Springtime in Chattanooga is full of fun and adventure. In addition to our suggested itineraries, check out our calendar of events to find other activities taking place during your visit to the Scenic City.

1. FAMILY SAFARI —

Morning:
• Start off your day at the Tennessee Aquarium where 9,000 animals swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. Visit with the cuddly river otters and check out the spring wildflowers in the Cove Forest. Marvel at the enormous catfish and observe the turtles' wacky courtship "dances" in the Nickajack Lake exhibit. You can even get "hands-on" with a lake sturgeon in Discovery Hall. Don't miss "Seahorses: Beyond Imagination," the newest gallery at the Aquarium. Not only can kids check out the wild and wonderful seahorses, seadragons and pipefish, they can feel like they're swimming with the seahorses when they step into our pop-up tank. Strange but true -- it's the seahorse daddies that carry the babies! To saddle up for your visit to the seahorse gallery, check out the seahorse section of our Web site for fun games and downloadable seahorses for coloring.
• Explore the rainforest or take a tour of a coral reef at the IMAX® 3D Theater located just across the street from the Aquarium. Meet playful dolphins, graceful eagle rays and stealthy sharks in "Ocean Wonderland," a film that's sure to be a hit with any age group. Or journey deep into the rainforest and discover the secret life of bugs in "A Rainforest Adventure: BUGS! in 3D."

Afternoon:
• Take a short walk to Ross's Landing and have lunch on the Southern Belle riverboat and take the sights and sounds as you cruise along the Tennessee River. You may see native birds such as egrets and great blue herons and other wildlife along the banks. Your riverboat guide will tell you more about the history of the area as you cruise in comfort.
• Or have lunch at Big River Grill (located just across the street from the Aquarium) then continue your exploration of the animal kingdom at the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park. Located in downtown Chattanooga, just a short drive from Ross's Landing and the Aquarium, the zoo offers a variety of animals from around the world. Visit the new petting zoo features dromedary camels, pot-bellied pigs, African pygmy goats, Mouflon sheep, and a Sicilian donkey.

Evening:
• Stroll over the Walnut Street Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in America. The bridge connect the Aquarium side of the river to the North Shore -- another great hangout for families. Big kids and adults will enjoy the fun and funky shops and restaurants along the north side's Frazier Avenue and Coolidge Park. Ride the beautiful hand-carved carousel and spend some time enjoying the park's beautifully landscaped open spaces. Bring a ball and bat, inline skates or just sit and enjoy the beautiful spring weather on the banks of the Tennessee River.

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2. CHATTANOOGA SAFARI -- ABOVE AND BELOW —

Morning:
• Begin your day by exploring the underwater world at the Tennessee Aquarium. From the streams of the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond to the rivers of the world, the Aquarium takes you below the surface and beyond the edge. You’ll see more than 9,000 animals that swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. Don’t miss those mysterious steeds of the deep in “Seahorses: Beyond Imagination,” the Aquarium’s newest changing gallery.
• Just across the street from the Aquarium, the IMAX® 3D Theater will take you to worlds you’ve only dreamed of. The playful dolphins, graceful eagle rays and stealthy sharks in "Ocean Wonderland" are a hit with all age groups. Journey deep into rainforest to explore the secret world of bugs in "A Rainforest Adventure: BUGS in 3D."

Afternoon:
• Have lunch downtown at Big River Grille, located just one block from the Aquarium. Then, head up to Lookout Mountain. See Rock City, a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 different native plant species and blooming wildflowers, and panoramic views. A 100-foot waterfall cascades from Rock City down Lookout Mountain; a Swing-A-Long Bridge offers thrilling views to the adventurous souls who cross it.
• Visit Ruby Falls, “the jewel of Lookout Mountain.” Your journey will take you deep into the heart of the mountain, where you’ll watch as the 145-foot waterfall cascades.
• Get a bird’s-eye view of Chattanooga and the surrounding area when you explore Point Park. The many trails around this military park take you to points of historical significance as well as to various overlooks. Learn more about the Civil War and the “Battle Above the Clouds.”