Chattanooga, TN - With the Volunteer State's beautiful fall foliage, now is the perfect time to make a daytrip to the Tennessee Aquarium in nearby Chattanooga. Did you realize that Choo Choo town is only about an hour and a half away?  

A Fall Day Trip That’s Easy, Eye-Popping, and Just a Bit Odd

If you’re looking for an easy, breathtaking fall day trip from Murfreesboro, Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium is calling your name—and October is the perfect time to answer.

Just hop in the car, head east on I-24, and let the colors of Monteagle Mountain dazzle you. Around October 21–28, Tennessee hits its peak fall foliage colors, and the drive alone is worth the trip. Think vibrant oranges, fiery reds, and golden yellows stretching across the hills like a painter’s canvas.

But the real treat begins when you arrive in downtown Chattanooga, where the Tennessee Aquarium sits right on the banks of the Tennessee River. It’s not just one building, it’s two: the River Journey and the Ocean Journey. Each offers a distinct experience, from freshwater giants and playful otters to sea turtles, penguins, and even a touch tank full of rays.

Alison Pryor tells about the history of the Tennessee Aquarium…

ODDtober: Nature’s Weird and Wonderful Side

October visitors are in for something extra special. The Aquarium’s annual ODDtober celebration transforms the space into a quirky, eye-popping adventure. Giant eyeball art peeks out from corners, and guests can pick up a glow-in-the-dark sticker to commemorate the fun.

Daily programs like “Not-So-Creepy Creatures” (1 p.m.) and “Bones in the Bayou” (12:15 p.m.) offer hands-on learning and myth-busting about misunderstood animals. And every Saturday at 2 p.m., SCUBA divers take pumpkin carving to a whole new level—underwater, surrounded by fish.

IMAX 3-D Adventures That Go Deep and Wide

Don’t miss the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater next door, where two films are making waves, this fall. Shark Kingdom 3D dives into the misunderstood world of ocean predators, while Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D follows a baby elephant’s epic journey across Africa’s Namib Desert. It’s heartwarming, thrilling, and beautifully filmed.

Alison Pryor tells about IMAX theatre

Double the Fun with Rock City Combo Pass…It’s ODDtober

Want to make your day trip even more magical? Pair your Aquarium visit with Rock City’s Enchanted Pumpkin Patch. Through October 31, you can grab a combo pass for both attractions—$59 for adults, $49 for youth—and enjoy the Aquarium by day and Rock City by night. Tickets must be used on the same day and are available online.

So, whether you’re chasing fall colors, curious creatures, or just a little family fun, Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium is a one-day getaway that’s easy, educational, and unforgettable.

For more details on ODDtober, visit tnaqua.org/oddtober. Want to carve your own Aquarium-themed pumpkin? Download the templates here.

Let me know if you'd like this adapted for radio or rewritten for a press release—happy to help tailor it for your audience.

Alison Pryor explains more about ODDtober…