Family Weekend Guide

Chattanooga, TN weekend events for preschool (3–5)

53 events tagged for preschool (3–5) across the next 4 weekends. Events whose source doesn't list ages aren't included here; see the full list.

Updated

Age
Area
Cost
Weather

Weekend of Oct 23–25

Big outings

Sat, Oct 24 · 10am

River Market

Chattanooga riverfront (see site) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

The weekly Saturday riverfront market with live music, food and local arts and crafts.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free
Details at Chattanooga Market ↗
Sun, Oct 25 · 12pm–8pm

Ringgold Pumpkin Fest (rescheduled)

The Colonnade — Ringgold, GA · Catoosa Co. · North Georgia

Fall festival at The Colonnade with pumpkins, costumes, inflatables, live music and vendors.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Cost not listed

Moved from Oct 10 to Sun Oct 25 after weather.

Details at Local 3 News ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

A compact, walkable zoo with red pandas, a jaguar, chimpanzees, giraffe feeding and a reptile house.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the site for daily hours. Boo in the Zoo evenings are listed separately.

Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Hands-on children's museum with a rooftop fun factory, water play, a climbing tower and art and science studios.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Sat 9am-5pm, Sun and Fri 10am-5pm (closed Wednesdays).

Details at Creative Discovery Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Oct 31

Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Four storybook trails with glowing jack-o'-lanterns and hidden surprises through Rock City's gardens: spooky, but never scary.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Runs through Oct 31. Rock City hours 10am-10:30pm.

Details at Rock City ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Missionary Ridge Local train ride

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Grand Junction Depot) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

About an hour on vintage passenger cars through the Civil War-era Missionary Ridge tunnel, with a turntable demonstration and restoration-shop visit.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: From $26

Several departures most days (no trains on Mondays); reserve on the site.

Details at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Trails, creeks and fall color at the foot of Lookout Mountain, plus a wildlife sanctuary with native animals.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free

Grounds open sunrise to sunset; Welcome Center 9am-4pm Tue-Sat.

Details at Reflection Riding ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Ruby Falls cave walk

Ruby Falls — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

A guided walk deep inside Lookout Mountain to a 145-foot underground waterfall, plus scenic overlooks above ground.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open daily; check the site for hours and timed tickets. The Dread Hollow haunted house is a separate, scarier ticket.

Details at Ruby Falls ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 9am–7pm

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Incline Railway (St. Elmo Station) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world up Lookout Mountain, with big views from the top station.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Sat-Sun 9am-7pm through Oct 31; check the site for November hours. Last car leaves 40 minutes before close.

Details at Incline Railway ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–5pm

Hunter Museum of American Art

Hunter Museum of American Art — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

American art in a building on a bluff over the river; the outdoor sculpture plaza and Bluff View walk are free.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open 10am-5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Hunter Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–7pm

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Two buildings of river and ocean life: otters, penguins, sharks, a stingray touch pool and daily animal programs.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Usual hours 10am-7pm, last entry 5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Tennessee Aquarium ↗
Oct 23 – Oct 24 · 4pm–8pm

Boo in the Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

The zoo's Halloween night: candy stations, costume shows, character meet-and-greets, a bounce house and a scavenger hunt.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: Ticketed separately from general admission

Fri Oct 23 and Sat Oct 24, 4-8pm (also Sat Oct 31).

Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Oct 24 – Nov 1

Family By Day Halloween weekends at Lake Winnie

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park — Rossville, GA · Catoosa Co. · North Georgia

Daytime Halloween fun with rides, trick-or-treating, crafts, pumpkin decorating, a hay maze and a kids' costume contest.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Saturdays and Sundays through Nov 1; hours vary, see the park hours calendar. The after-dark Spookah event is scarier.

Details at Lake Winnepesaukah ↗

Library storytimes & programs (4, free)

From Chattanooga Public Library branches and Cherokee Regional Library (North Georgia). Some need registration; check the library page.

Saturday, Oct 24

10amFamily Day Out · Northgate Library, Chattanooga (Hixson) 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

Big outings

Fri, Oct 30 · 1pm–2pm

Owl Odyssey at Reflection Riding

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Meet the nature center's barn owls and learn how these 'ghosts of nature' hunt in the dark.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
Details at Reflection Riding ↗
Sat, Oct 31 · 10am

River Market

Chattanooga riverfront (see site) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

The weekly Saturday riverfront market with live music, food and local arts and crafts.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free
Details at Chattanooga Market ↗
Sat, Oct 31 · 4pm–8pm

Boo in the Zoo (Halloween night)

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

The zoo's Halloween night: candy stations, costume shows, character meet-and-greets, a bounce house and a scavenger hunt.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: Ticketed separately from general admission
Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Sat, Oct 31 · 4:30pm–7:30pm

Midtown Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat

Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

A big free Halloween-night trunk-or-treat with 30+ decorated trunks, city vehicles to explore and a candy bus; the library gives out free books.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free
Details at Midtown Connect ↗
Sun, Nov 1 · 11am

Haunted Market and costume parade

Chattanooga Market (First Horizon Pavilion) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

The Chattanooga Market's Halloween Sunday: bring the little ghosts and goblins for the annual costume parade.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free
Details at Chattanooga Market ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

A compact, walkable zoo with red pandas, a jaguar, chimpanzees, giraffe feeding and a reptile house.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the site for daily hours. Boo in the Zoo evenings are listed separately.

Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Hands-on children's museum with a rooftop fun factory, water play, a climbing tower and art and science studios.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Sat 9am-5pm, Sun and Fri 10am-5pm (closed Wednesdays).

Details at Creative Discovery Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Oct 31

Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Four storybook trails with glowing jack-o'-lanterns and hidden surprises through Rock City's gardens: spooky, but never scary.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Runs through Oct 31. Rock City hours 10am-10:30pm.

Details at Rock City ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Missionary Ridge Local train ride

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Grand Junction Depot) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

About an hour on vintage passenger cars through the Civil War-era Missionary Ridge tunnel, with a turntable demonstration and restoration-shop visit.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: From $26

Several departures most days (no trains on Mondays); reserve on the site.

Details at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Trails, creeks and fall color at the foot of Lookout Mountain, plus a wildlife sanctuary with native animals.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free

Grounds open sunrise to sunset; Welcome Center 9am-4pm Tue-Sat.

Details at Reflection Riding ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Ruby Falls cave walk

Ruby Falls — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

A guided walk deep inside Lookout Mountain to a 145-foot underground waterfall, plus scenic overlooks above ground.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open daily; check the site for hours and timed tickets. The Dread Hollow haunted house is a separate, scarier ticket.

Details at Ruby Falls ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 9am–7pm

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Incline Railway (St. Elmo Station) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world up Lookout Mountain, with big views from the top station.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Sat-Sun 9am-7pm through Oct 31; check the site for November hours. Last car leaves 40 minutes before close.

Details at Incline Railway ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–5pm

Hunter Museum of American Art

Hunter Museum of American Art — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

American art in a building on a bluff over the river; the outdoor sculpture plaza and Bluff View walk are free.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open 10am-5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Hunter Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–7pm

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Two buildings of river and ocean life: otters, penguins, sharks, a stingray touch pool and daily animal programs.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Usual hours 10am-7pm, last entry 5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Tennessee Aquarium ↗
Oct 24 – Nov 1

Family By Day Halloween weekends at Lake Winnie

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park — Rossville, GA · Catoosa Co. · North Georgia

Daytime Halloween fun with rides, trick-or-treating, crafts, pumpkin decorating, a hay maze and a kids' costume contest.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Saturdays and Sundays through Nov 1; hours vary, see the park hours calendar. The after-dark Spookah event is scarier.

Details at Lake Winnepesaukah ↗
Nov 1 – Nov 15

Rock City Gardens by day

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Walk the rock trails, swinging bridge, Lover's Leap and Fairyland Caverns, with views over seven states on clear days.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the hours calendar; from Nov 13 the evenings switch to the separately ticketed Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Details at Rock City ↗

Library storytimes & programs (5, free)

From Chattanooga Public Library branches and Cherokee Regional Library (North Georgia). Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Oct 30

Saturday, Oct 31

Weekend of Nov 6–8

Big outings

Sun, Nov 8 · 2pm–4pm

Sunday Studio: drop-in family art at the Hunter Museum

Hunter Museum of American Art — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Drop-in art projects for kids and families, led by the Hunter, the Downtown Public Library and the Houston Museum.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: Youth 17 and under free; adults regular admission (free with a Chattanooga Public Library card when with children)
  • Indoors
Details at Hunter Museum of American Art ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

A compact, walkable zoo with red pandas, a jaguar, chimpanzees, giraffe feeding and a reptile house.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the site for daily hours. Boo in the Zoo evenings are listed separately.

Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Hands-on children's museum with a rooftop fun factory, water play, a climbing tower and art and science studios.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Sat 9am-5pm, Sun and Fri 10am-5pm (closed Wednesdays).

Details at Creative Discovery Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Missionary Ridge Local train ride

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Grand Junction Depot) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

About an hour on vintage passenger cars through the Civil War-era Missionary Ridge tunnel, with a turntable demonstration and restoration-shop visit.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: From $26

Several departures most days (no trains on Mondays); reserve on the site.

Details at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Trails, creeks and fall color at the foot of Lookout Mountain, plus a wildlife sanctuary with native animals.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free

Grounds open sunrise to sunset; Welcome Center 9am-4pm Tue-Sat.

Details at Reflection Riding ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Ruby Falls cave walk

Ruby Falls — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

A guided walk deep inside Lookout Mountain to a 145-foot underground waterfall, plus scenic overlooks above ground.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open daily; check the site for hours and timed tickets. The Dread Hollow haunted house is a separate, scarier ticket.

Details at Ruby Falls ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 9am–7pm

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Incline Railway (St. Elmo Station) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world up Lookout Mountain, with big views from the top station.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Sat-Sun 9am-7pm through Oct 31; check the site for November hours. Last car leaves 40 minutes before close.

Details at Incline Railway ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–5pm

Hunter Museum of American Art

Hunter Museum of American Art — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

American art in a building on a bluff over the river; the outdoor sculpture plaza and Bluff View walk are free.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open 10am-5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Hunter Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–7pm

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Two buildings of river and ocean life: otters, penguins, sharks, a stingray touch pool and daily animal programs.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Usual hours 10am-7pm, last entry 5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Tennessee Aquarium ↗
Nov 1 – Nov 15

Rock City Gardens by day

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Walk the rock trails, swinging bridge, Lover's Leap and Fairyland Caverns, with views over seven states on clear days.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the hours calendar; from Nov 13 the evenings switch to the separately ticketed Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Details at Rock City ↗
Nov 7 – Nov 8

Nooga FamJam street festival

Fort Street (next to the Chattanooga Convention Center) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

A free family street festival with vendors, food trucks and activities, the same weekend as Chattanooga Comic Con.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free

Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-2pm.

Details at Nooga FamJam (Eventeny) ↗

Library storytimes & programs (4, free)

From Chattanooga Public Library branches and Cherokee Regional Library (North Georgia). Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Nov 6

Saturday, Nov 7

Weekend of Nov 13–15

Big outings

Oct 23 – Nov 15

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

A compact, walkable zoo with red pandas, a jaguar, chimpanzees, giraffe feeding and a reptile house.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the site for daily hours. Boo in the Zoo evenings are listed separately.

Details at Chattanooga Zoo ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Hands-on children's museum with a rooftop fun factory, water play, a climbing tower and art and science studios.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Sat 9am-5pm, Sun and Fri 10am-5pm (closed Wednesdays).

Details at Creative Discovery Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Missionary Ridge Local train ride

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Grand Junction Depot) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

About an hour on vintage passenger cars through the Civil War-era Missionary Ridge tunnel, with a turntable demonstration and restoration-shop visit.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: From $26

Several departures most days (no trains on Mondays); reserve on the site.

Details at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Trails, creeks and fall color at the foot of Lookout Mountain, plus a wildlife sanctuary with native animals.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free

Grounds open sunrise to sunset; Welcome Center 9am-4pm Tue-Sat.

Details at Reflection Riding ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15

Ruby Falls cave walk

Ruby Falls — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

A guided walk deep inside Lookout Mountain to a 145-foot underground waterfall, plus scenic overlooks above ground.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open daily; check the site for hours and timed tickets. The Dread Hollow haunted house is a separate, scarier ticket.

Details at Ruby Falls ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 9am–7pm

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Incline Railway (St. Elmo Station) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

Ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world up Lookout Mountain, with big views from the top station.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Sat-Sun 9am-7pm through Oct 31; check the site for November hours. Last car leaves 40 minutes before close.

Details at Incline Railway ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–5pm

Hunter Museum of American Art

Hunter Museum of American Art — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

American art in a building on a bluff over the river; the outdoor sculpture plaza and Bluff View walk are free.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Open 10am-5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Hunter Museum ↗
Oct 23 – Nov 15 · 10am–7pm

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Two buildings of river and ocean life: otters, penguins, sharks, a stingray touch pool and daily animal programs.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid
  • Indoors

Usual hours 10am-7pm, last entry 5pm; check the site for the day.

Details at Tennessee Aquarium ↗
Nov 1 – Nov 15

Rock City Gardens by day

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Walk the rock trails, swinging bridge, Lover's Leap and Fairyland Caverns, with views over seven states on clear days.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid

Check the hours calendar; from Nov 13 the evenings switch to the separately ticketed Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Details at Rock City ↗
Nov 13 – Dec 31

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

Rock City Gardens — Lookout Mountain, GA · Walker Co. · North Georgia

Rock City's nighttime holiday walk with millions of lights through the gardens on Lookout Mountain.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: Adults $31-$49, kids 3-12 $21-$39 (varies by date and entry time); tickets online only

Nightly Nov 13-Dec 31 (closed Dec 24). Timed entry.

Details at Rock City ↗
Nov 13 – Nov 15

North Pole Limited Christmas train

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Grand Junction Depot) — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · East

A 75-minute ride on a decorated, heated vintage train with hot chocolate, cookies, a story and a visit from Santa.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: From $38
  • Indoors

Season opens Fri Nov 13 (runs to Dec 23); select dates, reserve on the site.

Details at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ↗
Nov 14 – Nov 15

Christkindlmarkt Signal Mountain

Mountain Arts Community Center (MACC) — Signal Mountain · Hamilton Co. · North & Mountains

European-style holiday market with artisan gifts, festive food and cozy mountain holiday atmosphere.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Free
  • Indoors

Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

Details at Shop the Market At ↗
Nov 14 – Nov 15 · 10am

Chattanooga Renaissance Faire

Coolidge Park & Renaissance Park — Chattanooga · Hamilton Co. · Downtown & North Shore

Knights, three stages of performers, combat arenas and blacksmith and potter demonstrations across two riverfront parks.

  • Ages 0-2
  • Ages 3-5
  • Ages 6-10
  • 11+
  • Big outing
  • Paid: Tickets on the site

Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm.

Details at Chattanooga Renaissance Faire ↗

Library storytimes & programs (5, free)

From Chattanooga Public Library branches and Cherokee Regional Library (North Georgia). Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Nov 13

Saturday, Nov 14

10amFamily Day Out · Northgate Library, Chattanooga (Hixson) 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free