Trisha Boyer

FOR USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE

Spring break is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that’s a short drive away, pack your bags and head east to Chattanooga, where a week’s worth of adventure for children of all ages awaits.

Set against the backdrop of a city known for it’s breathtaking beauty and vibrant downtown, Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari and Scavenger Hunt transform the city into a child-centered wonderland, complete with hands-on exploration and curated one-of-a-kind experiences at 10 of the area's top attractions — from an "island explorer" learning about lemurs from the island of Madagascar at Chattanooga Aquarium, to a "conductor" traveling the rails at Tennessee Railway Museum to a "sword fighter" on a quest to see the queen at Rock City.

“Chattanooga is a family friendly destination that offers endless fun for every member of the family year round,” says Candace Davis, marketing and public relations manager with the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The special Spring Break Safari experiences offer a little more than what you get throughout the year and encourage families to stick together and engage more with each attraction and district.”

Animal adventures

Just in time for spring break, Tennessee Aquarium plans to open a new Lemur Forest Exhibit in the recently renovated Tropical Cove. "Island explorers" are invited to learn more about the inhabitants of the island of Madagascar, as well as thousands of other creatures — above and below the sea — who call the vast aquarium home.

Special island-themed spring break programs and 16 Extraordinary Experience programs are included with daily admission.

Thom Benson, the aquarium's senior marketing and communications manager, encourages visitors to download the free Tennessee Aquarium app to help guests get the most out of their visit. “You really can spend an entire day enjoying all the aquarium has to offer,” he says.

Take a break between visits to the two aquarium buildings and grab lunch at The Blue Plate (www.theblueplate.info/site/), a contemporary eatery that pays homage to early American diners. Indulge in a classic Diner Double Stack burger on the patio, or a Build a Blue Plate, choosing from a rotating selection of fresh-from-scratch sides with house-made cornbread. The kids menu and thick shakes are sure to keep everyone happy.

A short five-minute drive from downtown, animal lovers can continue the creature encounters at Chattanooga Zoo. As a "zoologist," they’ll get up close and personal with area residents, from chimpanzees to tarantulas, while learning about the day-to-day care required to keep animals happy and healthy in their zoo habitat.

Artistic endeavors

The Bluff View Arts District provides the perfect canvas for budding artists to indulge their creative spirit. Within walking distance of downtown, the historic area blends visual, culinary and landscape arts in the style of a small European village. "Artisanal adventurers" can pick up maps at Rembrandt’s Coffee House and set off to explore the nooks and crannies of the district, solve riddles, find inspiration in the sculpture garden and watch bakers and pastry chef create sweet works of art.

“The Bluff View Art District is very family friendly and we always encourage parents to bring their children of any age to the District,” says André Charitat, marketing director for Bluff View Art District. “We have multiple restaurants and cafes with outdoor patios and seating, making it a really way to spend lunch and an afternoon with the kids.”

Rembrandt’s Coffee House is well-known for pastry cases filled with tempting desserts and beautifully crafted chocolates. It’s also a perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and light lunch, with menu items ranging from salads to sandwiches served on freshly baked bread from the Bluff View Bakery.

"Art explorers" can discover an impressive collection of works from the colonial era to the present at The Hunter Museum of Art, located in three distinct buildings — an early 20th century mansion, a modern 1970s era building and a sleek, contemporary structure of steel and glass.

Making tracks

Steps from the museum’s entrance, a mesmerizing glass walkway leads to Walnut Street Bridge, the world’s largest pedestrian bridge, linking downtown to Chattanooga’s bustling North Shore.

With an eclectic mix of locally owned restaurants and shops, North Shore is home to Coolidge Park, where kids can splash in fountains, ride a carousel or explore one of the many nature trails.

It’s also where you’ll find The Southern Belle Riverboat, docked and waiting to set sail along the mighty Tennessee River. A bandana and eye patch are sure to get "young pirates" in the spirit of exploration as they take in the sites of Lookout Mountain and the riverfront from the highest platform of the ship. Along the way they’ll learn a little bit about the history of the area and may even spy some river critters from their high vantage point.

Those who prefer land to sea can don an engineer’s cap and climb aboard a train at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Rolling along the tracks, kids can imagine themselves as a "train conductor," traveling back to a simpler time on one of Chattanooga’s original rail lines.

Engage with nature

Since 1932 tourists have ascended Lookout Mountain to experience its bounty of natural beauty.

Rock City, a gigantic marvel of nature, featuring ancient rock formations, garden trails and a scenic lookout with views of seven different cities, provides ample terrain for "RockQuest adventurers" and their guides to discover geological specimens and learn more about how nature shaped its dramatic design.

As night falls, Rock City morphs into an enchanted live fairy tale, where "archers and sword fighters" can master their craft, and upon completion of their training, be knighted by Queen Guinevere herself. Along the way, they’re sure to encounter some famous characters, like Little Red Riding Hood and the magical Merlin. (This Spring Break Safari program runs March 24-April 9.)

Another way to experience the mountain is from deep within, at Ruby Falls. More than 1,000 feet underground, you’ll be rewarded with stunning geological formations and a spectacular view of America’s tallest, deepest waterfall open to the public. It might even inspire career aspirations for future "speleologists" as young cave explorers yearn to learn more about the mysterious chambers and how they develop and change over time.

Indoor action for the body and mind

If forecasts aren’t in your favor, gather your "rock climbers" and head indoors to High Point Climbing and Fitness. Two-day camps ensure kids get plenty of one-on-one instruction time with certified climbing instructors and have a chance to experience the impressive 30,000 square feet of climbing. (This Spring Break Safari program is available March 13-April 13.)

When arms and legs tire out, let them exercise their minds at Creative Discovery Museum, where "inventors" can bring science to life with a variety of hands-on exhibits that encourage creative thinking and problem solving.

New for spring, the "Kings, Queens and Castles" exhibit is a great way for families of all skill levels to learn more about the game of chess together. The giant board and life-size pieces keep the learning interactive and fun.

Wrap up a busy day at local favorite, Lupi’s Pizza Pies (www.lupi.com). They’ve been serving up hand-tossed pies, calzones and other Italian specialties to hungry families for more than 18 years. Grab a booth, enjoy a slice on the go, or carry a freshly baked pizza back to the hotel to enjoy with a nighttime movie.

Getting around

A walkable downtown, pedestrian bridge, free electric shuttle and the first citywide bike share system in the South make it easy to leave the car behind while you explore the city. If you drive, metered street parking and paid parking lots are centrally located near all major attractions, and parking at Lookout Mountain attractions is free.

About Spring Break Safari

Spring Break Safari runs March 10-April 9 at 11 attractions throughout Chattanooga. Admission and hours vary by attraction. Curated experiences are designed for children (and adults) of all ages, except for rock climbing, which is geared toward ages 5-14.

Guides can be downloaded at www.chattanoogafun.com/spring/safari-guide beforehand or picked up at any of the Spring Break Safari attractions or the Chattanooga Visitors Center at 215 Broad St. The guide includes details on the Safari attractions and the Scavenger Hunt.

Be sure to present your Spring Break Safari Guide at each attraction to receive special discounts and materials.

Join the Scavenger Hunt

Another exciting element of the Spring Break Safari experience is the Scavenger Hunt. Families search for clues within each attraction and around the city, then document them by taking pictures. If you get stuck, someone at the attractions can get you back on track, or you can check online to find answers to the questions. Here's how it works:

1. Pick up an official Spring Break Safari Guide, then decide where to get started.

2. Take pictures of answers to the questions as you find the clues. Include yourself in the images and share on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Be sure to tag your photos with #SpringBreakSafariCHA or #AdventuresinCHA or #ChattanoogaFun

3. Show your pictures to the designated person at each of the attractions to receive a special prize.

Where to stay

Area hotels roll out the red carpet during spring break, with customized packages that include discounted admission to select attractions. Here are a few:

Experience the Aquarium Package

Springhill Suites by Marriott/Downtown Cameron Harbor

495 Riverfront Parkway

423-834-9300, www.marriott.com ​

Spacious suites and complimentary breakfast make this riverfront hotel a favorite for families. Upon check-in, kids receive a Chattanooga Spring Break goody bag that includes the official Spring Break Safari Guide and more. Tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3-D Theater can be purchased from the hotel front desk.

Conductor’s Special Package

Chattanooga Choo Choo

1400 Market St.

423-266-5000, www.choochoo.com

This centrally located, historic hotel boasts 24 acres of restaurants, shops, gardens and more, including vintage train cars that have been converted into guest suites. Young travelers will receive a train whistle and conductor’s cap before setting out for a ride aboard Tennessee Railroad Museum’s railways. Train tickets for children are included in the package; additional tickets for family members can be purchased at the hotel. (Additional packages are also available at this hotel.)

Discover the Mountain Package

The Chattanoogan

1201 Broad St.

1-800-619-0018, www.chattanooganhotel.com

This luxurious hotel in the revitalized downtown Southside neighborhood provides deluxe accommodations with spectacular views of Lookout Mountain. Take a full day to explore the mountain’s top attractions, with combination passes to Rock City, Ruby Falls and The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. General admission tickets are included in pricing and based on number of guests; additional charges may apply for special Spring Break Safari experiences at Rock City. (Additional packages are also available at this hotel.)