As spring creeps in and winter begins to fade, the city springs to life with family fun. From kid-friendly festivals to stunning botanical gardens, there are so many wonderful things to do in Chattanooga in April.
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Things to Do in Chattanooga in April
Strawberry Picking
Beginning in April, our local u-pick strawberry farms will open for business. In addition to fruit, the farms offer fun extras like kids’ activities, farm stores, and scrumptious fried pies.
These farms make great spring day trips and are awesome spots to get outdoors and soak in the sun.
Easter Events
From adorable bunny photo ops to fun-filled easter festivals and egg hunts, you’ll find all the details right here.
Spring Garden Tours
One of the best places to see a stunning collection of spring flowering trees is the Southern Adventist University Arboretum, which is open to the public.
The Arboretum features 37 miles of walking and biking paths, a cave with underground trails, and gorgeous natural rock walls.
Limited visitors’ parking is available across from Wright Hall.
Light Up Chatt Parade
April 1, 2023
Renaissance Park, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
At this unique after-dark parade, the street will be filled with tons of glowing lanterns in a variety of shapes and patterns. You’ll get to see dragons, top hats, traditional lanterns, and quirky gems only a wild imagination could conjure!
Spring Festival
April 1-2 and 7-8, 2023
Mayfield Farm Park, Athens
$17 general admission, $27 with bunny breakfast
Guests will have access to all of Mayfield’s traditional farm attractions including a playground, jumping pillow, kiddie zipline, giant yard games, and so much more.
Of course, no spring festival would be complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny and a little egg hunting.
Rock the Riverfront
April 1 – 16, 2023
Chattanooga Green
FREE Admission
Rock the Riverfront features a large-scale interactive art installation with 3 gigantic spinning tops. The tops can actually be spun and visitors are encouraged to do so.
On Saturdays, there will also be live music, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks for your enjoyment.
Chattanooga River Market
April 1 – 29, 2023 (Saturdays only)
TN Aquarium Plaza, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
This open-air market features a wide variety of local craft and food vendors. There will also be live music. After shopping at the market, you can head into the aquarium or explore downtown to extend the fun
Wings and Ice Cream
April 8, 2023
Summit Air Field, Ooltewah
FREE Admission
Kids will be able to fly RC airplanes and enjoy a fun kids’ zone with games and inflatables, all for free. There will also be food and ice cream vendors onsite. Pre-registration is required.
More April Events in Chattanooga TN
Gospel and Jazz on the Riverfront
April 8, 2023
Chattanooga Green
FREE Admission
Enjoy a free jazz concert and Easter egg hunt for the kids. There will also be kids’ activities, yard games, face painting, food trucks, and craft vendors.
Walnut Street Bridge Festival
April 16, 2023
Walnut Street Bridge
FREE Admission
The Walnut Street Bridge Festival will feature live music, kids’ activities, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and more! Pre-register to get your free tickets.
Chattanooga Burger Week
April 10-16, 2023
Multiple Locations
Enjoy a free jazz concert and Easter egg hunt for the kids. There will also be kids’ activities, yard games, face painting, food trucks, and craft vendors.
Parent and Child Mexican Cooking Class
April 22, 2023
Sweet and Savory Classroom
$89 per pair
You and your kiddo will work together to make from-scratch tortillas, enchiladas, and guacamole. Of course, you get to eat everything you make. Yum!
Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 2023
Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga
$17 per person
Kids will enjoy an Earth-themed scavenger hunt, sensory bins, crafts, and a themed storytime. Guests are also free to explore all regular museum exhibits.
Kid Quest Family Fun Expo
April 22, 2023
Camp Jordan, Chattanooga
$10 per person + optional add-ons
General admission to Kid Quest includes access to all the shows. The shows will include animal performers, a Blippi impersonator, popular princesses, magicians, a Jedi training performance, and more.
For an extra fee, you can add on additional experiences like princess and character meet-and-greets, a superhero obstacle course, a Star Wars experience, and more.
Seafood Bash on the River
April 28-30
Coolidge Park, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
At the Seafood Bash foodies will enjoy a variety of land and seafood trucks, arts and crafts vendors, a kids’ play zone, as well as a beer and wine garden.
National Cornbread Festival
April 29 – 30, 2023
Downtown South Pittsburg
$10 per person
At this southern cornbread cook-off, visitors will enjoy a variety of tasting experiences, live music, and cornbread-themed activities for kids and adults.
Chattanooga Market Opening Weekend
April 29 – 30, 2023
First Horizon Pavillion, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
This fabulous farmers’ market is a staple in downtown Chattanooga. Shoppers will enjoy a fresh selection of locally grown produce, artisan baked goods, arts and crafts, fresh flowers, food trucks, and live music.
Did we miss one of your favorite things to do in Chattanooga in April? Please send us the details so we can add it to the list.
