Tennessee Aquarium

The basics

The striking angles of the glass-topped twin aquarium buildings draw in passers-by strolling along the Tennessee River in the heart of Chattanooga. Inside, you can observe alligators, touch a sturgeon, marvel at penguins, and much more as you follow a drop of water on its path from a mountain stream to the ocean and discover the habitats along the way. Various aquarium education programs offer deeper dives into animal care and conservation.

Explore the aquarium on your own or get a Backstage Pass to go behind the scenes. A backstage Tennessee Aquarium tour lets you into the room where food is prepared for the aquarium animals, grants you access to the “keepers only” area, and gives you the chance to have an educational encounter with an animal that is not currently on exhibit. You can add to your aquarium experience by catching a show at the IMAX Theater.

Things to know before you go

• Most visitors spend around three hours at the Tennessee Aquarium.

• Wi-Fi is available throughout the aquarium, and a free app enhances the visitor experience.

• Buy aquarium entrance and IMAX tickets together to save money.

• The aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to get there

The aquarium is located less than a mile from downtown Chattanooga on West Aquarium Way. If driving, take Broad or Market streets from downtown. You can visit on a city bus or hop on the free shuttle from downtown. The aquarium is connected to other points of interest via a paved riverfront path.

When to get there

The indoor aquarium offers a welcome break from Tennessee's summertime heat and can be a nice place to get out of the weather on a rainy day. If you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit on a holiday or weekend. School groups frequent the aquarium in April and May; to avoid crowds in these months, plan to arrive in late afternoon after the school groups have departed.

Top attractions on the Chattanooga waterfront

The Tennessee Aquarium makes for a great jumping-off point to explore more of the Chattanooga waterfront. Follow the paved pathway to move from one attraction to the next as you visit sites such as Ross's Landing Riverfront Park, Chattanooga Pier, and Hunter Museum of American Art. You can also enjoy waterfront dining, boat tours, and river cruises.

How long does it take to walk through the Tennessee Aquarium?

Visitors should plan for two to three hours to explore the Tennessee Aquarium. Timed entry to the aquarium controls crowds and allows for entry within a 1-hour window. Once inside, you can discover the aquarium’s exhibitions at your own pace. The aquarium is made up of two main buildings.

Is the Tennessee Aquarium worth it?

Yes, the Tennessee Aquarium is worth a visit. Timed entry limits daily capacity to ensure that the building doesn't get overly crowded. The family-friendly exhibits including River Journey and Ocean Journey, plus there's an IMAX 3D Theater. The aquarium is a must-see attraction in Tennessee.

Do you have to pay for parking at the Tennessee Aquarium?

Yes, you have to pay to park near the Tennessee Aquarium. There are several paid lots within the vicinity of the aquarium and IMAX theater. If you are coming from Chattanooga, you can utilize the free shuttle within the downtown area to reach the Tennessee Aquarium without paying for parking.

Does the Tennessee Aquarium take cash?

Yes, the Tennessee Aquarium takes cash for aquarium admission at its physical location, but buying online tickets requires a credit card. Payments for group reservations must be made by credit card or business check. Individuals who are planning a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium can use cash on-site if they choose.

What is included with my Tennessee Aquarium ticket?

It depends. There are several different ticket options available at the Tennessee Aquarium. General admission includes access to the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, plus all main exhibits. Tickets are available for the IMAX theater only, or you can buy a ticket that combines IMAX and aquarium entry. Guided tours are sold separately.

Are cameras allowed in the Tennessee Aquarium?

Yes, cameras are allowed inside the Tennessee Aquarium. However, visitors should look for signs inside the aquarium indicating places where flash photography is not permitted. The aquarium encourages guests to share photographs from their visits via social media including Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #TennesseeAquarium.

Ways to explore

The Tennessee Aquarium is fittingly located along the Tennessee River in the heart of Chattanooga. Inside, browse past aquatic animals as you follow a drop of water on its path from a mountain stream to the ocean and discover the habitats along the way.

Explore the aquarium on your own or take one of the Deeper Dives tours, which let you into the aquarium before opening hours or give you the chance to help feed the animals alongside an expert aquarist. You can add to your aquarium experience by catching a show at the IMAX theater.

Accessibility

The aquarium is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.

Age limits

Visitors must be 8 or older to participate in the Deeper Dives tours. Children 4 and under can visit for free.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle for filling stations, camera, small bag (there are no guest lockers)

What to wear

The Deeper Dives tours require closed-toe shoes. Comfortable footwear and light layers are always a good idea.

Not allowed

Outside food (except for snacks for small children), smoking and vaping, pets, flash photography

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, private nursing room, food and beverages for purchase

Address 

The aquarium is located on the Chattanooga Riverfront. You can drive or hop on the free city-run shuttle. The aquarium is connected to other points of interest via a paved riverfront path.

Driving

From downtown Chattanooga, drive north on Broad or Market Streets for about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers). Several paid parking lots are available around the perimeter of the aquarium. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Nashville, Knoxville, or Atlanta.

Public transportation

If you are staying in downtown Chattanooga, a free CARTA shuttle is the cheapest and easiest way to get there. Hop on Route 33, which runs about every 10 minutes.

Best times to visit

Check the aquarium schedule to plan your visit around daily programming, which includes penguin feedings, diver chats, and feeding dives.

Best days to visit

If you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit on a holiday or weekend. Aim for midweek instead.

Best months to visit

The aquarium is an all-season attraction, but is especially attractive as a respite from summer heat or winter rains.

Special events

The aquarium is extra festive between Halloween and New Year’s, when holiday-themed events such as ODDtober and Holidays Under the Peaks bring special programming.