Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga: What to See + Tips
The Tennessee Aquarium is the one Chattanooga attraction our family never skips. We’ve been more than once, and somehow there’s always something new to see, whether it’s penguins zooming through the water, river otters wrestling over their lunch, or a stingray gliding under your fingertips at the touch tank.
Sitting right on the downtown riverfront, the aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals spread across two buildings. Ocean Journey takes you to tropical reefs and penguin-filled shores. River Journey follows freshwater from the Appalachian Mountains to the Amazon.
Here’s what to see in each building, plus ticket prices, parking, and tips to help you plan your visit.
Ocean Journey
After guests present their tickets, they are directed up the escalator (or elevator for those who need it) to the upper level where they can learn about freshwater stingrays at Tropical Cove. Guests can even “pet” a stingray as it swims by in the touch tank. (There are hand sanitizing stations nearby for guests to use after they finish “petting” the stingrays.)
Ocean Journey’s exhibits include Tropical Cove, the Butterfly Garden, Penguins’ Rock, Secret Reef, Island Life, and the newest addition, Scuttlebutt Reef.
The next stop is the Butterfly Garden where more than a thousand butterflies flutter about. The butterflies were sustainably raised on Costa Rican farms and now call the Tennessee Aquarium home.
Be careful not to pick up any hitchhikers while visiting the Butterfly Garden.
The next exhibit is on Level 2 where guests can see penguins at Penguins’ Rock. The exhibit features Gentoo and Macaroni penguins who dive and play in the cold water. They seem to enjoy watching visitors and might put on a little bit of a performance for you.
Moving on, aquarium visitors will see the Secret Reef and can watch yellowtail snapper, southern stingrays, cownose rays, sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, and more swimming around the reef.
And to the delight of kids of all ages, there are jellyfish in tanks that seem to change colors as they swim.
Before heading to River Journey, guests can stop by the gift shop to pick up a memento of their aquarium experience.
River Journey
Like Ocean Journey, guests make their way to the upper floor at River Journey and work their way down learning about freshwater habitats and the animals who live there.
The Tennessee Aquarium is committed to freshwater conservation. Through its exhibits, education programs, and research, it’s working to keep our rivers and streams healthy for generations to come.
Among the first things visitors get to see at River Journey are the otters. There are North American river otters and Asian small-clawed otters. The otters are so playful and fun to watch as they swim, explore and play with their food.
Moving on, guests will come to the Delta Country exhibit which features turtles, alligators, snakes, and fish that call the Mississippi River home.
The aquarium isn’t limited to aquatic species only found in the US. In fact, there are exhibits featuring animals from all over the world such as piranhas, electric eels, and other creatures that call the Amazon River basin home.
Of course, the aquarium would not be complete without an exhibit in honor of the Tennessee River. The Tennessee River Gallery features fish, reptiles, and amphibians that can be found in the Tennessee River. There’s even a turtle nursery where guests can see baby turtles that will one day call another facility home and some that might be released into the wild.
Before you leave River Journey, don’t miss River Giants, home to some of the world’s largest freshwater fish, and Turtles of the World, where you can see turtle species from around the globe.
Location
The Tennessee Aquarium sits on the downtown riverfront along the Tennessee River at One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Aquarium Tickets and Hours
Tickets cost $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for youth ages 4 to 17. Children 3 and under are free. You can add an IMAX documentary to your admission for $8. Check current prices before you go.
Want to see behind the scenes? Guests can purchase tickets for Deeper Dives, an exclusive 1.5-hour guided tour. Check the aquarium’s website for current tours and prices.
The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time, with last entry at 5:00 p.m. It’s closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Tips for Visiting the Tennessee Aquarium
- Buy tickets online in advance. Entry is by timed tickets, and time slots can sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Plan for at least two to three hours. Seeing both buildings usually takes about two to two and a half hours, and longer if you add an IMAX film.
- Ask which building to start with. Most visitors begin at Ocean Journey, but staff may suggest starting at River Journey, depending on that day’s schedule.
- Park close by. The aquarium’s main lot charges $9 for up to three hours, $12 for three to five hours, $14 for the day, or $10 after 4:00 p.m. Rates can change during special events. Several other paid lots are nearby, or you can ride CARTA’s free electric downtown shuttle.
- Pack light. All bags are inspected at the entrance, and there are no lockers or coat check. Outside food isn’t allowed, but lidded nonalcoholic drinks and snacks for small children in a closed container are fine.
- Bring the stroller. Strollers are welcome inside the aquarium (not in the IMAX theater), but the aquarium doesn’t rent them. Free wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served at Guest Services, near the River Journey exit.
- Go early. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, especially outside of summer and school breaks.
FAQs About the Tennessee Aquarium
How long does it take to see the Tennessee Aquarium?
Plan for at least two to three hours to see both Ocean Journey and River Journey without rushing. Add about an hour if you’re catching an IMAX film.
Is the Tennessee Aquarium worth it?
We think so! Between the penguins, sharks, playful otters and the hands-on stingray touch tank, there’s something for every age. It’s one of the top things to do in Chattanooga, and it’s easy to pair with lunch downtown or a stroll along the river.
Is the Tennessee Aquarium good for toddlers?
Yes. Kids 3 and under get in free, and strollers are allowed inside. You’ll also find a family restroom and a private nursing room in River Journey, and toddlers love the penguins and butterflies.
Where do you park for the Tennessee Aquarium?
The aquarium’s main lot is right next to the buildings, and several other paid lots are nearby. You can also park elsewhere downtown and ride CARTA’s free electric shuttle.
Can you bring a bag into the Tennessee Aquarium?
Yes, but every bag is inspected at the entrance, and there are no lockers. Coolers, outside food, balloons and noisemakers aren’t allowed. Lidded nonalcoholic drinks and snacks for small children are fine.
Final Call
From waddling penguins to playful otters and graceful stingrays, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must for any Chattanooga trip. Make a full day of it with more ideas from our Things to Do in Chattanooga guide. And when exploring works up an appetite, check out our favorite places to eat in Chattanooga, several of them just a short walk from the aquarium.
Have you visited the Tennessee Aquarium? Tell me your favorite exhibit in the comments. I’m team penguin all the way! And if this post has you planning a trip, share it with the friend or family member you’d bring along.
