Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
2,199
1,449
Tennessee
Underwater and Outer Space: Chattanooga With Your Grandchild
Program No. 17691RJ
Learn all about Chattanooga and beyond as you and your grandchild ride a historic train, experience a space simulator, visit an underground waterfall and spend a night at an aquarium!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Age 9 - 12
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DATES | ||||
Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
| 2,199 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| 2,199 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| 2,749 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| |
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
2,199 1,449 | ||||
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
| 2,199 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| 2,199 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| 2,749 / Adult
1,449 / Child
| |
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Chattanooga, TN
2
History, Train Ride, River Boat Cruise, Choo Choo Terminal
Chattanooga, TN
3
Horsin' Around Carving School, Coolidge Park, Space Center
Chattanooga, TN
4
Rock City and Ruby Falls, Sleepover at the TN Aquarium
Chattanooga, TN
5
Behind the Scenes TN Aquarium, Duck Boat Land to Sea, Music
Chattanooga, TN
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Chattanooga, TN
At a Glance
This adventure with your grandchild will launch you far beyond the borders of Chattanooga and into your imaginations as you play and learn together. Become an astronaut for a day at the Challengers Space Center as you fly a simulated space mission. Imagine you’re a conductor or an escaping outlaw as you climb aboard an old-school train for a ride on the rails. And transform yourself into a fish or favorite marine animal as you sleep among your finned friends during an aquarium sleepover! After a week of science, history and a little make believe, you’ll head home with unforgettable memories under your belt!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day over uneven terrain and including stairs.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Ride the rails across Chickamauga Creek, and sleep among the sharks at the Tennessee Aquarium.
- At the Challenger Space Center, get “launched” into space and conduct research in a real Space Lab.
- Hear tales of notorious outlaws, Civil War soldiers and Native American warriors, and discover an underground waterfall at Lookout Mountain.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 9-12.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Justin Strickland
Justin Strickland has been fascinated by trains his entire life. His first "railroad" job was with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the age of 15, where he eventually became a conductor. Justin has also worked with the Southeastern Railway Museum, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. He authored the only book dedicated to the Terminal Station in Chattanooga and has been interviewed for the railroad documentary "Tracing the Tracks."
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Justin Strickland
View biography
Justin Strickland has been fascinated by trains his entire life. His first "railroad" job was with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the age of 15, where he eventually became a conductor. Justin has also worked with the Southeastern Railway Museum, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. He authored the only book dedicated to the Terminal Station in Chattanooga and has been interviewed for the railroad documentary "Tracing the Tracks."
Maury Nicely
View biography
Maury Nicely is a lawyer and historian in Chattanooga, Tenn., and author of the “Chattanooga Walking Tour & Historic Guide” and the “East Tennessee Walking Tour & Historic Guide.” Maury has served on the boards of Chattanooga History Center and Cornerstones, Inc., Chattanooga's historic preservation organization.
Carol Burton
View biography
Carol Burton attended Dalton State College, where she began her 16 years as a Road Scholar coordinator with its Center for Educational Adventure. Married to her childhood sweetheart, she grew up in Hampton, Va., and moved to Georgia in 1970. Carol said she was born with a love for animals and volunteers with her local humane society.
Tom Morley
View biography
Tom Morley’s musical career spans thirty years and a host of genres. He's played Celtic, bluegrass, classical, swing, Americana and country honky tonk, earning a gold album for his work with “new traditionalist” country artist John Anderson. Classically trained with a degree in music education, Tom's followed his passion for Irish traditional music for the past two decades. Tom teaches privately and at fiddle workshops and string camps around the U.S., including Boston's Fiddle Hell Gathering and the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Suggested Reading List
(3 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Underwater and Outer Space: Chattanooga With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 17691
Chattanooga's Terminal Station (TN)
Long before Glenn Miller made the world-famous "Chattanooga Choo Choo" an American icon, Chattanooga was already a bustling railroad community. By the beginning of the 20th century, passenger trains overwhelmed Chattanooga's two railroad depots and a larger station was needed. The solution was Terminal Station, which rivaled most Southern depots in size, expense, and aesthetic beauty. Providing transportation to cities throughout the country, the terminal made its mark as the gateway for rail from the agricultural south to the industrial north. Following its closure, the terminal was reopened as a renowned hotel and entertainment complex in 1973, becoming one of Chattanooga's many exciting attractions. Images of Rail: Chattanooga's Terminal Station follows the history of this depot in both stories and photographs.
Chattanooga Landmarks (TN): Exploring the History of the Scenic City (The History Press) [Paperback]
Chattanooga's history and heritage are embodied in the historical sites, structures and groundbreaking feats of engineering that have defined the city from its beginning. Many of the Scenic City's most important landmarks are still preserved. Yet with so many fascinating historic sites and storied destinations, seeing them all is no easy task. Fortunately, Chattanooga Landmarks offers a helpful survey of the most historically significant sites in the city and the surrounding area. Join Chattanooga local Jennifer Crutchfield as she guides you through the city's historic wonders, both natural and man-made. From the top of Lookout Mountain down to the banks of the Tennessee River and through downtown, Chattanooga Landmarks covers the breadth of the historic sites that make this Tennessee city a landmark all its own.
My Tripp to Chattanooga
Told through the eyes of eight-year-old Micki as she relates her adventures in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She takes you to an aquarium and an amusement park; to an underground waterfall and a Civil War Battlefield; on a fast ride down the River Gorge and a fast slide down a hill on a piece of cardboard; a walk across a glass bridge and a stroll along a train depot. She rides a Duck and holds a creepy, crawly hissing cockroach; and much, much more.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals (
5B, 3L, 4D
)
1 expert-led lecture
10 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After checking in and receiving your key at the front desk, go to the conference room located near the lobby area to meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we'll have some pool time at the hotel and get to know our fellow travelers. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
History, Train Ride, River Boat Cruise, Choo Choo Terminal
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 25 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved and uneven terrain. Getting on/off a train with 3 steps up. Embarking/disembarking a river boat; riding approximately 1-1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin today’s adventure with a history of Chattanooga given by our expert who has taught numerous programs for Road Scholar in Chattanooga. Kids will enjoy this summary of history, as well as adults. Next, we’ll take a motorcoach ride to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, where we’ll hear from an expert about the exciting history of Chattanooga following the call for “all aboard” on a shortline railroad ride. We’ll cross Chickamauga Creek and pass through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge tunnel that became the hub of local railroading activity in the early 1900s. We’ll see a turntable demonstration and explore the railroad repair shop, where we’ll learn how the railroad was built, how railroads are maintained today, and about the lives of those who fought here. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will walk two blocks to board the Southern Belle River Boat for a narrated ride on the Tennessee River that will introduce us to Chattanooga and the historical significance the city played in the Civil War! Afterwards, we will return to the hotel for some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll travel by motorcoach to the 106-year-old Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal, where we’ll enjoy stories of this majestic station, see train cars, and learn more about the famous Terminal significant in its role of the train era with its “Track 29.” Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Day
3
Horsin' Around Carving School, Coolidge Park, Space Center
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; some uneven, paved terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and ride to Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, for a field trip to the Horsin’ Around Carousel Carving School, the only one in the country. We will see firsthand the students’ carving ability and master carvers at work as we learn of their role in the restoration of the antique 1894 Dentzel carousel with 54 carved animals at Coolidge Park on the Chattanooga waterfront. We will then ride to the carousel and pick a favorite animal to ride before returning to the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we will ride on the motorcoach to the Challenger Center. The UTC Challenger Learning Center is a member of the National Challenger Center Network that has 45 centers located in the United States, Great Britain, South Korea, and Canada. The Challenger Centers were built as a living memorial for the crew of the Challenger Space Shuttle mission that ended in tragedy on January 28, 1986. In the Mission Control room, designed after NASA Johnson Space Center and an orbiting space station, we will “fly” simulated space missions before returning to the hotel. After leaving the Challenger Space Center, we’ll stop over at the IMAX Theater for a 45-minute movie to be announced.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Rock City and Ruby Falls, Sleepover at the TN Aquarium
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, less than 1 hour riding time. At Rock City, walking 100-foot trail; 35 stairs in sets of 4-5 stairs with handrails; uneven, inclines. Ruby Falls building entrance handicapped accessible, cave not wheelchair accessible. Elevator down to starting point of cave walk, approximately 4/5 of a mile each way; hard packed dirt, uneven paths, no seating. Participants must be able to remain comfortably on their feet up to 90 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll hop aboard the motorcoach for a field trip to Lookout Mountain, famous for its many unusual geological features, and Rock City. Situated atop the mountain at 1,700 feet above sea level — with a 100-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountain and the famous Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet — Rock City is a true marvel of nature, featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking panoramic views of seven states. We’ll take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail, where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. The magic of Fairyland Caverns is a favorite for kids and grandparents.
Lunch:
At a restaurant atop Lookout Mountain.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our learning adventure on top of Lookout Mountain as we explore Ruby Falls. It is unique: a 145-foot underground waterfall more than 1,120 feet beneath the mountain’s surface. The fascinating story of the formation of Lookout Mountain, the cave, and Ruby Falls itself, all on the banks of the Tennessee River, is told by the rocks that formed each of these wonders. We’ll learn about the rich history of this cave from a Ruby Falls docent — a story that includes Native Americans, cave explorers, notorious outlaws, Civil War soldiers, and even a President of the United States. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Grandparents and grandkids will be spending the night at the Tennessee Aquarium. If grandparents decide they do not want to sleep over at the aquarium, grandchildren may go without them; we will have enough chaperones to cover this. The overnight program includes an expert-led exploration of the aquatic critters, a chance to meet an animal ambassador, an evening snack, and an after-dark scavenger hunt. We’ll snuggle beside stingrays and sturgeons and wake up to a light breakfast. Since we have included the VIP Experience, our group will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look as we help wake up the wildlife.
Day
5
Behind the Scenes TN Aquarium, Duck Boat Land to Sea, Music
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
Activity Note
Walking approximately 1-2 hours at the Tennessee Aquarium. Standing during behind the scenes at aquarium for at least 1 hour. Getting on/off a duck boat; 4-5 steps up into the boat.
Breakfast:
At the aquarium.
Morning:
We’ll wake up from our sleepover at the aquarium to take a peek behind the doors and see what it takes to feed and care for the aquarium animals. Led by an aquarium educator, we’ll participate in feeding some of the marine life and learn about the food requirements of some of the aquatic animals.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We’ll meet up at a specific location near our hotel and on the Tennessee River to board an authentic WWII amphibious landing craft, built specifically for the D-Day invasion, to enjoy an historic trip through downtown Chattanooga with expert narration before splashing into the Tennessee River at Ross’ Landing for an historical and ecological exploration of the river and the Chattanooga Waterfront. More than just a ride—it’s an adventure!
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a musical presentation for kids and grandparents. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the hotel classroom with our Group Leader, we will review what we’ve seen and learned as share our fondest memories of this time together. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 8 Reviews
Sort By:
This was a well-organized trip, with free time built in for the grandkids to make and interact with new friends. The suggested age range of 9-12 was just right.
— Review left July 10, 2024
My husband and I took our 9 year old granddaughter on an intergenerational program this month. It was the first time we traveled with her without either of her parents. While it was a bit out of all our comfort zones to make this plan, once we were there we quickly found our joyful comfort zones as soon as she befriended other kids in the group and we befriended other grandparents. The three of us grew closer while we were there. We all loved every part of this experience and now have lifetime memories to cherish!
— Review left June 29, 2024
Our trip to Chattanooga was so much more than learning about space, trains and sea life! There were 19 kids on this trip and it was amazing that they all got along and many became good friends. We stayed at the DoubleTree downtown which included a wonderful pool for relaxing and playing after the days activities. Highlights for my 10 yr old grandson included the Mars simulation at the Challenger Center, a local fiddler who came to play for us, and the overnight trip to the Tennessee Aquarium. For me, as a train buff, I really got into the railroad presentations, histories, and train ride. Of course, large doses of important American history were snuck in and the kids could not help but learn more about the civil war and the impact of that time on present-day Chattanooga. I had no idea that this city had so much to offer- a true gem. One more thing: the group leader, Carol, was so good that I just don't know how this program could have been done any better. My grandson and I highly recommend this one!
— Review left June 22, 2024
Terrific trip with our 12 year old granddaughter. Lots of fun things to explore in Chattanooga (who knew?) and just the right amount of interesting background of the area and it's music. The kids were interested all week and the group meshed very well. Sad to see it end but that is a good thing! Also our terrific group leader, Carol, knows everyone in Chattanooga so when one speaker cancelled on the day of his lecture due to COVID she found us a terrific sub to entertain us. So glad our granddaughter picked this trip...we might have missed a great time.
— Review left July 22, 2022
We had lots of fun on this program with our 12-year-old grandson. There were many well-planned activities in and around Chattanooga. Who knew this city offered so much history and interesting things to see and do?! There was also ample free time for playing in the hotel pool!
— Review left July 17, 2022
This Grandparents trip was very appropriately geared to the preteen grandchildren. There was lots of swim and peer bonding time. The group leader Carol was wonderful and she had engaged the most interesting people to talk to our group. The trips on trains and to the zoo, the Challenger Space Center, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Aquarium were fun. The Duck ride and ice cream treats were extra special! My twin grandchildren enjoyed the entire week.
— Review left July 15, 2022
A terrific program for grandchildren and grandparents. Chattanooga is a hidden gem that offers so much to the participants.
— Review left June 25, 2022
My husband and I took two grandchildren, ages 9 and 11, on this adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Will plan on doing another Road Scholar trip next year.
— Review left August 4, 2019
