Tennessee Aquarium Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Tennessee Aquarium. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Bridge to Fun: A Chattanooga Rydable Experience

In 2026, general admission to the Tennessee Aquarium starts at US$39.95 for adults and US$29.95 for children ages 5–17. Children 4 and under are free. Tickets are available in timed-entry slots, and advance reservations are highly recommended to secure access at your preferred time, especially during peak periods.

Yes, the Tennessee Aquarium is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love marine life and immersive, educational experiences. The attraction is one of the world's largest freshwater aquariums, featuring a unique design that maps the "river-to-sea" journey of aquatic life. In the ocean journey section, see penguins, sea turtles, tropical fish, glowing jellyfish, and many other creatures up close. Pairing your visit with a guided Chattanooga city tour makes it easy to explore multiple attractions in a single day.

Per one customer who booked the Bridge to Fun: A Chattanooga Rydable Experience, "This was such a fun experience! Kalab was a great tour guide. The scooters were so much fun to ride around downtown Chattanooga. We went through alleyways and walkways. He took us down by the aquarium and the bridges. Then by the art center. He was very knowledgeable about Chattanooga and the history there. As we went through the city, many people waved to us. If you're looking for something different and fun to do, this is it."

Visitors should plan for two to three hours to explore the Tennessee Aquarium. Timed entry to the aquarium controls crowds and allows for entry within a 1-hour window. Once inside, you can discover the aquarium’s exhibitions at your own pace. The aquarium is made up of two main buildings.

Yes, you have to pay to park near the Tennessee Aquarium. There are several paid lots within the vicinity of the aquarium and IMAX theater. If you are coming from Chattanooga, you can utilize the free shuttle within the downtown area to reach the Tennessee Aquarium without paying for parking.

Yes, the Tennessee Aquarium takes cash for aquarium admission at its physical location, but buying online tickets requires a credit card. Payments for group reservations must be made by credit card or business check. Individuals who are planning a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium can use cash on-site if they choose.

It depends. There are several different ticket options available at the Tennessee Aquarium. General admission includes access to the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, plus all main exhibits. Tickets are available for the IMAX theater only, or you can buy a ticket that combines IMAX and aquarium entry. Guided tours are sold separately.

Yes, cameras are allowed inside the Tennessee Aquarium. However, visitors should look for signs inside the aquarium indicating places where flash photography is not permitted. The aquarium encourages guests to share photographs from their visits via social media including Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #TennesseeAquarium.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Tennessee Aquarium. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Chattanooga:

• Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

• Ruby Falls

• Chattanooga Riverwalk

• Coolidge Park

• Walnut Street Bridge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Chattanooga.