Spring break is almost here; have you made plans, yet? Chattanooga, Tennessee could be your answer. March 14 – April 19, the city transforms into a place where excitement dominates, and adventure abounds. As part of Spring Break Safari in Chattanooga, 11 attractions offer families specially designed expeditions, allowing kids to undertake a series of roles such as zoologist, sword fighter, riverboat pirate and more. Print your Spring Break Safari Guide from the website, or pick one up at a participating attraction.
Spring Break Safari Adventures
Rock City Gardens Sword Fighter
Explore the enchanted forest at Rock City Gardens. Scale the 25-foot castle wall, and learn basic archery and sword fighting skills like a real knight at the Knights Training Academy. Complete the academy and be knighted by Queen Guinevere. Knights Packages start at $11.95 and include a sword, archery set, one rock climb and the knighting ceremony.
Chattanooga Zoo Zoologist
Learn how zookeepers care for the zoo’s animals during daily Keeper Chats. Weekend Adventure Shows teach about different animals from around the world. Both programs are free with admission; save by showing your Spring Break Safari Guide.
Tennessee Aquarium High-Tech Animal Tracker
Earn your High-Tech Animal Tracker Certificate by joining the team of wildlife biologists to seek out some of the world’s most interesting animals. Your exploration guide is a free Tennessee Aquarium smart-phone app, which navigates you to various beacons within the aquarium. The trekking experience is free with paid admission.
Bluff View Art District Artisanal Adventurer
Learn how pastries, chocolate truffles and other culinary delights are crafted. Pick up an artist notebook, and head to the River Gallery Sculpture Garden to explore your inner artist. All experiences are free.
Chattanooga Choo Choo Engineer
Ride a 1924 electric trolley through the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, and receive an honorary engineer certificate. Trolley is free for up to two kiddos. Show your Spring Break Safari Guide for a free whistle at the Depot Gift Shop.
Creative Discovery Museum Human-Abilities Inventor
Tour the new Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering exhibit, with stories of engineers and inventors who design and use technologies to help people achieve amazing feats. Show your Safari Guide for a free gift from the Museum Gift Shop.
Southern Belle Riverboat Pirate
Explore the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle’s lunch or dinner cruise. You’ll travel around Lookout Mountain, under the city’s four bridges and along the Chattanooga waterfront. Show your Safari Guide for a free eye patch, bandana and time with the Pirate Captain. Prices vary.
High Point Climbing and Fitness Rock Climber
Spring Break Rock Climber Camp is a two-day experience for kids ages 5-14. For four hours each day, a staff member spends one-on-one time teaching kids about climbing, equipment and more. With instruction and open climbing time, kids walk away with a feeling of accomplishment. $70 a climber. Reservations encouraged.
Hunter Museum of American Art Art Explorer
Stroll the halls of Hunter Museum of American Art studying gorgeous art. Roam the Sculpture Plaza, or visit “The New York Times Magazine Photographs,” where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of the Magazine. Museum admission includes a compass and mini magnifying glass.
Ruby Falls Speleologist
Learn about rocks and geology from inside Ruby Falls. Explore America’s deepest cave accessible to the public and largest underground waterfall. Show your Safari Guide to receive a free geode.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Conductor
All aboard! One child per family rides free with paying adult on the local Missionary Ridge vintage train trip. Watch the turntable move the engine for a return trip, and take a guided tour of the East Chattanooga equipment and restoration facility. Tickets start at $11.
Special lodging packages are also available at several hotels in the area, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Chattanoogan.
How will your family be celebrating spring break?
