Creative Discovery Museum
A vibrant hub of interactive learning and imaginative play, sparking curiosity for all ages with hands-on STEM and creative exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore.
Creative Discovery Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of interactive learning and imaginative play, sparking curiosity for all ages with hands-on STEM and creative exhibits.
"Hand down top 10 of my most favorite children’s museums to visit in the United States."
💧 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a blast, but you'll get wet! Pack extra clothes for the kids (and maybe yourself!).
🎟️ Re-entry is Easy
You can leave and come back all day with a simple stamp. Perfect for lunch breaks or naps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Water Play Zone
Entrance Area
Dive into interactive water exhibits, perfect for cooling off and hands-on fun. Bring a change of clothes!
STEM Lab Adventures
Upstairs
Launch rockets, build robots, and explore wind power with engaging, parent-friendly STEM challenges.
Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!
Special Exhibit Area
Engage in hands-on STEM challenges inspired by the beloved animated duo. Perfect for aspiring inventors!
Rooftop Play Area
Rooftop
Enjoy outdoor fun with unique play structures, offering a different perspective on the museum experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
No Kids? No Problem!
Membership Magic for Families
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a blast, but you'll get wet! Pack extra clothes for the kids (and maybe yourself!).
🎟️ Re-entry is Easy
You can leave and come back all day with a simple stamp. Perfect for lunch breaks or naps.
💡 Check for Sensory Advisories
The museum labels sensory-friendly areas, helpful for visitors with autism.
💰 Membership Value
For families of 4+, a membership often costs similar to one visit and pays for itself quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a blast, but you'll get wet! Pack extra clothes for the kids (and maybe yourself!).
🎟️ Re-entry is Easy
You can leave and come back all day with a simple stamp. Perfect for lunch breaks or naps.
💡 Check for Sensory Advisories
The museum labels sensory-friendly areas, helpful for visitors with autism.
💰 Membership Value
For families of 4+, a membership often costs similar to one visit and pays for itself quickly.
📸 Capture the Fun
Plenty of photo ops! Don't forget to capture those moments of discovery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Creative Discovery Museum for its clean, creative, and highly interactive exhibits that engage children and adults alike. The STEM Lab and Water Play Zone are frequent highlights, and the museum's inclusive approach, including bilingual information and sensory advisories, is greatly appreciated. Some minor concerns were noted regarding the upkeep of certain broken exhibits.
"Hand down top 10 of my most favorite children’s museums to visit in the United States. This place was clean very creative interactive exhibit lots of sensory inclusion. It’s a definitely a must when you come to Tennessee to visit, if you have children check out their free family night every month on the second Thursday of the month
The exhibits are always changing, so make sure you check them out every so often"
Zacareonna Alvarez
"My 4 kids (10, 9, 8 & 4) all LOVED this! I loved that they labeled the "sensory advisory" areas because my 4 year old has autism and some times these things can be a little much for him. The STEM floor was our FAVORITE! They had some of the coolest gadgets. It was even parent fun friendly! We are a family of 6 so we paid nearly the same amount for 1 visit that we would for a membership- HIGHLY recommend splurging on the membership for larger families they'll pay for themselves in 2 visits and believe me you'll be back!!"
Victoria Walker
"Absolutely wonderful experience. Also, it is relatively cheap. You can enter and exit all day after purchasing your tickets. You just need a stamp to get back in. Every exhibit was educational and interactive, and It offered both English and Spanish on the educational boards, which was amazingly inclusive for my blended family. My daughter had a blast in the arts center and dinosaurs exhibit, lol. Though I would warn, some of the stuffed animals in the gift shop are 40$-50, and they do not take tap pay. Regardless, a 10/10 adventure for a relaxed Sunday activity. Will be going back."
Shayla WuvsYou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Creative Discovery Museum is located in downtown Chattanooga, TN. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, there are parking options available near the museum. It's recommended to check their website for the most current parking information and any associated fees.
Absolutely! While designed for kids, adults are welcome to explore and enjoy the interactive exhibits. You don't need to have a child with you to enter.
Visiting on weekdays during school hours, especially in the morning, generally offers a less crowded experience. Avoid major holidays if possible.
The museum is designed to be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with exhibits and pathways accommodating various needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's relatively inexpensive. Check the official website (cdmfun.org) for current pricing. Consider a membership for frequent visits, as it can be more cost-effective for families.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for peak times or holidays, is recommended to ensure entry and save time.
Look out for special promotions or consider the free family night held monthly on the second Thursday for discounted or free admission.
Yes, you can exit and re-enter the museum throughout the day after purchasing your ticket. Just get a stamp upon exiting.
Museum hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Creative Discovery Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive Water Play Zone, the engaging STEM Lab with its rockets and robots, and the special Wallace & Gromit exhibit. The rooftop play area is also a hit! +1
Yes, the museum has areas like the 'Little FarmHouse' imaginary play space that are perfect for toddlers and younger children.
Absolutely! The STEM Lab upstairs offers challenges for older kids, and exhibits like the dinosaur dig and robot games cater to a wide age range. +1
The museum provides sensory advisory labels for certain areas, which can be helpful for visitors with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism.
Most visitors find that spending 2-3 hours allows ample time to explore the exhibits and enjoy the activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about on-site dining options can be found on their official website. It's always a good idea to check for current offerings.
Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. Check the museum's guidelines on their website or contact them directly to confirm.
If there's an on-site cafe, it typically offers kid-friendly choices. Alternatively, there are many dining options in the surrounding downtown Chattanooga area.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for capturing memories. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in special exhibits.
The Water Play Zone, the colorful STEM exhibits, and the unique rooftop play area offer great photo opportunities. The Wallace & Gromit exhibit is also very photogenic.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, as it can be disruptive to other visitors and potentially damage sensitive exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider packing a change of clothes for the water area and check for the free family night on the second Thursday of the month for a budget-friendly outing. For families with younger children, the 'Little FarmHouse' imaginary play space is a hit.
If you have multiple children or plan to visit often, a membership is highly recommended as it often pays for itself quickly. 🧑🎓 Curious Adults & Couples
It's a fantastic place for a unique date or a fun outing if you're visiting Chattanooga without kids. The rooftop play area provides a nice break with a view, and the overall atmosphere is one of joyful exploration.
Plus, the museum's commitment to bilingual information and sensory considerations makes it an inclusive experience for everyone. 💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Keep an eye out for the free family night held monthly on the second Thursday, offering a fantastic opportunity for free admission.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
Remember to bring a change of clothes for this one!Upstairs, the STEM Lab is a hub of innovation. Here, visitors can engage in activities like launching rockets, designing and testing inventions, and exploring principles of wind power. These exhibits are not only educational but also incredibly entertaining, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting.
+1Beyond the main attractions, the museum often features rotating exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to discover. This commitment to fresh content makes it a destination worth revisiting. The rooftop play area offers a unique outdoor experience, providing a different perspective and a chance to burn off energy.
Community and Inclusivity at CDM
Furthermore, the museum demonstrates its inclusive spirit through bilingual educational boards, offering information in both English and Spanish. This detail is particularly appreciated by blended families and visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
When it comes to the exhibits, be prepared for the Water Play Zone to be a highlight, but also a source of getting wet – packing a change of clothes is a common piece of advice.
For those concerned about the condition of exhibits, some reviews mention that certain items could benefit from more frequent repairs. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit