Creative Discovery Museum: Where Learning Meets Fun in Chattanooga

Planning a family getaway to Chattanooga? Get ready for a day full of wonder, laughter, and discovery that your little adventurers won’t soon forget. Right in the heart of downtown, the Creative Discovery Museum is where curiosity runs wild, learning feels like play, and every moment brings something new to explore.

This top-rated children’s museum is a must-visit for families looking to blend fun with meaningful experiences. It’s not just a museum; it’s a chance to spark imagination, deepen connections, and create lasting memories together.

And at Timberroot, that’s what we’re all about. Because adventure stays here – and sometimes, that adventure starts with a museum that knows how to make learning a blast.

What Is the Creative Discovery Museum?

The Creative Discovery Museum, founded in 1995, is a nationally celebrated children’s museum dedicated to hands-on, interactive learning. Recognized nationwide for its innovation and inclusivity, this museum has become a staple attraction for families visiting Chattanooga.

More than just exhibits behind glass, it’s a place where kids actively engage, touch, play, and learn, all while having the time of their lives.

It was the first museum in Tennessee to join Museums for All, offering reduced admission to families with EBT cards. It is also a KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ certified space – meaning it’s welcoming and accessible for all children, including those with sensory needs.

Can’t-Miss Exhibits at the Creative Discovery Museum

With countless interactive exhibits, here are the top highlights your family shouldn’t miss.

Namaste India (Limited-Time Exhibit)

Take your family on an immersive journey to India without leaving Chattanooga! Kids will adore interactive experiences like:

• Simulated tuk-tuk rides through bustling streets.
• Bollywood-style dress-up and dance.
• Hands-on cooking in a traditional Indian kitchen.

This cultural adventure is only around until May 11, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to explore!

Little FarmHouse

Perfect for little adventurers under five, this exhibit lets children experience farm life through pretend play.

They’ll love exploring a cozy farmhouse, driving tractors, tending a farmer’s market, and meeting adorable farm animals. It’s a playful introduction to rural life, linking directly to local farming communities through initiatives like The Southeast Dairy Trail.

STEM Zone & Make It Workshop

Budding scientists and engineers unite! In this exhibit, kids dive into science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. Highlights include:

• Building and testing rockets and catapults.
• Robotics challenges.
• Exploring renewable energy with interactive solar and wind exhibits.

At the Make It Workshop, children learn to use real tools – under supervision – to turn their ideas into tangible creations.

Tennessee RiverPlay

Splash into an adventure inspired by Tennessee’s own rivers and landscapes. Kids can play with interactive water tables, pilot a simulated river barge, climb through caves, and more. It’s an engaging way to connect children with Chattanooga’s beautiful natural surroundings.

UnEarthed Exhibit

Young explorers will dig this exhibit — literally!

They’ll uncover dinosaur fossils, experience earthquakes and hurricanes in safe simulations, and discover the natural world through augmented reality. With a massive T-Rex skeleton greeting visitors, kids will be thrilled to explore this nature-focused wonderland.

TreeHouse Adventure

Climb high above Chattanooga for sky-high views in this outdoor treetop playground. Each treehouse pod offers something unique, like:

• The Weather Pod for young meteorologists.
• The Reflection Pod, a sparkling sensory experience.
• The Gathering House, perfect for imaginative play.

It’s a thrilling outdoor adventure that blends play, nature, and breathtaking city views.

Accessibility, Inclusion & Guest Comfort

At the Creative Discovery Museum, every family is welcomed warmly. Certified as a Sensory Inclusive™ organization, it provides quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory resources to ensure all children have a comfortable experience. Accessibility is paramount, with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and adult-size changing tables available.

Inclusive policies mean discounted or free admissions for teachers, foster families, military personnel, and local first responders, making this a welcoming place for everyone.

Visiting the Creative Discovery Museum: What You Need to Know

To make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here’s a quick rundown of essential info:

Tickets

• General Admission: $19.95
• Discounts for military, seniors, EBT ($5), teachers, foster families, and more.

Location

Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Parking

Plenty of paid parking nearby, with a lot directly behind the museum. Plus, a free downtown shuttle makes getting around easy.

Recommended Visit Time

Plan for at least 2 hours to explore, but you may want to stay longer!

Helpful Tips

• Buy tickets online for quick check-in.
• Plan ahead for outdoor exhibits (TreeHouse Adventure closes during bad weather).
• Bring a refillable water bottle – food/drink is not allowed inside, but there’s a great café nearby.

Adventure Awaits at the Creative Discovery Museum

Turn your Chattanooga museum visit into the ultimate family adventure by staying in a cozy, nature-inspired Timberroot cabin. After a day of exploration and discovery, relax and reconnect in comfort, surrounded by the beauty of Tennessee’s wilderness.