Looking for affordable family fun downtown? Check out our list of ideas for spending an upcoming afternoon with your family or the littles in your life.

Aquarium Wading Streams & Plaza

Whether you’re waiting for your admission time to enter the Aquarium or saving your visit for another time, the plaza in front of the Aquarium offers free fun with an interactive system of wading pools and streams, a prime spot for littles to splash around when it’s hot outside. The plaza also features elevated walkways with native plants and river overlooks.

Complete your afternoon with a post-splash walk over to Ben & Jerry’s for a treat.

Creative Discovery Museum

Regular admission is $15.95 at the Creative Discovery Museum, but the attraction offers a number of discounts. This stop could easily take up an afternoon or the whole day. There’s always a new special exhibit to explore as well as permanent exhibits like the Excavation Station, Buzz Alley to learn about bees, and much more.

The Passage

The Passage stairway is an interactive Native American memorial with signage, sculpture and art commemorating a portion of the Trail of Tears. Water flows down these steps to the Tennessee River adjacent to the Tennessee Aquarium, inviting kids to play and splash. This is another fun option for family entertainment while waiting for your timed entry to the Aquarium, or fun on its own.

Play on the Scramble

One of downtown’s newest art installations, The Scramble, connects Walnut Plaza to the Aquarium along 1st Street. It’s made from locally cut stone, designed to honor Chattanooga’s natural heritage, and demonstrates an innovative stormwater and filtration system. But perhaps best of all, you’re encouraged to climb and explore the installation.

A treat from Downtown Dough will be in order once everyone is tired out.

Riverfront Playground

Get some energy out with a play day at this playground on the Riverfront. It’s a six-minute walk from the Aquarium - head toward the waterfront, pass the fishing dock on your right, and you can’t miss it.

To cool off after playground time, check out some fun of the splashing variety from the top of our list, or head to Coldstone Creamery, a walkable ice cream stop from the playground, to complete your afternoon.

Riverwalk

Portions of the 16-mile Tennessee Riverwalk run along the downtown Riverfront with several access points. Pack a picnic and enjoy birds, wildlife and nature with a walking, biking or rollerblading family excursion along the paved path.

Due to the many access points, you can make your Riverwalk afternoon as long or short of a visit as you like. Plenty of picnic tables, shelters, playgrounds and fishing piers are available at different locations throughout the entire Riverwalk to maximize your convenience and fun.

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Whether you’re looking for water fun, climbing and exploring, or sweet treats - our Downtown offers plenty of options for enjoying affordable family time.

Not sure where to park for your family fun adventure? Check out our map. And remember, all metered parking is free every Sunday and daily after 6 p.m.

Free & Low Cost Family Fun for an Afternoon Downtown