Tellus Science Museum

On I-75 70 miles outside of Chattanooga, in the middle of seemingly no where, there is an interesting building off to the right that for many years I either wondered about or just ignored. Finally our family checked it out, and it is amazing! We've been many times since then and have been members of it or a reciprocal museum for 5 years now.

PICNIC? yes! 

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? 

Adults: $14 + tax

Children (3 – 17): $10 + tax

PLAYGROUND? not really, 

but the "My Big Back Yard" room is very play ground like

AUTHOR'S RATING? five out of five stars!

HOURS? 10am-5pm

Closed Major Holidays

We love that the scale of the exhibits when you are in the parking lot and when you first walk in is

BIG.

We love the dinosaurs (although we often remind ourselves that, even though the information on the dinosaurs speaks as if the scientists are absolutely sure of their dates and facts, all they can do is make some educated guesses.)

Don't miss the panning for gems room that is located on a hallway branching off the transportation room. We didn't visit this our first time and really missed out! You get to keep a little bag of the real gems that you find! Behind the gems room is a dinosaur dig room where you can keep one fossil that you find. 

The transportation room goes from bicycles and buggies to space and aeronautics. We love it!

There are great picnic tables (under a huge pavilion) outside for picnics, and we often end our morning at Tellus enjoying food brought from home out there. 

{map for Tellus Science Museum}

The Jump Park

If you're looking for a special place to have a party or just a rainy day way to get all those sillies out of your kids, The Jump Park is a winner! There are two foam block pits, a fun slide, rock walls, and the floors are covered with trampolines!

 PICNIC? no

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? One Hour: $8/6 and under; $12/ages 7 and up

$5 for parents 

(kids 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

Two Hours: $15/6 and under; $20/ages 7 and up

$10 for parents

{Special Deal: Week days from 9-10am adults do not have to 

pay to go in with their younger ones.}

PLAYGROUND? YES!

AUTHOR'S RATING? four out of five stars

HOURS? Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm

Fri and Sat. 9am-12am

Sunday 11am-9pm

{Map for The Jump Park}

Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train Museum

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is not just a song or an icon of our fun city; 

it's also a great place to eat, play or hang out!

I've heard several people say that the Model Train Museum there is one of those hidden gems of the city--come and check it out!

You also might want the Chattanooga Choo Choo if you're looking to sleep in an old railcar, be sung to by a waiter, or walk in lovely formal gardens.

PICNIC? I don't see why not. I don't think I would go full out picnic, but hanging out in the gardens and having a picnic snack would probably be fine.

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? Model Train MuseumDaily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm: $5/adults; $3/ages 3-12

Trolley Ride: $3/person

(Daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm)

PLAYGROUND? no

AUTHOR'S RATING? five out of five stars

HOURS? 

Sunday - Friday:  1pm - 6pm 

Saturday:             10am - 8pm

From its earliest days, Chattanooga was a river town. But in 1849 the first train arrived, and Chattanooga also became a town of the rails. In 1871 the luxurious Stanton House was opened to cater to the traffic of those rails. After its heyday the Stanton House was neglected and finally leveled in 1906 to make way for the Terminal Train Station, opened in 1909.

This train station bustled until the 60s and then closed entirely when the last passenger train passed through Chattanooga in August of 1970. It wasn't long (just 3 years) until The Chattanooga Choo Choo was opened as a hotel. Cincinnati Southern's engine was brought in to be the official Choo Choo and the bustle of the old railway days surrounds her in the yard of the hotel.

I've given the Choo Choo my highest rating because of its historical place in our city and its variety of entertainment and hotel options. Do you need train pictures of your toddler? A fun date idea? A fancy place for out of town friends to stay? A morning outing for your train-loving son? Shops? Garden background for prom/engagement pics? All of that and more can be found at the Choo Choo!

The Model Railroad Museum has a representation of Chattanooga, her attractions and her resources.

My kids favorite part of the model museum was the few interactive parts of the display. You could push a button to make the Incline Railway run or a lumber jack chop down a tree. They were enthralled!

{map for the Chattanooga Choo Choo}

Towing and Recovery Museum

International Towing and Recovery Museum

If your child is at all interested in trucks, this is the Chattanooga museum for you!

I really didn't know what to expect from this museum that we pass nearly every day and had never investigated.

It is an interesting place!

 PICNIC? no

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? $10/adults; $6/ages 6-14

PLAYGROUND? no

AUTHOR'S RATING? four out of five stars

HOURS? 

Summer Hours (March. 1-Oct.31)

Monday - Saturday 9 - 5 (Last Tour @ 4:15 PM)

Sunday 11 - 5 (Last Tour @ 4:15 PM)

Winter Hours (Nov 1-Feb.28)

Monday - Saturday 10 - 4:30 (Last Tour @ 3:45 PM)

Sunday 11 - 5 (Last Tour @ 4:15 PM)

Closed Major Holidays

The kids REALLY enjoyed the operational, interactive tow truck. I think we could have played on it, taking turns with the controls for hours!

In the gift shop, there are a few old trucks for you to enjoy as well as the interactive tow truck. If you need to purchase a model truck, a truck shirt or a matchbox car, this might be a good time to get in a few of the sights of the museum for free. Come enjoy and interact just in the gift shop for a bit!

But if you're in the mood for some BIG TRUCKS, buy a ticket and head to the back of the museum to tour their trucks.

And check out the wall of toy trucks!

This museum is a kid-friendly place, but explain to your children that most of the trucks in the museum are not to be touched and you'll have a great time looking and marveling at them!

{map for International Towing and Recovery Museum}

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

I can't think of a better way to view the Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain areas than from the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway! When paired with lovely Point Park on the top of Lookout Mountain, this makes the perfect morning's outing.

PICNIC? yes--at picnic tables at the bottom of the incline

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? $15/adults; $7/ages 3-12

PLAYGROUND? no

AUTHOR'S RATING? four out of five stars

HOURS? 10-6pm every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas

Don't miss the views from the observation decks at the top of the incline!

When getting on the incline, watch your step! The car itself is inclined!

Passing the other train car is one of the thrills of the ride.

I love the windows at the top of the car--the ride is so steep that these windows show the view of the valley.

This is the pulley that holds the whole thing together! When one car goes up, the other goes down.

I definitely recommend the incline!

{map for Incline Railway}

Chattanooga's 175th Anniversary

Hooray for Celebrations! Here are a few that a friend (Thanks, Heather!) let me know about via email. I thought I'd pass it along to any of you who wanted to take advantage...
Expect to see some pictures and write-ups of some of these great attractions after the kiddos and I take advantage of some of these great deals this week!
Happy Anniversary, Chattanooga!

In honor of Chattanooga's 175th Anniversary, some area attractions and restaurants are having specials. 
http://www.cha175.org/events/ 


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

In celebration of Chattanooga's 175th Anniversary, from November 8th - 15th, the Chattanooga Choo Choo will be offering $1.75 Trolley Rides (adults and children), $1.75 Model Railroad Museum Admission (adults and children), and $1.75 off all bottles and glasses of wine in the Victorian Lounge when you mention CHATTANOOGA'S 175th ANNIVERSARY!
https://www.facebook.com/events/722334277850421/?ref=5
http://www.choochoo.com/index.php



SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 8

$1.75 All Day @ Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Saturday
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
200 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
https://www.facebook.com/events/767992049928842/
http://www.bessiesmithcc.org/
http://www.bessiesmithcc.org/archives/832



MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Bonus Taco Day at Mojo Burrito!
Monday, November 10 at 11:00am
Mojo Burrito
Three Locations!, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421
Start your week off right with $1.75 tacos at all three of our locations in honor of 175 years of Chattanooga! Get your choice of Key Lime Chicken, St. Elmo's Fire Chicken, Ground Chuck, or Steak in a soft flour or crunchy corn shell with cheese and lettuce.
For directions and more info, check us out online at www.mojoburrito.com.
https://www.facebook.com/events/485588538249462/



TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Veteran’s Day Concert
Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
399 Mccallie Ave, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
The CSO pays tribute to the veterans of our armed forces in this free concert featuring works such as the Armed Forces Salute, John Philip Sousa’s The Washington Post, the traditional Taps, and concluding with The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Doors to the outer lobby and pre-concert activities open at 6:00p. Concert begins at 7:00p.
This concert is free and open to the public.
In partnership with Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
https://www.facebook.com/events/771234639582475/
http://chattanoogaonstage.com/events/chattanooga-symphony-opera-free-veterans-day-concert/
http://chattanoogasymphony.org/event/veterans-day-concert/



WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

International Towing Museum $1.75 Admission
Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum
3315 Broad St, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37408
Fun and educational for the whole family! Discover the history of towing and recovery. The museum includes a memorial for those fallen in the line of duty as well as exhibits with real towing trucks and equipment dating back to 1916.
$1.75 Admission for adults, seniors and children
https://www.facebook.com/events/642548562524383/
http://internationaltowingmuseum.org/


BOGO at the Hunter
12:00noon - 5:00pm
Hunter Museum of American Art
10 Bluff View St, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
In celebration of Chattanooga’s 175th birthday, we will offer a “buy one-get one” day pass on this day only!
https://www.facebook.com/events/543070619173139/
http://www.huntermuseum.org/events/2014/11/12/bogo-at-the-hunter


$1.75 @ The Incline Railway
Wednesday, November 12 at 1:30pm - 6:00pm
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 40299
Ride the historic Incline at a discounted rate in celebration of Chattanooga's 175th Anniversary.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1548279165390654/



THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

5:30 - 8 p.m.    
Free Family Night at the Creative Discovery Museum
Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Mark your calendar! Tonight is the night to join us for free family fun. Make a splash in RiverPlay! Create a masterpiece in Arts Alley! Dig the dinos in Excavation Station! Bring the family and enjoy art lessons, science demos, a drawing for a free membership, guests from other organizations such as Project Ready for School and much much more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/587809907991314/
http://cdmfun.org/page/calendar



FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

$1.75 Zoo Admission
November 14 - November 15
Nov 14 at 9:00am to Nov 15 at 5:00pm
Chattanooga Zoo
301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
Come experience the Chimpanzees in the Gombe Forest, the Jaguars and Capybaras in the Corcovado Jungle and the Red Pandas and Snow Leopards in the Himalayan Passage and much much more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1559243997642476/
http://www.chattzoo.org/


SATURDAY, NOVEMER 15

Clumpies CHA 175 Discount Deal!
Saturday, November 15
Clumpie's
Chattanooga, Tennessee
$1.75 off any purchase of $10.00 or more on Saturday 11/15/14. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
https://www.facebook.com/events/314099158775222/


Happy Birthday Chattanooga!
Saturday, November 15 at 10:00am - 2:00pm
Coolidge Park
150 River St, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405
Celebrate Chattanooga's 175th birthday at Coolidge Park! This all-ages event will include face painters, a "selfie station" with local mascots, treats from local favorites like Moon Pie and Coca-Cola, bouncy houses, birthday card station with Top Flight paper products, and more. Come join us and make sure to stick around to sing Happy Birthday to our great City!
https://www.facebook.com/events/605996672838291/

Fall Festivals

It is fall! Hooray! And it is time to enjoy all of the great festivals our city offers.

Check out these festivals over the next few weeks and months!

Lookout Mountain Elementary School Festival 
Today! Tuesday September 23
3-7pm
Rain Date September 25
Located at the Lookout Mountain Commons
Games, bounce houses, pony rides, hay ride, bake sale and more!
Cost of activities ranges from $.50-$2
(My kids favorites: getting their hair colored, bounce house--slide, and riding the ponies!)
All proceeds benefit Lookout Mountain Elementary School

Map for Lookout Mountain Commons

Go!Fest Chattanooga
Saturday, September 27th
10am-3pm
Located at the Chattanooga Zoo
FREE entry to the Chattanooga Zoo as well as activities and information about disabilities awareness

Map for Chattanooga Zoo

Autumn Festival
Saturday, October 4
1-6pm
Tennessee Riverpark
Games, bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo, snacks, prizes
Cost of activities ranges from $.50-$3
All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House

Map for Tennessee Riverpark

Old McDonald Farm

Saturdays and Sundays, September 20 &21-November 1&2

10am-7pm

Pumpkin patch, Hay rides, Hay maze, Corn maze, Critter Barn, Combine Barn, Wagon Ride, and more!

Admission is $12 per person, 2 and under are free

(Farmer's Golf and Pumpkin Slingshot are a little extra.)

Located at 16705 Coulterville Road, Sale Creek, TN 37373

Map for Old McDonald's Farm

Know of other festivals in the area? Please let me know!

Point Park, Lookout Mountain

PICNIC? yes--at a designated picnic ground outside the park

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? $3/adults; no cost for children age 15 or younger 

PLAYGROUND? no

AUTHOR'S RATING? four out of five stars

HOURS? 9-5pm

Point Park is a part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

If you're interested in the Civil War or beautiful views of the Chattanooga valley, this is the place for you.

There are canons and memorials

and if you schedule it or come during a scheduled exhibition time, there are reenactments and artillery demonstrations.

Guided Tours available for home schoolers and classrooms

The hiking around the park is great, but the short walk around the park is just about perfect if you're "hiking" with little ones. 

{Trail Map of Lookout Mountain Area}

Before or after your visit in the park, visit The Battles of Chattanooga, located right beside the Point Park gift shop (outside the entrance to the park).

PICNIC? this is right in front of the Point Park picnic area

SWIMSUIT? no

COST? $8/adults; $6/ages 5-12 (4 and under free)

PLAYGROUND? no

AUTHOR'S RATING? four out of five stars

HOURS? 9-6pm Summer

10-5pm The rest of the year

The presentation in the museum is a 3-dimensional map with lights and audio recording of the story of the Civil War. This will definitely be part of our Civil War home school curriculum!