Well, it’s March, the weather is getting nicer and suddenly, you realize what’s coming. If you are anything like me, we can all use the break, but how to fill all the time at home with the kids? It’s that time — time to start planning toward your spring break!
Maybe you like to keep a busy calendar to keep your busy bodies on the go and maybe you like to relax and let your kids find things to occupy your time. Maybe you’re a working parent who is looking to fit in some afternoons and weekends of fun in the city. Thank goodness we live in a place that is rich in culture, fun, and beautiful natural surroundings! Without breaking the bank or driving too far, you can spend the week enjoying all that Chattanooga has to offer by looking at downtown Chattanooga, or finding new places to explore in a different part of our beautiful city!
Go on a safari!
The Chattanooga Visitor’s Bureau has put together a Spring Break Safari! The below locations offer special experiences for kids during this time. Between Friday March 8th and Sunday April 7th, kids can visit a wide variety of attractions in Chattanooga including:
- Bluff View Art District
- Chattanooga Zoo
- Rock City
- Ruby Falls
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Charles H Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Not only is there a guide for each location, they also put together a scavenger hunt for exploring different areas of Chattanooga as well! The scavenger hunt does not require admission to attractions and provides a way to see various locations and attractions through new eyes.
Get away!
If you can get out for a night or two, spring for a hotel downtown! The Chattanooga Choo Choo is always a fun choice with lots of dining options nearby. The Westin Chattanooga is part of the revitalization of Chattanooga’s West Village, and it boasts food, drink, and shopping. You could also try out The Chattanoogan, with its amazing spa and delicious in-house restaurants.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, several state parks in the area have cabins for rent as well (I recommend Fall Creek Falls or Cloudland Canyon)!
If you want to get a little further away, check out Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, or Birmingham for a day or overnight trip!
Go outside!
Chattanooga has no shortage of playgrounds, so take advantage of any pretty days and get outside! If playgrounds are too crowded or you need a change of pace from those, try something new. Disc golf is easy and inexpensive for beginners, and Chattanooga has no shortage of courses nearby. There’s also adventure to be found by hiking in a new place! You can go for a bike ride on the Riverwalk or enjoy a picnic in one of Chattanooga’s beautiful city parks (you can always give cardboard sledding a try at Renaissance Park).
Beat the heat or rain!
Let’s face it: Chattanooga weather has been fickle this year and there’s no telling what kind of weather we’ll be looking at for spring break (no rain no rain no rain). If you’re too hot/cold or too waterlogged, there are always indoor options to choose from as well.
The Tennessee Aquarium is a fun treat and the Chattanooga Zoo always has something fun to see! The IMAX has some great new movies or you can catch a movie by renting out a theater for a few families. You can try out the exhibits at the Creative Discovery Museum or take a look around at the Hunter Museum of American Art for a day of culture.
If you need some excitement or adventure, try out High Point Climbing or even one of the breakout room locations in Chattanooga: Breakout Chattanooga, Escape Experience Chattanooga and Escape Mission Chattanooga.
Spring Break Camps
If you are looking for ways to keep your kiddos occupied during the day (for full or partial days), there are several options, but book quickly because space is limited:
Chattanooga Area Guides
Do you need something to explore but don’t know where to start? Let our local guides help you find a new place, a new restaurant, or a new hidden gem!
Local Event Calendar
CM Monthly Calendar: For individual events throughout March and April, use our Chattanooga event calendar. It’s full of family-friendly activities that are happening all over town!
Breathe with me. You can survive a week entertaining your kids. Consider it a practice round for summer vacation! I kid, I kid. I hope you are able to enjoy a taste of what Chattanooga has to offer and get a taste of what it’s like to be a tourist in your own backyard.
