Creative Discovery Museum: the mandatory kid stop

If you’ve got kids under 10 and you’re in Chattanooga, the Creative Discovery Museum is basically mandatory. It’s a hands-on children’s museum downtown where touching everything is the entire point.

What to expect

Water play areas, a music zone, a rooftop with one of the best downtown views in the city, climbing structures, art studios, and rotating traveling exhibits. It’s designed for toddlers through about age 10 — older kids will burn through it faster, but the rooftop alone is worth the trip.

What it costs and how to do it right

Admission is around $18–20 per person (kids and adults) — check their site for current prices. Go on a weekday morning if you can; weekends are packed with birthday parties. Plan on 2–3 hours. Bring a change of clothes for little ones — the water exhibits are irresistible and nobody stays dry.

Local tips

• It’s right across from the Tennessee Aquarium, so the two make a perfect full kid-day.
• The museum hosts adults-only nights a few times a year. Yes, really. They’re great.
• There’s a small cafe inside, plus a dozen family restaurants within two blocks.

321 Chestnut St, downtown.