Warner Park Spray and Play
Finding a place to keep cool will be on the top of many people's lists this weekend as forecasters tell us to prepare for temps above 100 degrees. With just a few bucks in your swim trunks, you can enjoy the city's Olympic-sized public pool and the area's largest splash park. A floating obstacle course, 15-gallon dump buckets, water guns and oversized sprinklers await at the family-friendly destination.
When: Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m.
Where: Warner Park Aquatic Center
How much: $3 for adults and kids over 14, $2 for kids 3-13, toddlers free
Ice Cream Festival
The air is always a few degrees cooler in the mountains, so plan your heat wave escape to nearby Lookout Mountain and cool off with free ice cream at Ruby Falls. This is the last weekend for the monthlong fest featuring locally made ice cream. Duck inside the caverns for a true temperature drop that keeps the whole family refreshed on a hotter-than-hot summer day.
When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Ruby Falls
How much: Free with park admission
Downtown tour by kayak
If you're the sporting kind, check out the downtown Riverfront's points of interest via kayak this weekend during this moderate Saturday morning activity. Outdoor Chattanooga hosts the two-hour tours around Maclellan Island, the museum bluffs and Ross's Landing each Saturday morning, but with the heat wave expected, it might be a good weekend to stay near the water while learning about your city.
When: Saturday, June 30, 9-11:30 a.m.
Where: Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park, 200 River St.
How much: $35 for adults, $25 for kids 8-13 (reservations required)
Liberty Fest and fireworks
With Independence Day less than a week away, it is never too soon to celebrate liberty and enjoy some good, old-fashioned fireworks. The all-day festival includes live music from several local bands, including Emily Kate Boyd, Roger Alan Wade, Davey Smith, Nathan Farrow, and Chris McDaniel and the Stratoblasters. Bring a lawn chair, good friends and your appetite; organizers are promising some of the area's best barbecue vendors.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Camp Jordan
How much: $10 per carload
Chattanooga Roller Girls
Speaking of heat wave, fans say the girls on the hometown roller derby team are hot, yet so cool. Check out the "Scars and Stripes" bout against the Vette City Rollers from Bowling Green, Ky., and see for yourself. If you prefer to stay in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room, no worries at all. All the action will be televised on the local CW network. Don't miss out because the ladies won't have another bout in Chattanooga until September.
When: Saturday, June 30, 6 p.m.
Where: Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center
How much: $10 in advance or online, $12 at the door, $5 for kids 6-12
