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Tennessee Aquarium

4.5 (600 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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Sadie W.

We brought my daughter and her friend here for Spring Break. This was our first time here. The actual parking lot seemed to be full so we parked in across the street in another paid parking lot. The aquarium is amazing. So many different exhibits. If you prepurchase your tickets they will let you in a few minutes before your time to prevent overcrowding.

Ashley S.

This aquarium is fantastic! There are two different buildings, one freshwater and one salt water or "ocean". You can also include the IMAX with your ticket if you want. We did not have time when we went. I loved the ocean exhibits. They were fantastic. I recommend going early in the day so you have plenty of time. We didn't make it through everything before they closed.

Fish
Claudia R.

I love the Tennessee aquarium! There's two buildings that have a lot of interesting ocean life to see. I was able to pet the stingrays, go into a butterfly room, see penguins, touch water that was set to the same temperature the penguins swim in, and so much more. It was a little bit expensive but they do have various discounts and the experience was unforgettable.

Exploring the fishes
Dee Y.

Spent the afternoon with a class of First Year students at the aquarium. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We walked around and saw the various fish and sharks. They really enjoyed the butterfly room, walking around, trying to get the butterfly to touch their fingers. Lived there were a few animals touch stations and feeding during our time. My students are college aged and really enjoyed themselves!!

Sydney J.

Awesome aquarium, and I love how outdoorsy it feels. The exhibits are beautiful, clean, and full of fascinating marine life. I loved the touch tanks, the playful otters, and the stunning butterfly garden. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and even the bathrooms are spotless. Truly one of the best attractions in Tennessee, and a must go if you like marine life or have kids. I do want to say it's a ton of walking on ramps during the main large enclosure, so it can be harder on the knees. But otherwise, it was excellent. I thought that it was very fun, very peaceful, and I really enjoyed it. I didn't get to speak to many staff, however the staff I did communicate with were very kind and happy to help. The butterfly garden is absolutely beautiful.

Marilyn D.

This is an amazing aquarium. I love how the break up the over from the River. Do one side first and then walk down the street to one of the great restaurant options. We took out 3 and 7 year old grandchildren and they had a blast. This is also a great place to visit if weather is not cooperating. Finally The Butterfly garden was absolutely stunning. I think I could have stayed there for hours

Mal A.

AMAZING. A must visit for kids and adults, our family loved all of it. The aquarium is beautiful itself, but the atmosphere was great and staff were all so friendly. We absolutely enjoyed all the experiences!

Kamrie F.

I like how you start at the top and slowly work your way down. When I went there wasn't too many people so I was able to see everything and enjoy the place. There is two sections so make sure you have time to visit both spots. I thought it was kind of ironic that they talk about polluting the ocean and rivers and even have a display of art using stuff they've found underwater yet offer a bunch of plastic toys and souvenirs. Felt like they could have made a better statement not giving in to capitalistic marketing but hey that's just me. They had a butterfly room that was super cool and had so many fun plants.

William D.

What a top notch aquarium experience! When you come to Chattanooga carve out 2.5hrs of your time to walk through the fresh water and salt water aquariums. It was the highlight of my recent trip.

Sarah H.

I love the Tennessee Aquarium! The way it's set up makes it such a calm and relaxing place to visit. The lighting feels cozy, and there are spots to sit and just watch the animals swim by. I went this weekend for the Animal Crossing collab, and it was super cute! They had little pop-up signs about the game in both buildings, and you got a sticker at the end for going through the exhibits. The butterfly garden is always one of my favorite parts--there are so many butterflies flying around. I also love the "cave" exhibit where you can see the underside of the big ocean tank. It's such a fun way to spend a few hours!

Tennessee Aquarium "Ocean Journey" Building
Ame G.

We absolutely loved this place! It is huge with tons of unique exhibits. It's a great attraction and there are two buildings, one for the river and one for the ocean. The river building breaks down all sorts of river life around the world, with a focus on the Tennessee River (which it happens to be sitting on). The ocean building has what you would expect (sharks, rays, etc) but also a surprising butterfly exhibit that you walk through. Each of the buildings has a great flow/layout, and the main tank has numerous huge viewing areas. Definitely get your tickets at least the day before because entry times go by hourly time blocks. There was plenty of nearby parking for a small fee within walking distance (we parked in a large lot across the street from the Southern Belle Riverboat and Riverfront Playground). We spent about 3 hours touring the two buildings exhibits. Loved everything that was offered- especially the lemurs and butterflies! Definitely recommend a visit here.

Lemur
Jeff C.

We took our grandkids to the aquarium in late August. It is situated overlooking the Tennessee river. After procuring your tickets and upon entry they take your picture as a souvenir from your visit. It's a high quality photo 8x10 and three wallet sizes. They loved both parts the river side and the ocean side. The facility is well kept and modern. The inside temperature was perfect for a hot August day. Inside there are elevators to take you to the four levels in each building. The displays are well kept for the creatures and there are many interesting informational and educational signs about each for the visitors to read. The highlights for my group included the penguins, lemurs, sharks, otters, jelly fish, and petting rays and sturgeons. There is a refreshment cart outside the aquarium and mobility restrooms inside. The aquarium is easy to get to from the freeway and plenty of chain and non chain restaurants near by. We've been twice now and it's a good and fun weekend escape from Atlanta or other towns- Recommended!

Chloe W.

A visit to the Aquarium was the perfect way to spend a rainy activity in Chattanooga! We loved the well laid out design, including the interactive exhibits and staff member stationed throughout to learn more. The butterfly garden and the penguin habitat were our favorites! Well worth spending a few hours to see everything.

Penguins

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Tennessee Aquarium Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Tennessee Aquarium

Is it Pet friendly?

No, you cannot take pets inside.

Are mask forced at the aquarium at this time?

Masks, as of 06/19/22, are not required. However, masks are STRONGLY recommended for everyone in public indoor spaces - including both Aquarium buildings and their IMAX theater. This is per their website FAQs page.

Are there electric vehicles available at the aquarium? Handicapped Parking? I'm very sorry to learn there are no electric chairs or carts for rent. As a solo traveler, that means I cannot visit the Aquarium.

Parking, at and around, the Tennessee Aquarium is on a paid basis. All lots have smooth transitions, or ramp transitions, from parking area to sidewalk. Handicap parking is limited but, there are several parallel spots also available.… Read more

Are masks required for children?

In mid June when we visited masks were required for all until 11AM. After that time it was optional. Clearly some people feel they are above safety rules and guidelines but a high majority of people followed until 11.

Is the butterfly garden still there? I couldn't find it on the main page exhibits

It was when we were there at the beginning of the year

Does anyone know how much the military discount takes off from your admission price (5%? 10%?)?

Is two hours really long enough? How much time should one realistically expect to spend at the aquarium to experience everything without rushing?

It can be done in 2 hours depending on your interest level. The second building wasn't as content-filled as I expected. Lots of empty space. We were there 4 hours and felt we saw it thoroughly. That time also includes walking a couple of blocks and… Read more

How much is a ticket for an adult?

29.95 for an adult. This is a non profit so no tax and the dollars go towards education programs to help promote safe water! 18.95 for children 3-12. Ticket price can be applied to a year long membership. They offer combination price tickets for the… Read more

What days will it be open during Thanksgiving week and what are the prices?

Aquarium is open every day except December 25 and Thanksgiving day. The days before holidays are best for visiting. Check the.org website for special programs. Remember to eat local when you visit, the local farmers have beautiful harvest they share… Read more

Are there places to sit down as you tour the aquarium?

Yes, there are benches throughout the exhibits. :)

Is there a parking garage near by the aquarium? I think there is but not to sure...was back there in 2009.

I didn't see a garage but there are multiple paid parking lots. You can pay by app, credit card or cash.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Tennessee Aquarium

Exhibitions: there are two in separate buildings one is the River Journey and the other is the Ocean Journey.

Mentioned in 46 reviews

Read more highlights

Creative Discovery Museum - The riverboat climbing are

Creative Discovery Museum

4.7(113 reviews)
0.2 mi

I remember taking my daughter there maybe 20+ years ago. Not much after they opened. Kids love it…read moreand my 6 year old grandson wanted to stay when I was ready to leave after 3 hours :-) If you go be sure to look around because there are tons of activities and things for kids to do and explore. They also have a cafeteria, which I found by accident. The only complaint I might have is some of the activities on the second level were in disrepair or not well maintained. Still if you have kidlets, highly recommended. Don't forget if you have an aquarium membership, you get a discount!!

We took our son to Chattanooga for a surprise birthday trip and concluded our weekend visit with a…read moretrip to the Creative Discovery Museum and I am so happy that we got a chance to visit. This place is absolutely amazing and so much fun for both kiddos and parents! Since we stayed at a nearby hotel, we walked about a block to the museum but there is plenty of parking available behind the building but I am not sure about the cost. We arrived just as they opened and the staff member that assisted us was super sweet and because it was my son's birthday, she gifted him with free admission which was a huge win for our budget. As soon as walked into the actual museum, the first thing my kiddos saw was the water area which of course the only thing they wanted to play with. The water area is setup in a way that kids can play with toys, learn about water conservation, build bridges, and have a wonderful time prior to getting into the nitty gritty of all the museum has to offer. They have aprons so my kiddos weren't drenched but just know that area gets a bit congested. There are sooooo many things to do from art to a robot car build and challenge to playing musical instruments. There is also a fun little outdoor space with a cool play area, fun artwork, and games. We had sooooo much fun and it is truly a wonderful place to try and learn new things. There is also an area for the tinier ones where they can "ride a tractor", take care of bunnies (stuffed of course), set the dinner table, cook, and do other household chores. I mean there is soooooo much to do and so much fun to be had. I cannot recommend this place enough and I promise by the time your leave, the kiddos will definitely have a blast as will you!

Photos
Creative Discovery Museum - Painting in Art Studio

Painting in Art Studio

Creative Discovery Museum - Make It gallery

Make It gallery

Creative Discovery Museum

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Southern Belle Riverboat - Sunset

Southern Belle Riverboat

2.9(155 reviews)
0.2 mi

Beautiful Sunset Cruise, But Inconsistent Hours at the Gift Shop…read more We had a lovely time aboard the Southern Belle for their Sunset Cruise. When we boarded, we made our way to the middle deck, front of the boat--and found the perfect little spot with a private table and chairs. It felt like our own peaceful corner of the river. No crowd, just a quiet, relaxing ride with amazing views of the Chattanooga skyline and surrounding scenery as the sun set. Absolutely gorgeous. After docking, we decided to eat at the restaurant above the gift shop. It was a great way to end the evening--the food was tasty, and the river views from the deck made it even better. We asked the staff what time the gift shop closed and were told 9:00 PM, so we waited until after dinner to pick up souvenirs. Unfortunately, by the time we finished eating (maybe 10 minutes later), the shop had already closed. Kind of a bummer. Since then, we've tried to return twice while driving through Chattanooga--hoping to grab some mementos--but no one answers the phone, and the gift shop hasn't been open either time. Their posted hours on both the website and Google are clearly off, which has made it pretty frustrating. All in all, we loved the cruise and highly recommend it, especially if you can snag a quiet spot on the deck. Just don't count on the gift shop being open--even if you're told otherwise. Buy your souvenirs before dinner just to be safe!

A nice midday diversion in the heart of Chattanooga…read more NOTE: The day before our trip, the venue called to say there would be 152 middle schoolers on the boat with us. They offered to move us to another date or refund, but we were coming from out of town and had no more availability, so we kept our booking. Location and Parking Located right on the riverfront, parking is available in a paid lot across from the dock. Venue and Atmosphere Enter through the gift shop, which is a replica of the boat. After we checked in and got our tokens and complimentary moon pie, we headed upstairs to the full service restaurant and bar. They have happy hour (BOGO free beers) all day Monday-Friday, which came as a pleasant surprise to us. The charcuterie board was delicious, colorful, and filling as well. All of the restaurant food here can be taken onto the boat, so off we went to enjoy a late lunch on the deck. The middle school group corralled on the first floor, so we enjoyed the second floor completely to ourselves. I must say this was the most welcome surprise of the day. The live narrator was knowledgable with a soothing voice. A few time he had to stop to get the kids under control or remind a chaperone to come ot the deck, but kids will be kids I guess. Service Service was prompt, courteous, and efficient; and we had the sweetest bartender. Food and Beverages We had two Angry Orchard Ciders and a charceuterie board. Everything was delicious! Verdict I'll be back for the sunset cruise one day!

Photos
Southern Belle Riverboat
Southern Belle Riverboat - Top outdoor deck

Top outdoor deck

Southern Belle Riverboat

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Naughty Cat Cafe - This is the second room at the Naughty Cat Cafe where some of the residents hang out.

Naughty Cat Cafe

4.8(127 reviews)
3.2 mi
$$

The perfect addition to our little vacation here in Chattanooga. Definitely worth a visit for all…read morecat lovers.

Heartwarming to spend an hour loving on some foster care cats. That's what you can expect from a…read morevisit here to the Naughty Cat Cafe located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Someone on TikTok made a mention to this place and when I discovered you can pay $17 to spend quality time giving affection to 30 cats looking for their forever homes, this was a MUST DO, NON NEGOTIABLE for me, lol. I purchased and reserved my spot online ahead of time at naughtycatcafe.com. Their hours are mostly 11am - 5pm daily with being closed on Monday's and Tuesday's. One noticeable rule that is mentioned by the owner/manager is to not pick up the cats as most of them have been recently spade or neutered. The main room of the cafe is a low key, rustic lounge. It's dimly lit for the benefit of a few of the residents. Veering to the right is an open space with couches and chairs for visitors to sit down on and plenty of window lighting for other cats to watch the happenings outside. I approached this one cat who was lying on her side and we bonded. I showered her with tummy rubs which she gladly accepted. Watching her closing her eyes in total bliss (and trust) had me feeling sentimental in the best way possible. It was pure joy to give this cat some cuddle time. This was actually my first ever visit to a cat cafe. I had heard about them occasionally, but never actually considered stopping inside one. But, this was the perfect time to take a break from my roadtrip travels, just connecting with cats (or animals in general) can have rejuvenating powers that is healthy for the soul. Overall, it was a blessing to spend an hour with some lovable cats. Too bad I'm not anywhere from the Chattanooga, Tennessee area but I am thankful that there are shelter/foster homes like this Naughty Cat Cafe to give them exposure to visitors who may consider adopting them, so they can live a quality life. Thank you for having me.

Photos
Naughty Cat Cafe - This is the Naughty Cat Cafe, a foster home for cats located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This is the Naughty Cat Cafe, a foster home for cats located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Naughty Cat Cafe - Inside the Naughty Cat Cafe lounge

Inside the Naughty Cat Cafe lounge

Naughty Cat Cafe - Come spend an hour meeting and greeting 30 lovable cats at the Naughty Cat Cafe in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Come spend an hour meeting and greeting 30 lovable cats at the Naughty Cat Cafe in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Tennessee Aquarium - aquariums - Updated May 2026

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