Plan a Visit


Open from 10am - 5pm.

Closed Wednesdays through March 15.

We will close on Saturday, March 4 at 3pm to prepare for our annual fundraising event,
AmuseUm.

321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Chattanooga's
Place to Discover

Visit a nationally-ranked children’s museum in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Explore the Scenic City and all it has to offer after a full day of play!

Parking & Amenities +
Parking:
There are several paid parking lots in close proximity to CDM, including one directly behind the Museum. A free shuttle runs daily throughout downtown Chattanooga.
Amenities:
Eat, shop and explore the outdoors all within walking distance of the Museum. Click below for a downloadable guide of places to eat around CDM!
Discover more

Become a Member

Enjoy all the exclusive benefits of a CDM membership, including:

  • Local Business Discounts
  • Unlimited Admission
  • Member-Only Events
  • Museum Discounts
Adults & Children

General Admission

Explore, innovate, create and play.

Online ticket reservations are recommended.

Join the fun

Group Trips

Come as a class, scout troupe, or organization and discover together.

Admission Discounts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are food and drink allowed in the Museum?

    To keep our exhibits and Museum clean and operational, no food or drinks are allowed in the Museum except for bottled water with a secure lid. All food and drinks should be consumed on the plaza or in the lobby prior to entering the exhibits.

  • Do you have a secure location for items to be stored in the Museum?

    CDM has a limited number of lockers available on a first come, first served basis. Lockers can be rented at Guest Relations for $2/token and used for the duration of your visit. In addition, there is an unattended coat closet in the lobby for jackets. Strollers may be parked in designated areas by Little FarmHouse. CDM is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

  • Are strollers allowed in the Museum?

    To keep the Museum as accessible as possible, and because we have very limited stroller parking, please consider leaving strollers at home or using smaller umbrella-style strollers which are available for free rental with a valid ID at Guest Relations. We understand that a stroller may be necessary for your visit, particularly for those with a disability. If you need to bring a stroller, it must be occupied. Unoccupied strollers should be parked in designated areas in front of Little FarmHouse on the first floor. CDM is not responsible for items left in unattended strollers. There is no stroller parking available on the second floor. All other recreational wheeled devices (wagons, large wagon-style strollers, bikes, skate shoes, etc.) are prohibited.

  • Does CDM have a dress code?

    Yes. Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) is committed to providing a safe place for all children and families to explore, innovate, create and play. The safety of our guests, staff and volunteers is a top priority. In an effort to create a safe environment for all visitors, CDM has developed a dress code policy. CDM will not allow visitors to wear clothing or viewable tattoos that include the following: - Obscene language or images - Hate speech or images. Hate speech or images is defined as public speech that expresses hate or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. It may also include images of known terrorists, leaders, and organizations who have committed hate crimes or crimes against humanity. - Inciting violence. This includes, but is not limited to, statements of intent to commit violence, statements that advocate for violence, violent calls to action, images of violence or images encouraging violence against a particular person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

  • When do you sell your last ticket?

    Tickets can be purchased up to an hour before the Museum closes. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of your visit to the Museum. Due to capacity limits, CDM may sell out, especially on weekends or holidays. Purchase or reserve tickets at cdmfun.org/tickets.

  • Can my child visit the Museum unsupervised?

    Unaccompanied children will not be granted admission to the Museum. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed inside the Museum without supervision. Children 12 and under may be supervised by a person 13 years or older. If the person supervising is between the ages of 13 to 15, an adult must come inside and sign a permission slip at the ticket desk in the presence of a Museum staff member. Children 13 - 15 years old may visit the Museum without an adult only if an adult has come into the building and signed the permission slip at the ticket desk. Creative Discovery Museum is not responsible for supervising during this visit or for ensuring children remain in the building. Even with parental permission, the Museum does not have the legal right to detain anyone of any age in the building. Children 16 years and older are considered adults in regards to admission and do not need to be accompanied by adults. If visiting without accompanying children, guests must leave a valid photo ID at the Ticket Desk.

  • How long does it take to go through the Museum?

    We recommend that you allow at least two hours to enjoy your visit.

  • What are your hours?

    CDM is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

  • What are your COVID-19 policies and procedures?

    CDM will continue to "Play It Safe" by implementing policies and procedures to keep our guests, staff and volunteers safe. Hand washing will be encouraged and additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed. CDM staff will clean high touch surfaces throughout the day. A complete sanitization of the Museum will take place after hours on a daily basis.

Learn about our privacy policies.

Discovery for Everyone

Learn more about our accessibility programs and one-of-a-kind opportunities.

Deep Dive for A Week

Our week-long camps make science and art come alive for children and immerse them in a playful, learning-rich environment.

Host Your Next Party

From birthday parties to corporate events, throw the party of the year at CDM!

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Take a part of the Museum home with you when you shop in person and let the learning continue! All purchases support CDM’s mission.

Educator Resources

We never forget about the dedicated educators of our community. That's why we provide resources that can't be found anywhere else.

Hands on Discovery

From PlayGym to Innovation Clubs, our programs inspire children to find their passions. That's why we are a leader in experiential learning in Chattanooga.