Explore Chattanooga Spring 2025

experiences, you can explore behind the scenes and say, “Good morning!” to the Aquarium’s residents before opening hours or assist in feeding the 618,000-gallon Secret Reef exhibit. Penguin nesting season Early April is the official start of penguin nesting sea son. This weeks-long period of frenetic activity kicks off on April 3 with the annual “Rock Day” event, during which animal care specialists deliver hundreds of pounds of stones with which the Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins will use — and occasionally steal from their neighbors — to build their nests. When nesting season officially begins, penguin pairs will carefully select the perfect rough- and smooth-sur faced stones to build their nests. Within a month or two, fingers and flippers around the Aquarium will be crossed in hopes that an adorable new penguin chick could soon join the colony. Chats with Aquarium SCUBA divers Have you ever wondered what it takes to breathe and swim 32 feet underwater? If you’re visiting on a weekend during the Spring Break season you might discover a Diver Chat, where you’ll hear a special under water Q&A with one of the Aquarium’s volunteer SCUBA Divers and learn about the unique skills and equipment that allow them to work safely inside exhibits. An Aquarium educator facilitates these chats and can relay questions to a diver inside the Secret Reef exhibit. Times for Diver Chats will be posted on-site.

Entertaining Aquarium mascots Prepare for smiles and laughter when the Aquarium’s costumed mascots make their weekend rounds. Visitors should keep an eye out for Ollie the Otter, Leon the Chameleon, Lily the Lemur, or Jenny the Gentoo, who are all eager to pose for photos and share high-fives with guests of all ages. IMAX 3D Theater Be sure and check out the breathtaking 3D films at the IMAX this spring. The Call of the Dolphins 3D has arrived, and The Blue Angels 3D has been held over by popular demand. Learn more about spring break and spring activities at the Tennes see Aquarium and plan a visit at tnaqua.org/spring-break.

Photo Credits: Tennessee Aquarium MacGillivray Freeman Films

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