Soak Up The Summer: FREE (Or Nearly Free!) Chattanooga Activities to Do Before Summer is Over
We only have about a month left of summer, so it’s your last chance to soak up the season! Here is a list of some local fun and free activities to round out your summer.
1. Walk or bike the riverwalk
Take in the summer sun on the Chattanooga riverwalk. There are lots of sculptures to enjoy and parks along the way for the kids to play. If you don’t feel like walking and have a few dollars to spare, you can rent a bike from one of the Bike Chattanooga kiosks and pedal your way around town!
2. Cool off at the North Chick Blue Hole
For only a 20 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga to Soddy Daisy area (297 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379), the North Chick Blue Hole feels like a serious oasis. North Chickamauga Creek is nestled between Signal and Mowbray mountains and features several deep swimming holes along the way. For an easy mile hike in, you can find a small secluded pool or one of the larger spots with deep water, rope swing and boulders for those who aren’t game for swimming.
3. Take in a free show at Nightfall Concert Series
The Nightfall Concert Series is a beloved Chattanooga tradition where national and international artists come to Miller Plaza downtown to perform. The concerts are held each Friday night usually beginning in May and ending the end of August. They’re free and open to the public, so you can bring a lawn chair (or stand and dance!) and enjoy the fun.
4. Let the kids splash in the interactive fountains at Coolidge Park (and maybe even ride the carousel!)
Coolidge Park, featuring 13 acres of public land nestled underneath the Walnut Street Bridge next to the beautiful Tennessee River, is a Chattanooga favorite for weekend fun. Play in the fountains, run around in the grass or ride the restored carousel (that only costs $1). The interactive water feature is a great option for kids, with seating all around for parents to watch from a distance.
5. Go explore summer fare at the Chattanooga Market
Each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning usually around the end of April, the Tennessee Pavilion fills with local farmers and craftsman bringing their produce and handmade wares. Although you’ll want to have some cash on hand in case you want to buy groceries, gifts or a snack, you can just as easily walk around and take it all in without spending a penny. At the Tennessee Pavilion, there is a stage where bands, dance teams and theatre troupes perform. Just check in on the Chattanooga Market Facebook page at facebook.com/chattamarket or the website at chattanoogamarket.com to see the schedule of events.
6. Enjoy a waterfall hike at Foster Falls
One amazing thing about nature is that it's free, and we couldn’t possibly make this list without a waterfall hike! There is a short walk to the overlook, which is great for small children, or if you’re able there is a short, but steep hike down to the falls and swimming hole. The kids will love climbing down rocks and across the swinging bridge on their way down and then swimming at the base of the falls. For more information, visit rootsrated.com.
