When the weather turns gray, you don’t have to stay cooped up in your vacation rental. There are tons of fun Chattanooga indoor activities to keep every guest entertained and happy.
Enjoy Unique Stays is your perfect home base for these adventures. Our downtown Chattanooga vacation rentals place you just moments from every museum, gallery, and indoor hotspot on the list below. Let’s dive in and discover 10 must-try indoor activities in Chattanooga!
Table of Contents
Top Indoor Activities in Chattanooga
1. Tennessee Aquarium & IMAX 3D Theater
Explore two buildings packed with thousands of creatures, from sharks and penguins to native river otters, and then catch a nature documentary on the giant IMAX screen.
Rating: 4.7/5
Price Level: Adult $39.95, Kids (5–17) $29.95, 4 & under free
Location: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
2. Hunter Museum of American Art
Stroll through three architecturally distinct buildings and admire American art from the 1700s to today. Rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to see.
Rating: 4.7/5
Price Level: Adult $15, Student/Senior $12, Ages 6–17 $6, Under 6 free
Location: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Thu 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Closed Mon
3. Ruby Falls Underground Waterfall Tour
Head 260 feet below Lookout Mountain for a guided cave tour to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the U.S. See glowing cave formations and the dramatic light show at the falls.
Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN
4. Creative Discovery Museum
Ideal for kids, this hands-on museum features everything from a water-play area (Tennessee RiverPlay) to an Excavation Station and Little Yellow House for toddlers.
Rating: 4.7/5
Price Level: Adult $18, Child $18, Under 1 free
Location: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Tue, Thu–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed Wed
5. High Point Climbing and Fitness
Bring your gym clothes for a world-class rock climbing experience with auto-belay walls, boulder areas, a top-roping room, a lead pit, a weight room, and yoga classes.
Rating: 4.6/5
Price Level: Day passes $25–$35; gear rental included
Location: 219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
6. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery Tours
Discover the craft production process of Chattanooga Whiskey on a guided 1-hour tour, then sample small-batch spirits in a curated whiskey flight.
Rating: 4.9/5
Price Level: $10–$20/tour; flight add-on
Location: 1439 Market St, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
7. National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Explore immersive exhibits and personal stories of Medal of Honor recipients in this modern 19,000 sq. ft. facility.
Rating: 4.9/5
Price Level: Adult $15; Youth (9–17) $13; Under 8 free
Location: 2 W Aquarium Way, Suite 104
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
8. Classic Arcade Pinball Museum
Step back in time and play over 50 vintage arcade games and pinball machines, all with unlimited free play on your wristband.
Rating: 4.9/5
Price Level: Adult $20; Child (10 & under) $16
Location: 409 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
Hours: Tue–Thu 1:00 PM–9:00 PM; Fri 1:00 PM–10:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
9. Naughty Cat Café
Sip coffee or tea while snuggling with friendly rescue cats in one of the biggest indoor cat cafés in the world.
Rating: 5.0/5
Price Level: $15 entry; includes one nonalcoholic drink
Location: 3742 Tennessee Ave, Suite 100
Hours: Wed–Thu 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
10. Secrets Escape Rooms
Work as a team to solve puzzles and beat the clock in themed rooms like Shadow of Whitechapel, Guardians of Giza, and Mystery in the Mausoleum. Ideal for groups, birthday parties, or team-building.
Rating: 5.0/5
Price Level: $25–$35/person
Location: 5741 TN-153 #113, Hixson, TN
Hours: Mon–Thu 3:00 PM–9:00 PM; Fri 12:00 PM–10:30 PM; Sat 12:00 PM–10:30 PM; Sun 12:00 PM–8:30 PM
Tips & Tricks for Indoor Fun
Buy combo tickets: For attractions like the Aquarium + IMAX, combo tickets often save money and time.
Plan ahead: Popular time slots sell out fast at Ruby Falls and Secrets Escape Rooms, so book at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
Check for special days: Many museums offer free or reduced admission on certain dates (e.g., Hunter Museum on Throwback Thursdays).
Child-friendly rest stops: Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium have cafés inside for a quick bite.
Family Rainy Day Plan in Chattanooga
At Enjoy Unique Stays, we have created a fun Family Rainy Day plan in Chattanooga so you can have a great time during your visit, no matter the weather.
Wrapping Up
Chattanooga indoor activities never disappoint, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a special someone. No matter the weather or the season, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay entertained, connect with the people you’re with, and make memories you’ll be talking about long after your trip ends.
Ready to escape the ordinary? Book your Chattanooga stay now and fill your days with unforgettable indoor fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cozy place to enjoy the rain with a view?
Yes! The Hunter Museum of American Art has large glass windows overlooking the river and bridges, making it a perfect place to enjoy the scenery without going outside.
Where can I enjoy local art while staying dry?
The Bluff View Arts District is perfect on a rainy day. Browse galleries, enjoy sculptures under covered walkways, and sip coffee while watching the rain from the historic neighborhood.
Where can I shop indoors on a rainy day?
Warehouse Row offers boutique shops, local brands, and stylish cafés, all under one roof so you can browse and stay dry.
What are good rainy-day food stops in Chattanooga?
Visit the Chattanooga Market Hall at the Southside or grab brunch at Bluegrass Grill. Both offer delicious comfort food ideal for rainy weather.
