75+ Chattanooga Date Night Ideas

Want to spice up your marriage? Try spicing up your dates! This giant list of 75+ Chattanooga Date Night Ideas is perfect for spicing up your love life and getting out of the date night rut. Some of these ideas might take some planning ahead, but if you truly want to have a date night that will leave you and your spouse already scheduling the next one, there are a lot of fantastic places and activities right in our own backyard–Chattanooga, TN. Some of these date night ideas are better suited for specific seasons and times, so make sure to check each place’s business hours, and *ALWAYS* check Groupon and LivingSocial for discounts. You might even find something on those sites that we haven’t found out about yet!

Want to spice up your marriage? Try spicing up your dates! This giant list of 75+ Chattanooga Date Night Ideas is perfect for spicing up your love life and getting out of the date night rut.

 

Chattanooga Date Night Ideas

Active Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Adventurous Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Artistic Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Casual & Classic Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Foodie Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

  • Check out the local farmer’s market and make dinner with the ingredients you find.
  • Pick some fresh fruit together at a fruit and berry patch.
  • Take a cooking class at Mia Cucina, Dish T’ Pass, or the Sweet & Savory Classroom.
  • Take a little drive to the Georgia Winery and have a wine tasting.
  • Try a new restaurant you’ve never been to before.

Luxurious Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

  • Enjoy an in-town getaway and stay at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo in a railcar-turned-hotel room, or stay at the Stone Fort Inn or the Bluff View Inn.
  • Couples Massage; there are endless places to have a couples massage, but if you go to a massage school, they are usually half the price. (You can find deals on Groupon for this all the time!)
  • Go to any of the bed and breakfasts in Chattanooga, have a picnic, and enjoy the scenery.
  • Take a carriage ride through the streets of downtown Chattanooga during the summer.

Theatrical Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Unique Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

2016 Valentine’s Day Dates in Chattanooga

Want to spice up your marriage? Try spicing up your dates! This giant list of 75+ Chattanooga Date Night Ideas is perfect for spicing up your love life and getting out of the date night rut.

What other Chattanooga Date Night Ideas can you think of? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!

30+ Indoor Activities for Kids in Chattanooga

The weather doesn’t always cooperate. Which begs the question, “Where do you go when you and the kids need to get out of the house, but it’s just too hot, cold, or rainy to be outside?” If we were honest, sometimes, fighting cabin fever in kids requires getting outside of our four walls.

30+ indoor activities for kids in Chattanooga, TN www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Eat & Play

Chick-fil-a Gunbarrel Point
1804 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-485-0777

Chick-fil-a Oak Park Town Center
5740 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
423-877-5504

Chuck E. Cheese’s
22 Northgate Park, Chattanooga, TN 37415
423-870-3215

McDonald’s (Gunbarrel)
2017 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga TN
423-510-1661

McDonald’s (Hixson)
4123 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga TN 37415
423-877-9056

Shop & Play

Hamilton Place Mall Play Area
At Dillard’s Men/Kids/Home Lower Level Entrance
2100 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Northgate Mall Play Area
At Belk Entrance
271 Northgate Mall, Hixson, Tennessee 37415

Indoor Activities

Battles for Chattanooga Museum
1110 East Brow Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-756-2738

Gymnastic Center of Chattanooga (preschool open gym on Fridays)
6855 Mountain View Rd, Ooltewah, TN 37363
423-238-5258

Hamilton Skate Place
7414 Goodwin Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-899-1788

High Point Climbing
219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-602-7625

Holiday Bowl Brainerd
5518 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
423-899-2695

Holiday Bowl Hixson
5530 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343
423-843-2695

Hunter Museum of Art
10 Bluff View, Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-267-0968

International Towing and Recovery Museum
3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-267-3132

The Jump Park
1810 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-531-8688

Chattanooga Libraries (take your pick–they’re all great!)

Model Railroad Museum (at Chattanooga Choo Choo)
1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-872-2529

Pin Strikes
6241 Perimeter Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37421
423- 710-3530

River City Pottery
1414 Jenkins Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-553-0612

Ruby Falls
1720 South Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409
423-821-2544

Superfly
7455 Commons Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-825-9320

Tennessee Aquarium
1 Broad Street,Chattanooga, TN 37402
800-262-0695

Tennessee Bouldering Authority
3804 Saint Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409
423-822-6800

Urban Rocks Climbing Gym
1007 Appling St, Chattanooga, TN 37406
423-475-6578

Winner’s Circle Family Fun Center (laser tag, indoor batting cage, arcade)
59 Kellerhals Lane, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-858-0950

The YMCA
423-266-YMCA

If visiting an area attraction, be sure to check for coupons from the Chattanooga Visitor’s Bureau…who cares if you aren’t a tourist 😉

Movie Theaters

Majestic 12 Cinema
311 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-826-2370

Northgate 14
310 Northgate Mall Dr, Hixson, TN 37343
423-870-9833

Rave Motion Pictures East Ridge 18
5080 South Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37412
423-855-9652

Regal Cinemas Hamilton Place 8 Movie Theater
2000 Hamilton Place Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-855-5951

Regal Cinema Hamilton Place 10-17
2000 Hamilton Place Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
800-326-3264 ext. 353

Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Center
201 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-266-4629

Did we miss your favorite indoor activity for kids in Chattanooga? Tell us in the comments and we’ll add it to the list!

Add Your Summer Camp, Club, or Class to our 2016 Chattanooga Summer Guide!

Event Coordinators, help us fill up our event calendar and let us spread the word about your 2016 Summer Camp, Club, Class, or even your VBS in our Chattanooga Summer Guide. Parents love seeing events and activities collected and neatly arranged in one place. This year, we would love to include your summer camp, club, or class!

Do you run a summer event in Chattanooga? Submit your family friendly event to the 2016 Summer Guide to Camps, Classes, and Clubs in the Chattanooga area.

Basic Entry (FREE)

As usual, basic entry in our summer camp and class guide is COMPLETELY FREE and will include a one or two sentence summary of your event and a link to your website. It will look like the following:

Summer Camp for Super Sleuths–Mystery camp for ages 8-11. Learn more by clicking here.”

You can also submit it to our popular event calendar for FREE, too! (Just click the green button below and enter the info yourself)

Featured Event Upgrade ($50)

A featured event upgrade is an affordable way to capture readers’ attention and drive customers to your site. You may choose to upgrade your event to a featured entry for only $50. A featured entry will allow you to include your graphic or logo, a full paragraph summary, and two links (for example, one link to your website and one link to your Facebook page.) All of our summer guide featured event upgrades will also be entered into our drawing for a month’s worth of premium advertising space on Chattanooga Families!

You can feature a single camp in your image or a group of classes/clubs!

(Note: If you are submitting more than five camps/classes, you must purchase the upgrade.)

See the graphic below for featured upgrade examples.

Chattanooga Summer Camp

You can purchase your featured listing by using the Paypal button.

Guide Sponsorship

For our 2016 Summer Guide, we only have room for ONE sponsor. For $100, one local business will earn sponsorship status with links, text, a clickable graphic, and social media shout-outs.

If your event isn’t for kids, or your business is targeted to our audience, but isn’t offering a specific summer camp, class, or club, we would love for you to consider guide sponsorship. Please email us (chattanoogafamiliesblog@gmail.com) to discuss and/or purchase your sponsorship status.

My Goal is to publish the Summer Guide in April! Fill in your event info below.

February Discount Days at Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium will be offering special discounts to college students and scouts during the month of February 2016. If you fit into one of these two categories, take advantage of these Chattanooga aquarium deals and go see your favorite exhibit. Whether it’s the penguins, the butterflies, or the fish, you’re sure to have fun at The Tennessee Aquarium.

Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN

College Days at the Tennessee Aquarium

Show your COLLEGE ID and receive half-priced tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater and River Gorge Explorer. This discount applies to everyone in your party throughout the month of February. College Days is for ALL colleges (Any state and online. The students simply need to show a valid college ID or a copy of their most recent transcript to receive this discount.)

Scout Days at the Tennessee Aquarium

Scouts & their families will enjoy half-price tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater and River Gorge Explorer. Scouts must be in uniform or sash to receive the Scout Days discount. This offer applies to the entire family. (Need a flier for your scout troop? Download this Scout Day Save the Date)

TNAQUA_logo (1)

Want to know about other Chattanooga discounts and special days at the Tennessee Aquarium? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Chattanooga Fun for Kids at the Creative Discovery Museum

As a mom of two active little boys, I love the chance to get out in a public place where it is ok to touch everything in sight! A place where things are encouraged to be explored.  A place where everything is secured and we don’t risk breaking anything. Can I get an “Amen” from the two-year-old crowd?

Creative Discovery Museum dinosaur bone dig

The thing is, I’m pretty sure my little guys like the same places for the very same reasons–because if the risk of getting in trouble is low, mommy will be a little more low-key and let them play to their heart’s content!

As an early childhood educator turned homeschool mom, I love places jam-packed with fun, hands-on learning activities for kids–places where the line between learning and fun is so blurry that they just melt into each other…because that’s the way learning should be.

Creative Discovery Museum

I think that’s why we’re so drawn to the Creative Discovery Museum.

It’s one of our favorite indoor activities for kids in Chattanooga. We’ve been there in every season and every type of weather. In the winter, it’s perfect for a day out of the house and fighting cabin fever in kids. In the summer, it has air conditioning, water play, and doesn’t require wrestling a toddler to apply sunscreen.

Creative Discovery Museum water play

The rotating exhibits are always so impressive. Just when I think they can’t top the last one, they bring in a new one just as exciting as before! So far, this mom’s favorite has been the Magic Treehouse Exhibit, but I can’t wait to see the Wizard of Oz that is coming in May 2014.

Creative Discovery Museum exhibit

When I asked my boys what their three favorite areas were, they told me the Rooftop Fun Factory, Performing Arts Gallery, and Riverplay, but ultimately, they love everything there! The Creative Discovery Museum is one of our go-to spots around Chattanooga.

As a frugal mom, the price for a yearly membership is just about perfect. I love the bang-for-your-buck that you can get when you add in all the special events the museum hosts. If our family of four were to pay full price for 2 trips to the Creative Discovery Museum, we would end up paying the yearly membership price.

Because we love it so much, we want to bless one of you with a chance to enjoy it, too! Creative Discovery Museum has partnered with us at Chattanooga Families to offer our readers a chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets!

Creative Discovery Museum Giveaway

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment answering the question–What is your favorite exhibit at the Creative Discovery Museum?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chilly Willy Wednesdays at Chattanooga Zoo

Peacock at the Chattanooga Zoo www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Every Wednesday through February 26, 2014, the Chattanooga Zoo will be hosting Half-price “Chilly Willy” Wednesdays.  Bundle up and get out to the Zoo to take advantage of this deal.

Half-price Ticket Prices:

Adults: $4.48
Seniors (age 65+): $3.48
Kids (ages 3-12): $2.98
Kids age 2 & under: FREE

Hours of Operation:

9:00 am–5:00 pm

 

How to use the Community Calendar Feature {video}

The community calendar is full of fabulous fun for your family, but I know that it can be a little overwhelming to look at and find what you’re looking for. I made a video to help you get the most out of the calendar…and to help you fill up yours! Once you know how to sort through the items on the calendar, you’ll find it really easy to find what you’re looking for.

One reason we chose this calendar over the rest, was the ease of use and the ability for you to subscribe to events and sync them up with your own calendar. If you use the calendar on your mobile device, you’ll be able to send them straight to your personal calendar!

After you’ve watched the video, let us know if you have any questions.

10 Free Ways to Fight Cabin Fever in Kids

It’s flu season, which means a lot of us are going to be stuck inside with sick kids, recovering kids, or healthy kids driving us crazy while we’re sick. At our house, being cooped up means that my boys are bouncing off the walls, fighting with each other, and acting just plain wild! It is in those times that momma needs a little sanity break. Can I get an “Amen” from all the parents?

So what’s a parent to do when Cabin Fever starts? Get creative and switch things up.

10 Free Ways to Fight Cabin Fever in Kids www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Rotate Toys

Pull out something from the back of the closet or a board game that hasn’t been played it a while. You’ll be surprised at how this simple switch can bring new life to playtime. Often, the kids have forgotten about this long lost treasure and will get lost in playtime for hours…you’re welcome.

Bionic Blox a STEM building toy

Kids in the Kitchen

Pull up a stool and hand your kids a wisk. It doesn’t have to be gourmet, but an afternoon treat that they helped make is a game-changer for my kids. If I bake with my oldest during naptime, he’s a completely different boy. He loves to help and get one-on-one time with me…the snack isn’t so bad either. If baking isn’t your thing, make some easy homemade playdough or make a volcano with kids.

Popcorn Picnic

This is a favorite at our house. My boys love to have a “Popcorn Picnic” in the living room while watching a movie. I place a quilt on the floor to catch the crumbs and give them a drink that won’t leak to prevent major messes.

Build a Blanket Fort

It’s a classic. Kids love it. It’s a win-win.

Get them Moving

If the kids are well enough, get them moving. Set up an obstacle course, see how long they can keep a balloon in the air, play Just Dance on the Wii…the only thing that matters is that they are burning energy.

Party Bath

Occasionally, we have what we call “Party Bath” at our house. Party Bath is simple, really– just throw in some bubble bath and a package glow sticks from the dollar store or Halloween clearance. Next, add some fun music from Pandora, and turn off the lights! The kids think it’s hilarious and have a lot of fun.

Bring out the Craft Supplies

I always keep a few craft things, purchased on clearance, on hand for the kids to do. Another option is to make a Collage Box and let the kids create to their hearts content. Coffee Filter Snowflakes are always a hit, too.

craft supplies

Change of scenery

Sometimes, simply moving to a different spot in the house for a regular task is the change of scenery we need. If you normally read books on the couch, move to the bed. If the kids normally play in the living room, let them take a toy to a new location.

Open the Blinds

This one does wonders for me. Even if it is a little gloomy, I try to open the blinds for a while during the day. If it is sunny out, the natural sunlight will boost your spirits.

Take a Walk

Even if is only to the mailbox, take a walk. If they are well enough, getting outside for a few minutes will clear everyone’s head and provide some fresh air. Often times, I avoid taking the kids outside if it is too cold, but the kids don’t seem to care as long as they are bundled up. I once heard it said, “It is never too cold, but it may be the wrong kind of clothing.” Dig out your gloves and talk a walk. (P.S.–Do you think we’ll EVER get snow again? This weather is such a tease.)

child in the snow www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Tell me in the comments: What is your favorite way to fight cabin fever?

Discovery Day at Ruby Falls 12-30-13

Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN

Ruby Falls celebrates 85 years since its discovery in 1928! Every visitor at Ruby Falls on Monday, December 30, 2013 will receive a flyer with fun cave facts and a vintage-style postcard to celebrate the occasion. The first 85 guests to tour on this day can take the tour for the original $2 entrance fee! This would be a great day to visit Ruby Falls and get a great deal, but get there early! FYI: Ruby Falls opens at 8:00 am

I haven’t been to Ruby Falls since that one very unfortunate event during a field trip–a kindergarten student walked into a rock formation and had a giant cut on his forehead. I had to walk him back to the entrance while holding a towel to his head to stop the blood. Fun times, I tell ya! The folks at Ruby Falls took great care of us and earned a fan for life.

Hope to see you there!

5 Family Resolutions for 2014

Ah, resolutions. There’s nothing like a fresh start at the beginning of a new year. Most of the New Year’s Resolutions we make are personal, but have you ever thought about making Family Resolutions? January is a great time to think about the things we want to change. If I had to bet, all of us would be able to think of a few things to change in our family life.

5 Family Resolutions for 2014 by www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Eat Together More

I get it. Between work, school, sports, music lessons, dance class, and grocery shopping, it is hard, at times, to sit down and eat together. The bigger the family, the harder it is. Studies show that eating together as a family improves school performance, boosts happiness, and improves the family bond. Let’s take back family meal times and make an effort to eat together at the table more often. Bonus points if the meals are healthier.

breakfast plate

Play Together More

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had some sickness in our house and the kids have gotten whiny. When I asked my son what was wrong, he replied, “You haven’t played with me.” He was right. I had been feeling so cruddy that all I wanted to do was sit and rest while the kids entertained themselves. I am personally making an effort to play with my kids more–not just take them outside and watch them play, but REALLY playing with them. I’ll be building block towers, shooting nerf guns, and running around the yard kicking a soccer ball in 2014.

playing soccer

Cook Together More

This goes along with eating together, but I have found that my kids are much more interested in the meal if they have helped make it. Allowing kids in the kitchen with us is equipping them with skills they will use as adults. Not to mention, there are all sorts of opportunities for reading and math while you cook. Score! Cooking together builds memories. Let’s pull up a stool and hand our kids a wisk.

child helping cook

Read Together More

My boys look forward to snuggling on the couch after bathtime and reading together. They choose their favorite books and we get a few more extra cuddles before bedtime. It’s a win-win, really. As a former public school teacher, I know the value of 20 minutes of reading time with kids. Their reading will improve, they’ll have a higher vocabulary, and they’ll have a stronger bond with mom and dad.

toddler reading books

Get Outside More

Fresh air and sunshine–we all need more of it. A trip to the park, a hike on a trail, riding bikes–all of things get us outside and exercising. This year I’m personally working on this. We’re unplugging more and getting outside! We’ll head to the farm, dig in the dirt, and even try something new for family fun.

Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN

Save more

Sigh….this one is a biggie. The inner struggle of wants vs. needs is inside all of us and it is hard to tame. Teaching our kids to have a healthy relationship with money is imperative for their future. Whether it is using coupons, cutting unnecessary costs (I’m talking ’bout you Target Dollar Spot trinkets!), or sticking to a budget to pay down debt, 2014 is the year to tame the money struggle. Personally, we’re working through Dave Ramsey’s steps for paying off debt and building our savings.

coupon notebook

Let’s make 2014 a year to remember!

So tell me: What are your New Year’s Resolutions?