FUN FOR FAMILIES OF ALL AGES

DISCOVER THE FUN THAT AWAITS AROUND LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN AND BEYOND.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITES

  • SEE ROCK CITY

    Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill.

    LEARN MORE

  • TENNESSEE AQUARIUM

    Celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Southeast through our exhibits and are actively engaged in preserving and restoring that biodiversity through our work in the field. The Aquarium’s research arm, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, has a focused expertise in restoring freshwater ecosystems and helping people appreciate the need for environmental health in our region.

    LEARN MORE

  • INCLINE RAILWAY

    The Incline opened in November of 1895 and was constructed by John Crass and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Company. The cars originally operated on coal-burning steam engines, which were upgraded to two 100-horsepower motors in 1911. The Incline Railway has been transporting eager passengers up Lookout Mountain for over 125 years!

    LEARN MORE

  • RUBY FALLS

    Discover wonder at Ruby Falls - the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States! The breathtaking falls were accidentally discovered by Leo Lambert in 1928 deep within Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lambert named the falls after his wife, Ruby, and opened the Chattanooga attraction to the public in 1929. Descend 260 feet byLEARN MORE glass-front elevator to explore the underground cavern, see ancient rock formations, and experience the thundering cave waterfall. Take in amazing views of the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland Plateau, and Tennessee River from high atop Lookout Mountain Tower and enjoy the beautiful scenery and mountain breeze from the front porch of the historic Cavern Castle. Experience adrenaline-pumping fun at High Point ZIP Adventure, featuring soaring zip lines and a 40-foot climbing tower located in the treetops of Lookout Mountain.

    LEARN MORE

  • DISCOVERY MUSEUM

    The idea for CDM was born in 1989 as the board of the Hunter Museum of American Art evaluated the viability of developing a children’s wing. The board recommended a separate children’s museum be created as part of the revitalization of downtown. CDM was incorporated in 1992 and opened in 1995.

    It quickly evolved into a multi-disciplinary, educational institution, utilizing interactive programs and exhibits to explore art, music, science and technology. In 2004, CDM acquired the NewsChannel9 Science Theater in Northgate Mall which has become a key component of its science education efforts. The Science Theater relocated to the Museum’s main campus in 2010. In 2005, the Museum completed a major renovation which included the installation of the RiverPlay exhibit, an outdoor rooftop exhibit focusing on simple machines, and Buzz Alley exploring the world of bees.

    LEARN MORE

  • HIGH POINT CLIMBING & FITNESS

    From bouldering, lead climbing and yoga to outdoor walls and Kid Zone, High Point Climbing & Fitness has something great for everyone. Get to know all the activities and features the Chattanooga gyms have to offer. The location features 45ft rope walls in the pit, 100+ boulder problems of all grades, and of course the iconic blue outdoor walls that soar high above Broad Street. The Kid Zone offers exciting climbing walls, auto belays, top rope routes, and a boulder wall, all designed for young climbers.

    LEARN MORE

  • CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK

    Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state. Home to thousand-foot deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife, the park offers ample outdoor recreation.

    LEARN MORE

  • ROCKTOWN

    Rocktown resides in the Crockford Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Rocktown is arguably one of the best bouldering locations in the Southeast, known for its amazing sandstone and bomber slopers, crimpers, huecos, rails, and its intense top outs. A hunting or fishing license is required to visit any area within the WMA (Lost Wall, Rocktown, Zahnd). You can buy daily or annual licenses.

    LEARN MORE

FAMILY FRIENDLY

In addition to being the home of outdoor adventure seekers and nature lovers, the area surrounding McLemore is also home to numerous activities that appeal to families.

The Tennessee Aquarium tops the list for many out-of-town guests, as well as locals.It’s home to creatures that live in freshwater habitats from the mountains to the sea, including otters, turtles, alligators and giant catfish. In the Ocean Journey building, look for sharks, stingrays in a touch pool, penguins and an enclosure filled with fluttering butterflies.

Another family favorite is the Creative Discovery Museum. Ranked one of the top children’s museums in the U.S., it invites visitors to touch, learn and play. Kids can dress up as lords and ladies (or jesters) in the new Amazing Castle exhibit; try basic woodworking or sewing; draw and sculpt; dig in a big sand pit or just kick back with a book. There’s a special area devoted just to family activities.

For more adventure-minded families, High Point Climbing & Fitness is a great option. The downtown gym has 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor climbing, while the riverside location has 10,000 square feet. A special Kid Zone features beginner walls; experienced climbers can get a grip in the bouldering areas and on an adjustable wall, or cross-train in aerobic, weight and yoga rooms.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA

Located in the northwest tip of Georgia, the area on and around Lookout Mountain has a rich geological history and unique topography ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. From rock climbing and bouldering to hiking and cycling, as well as simply relaxing and enjoying a view, the region is a veritable playground for anyone who loves being outside.

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

For two years in a row, the readers of Outside Magazine voted Chattanooga and the area surrounding McLemore as the best town to live in the United States. Browse through some of the destinations and activities in the area to discover why so many people are falling in love with this unique place in the mountains.

TRAVEL CHANNEL

The editors of the Travel Channel are also big fans of Chattanooga and the surrounding area, Read more to learn about the numerous attractions in and around this special intersection of northwest Georgia and East Tennessee. LEARN MORE