You’ll Want To Plan A Summer Day Trip To Tennessee’s Magical Butterfly House

Summer is a great time to be both in and outdoors. But when the latter gets a bit hot, parents and grandparents are always looking for ways to keep the kiddos entertained yet also not stay cooped up in the house. Luckily the Tennessee Aquarium Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden in Chattanooga is one of our favorite spots! Not only is it fun and educational but it is also nationally acclaimed for its wealth of exhibits. Here are some things we think you need to know about this truly unique Tennessee attraction.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has long been a staple on the city's riverfront.

Opened in 1992 as a part of a massive revitalization effort for the city's downtown, the Tennessee Aquarium is now a shining jewel for the city.

Coming here is definitely a real treat!

For nature lovers, the Butterfly Garden offers a wealth of natural beauty in a comfortable indoor environment

The Aquarium features birds and fish from around the world and the exhibits walk you through habitats from the hill-lined creeks of East Tennessee, through the Mississippi watershed, and into the ocean.

One of the coolest exhibits at the aquarium is the Butterfly Garden. The exhibit features hundreds of butterflies including Glass Wings, Monarchs, and Indian Leafs.

The garden is in a beautiful, glass walled part of the aquarium.

The habitat features exotic flowers, a beautiful waterfall, and the sounds of tropical birds.

The butterflies are primarily from Central and South America.

The aquarium actually partners with local farmers there to conserve and showcase these butterflies in an effort to not only provide income for those farmers but also to preserve the natural environments of the butterflies.

Part of both the aquarium and the butterfly gardens appeal is that they attract visitors of all ages.

So whether you come here with the family or a group of friends, you're guaranteed to have a great time!

The aquarium releases butterflies daily, so be sure to ask when you get there what the schedules are for that day's release.

While you're at the aquarium, be sure to take advantage of the other interactive experiences that they offer!

They do multiple daily presentations with the lemurs, penguins, alligators, and other animals!

The Tennessee Aquarium is open every day and you will find it at 1 Broad St. in Chattanooga.

In addition to the main buildings, there is also an IMAX theater for those who love to go to the movies

For more information, check out the Butterfly Garden page on the Tennessee Aquarium website, as well as the overall Tennessee Aquarium Facebook page.

Have you ever been to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga? If so, what was your favorite part?  We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

PS: Did you know that this Quintessential Tennessee Ski Town Is Even Better In The Summertime?

If you and the family like to hike, you can find some great trails in the Chattanooga area by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures? Take a look at this video about The Raven Rock Trail At Roan Mountain State Park: