Summer is a great time to be both in and outdoors. But when the latter gets a bit hot, parents and grandparents are always looking for ways to keep the kiddos entertained yet also not stay cooped up in the house. Luckily the Tennessee Aquarium Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden in Chattanooga is one of our favorite spots! Not only is it fun and educational but it is also nationally acclaimed for its wealth of exhibits. Here are some things we think you need to know about this truly unique Tennessee attraction.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has long been a staple on the city's riverfront.
ravas51 - Flickr
Opened in 1992 as a part of a massive revitalization effort for the city's downtown, the Tennessee Aquarium is now a shining jewel for the city.
Coming here is definitely a real treat!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
For nature lovers, the Butterfly Garden offers a wealth of natural beauty in a comfortable indoor environment
The Aquarium features birds and fish from around the world and the exhibits walk you through habitats from the hill-lined creeks of East Tennessee, through the Mississippi watershed, and into the ocean.
Tennessee Aquarium - TripAdvisor
One of the coolest exhibits at the aquarium is the Butterfly Garden. The exhibit features hundreds of butterflies including Glass Wings, Monarchs, and Indian Leafs.
The garden is in a beautiful, glass walled part of the aquarium.
txmason - TripAdvisor
The habitat features exotic flowers, a beautiful waterfall, and the sounds of tropical birds.

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The butterflies are primarily from Central and South America.
J. - Flickr
The aquarium actually partners with local farmers there to conserve and showcase these butterflies in an effort to not only provide income for those farmers but also to preserve the natural environments of the butterflies.
Part of both the aquarium and the butterfly gardens appeal is that they attract visitors of all ages.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
So whether you come here with the family or a group of friends, you're guaranteed to have a great time!
J - Flickr
The aquarium releases butterflies daily, so be sure to ask when you get there what the schedules are for that day's release.
While you're at the aquarium, be sure to take advantage of the other interactive experiences that they offer!
Tennessee Butterfly House - Wikimedia
They do multiple daily presentations with the lemurs, penguins, alligators, and other animals!
The Tennessee Aquarium is open every day and you will find it at 1 Broad St. in Chattanooga.
Don Burkett - Flickr
In addition to the main buildings, there is also an IMAX theater for those who love to go to the movies

For more information, check out the Butterfly Garden page on the Tennessee Aquarium website, as well as the overall Tennessee Aquarium Facebook page.

Have you ever been to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga? If so, what was your favorite part?  We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

PS: Did you know that this Quintessential Tennessee Ski Town Is Even Better In The Summertime?

If you and the family like to hike, you can find some great trails in the Chattanooga area by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures? Take a look at this video about The Raven Rock Trail At Roan Mountain State Park:

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More to Explore

More Volunteer State Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 03, 2023

Where can we go bargain shopping in Tennessee?

  • Starland Vintage & Unusual in Nashville sells vintage clothing, home goods, jewelry, records, novelties, books, and more.
  • The Ogle Brothers General Store in Sevierville features everything you can think of and has been owned by the same family for well over a century.
  • The Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak features over 1,000 rotating vendors.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful places to go bargain shopping in Tennessee.

Where can we find other lakes in Tennessee?

  • Watts Bar Lake is known as a great spot to catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and black crappie.
  • Herb Parsons Lake is the spot for great fishing as well as for its hiking and cycling trails.
  • The Tims Ford Reservoir at Tims Ford State Park is considered one of the best bass fishing spots in the entire Southeast.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful lakes in Tennessee.

Can we find the best pizza in Tennessee?

  • Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse in Monteagle is a more upscale restaurant offering great wines to pair with your meals.
  • DeSano Pizza Bakery in Nashville cooks their pizza in a wood burning oven that is open for the public to watch.
  • Big Ed’s Pizza in Oak Ridge is known for their hugepizza pies.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other places to find the best pizza in Tennessee.

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Featured Addresses
Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA