Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga

This roadtrip from Huntsville is under 2 hours away!
There's lots to do with kids in Chattanooga, TN

Growing up, one of my favorite memories was a summer trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga with my mom and some of her friends! Going back 20 years later and experiencing the Aquarium with my children was truly a core memory for our family.

The mission of the Tennessee Aquarium is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife.

The Tennessee Aquarium is separated into two buildings full of wildlife and sea creatures! The buildings are split into two different categories: The River Journey and The Ocean Journey. My favorite part of the way the buildings are set up is that you can start in either one and even go back to the buildings more than once, since your pass is an all-day pass. When experiencing the aquarium, you start on the top floor and work your way down to the first floor! Strollers, wheelchair users, and those with limited mobility will have access to an elevator in both buildings.

Tickets are available online or on property at the ticketing office on the Aquarium Plaza: $39.95 for an adult, $29.95 for youth ages 5-17, and free for 4 and under. IMAX Documentary films are $9.95. Please be aware the Aquarium is on a timed ticket entry, and memberships are available as well!

Parking:
There are several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater, and a free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga.

Pricing for the Primary lot is as follows:

0-3 Hours: $9
3-5 Hours: $12
All Day: $14
After 4 pm: $10

Both buildings have plenty of benches or areas to stop and take a rest while your family enjoys all that each exhibit has to offer! No outside food or drinks are allowed in the building, but right outside both buildings there are many food options from quick snack food trucks, a diner, and other chain restaurants all within 0.5 miles!

The River Journey offers river otters, trout, alligators, and small freshwater fish to river giants! Our family’s favorite part of the river journey experience was the otters and the river giants that the kids were calling “river sharks” all day long.

The Ocean Journey building includes stingrays, butterflies, penguins, Secret Reef (their largest exhibit), and jellyfish. Our family’s favorite part of The Ocean Building Journey was the butterfly house and the secret reef!

Visiting Tate Farms in Meridianville this fall

My family cannot recommend the Tennessee Aquarium enough! The staff is friendly, the animals are lively, and most importantly, the experience is worth it. Consider the Tennessee Aquarium for your next day trip. The butterflies will be excited to see you there.

Tennessee Aquarium Admission Prices & Details

2025 Prices

Admission to the Aquarium is $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids ages 5-17 (ages 4 and under are free).

Add an IMAX movie for just $9.95 per person
Hotel packages as well as group discounts are also available
A 20% Military, First Responder and Educator Discount available. (must show employee ID, paystub or certification)

View Website | Tennessee Aquarium on Facebook
Phone: 800-262-0695
Address: One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (map)