Looking for cheap and fun things to do in Chattanooga? You can check out the Chattanooga Zoo, Coolidge Park, and Rock City. These attractions are great for kids, and you can even find free events at many of them. For more ideas, check out this article. You’ll find some fun and cheap things to do in Chattanooga for any budget!
Rock City
While you’re on your trip to Tennessee, you might want to spend some money on some fun and inexpensive things to do in Chattanooga. The city is a great destination for outdoor adventures, a revitalized riverfront, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is named for the Creek Indian word “chattanag,” which means “rock coming to a point.” Highlights include the Market St bridge, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the Chattanooga Zoo.
There are plenty of things to do for free in Chattanooga, including outdoor excursions and free attractions. The city’s Lookout Mountain, for instance, is a famous site for paid attractions, but it’s also home to a variety of free hikes and scenic vistas. The views from the top of Lookout Mountain are beautiful, and it’s free to see the sunset there.
A trip to Rock City wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area while admiring rock formations and caves. Kids can have a blast playing in the shallow water at the base of the mountain. The Rock Spring Restaurant is another popular spot. And if you’re hungry, don’t miss out on the famous Tennessee Aquarium.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to ride the antique carousel at Coolidge Park. It’s been there for 125 years and has 52 hand-carved animals and a calliope organ. While it’s not an amusement park, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with the family. If you’re looking for fun, inexpensive things to do in Chattanooga include a visit to the Hollywood Wax Museum and a tour of the Hunter Museum.
Chattanooga Zoo
If you’re looking for some fun, inexpensive things to do in Chattanoooga, Tennessee, you may want to visit the Chattanooga Zoo. The facility’s 140 different species are sure to delight any child, and the zoo offers several fun programs. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or simply want to spend a day with your significant other, there are many fun and affordable things to do in Chattanooga.
Hike! The Chattanooga Zoo’s trails provide endless opportunities for hiking and jogging. Visit Outdoor Chattanooga for suggested trails and hiking routes. Popular trails include Craven’s House/Point Park, Cloudland Canyon, Cumberland Trail, and Coker Creek Falls. There are also several outdoor festivals and art museums, so be sure to take some time to enjoy Chattanooga’s natural beauty.
Play with the animals. The Chattanooga Zoo is the “Best Little Zoo in America,” and it is a perfect place to let kids connect with the local wildlife and learn about the history of the city. Whether it’s the animals, the park will provide endless hours of entertainment for all ages. While you’re there, try to make time to check out the Tennessee Aquarium.
Explore the local nature. This city is home to several national parks that provide a range of free activities. In winter, you can go snow tubing or enjoy a scenic mountain bike ride. In summer and fall, enjoy picking apples or berries. Several popular farms are located nearby, and you can easily find a farm near Chattanooga. You can also take the kids to a local pumpkin patch for a day.
Enterprise South Nature Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several inexpensive activities to keep your family entertained. Among these fun inexpensive things to do in Chattanooga is riding a bike. This popular park has miles of biking and walking trails for all levels. Bike enthusiasts should be sure to check out the park’s reconstructed rail track. There are also dinner train rides available for those who are feeling especially indulgent.
If you have children, you may want to take them to the farmers’ market. Not only does it offer delicious, fresh produce, but it also features local art and live music. Another option is to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum, which is free. Another option is to walk along the Tennessee River Park, which is a ten-mile stretch of riverfront walkway with shops and restaurants. On Friday nights, you can also catch a free outdoor concert there.
While you’re in town, you may want to check out the Hamilton County Public Library for some fun activities for kids. The Hamilton County Public Library hosts after-school programs, music and movement classes, and more. The library itself is an iconic landmark in Chattanooga. Its steel blue frame and wood walkway make it an eye-catching attraction. You can even visit the Point Park Battlefield, which is famous for the Union’s victory over the Confederate army.
Coolidge Park
There are numerous free and affordable activities to enjoy in Coolidge Park, including a variety of outdoor sports. Families can explore the park’s man-made wetland system, where waste is eliminated before it reaches the Tennessee River. Kids and adults can try their hand at woodworking and painting, and you can even join a workshop at a local art gallery. For art lovers, the park also offers a paved walking path and scenic river views. There are also large rotating exhibits at local galleries, and the forested swimming hole is popular with both children and adults.
The public sculpture garden is another free attraction at Coolidge Park, which is a great spot to explore with kids. The area is also dog-friendly and features interactive water fountains. For those with little ones, the park also has a 100-year-old carousel that is popular for rides and kids’ events. The park is also perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers.
If you’d like to enjoy the scenery, a picnic in the park would be a perfect way to spend the afternoon. The park is located at the North Shore and is accessible via the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. Families can enjoy picnics or play games in the park. The park also offers a variety of dining options. A variety of cafes, bakeries, and food trucks are located nearby.
Chattanooga’s first brewpub
You might not know it, but there are several breweries in Chattanooga. Take a chattaBrew tour and discover some of the best beers around. The Flying Squirrel, which offers a dramatic ambiance and international-inspired small plates, is another option. If you’re looking for more upscale dining, try the Naked River Brewing, which pairs its beers with smoked meats.
The Tennessee Aquarium is free, so you can visit there as well. You can also take a hike or bike ride along one of the many trails in the city. Whether you want to take in the beautiful scenery or take a guided tour, you’ll find a fun, affordable way to enjoy the city. You’ll be surprised at how many free activities and attractions are available in Chattanooga.
Downtown, you can grab a burger and a beer from the Terminal Brewhouse, which opened in 2014. The beer is served at their first brewpub, and the food is upscale and delicious. The restaurant also serves classic American fare like burgers and old-fashioneds. If you’re visiting with your family, don’t forget to take them to the city’s downtown parks.
After you’ve tried the local craft brews, you can check out the famous Riverbend festival. The festival offers seven nights of live music, and it’s open to kids and pets. In addition to the music festival, you can enjoy local food and crafts at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Visiting the museum and a local brewery is also a great way to save money on the food and drinks you’ll be drinking.
Trail of Tears
For free and inexpensive things to do in Chattanoaga, take a walk in the Walnut Street Bridge. Coolidge Park, which is attached to the bridge, is a beautiful riverside park where you can soak up the sun and watch local people go about their business. While you’re there, make sure you pay $2 per hour for parking, which is a small price to pay to get some quality outdoor time.
For a more enlightening experience, check out the Creative Discovery Museum. This museum has an interactive design and encourages learning. Next, head to the Chattanooga National Cemetery, which is set on 120 acres. If you’re visiting during the day, try to avoid crowds, as the place can get very crowded. The museum is free on Thursday nights, but it closes at night due to potential vandalism.
The Bluff View Art District is another great place to visit, with hip cafes and restaurants. There are also sculpture parks and restaurants. Another historic building you might want to visit is Rembrandt’s. Another local attraction is North Chick Blue Hole. This attraction is located right in downtown Chattanooga. You’ll be able to get to the site easily on foot, which makes it a fun place for families to spend an afternoon.