adventure Archives

Free:

Tennessee Aquarium
- Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
- Fountains and plaza stream open during aquarium hours
- Water steps currently closed (as of 5/16/22)
- Free to public
Coolidge Park
- Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Fountains open during park hours
- Free to public
Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area
- Address: 3012-3020 Kings Point Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37406
- Roped swimming area open during park hours
- Free to public
Chester Frost Park
- Address: 7872 Causeway Road, Hixson, TN 37343
- Beach Area Hours: 6am-10pm daily
- Free to public

Inexpensive:

Warner Park Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
- Address: 1254 East Third Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404
- Open May 28th, Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat 12:30-5
- Age 3 and older are $3, children 2 under are free
Carver Center Outdoor Pool
- Address: 600 North Orchard Knob Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406
- Open Now, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30-3
- Age 18 and older are $2, 17 under is $1
Brainerd Complex Indoor Pool
- Address: 1010 North Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
- Open Now, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Age 18 and older are $2, 17 under is $1
South Chattanooga Complex Indoor Pool
- Address: 1151 West 40th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37409
- Open Now, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Age 18 and older are $2, 17 under is $1
Red Bank Community Pool
- Address: 3620 Tom Weathers Dr, Red Bank, TN 37415
- Opens May 28th, Tues-Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5, Closed Mon
- Ages 4-60 are $4, Children 3 and under Free
- Season passes available

Expensive:

SOAKya Water Park at Lake Winnepesaukah
- Address: 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741
- Opens May 28th, Fri-Sat 11-7, Mon,Tues, & Thurs 11-5, Sun 1-6, Closed Wed
- Prices start at $29.96 for children aged 1-2 and 60+, $39.95 for ages 3-59
NoogaSplash at Chester Frost Park
- Address: 2389 Gold Point Cir N, Hixson, TN 37343
- Opens May 28th, Sun-Fri 11-8 and Sat 10-8
- Prices start at $15.99 (weekday) and $18.99 (weekend)

When it comes to a hike with kids there are a few things that you should keep in mind before setting out. You want to plan for success and be proactive. If Stephen Covey puts “Be Proactive” as his #1 Habit for Highly Effective People, then it should be considered here too. He’s a pretty smart dude!

Plan. Plan. Plan.

Determine what your route will be. (check out some ideas here)
Plan the mileage of the hike. (I use AllTrails for mapping and planning)
Look at the map, two or three times.
Find the directions and drive time to get to the trailhead.
Check the weather.
Plan for the estimated total hike time.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Bring more than enough water.
Bring more than enough snacks. (check out the my sn ack post for tips here)
Wear weather appropriate clothes.
Have a towel, just in case.
Wear and bring extra sunscreen.
If you’ve got an untrained or recently potty trained little one, make sure you’ve got the diapers, wipes, and a bag to pack it out.

Execute. Execute. Execute.

Keep it easy and have fun.
Bring a wilderness scavenger hunt checklist.
Go on a bear hunt (inspired by the classic children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”)
Make up some other imaginary game to keep the morale high.
Have you got a little one who might struggle with the hike? Consider a baby carrier or jogging stroller, if the trail is appropriate. (check out my Stroller vs. Baby Carrier post)
If you are picture-taking people, snap some shots to save for the memory collection.

Have fun exploring!