Fun (And Free!) Things To Do With Kids This Winter in Chattanooga

Posted by on Tuesday, November 29th, 2016 at 4:44pm.

It’s getting chilly out and winter break is just around the corner. When cabin fever strikes, here’s some inexpensive ideas for winter fun in the Scenic City—both inside the house and out.

Out and About in Chattanooga

Go check out the EPB Christmas window displays
Every year EPB celebrates the season with its holiday windows filled with thousands of LED lights and animated characters in winter wonderland scenes. Walk the kiddos down to the corner of Market Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to check out this incredible display, which has been a tradition for more than 60 years.

Take in a local Christmas parade
This Saturday is your chance to bring the kiddos to The Annual Red Bank Christmas Festival & Parade, an outdoor family-friendly festival held the first Saturday in December. This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main city park 3859 Dayton Blvd. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m.The festival is always full of local talented vendors with booths that include crafts, jewelry, food, hand-made items, pets for adoption and so more. Get in some last minute Christmas shopping or just enjoy the parade for free! Santa & Mrs. Claus will arrive with the parade and stay in the park for pictures all afternoon. There will also be live music on stage to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
It’s a tradition, and does give you a reason to dress up and get out of the house! Here are a couple of local events that include free photos with Santa. Don’t forget your camera!

Breakfast with Santa
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 9833 Hixson Pike.

Enjoy a free breakfast of pancakes and sausage, story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts and more.
The Barn Nursery Christmas Shop Photo Op
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Barn Nursery, 1801 East 24th Street Place

Take a free family photo with Santa! Plus, the Barn Nursery is dog-friendly and welcomes pets on a leash—even in your Christmas photo.

Inside the House

Camp Out (In)
Even though it’s freezing out, camping season doesn’t have to be over. Set up tents and sleeping bags in the living room, or just make forts, and sleep there overnight. Tell spooky ghost stories and bake no fire s’mores in the oven to get the full effect.

No Screen Zone
Declare a screen-free day and spend your time playing board games, charades or doing a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle together. Let the kids take turns picking a game for the family to play.

Make Christmas Cookies
Letting children help bake cookies can get a little messy. But give everyone a job in the kitchen to make a big batch of holiday cookies and give your kiddos a sense of pride while they learn something new. Don’t forget the Christmas cookie cutters! Even the littlest hands can help decorate the finished cookies. Be sure to stock up in different color icing and sprinkles.

Reminisce For A Night
If you have older children, try resurrecting the old family videos instead of your normal movie night. Kids can be entertained for hours just watching themselves when they were small.