Travel the Ocean & River at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN

Here are some highlights from our visits:

• Lemur Forest: It’s always fun when an aquarium throws in a surprise, and this was it. The lemurs were full of personality and fun to watch as they explored their habitat.

• Penguins’ Rock: Always a crowd favorite. These penguins are energetic and curious, and their color-coded bands (with names!) make it extra fun to spot your favorites.

River Journey Exhibits

We entered the River Journey building to take a freshwater adventure—starting high in the mountains and flowing down through wetlands, rivers, and into global waterways. We really appreciated how the layout guides you through the story of freshwater ecosystems from start to finish. You travel to the top of the building and descend as you go, just like water flowing downstream.

Appalachian Cove Forest: We started our visit in this forested mountain habitat. It feels cool and peaceful with its flowing waterfall and tree canopy, plus otters.

Tennessee River: We spotted giant catfish and turtles and got a feel for just how many species live in Tennessee.

River Giants: If you’ve got kids fascinated by big animals, don’t miss this. It features freshwater giants like Arapaima and giant freshwater stingrays. Some of these fish are truly massive!

Rivers of the World: This part expands the view to global rivers—from the Amazon to the Congo—with colorful fish and eye-catching habitats. The international feel adds a fun and educational twist to the experience.

General Info for Visiting Families

• Stroller-Friendly: All areas are stroller-accessible with a smooth one-way flow. Strollers cannot be taken on escalators, but elevators are available in both buildings.
• Accessibility: All exhibit galleries are wheelchair-accessible, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow at no charge from Guest Services near the River Journey Gift Shop. These wheelchairs are first-come, first-served, and you’ll need to leave a photo ID.
• Sensory Resources: Families can check out free sensory bags with noise-dampening headphones and fidget tools at Guest Services by leaving an ID. Check the Accessibility & Inclusion page for a step-by-step visitor’s guide, called a social story, if any family members would like a preview prior to visiting.
• Nursing & Restrooms: Family restrooms are easy to find, and there’s even a nursing room at the lower level of River Journey.

• Hours: The aquarium is generally open 10 am to 7 pm, with last entry at 5 pm. Last-entry and closing times may vary by date and building, so confirm both for River Journey and Ocean Journey on your reserved date.
• Duration: We usually spend about two hours exploring the two buildings, but can easily spend three hours or more when we really take our time to enjoy all the beautiful exhibits and children’s activities.
• Tickets: Buy in advance! Timed entry helps manage crowds, and once you’re in, you can stay until closing. Tickets start at $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for ages 4 to 17. Children aged 3 years old and younger get in free.
• Parking: The aquarium’s primary parking lot offers all-day parking for $14 before tax, but be aware that rates may vary during special events. Parking does fill up fast on the weekends, but Chattanooga does offer a free downtown shuttle. If you are staying at The Hotel Chalet, consider booking a private ride with Chattanooga Horse Trams.

• IMAX Theater: It’s located just across the plaza and requires a separate ticket. Movies shown include underwater documentaries, new releases, and occasional holiday features.
• Gift Shop: Both aquarium buildings have gift shops right before you exit, and we especially appreciated the large selection of cute and creative souvenirs in the River Journey gift shop.

Dining Near the Aquarium

There is not a food court inside the aquarium, but there are some restaurants near the Tennessee Aquarium. The plaza outside has dining options and space for picnics. Since you enter two separate buildings during your visit, it’s easy to stop outside and eat a snack or lunch between buildings.

The Ice Cream Show is perfect for a post-visit treat. We have eaten lunch at Agave & Rye—our teens like the bold decor, and the tacos are always a hit (bonus: great Taco Tuesday deals).

Heads-up, though: we initially tried walking to the nearby Overboard Bar & Grille, a restaurant on a riverboat, but they don’t have bathrooms, so plan accordingly!

Free Water Play Area

During the warmer months, check out the free splash-and-play water feature right outside the aquarium. We stopped by in the evening when it was quieter, and it was a great way for the kids to burn off energy before heading home.

We loved how the plaza’s architecture ties into the aquarium buildings. Lush, flower-lined stairways rise over cascading concrete arches that ripple like flowing water. The wading stream emerges from the sidewalk, where the path has been designed to look as if it is bursting apart. The water winds through stepping stones and down a tiny waterfall, with sections of stairs leading down into splash areas for children. Much of it is shaded, too—a nice bonus on warm days!

Consider bringing bathing suits, towels, and water shoes for the kids, so you can enjoy some water play after exploring the aquarium.

Kid-Friendly Extras

• Afternoon is Ideal: Since it’s air-conditioned and indoors, this makes a great afternoon activity—especially in the heat of summer.

• Follow the Flow: One of our favorite parts of the experience was the way each building starts at the top and winds down like a real waterway. In the River Journey, you can even see through the middle of the building like you’re inside a massive river. Some tanks span more than one floor, and it’s a design that really draws you in.

• Interactive Extras: Look for touch tanks (like stingrays!) and live feeding times or talks. We missed one feeding by a few minutes but caught a learning station instead—worth checking the schedule ahead of time.

• Seasonal Fun: Depending on when you visit, you might find a few extra surprises. We spotted underwater jack-o’-lanterns during our fall trip! October’s ODDtober celebration includes underwater pumpkin-carving demonstrations. December’s Holidays Under the Peaks typically includes appearances from SCUBA Claus swimming alongside the fish! Check the aquarium’s events calendar to see what might be happening during your visit.

Our Review: Tennessee Aquarium

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