Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga: A Fun, Interactive Experience for Toddlers and Kids
If you’re looking for something fun, educational, and toddler-approved in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) should be on your list. With interactive exhibits, water play, STEM fun, and even a rooftop climbing zone, it’s a top-tier family destination—whether you’re local or just passing through.
Hands-On Fun for Toddlers
We kicked off our visit in the Farm Stand Area, and it was an instant hit. There’s a chicken coop, tractor, trucks, and even a pretend cow you can milk! My toddler, currently on a chicken kick, was thrilled. Kids can also "pick," sort, and plant vegetables and take them to market—a fun, farm-to-play experience.
Right next to it is the Meadow Area for new walkers and non-walkers. It’s a soft, open space perfect for curious little legs. We also loved the Tuesday morning Activity Room, where kids can draw, play musical instruments, and just get creative. Ours couldn’t get enough of the drumming.
A Cultural and Playful Experience
While we were there, CDM had an India-themed exhibit that was absolutely fantastic. From a mock classroom and spice shop to Bollywood costumes and a cricket bowling area, it was a colorful, hands-on way for kids to explore another culture. The cafe setup in that exhibit? A total win for pretend play.
Nearby, the Tennessee River Play Exhibit is probably what our toddler will remember forever. It includes multiple water tables, a mock riverboat, and a climbing area with slides and stairs. It’s an epic splash zone for younger kids—and totally worth packing a change of clothes.
STEM Fun and Older Kid Favorites
The STEM Zone upstairs is perfect for big kids (and parents who love building stuff). There are robots, build-and-test car ramps, a carbon challenge, and wind energy stations. Buzz Alley also caught my toddler’s attention thanks to her love of bees. While we didn’t check it out this time, there’s also a Rooftop Climbing Exhibit that older kids were loving—we’ll try that next time when ours is a little bigger.
Visitor Tips and What to Expect
- Admission: $19.95 per person; affordable and worth it. CDM offers discounts for educators, first responders, and others, and participates in a reciprocal museum program. We saved 50% off with our membership from Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
- Parking: Paid parking is directly behind the museum and easy to access.
- Time spent: We were there for about 2.5 hours, but honestly could’ve stayed longer—nap time called.
- Stroller-friendly: Yes!
- Bathrooms: Easily accessible and clean.
- Food: No outside food or drink inside the museum, but you can snack in the lobby or plaza, where picnic tables are available.
- Crowds: A bit busy due to a field trip group, but still roomy enough for toddlers to explore without stress.
- Staff: Super friendly and helpful throughout the visit.
Bonus: Nearby Attractions & Upcoming Exhibits
The museum is right down the street from the Tennessee Aquarium and the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, making it a great stop on a Chattanooga family day trip. And if you love Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, you’ll want to come back soon—a Mo Willems art exhibit opens Memorial Day weekend!
Parent Pro Tips ðŸ§
- If you have a membership to another children’s museum, check for reciprocal discounts.
- Go early if you want to avoid big school groups.
- Perfect for toddlers through tweens—there’s truly something for everyone.
If you’re visiting Chattanooga with kids, the Creative Discovery Museum absolutely delivers. We’re already planning to return—and next time, the rooftop climbing exhibit is on our list!
