little ones with lots of energy.
LITTLE LOCOMOTIVES
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
4119 Cromwell Road
Board a real vintage train and ride the rails through local history. Kids get to explore restored locomotives and ride in passenger cars, while adults get a dose of nostalgia and cool A/C.
HANDS ON ACTIVITIES
Scenic City Clay Arts
301 E. 11th St., Chattanooga
A community clay studio offering drop-in youth and family workshops, summer camps and studio memberships. Kids (and parents!) can try wheel-throwing, hand-building, or glazing — no long-term commitment required. It’s a fun, tactile way to explore pottery and take home a handmade creation.
Children’s Art Place
8115 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga
This kid-centered art studio offers regular classes, seasonal workshops and “Kids Night Out” events designed for ages 3–13. From painting to sculpting and collage, each session focuses on creativity and expression — a great midweek break from screen time or schoolwork.
JUMP, CLIMB & PLAY
Urban Air Adventure Park
2020 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 182, Chattanooga
An indoor adventure wonderland — think trampolines, ninja courses, ropes, climbing, arcade games and even indoor go-karts. Perfect for high-energy kids (and parents who need a break). You can drop in for open play or plan a full birthday bash.
PlayPalz Indoor Playground
6901 Lee Highway, Chattanooga
Clean, colorful and thoughtfully divided — PlayPalz offers separate zones for toddlers and older kids, with soft climbing structures, ball pits and imagination stations. It’s a great choice for younger kids on rainy or extra-hot days.
SPLASH & EXPLORE
Coolidge Park Fountains
150 River St., Chattanooga
Let the kids cool off at this interactive splash pad featuring animal-themed fountains in the heart of the North Shore. It’s surrounded by green space, walking trails and picnic spots — plus, the nearby carousel is just $1 per ride.
Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga
A Chattanooga favorite for a reason. This hands-on museum blends water play, science exhibits, climbing structures and rotating art and music stations. Best for ages toddler to 10, it’s an easy win for rainy days or those too-hot-to-handle afternoons.