Several area tourist attractions will make sure kids can’t claim boredom during their weeklong vacation from school. Spring Break Safaris offer not just the chance to more fully explore some favorite places but behind-the-scenes access and free souvenirs.
Get complete details and a downloadable field guide at http://spring.chattanoogafun.com/safari.
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM
* Adventure: Animal keeper. Learn what it takes to care for penguins, otters, butterflies and fish. Also available are “Wild Ocean 3D” at Imax Theater and rides on River Gorge Explorer.
* Dates: Saturday through April 11.
* Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (aquarium hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
* Cost: Free with aquarium admission. $24.95 adults, $14.95 children 3-12.
* Contact: www.tnaqua.org, 800-262-0695.
LAKE WINNESPAUKAH
* Adventure: Thrill seeker. Experience the twists and turns of the Wild Lightnin’ and Cannon Ball roller coasters, the freefall Oh-Zone and more than 30 other rides.
* Dates: April 9-10.
* Hours: Noon-8 p.m.
* Cost: All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a guest 18 or older and must purchase either a combination $5 gate admission/$13 value strip of 14 tickets or a $5 gate admission/$21 unlimited ride pass. Guests 18 and older may choose a $5 gate admission only.
* Contact: www.lakewinnie.com, 877-525-3946.
CHATTANOOGA ZOO
* Adventure: Zoologist/zookeeper. Observe chimpanzees, red pandas, snow leopards, jaguars, reptiles, a camel and other wild creatures from around the world in naturalistic habitats.
* Dates: Every Thursday-Sunday through April 21.
* Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with guided tours leaving 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
* Cost: $15 adults; $8 children 3-15.
* Contact: www.chattzoo.org, 697-1322 or 697-1319.
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
* Adventure: Artist. Discover works of art and the stories behind them, such as Barry Moser’s whimsical illustrations of Alice in Wonderland for the classic book “Through the Looking Glass” or what it means to be an American in “Themes of Identity.”
* Dates: Daily through April 21.
* Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays
* Cost: $9.95 adults; $4.95 children.
* Contact: www.huntermuseum.org, 267-0968.
CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO / TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM
* Adventure: Conductor. At TVRM, ride a locomotive along Missionary Ridge, tour the restoration facility and watch a turntable demonstration. At the Choo Choo, tour the historic grounds, ride an authentic New Orleans Trolley and spend the night in a train car.
* Dates: Missionary Ridge Local runs daily (but closed Mondays and Easter Sunday). Choo Choo open daily; overnight accommodations must be booked in advance.
* Hours: Missionary Ridge Local departures at 10:40 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10:40 a.m., 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 and 3:35 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
* Cost: $15 adults, $9 children 3-12. Children ride Missionary Ridge Local for free when they show a downloaded field guide and are accompanied by paying adult (one free ticket per family).
* Contact: www.tvrail.com, 894-8028; www.choochoo.com, 800-TRACK29 or 266-5000.
RUBY FALLS
* Adventure: Spelunker. Venture underground for a cavern tour using only the illumination from a handheld lantern or light from your own hardhat. Pan for gems. Dig for fossils.
* Dates: Monday-Wednesday through April 14.
* Hours: Tours start at 9 a.m. and last two to three hours.
* Cost: $25 per participant. Tours sold by reservations; empty slots filled on first-come, first-served basis.
* Contact: www.rubyfalls.com, 800-755-7105
ROCK CITY GARDENS
* Adventure: RockQuest adventurer. Trek through massive rock formations and native plants, and scale the 25-foot climbing wall.
* Dates: Daily through April 16.
* Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (self-guided tour takes about two hours).
* Cost: $13.95 children, $17.95 adults (includes admission to Rock City Gardens). Adults may add $5 to ticket price to receive RockQuest package items.
* Contact: www.SeeRockCity.com, 800-854-0675 or 706-820-2531.
BLUFF VIEW ART DISTRICT
* Adventure: Culinary creator. Make cookies and pastries, fill chocolate molds and try your hand at kneading bread.
* Dates: Saturday through April 11 (closed Easter Sunday).
* Hours: Vary.
Chocolate Cookie Monsters, 3 p.m. daily. $15. Reservations required.
Baker’s Assistant, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free.
Scavenger Art Hunt, daylight hours. Free.
Picnic in the park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, weather permitting. $8 to $15 depending on food order.
Break Out the Bocce, daylight hours, first-come availability. Free.
* Contact: www.bluffviewartdistrict.com, 265-5033, Ext. 3.
SOUTHERN BELLE RIVERBOAT
* Adventure: Pilothouse mate. Learn how the captains navigate the Tennessee River from the boat’s highest platform.
* Dates: Daily through April 19.
* Hours: Lunch cruises, noon-1:30 p.m. Dinner cruises, 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
* Cost: $23.50 adult lunch, $42.50 adult dinner; children 12 and younger ride free this year (not including Easter cruises) in celebration of Southern Belle’s 25th anniversary.
* Contact: www.chattanoogariverboat.com, 266-4488.