Coolidge Park
A vibrant waterfront park featuring a historic carousel, splash fountains, and scenic bridge access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Coolidge Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront park featuring a historic carousel, splash fountains, and scenic bridge access.
"A wonderful experience for children with pleasing scenery, especially during sunset."
Bring Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be present. :bug:
Carousel Tickets
Rides on the antique carousel are very affordable, often around $1 per ticket. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antique Carousel
Center of the park
A charming, restored carousel offering magical rides for all ages. A nostalgic favorite for many visitors.
Interactive Water Fountains
Near the riverfront
Splash and play in the fun, interactive fountains – a perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
Walnut Street Bridge Views
Connects to the park
Stroll across one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges for stunning river and city views, especially at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Construction
Summer Fun & Water Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be present. :bug:
Carousel Tickets
Rides on the antique carousel are very affordable, often around $1 per ticket. :ticket:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Pack a change of clothes for kids to enjoy the water fountains and play areas. :child:
Explore the Riverwalk
Rent a kayak or paddleboard near the bridge for a unique river perspective. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be present. :bug:
Carousel Tickets
Rides on the antique carousel are very affordable, often around $1 per ticket. :ticket:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Pack a change of clothes for kids to enjoy the water fountains and play areas. :child:
Explore the Riverwalk
Rent a kayak or paddleboard near the bridge for a unique river perspective. :kayak:
Sunset Strolls
The park and Walnut Street Bridge offer beautiful sunset views. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Coolidge Park's family-friendly atmosphere, with highlights including the charming carousel and fun water fountains. The scenic views from the Walnut Street Bridge are also a major draw. While some areas might be under construction, the park offers ample green space for relaxation and play, making it a memorable spot for a visit.
"The park provided a wonderful experience for the children. The scenery surrounding the area was quite pleasing, offering a pleasant visual treat specially during sunset. Despite the overall positive experience, it was unfortunate that access to the walking bridge was unavailable. Hopefully, the bridge will be open soon for everyone to fully appreciate its beauty. Overall, it was a memorable day."
Arindam Dasgupta
"I really enjoyed the park, even though there are still some areas under construction.
Despite that, you can still enjoy the carousel, the fountains, and take a nice walk through most parts of the park.
One of the most fun surprises was seeing how many rabbits there are throughout the park, I spotted at least ten during my visit. It’s really entertaining to watch them as you walk around.
I would definitely recommend bringing mosquito repellent, I ended up with lots of bites all over my legs.
Additionally, under the bridge there’s a company that rents out kayaks and paddle boards if you want to enjoy the river. The prices are reasonable, around $35 for an hour of rental, which makes for a fun and different way to experience the area."
Diego Hernandez
"Coolidge Park over looks the Tn River. It offers an active water fountain that all ages can enjoy. Make sure you ride the carousel . The park is dog friendly there is enough lawn for playing outdoor sports , resting on a blanket or pic nic with the family."
Debbie Meddings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coolidge Park is located in downtown Chattanooga, easily accessible by car. There are parking lots nearby, and some street parking can be found, though it can fill up quickly. It's also a great stop along the Tennessee Riverwalk, so biking or walking is an option if you're already in the area.
Yes, there are parking lots and street parking available. Some sources suggest 212 Walnut St. for free street parking. Be aware that parking can be challenging during peak times.
Absolutely! Coolidge Park is part of the Tennessee Riverwalk, a paved pedestrian path perfect for walking and biking. It's a scenic way to arrive.
While specific bus routes might vary, downtown Chattanooga is generally served by public transportation. Checking the local transit authority's schedule is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
You can enjoy a quick visit in about an hour, focusing on the carousel and fountains. To fully explore the park, walk the bridge, and perhaps rent a kayak, plan for 2-3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Coolidge Park itself is free to enter and explore. There are small fees for specific attractions like the carousel.
Riding the historic carousel is very affordable, typically costing around $1 per ticket per ride.
No, the interactive water fountains are free to use and enjoy for all visitors.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific attractions like the carousel may have seasonal hours, so it's best to check their official schedule if you have a particular time in mind.
Advance booking is not typically required for park entry or the carousel. For activities like kayak rentals, it's advisable to check with the rental company directly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Coolidge Park offers a historic carousel, interactive water fountains, open green spaces for picnics and play, and access to the Walnut Street Bridge for scenic walks. You can also find kayak rentals nearby.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids love the carousel, the splash fountains, and the open areas for running around.
Yes, Coolidge Park is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the visit.
Reviews indicate that the restrooms in Coolidge Park are generally clean and well-maintained.
Walking is the best way to experience Coolidge Park. You can also rent bikes or enjoy a leisurely stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive dining facilities within the park itself, there are numerous restaurants and eateries located around the park and along the riverfront.
Absolutely! Coolidge Park has plenty of green space and benches perfect for enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
You can find various options nearby, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Some popular spots mentioned include Clumpies ice cream and Bantam & Biddy for breakfast.
Yes, there are ice cream shops nearby, including Clumpies, which is a local favorite.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The antique carousel, the interactive fountains, and the Walnut Street Bridge at sunset are prime locations for photos. The river views are also picturesque.
Yes, the park and the Walnut Street Bridge offer beautiful sunset views, making it a popular spot for photographers.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the park and details of the carousel. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the bridge.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check with park management for any specific permits or guidelines.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most flattering light. Midday can be harsh, but the fountains provide fun action shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The interactive water fountains are a huge hit on warm days – be sure to pack a change of clothes for the little ones! The open green spaces are perfect for running around, and the park is generally dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the biggest crowds. The park is also conveniently located near the Tennessee Aquarium and other family attractions, making it easy to plan a full day of exploration.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The carousel rides are very affordable, typically around $1 per ticket, making it an inexpensive treat. Pack a picnic to save on dining costs, as there are plenty of spots to enjoy your meal. Walking or biking along the Tennessee Riverwalk is also a free and scenic activity.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers
The Walnut Street Bridge is a standout, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering stunning panoramic views of the river and city skyline. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to capture the beautiful sunset light. The riverfront setting also provides opportunities for landscape and lifestyle photography. Remember to bring your camera and perhaps a tripod for those evening shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Carousel
Many visitors recall riding the carousel with grandparents or parents, highlighting its intergenerational appeal. The operators are often noted for their pleasant demeanor, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for riders. The charm of this carousel is a significant draw, contributing to the park's overall appeal as a family-friendly destination.
Water Features & Play Areas
It's highly recommended to bring a change of clothes for children if you plan to visit when the fountains are active, as they are designed for active play. The water features are a key reason many families choose to spend their afternoons here, offering a free and engaging way for kids to enjoy the outdoors.
Walnut Street Bridge & Riverwalk
The bridge also serves as a gateway to the extensive Tennessee Riverwalk, a paved path that stretches along the river. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards from companies located beneath the bridge for a unique perspective of the river and its surroundings. This integration of the park, bridge, and riverwalk creates a comprehensive recreational experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit