I may live in North Georgia, but I’m only a few miles from the Tennessee border. It’s a short 20-minute drive from my house to downtown Chattanooga. People often ask me for “The Insider’s Guide to Chattanooga” (aka Where do the locals hang out?) I always suggest the attractions Chattanooga is famous for; Rock City, The Incline, Ruby Falls, The Creative Discovery Museum, and The Tennessee Aquarium first. Then, I offer some of our hidden gems; several low-cost and free family-friendly Chattanooga Attractions.
Low Cost and Free Family Friendly Chattanooga Attractions
These sites will give you the “local flavor” so be sure to check out them out during your next visit.
1. Coolidge Park. Located at 150 River Street on Chattanooga’s North Shore (diagonally across the river from the Tennessee Aquarium), this park offers activities for all ages. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch and relax while the kids enjoy the fountain. If you prefer to purchase food, several restaurants are located behind the park.
After lunch, take a stroll or bike along the banks of the Tennessee River, play with the interactive music sculpture, try climbing the rock wall, or take a spin on the restored 100-year-old carousel. During the summer, free concerts and movies are offered on some nights. Although you might want to enjoy the park for a few hours, you can easily spend the entire day here.
Cost: Admission to the park is free, but there is a parking fee. The carousel and rock climbing wall are an additional cost.
2. The Walnut Street Bridge: Originally built over 100 years ago, the bridge was closed to traffic, revitalized, and reopened as a walking bridge in 1993. Today, at a length of 1/2 mile, it is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The bridge joins downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore area and offers spectacular views of downtown, the Tennessee River, and the surrounding mountains.
The entrance to the bridge is located about 100 feet from the edge of Coolidge Park and, on the downtown side, offers easy access to the Riverwalk, a 16.1-mile concrete path along the banks of the Tennessee River.
Cost: Both the Walnut Street Bridge and the Riverwalk are free.
3. The Cardboard Sledding Hill: We live in an area that rarely sees snow, but that doesn’t stop us from sledding! We still enjoy the thrill of speeding down a large hill, we simply use a cardboard sled and grass. Available for use year-round, this hill is a hit with all ages. Tip: Bring your own piece of cardboard or you’ll have to use a soggy piece someone has abandoned.
The hill is located at 4301 Amnicola Highway, near Chattanooga’s North Shore, Coolidge Park, and Walnut Street Bridge.
Cost: Free but bring your own cardboard.
4. Chattanooga Market: Want to sample locally produced items? The Chattanooga Market has it all! Whether you are in the market for crafts, fresh veggies, plants, herbs, or fresh goodies from local bakeries, you can dedicate an entire morning or afternoon to browsing. Many booths also offer free samples.
If you love festivals, this is the place to be! During the market season, you’ll find events like the Beast Feast, a fight to be known for the best Bar-b-que in Chattanooga, or the Ice Cream Social, where local shops vie to be known for the best ice cream. Just purchase tickets, then sample large portions and vote for your favorites. You’ll find the market in the First Tennessee Pavillion across from Finley Stadium.
Cost: Free to browse or attend festivals. Note that the Chattanooga Market is closed during the winter season and reopens towards the end of April.
5. Point Park- This park, sprawling across 10-acres atop Lookout Mountain, offers the best views of the Tennessee River and the surrounding valley. The site of the infamous “Battle Above the Clouds” during the Civil War, visitors can tour the Ochs Memorial Observatory or the Visitor’s Center located outside the park across from the entrance for a detailed description of the battle. A level paved trail winds through the top of the park;
Nature lovers will enjoy the winding hiking trails which make up part of the 30-mile Lookout Mountain Trail System. Many of these trails are old railroad beds from the 1800s or built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. If you ride to the top of the mountain on the Incline, it’s a short, level walk to the park. One word of warning: The available parking is metered and closely monitored. Never allow the meter to run out or you will receive a ticket.
Cost: $7 per person for adults 16 and up. Anyone under the age of 16 is free.
Bonus: Shop and Eat Like a Local
If you’ve ever wanted to know the places locals love, here’s two favorites.
City Cafe- You may be taken aback by the sight of these restaurants. They’re both attached to a Day’s Inn and look like a dive. Inside, however, you’ll find a vast menu of over 500 comfort foods, massive portions, and their showcase desserts. The dessert selection boasts over 35 cakes, pies, and pastry treats with “the largest slices in town.” Choices range from cakes like “Tiramisu,” “Peanut Butter Blast,” and “Seven Sins” cake to their 4-inch tall Snickers Pie. Visit them for a reasonably-priced breakfast, lunch, or dinner 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mckay Used Books-This is not your typical used book store. Part of a small 3-store chain, (the other stores are located in Nashville and Knoxville), these stores are huge and filled to the brim with 18,000 square feet of goodies. You won’t just find one of the largest supplies of used books available, you’ll find everything from CDs, DVDs, records, Blu-rays, video games, board games, cameras, gaming systems, e-readers, Legos, and plush toys.
Prices are reasonable and the selection changes often. They also have three free bins outside and, if you’re lucky, you can find all sorts of books. It doesn’t matter if you are a book lover or not, this is a can’t miss stop. They are located at 7734 Lee Highway.
Have you visited Chattanooga? What was your favorite attraction? Let us know your additional family-friendly Chattanooga Vacation Spots in the comments!
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I’ve never been to Chattanooga before, but it sounds like a fun place to visit! I love the name too!
I have been to Chattanooga one time and that was for an Appalachian State football game in 2006! I really need to go back. It’s beautiful.
We haven’t been to Chattanooga before. This sounds like a great vacation for our next trip. There seems to be so much to do and that’s perfect to keep us busy.
I’ve visited several places in the state. Chatanooga is on my list though, we haven’t gotten there yet.
Nice post of fun things to do at this location.
I also like your pictures.
TN is one state I want to go to so bad. I can’t beleive I haven’t made it up there yet. The Smokey Mountains are calling my name. These activities look so fun.
Sounds like a ton of fun. I know my boys would love the cardboard sledding hill!
I’ve only driven through Chattanooga. I will make it a point to take some extra time and visit some of these.
It’s been years since I’ve been! I used to love white water rafting with my youth group!
Chattanooga looks like a great place to visit. There are so many fun things to do there.
I have a cousin who lives in Tenn., but I have never been down that way. I somewhat remember driving through a small portion of it when I was younger.
I haven’t seen that kind of beautiful view and I would love to visit there to see that. It so beautiful.
We have visited that area a couple times. The natural beauty it has is amazing, definitely hope to get back there one day. That bridge is so pretty.
I would love to visit Point Park. It has a gorgeous view and sounds like rich history. I love Civil War sites. That bridge is spectacular too. Lots to do and see in Chattanooga.
It has been so long since I have been to Chattanooga but my husband and I were just talking recently about taking a trip down there this spring. We live in Kentucky so it’s about a 3 hour drive for us. I remember going to Rock City and Ruby Falls as a child and going across a big swinging bridge.
I have only passed through Tennessee but didn’t stop. If I ever do stop over I will have to check out a few of these attractions.
Chattanooga sounds like an amazing place to visit. I will keep this in mind.
These are great places to visit! I haven’t been in Chattanooga. I’ll definitely keep this in mind.
I need to experience that view from Point Park in person! Adding Chattanooga to my list of places to see.
What a beautiful area with so much to do! I love prowling around used bookstores. Great recommendations.
Point Park and McKay’s Used Books are both so much fun! We make it a point to hit up both of them whenever we’re in the area.
Not free, but I really enjoyed the aquarium. I also enjoyed Lookout Mountain and some of the other Civil War sites.
I’d love to check these things out. I know we’d spend plenty of time at the market. McKay’s sounds like such a cool book store too.
These all look like fun things to do in Chattanooga. I have never been, but I would love to go.
I haven’t been to Chattanooga. All these places you’ve mentioned seem to be worth visiting! I would love to go to McKay’s Used books and Point Park!
That view from Point Park sells it for me. What a fun and beautiful city!
That sounds like a charming place to visit. I would love to get down there one day.
The River Gallery Sculpture Garden is my favorite free spot. It is great for taking pictures and my kids always enjoy the little fountain.
That sounds like a fun place to go. If I ever make it to Chattanooga, I will definitely add that to my list.