I’m determined to make this summer fun and different for my two little homebodies! This is made more difficult because their mother is the Queen of melting when it’s too hot outside and is so afraid of spiders that any woodland adventures become…challenging.
However, I don’t want to be the reason that they don’t explore and try new things this summer, so I’m determined to push past my comfort zone. If I make a real plan, it will help. My eldest has gymnastics three days a week, from the morning until midday. So, we are already out of the house and dressed, and that’s half the battle! I’ve decided that we will pack our lunches and go out and explore until at least 3 or 4pm on those days.
So, what can we do? Where can we go? I will have at least 10 destinations we MUST see this summer and some go-to spots for the lazier days.
Lazy days:
Coolidge Park: Of course, our number one hot spot should always be Coolidge Park! We can eat lunch in the grass, let the girls cool off in the fountain, dry off as we walk across the Walnut Street Bridge to get treats at the Ice Cream Shoppe, and then end the adventure with a quick ride on the carousel. This will likely become our most popular destination.
Aquarium: We always have a membership at either the Aquarium or the Creative Discovery Museum, swapping them out as they expire. This is an Aquarium summer, which is perfect as you can hop into one of the buildings, cool off, see some of the excellent exhibits, catch a few creature talks, and then end with a quick wade through their outdoor river. I remember playing in the same river in kindergarten and loved every second of it!
Then there will be the days when we should roam a bit farther or explore somewhere different!
Enterprise South Nature Park: I have never been to this park, which, in my head, is still relatively “new.” I hope we can go and look at the pedestrian trails, which apparently offer good views of wildlife and some fruit orchards. I’m also hoping I can let the girls practice their biking skills! The ammunition stations are particularly interesting, where I was told my Great-Grandmother worked at one point. Whether that is true or not, it would be interesting to see!
Nature Parks and Battlefields in General: As far as Nature Parks go, classics for me include Reflection Riding, but I haven’t introduced the girls to it much, so that needs to change. Another natural area of town I’ve been negligent about exploring is Audubon Acres; I don’t know what they offer, so I plan to find out!
I grew up playing in Chickamauga Battlefield, but I don’t think I’ve ever taken the girls, so that will be a fun stop. I remember riding my bike all over the roads, climbing the tower to the top, seeing the fireworks during the Fourth of July celebration, hiding behind the monuments to play hide-and-seek, and more. I hope to introduce this great outdoor resource to the girls in a fun way!
Towns Nearby to Explore:
I’ve heard a lot about Chatsworth and Fort Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Then, there are the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN, which I sincerely hope have guided tours, as I am not planning to figure that out on my own. It seems like the best way to test my inability to navigate.
The historic campus and the All Saints’ Chapel in Sewanee, TN, sound interesting to Momma, though they are likely quite dull for the girls. More interesting for them might be the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which I’ve wanted to see for several years.
Also, as an avid space enthusiast, I am determined to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, this year. The girls would love to try the astronaut for a day theme and their hands-on exhibits!
In short, there is a lot to do here in and around Chattanooga, and like any good resident, I’ve gotten a bit lax in exploring all the cool things to do! So, please help me find some family-friendly ideas. Share the places below where you suggest a mom and her daughters explore and play for a few hours on a hot summer day!
This is my hope,
This is my prayer,
Please, Dear Lord, help us break out and enjoy this amazing world you’ve provided us!
