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The forecast calls for fun during
"Grand Winter Days"
A celebration for grandparents and grandchildren Jan. 3 - 6

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 11, 2003) -- Seeing life through the eyes of a child. No one enjoys the view more than a grandparent does. And when the scene is as family-friendly as Chattanooga, a “grand” winter day takes on a whole new meaning of cool for both generations.

Senior Neighbors and Chattanooga's downtown attractions present: “Grand Winter Days” from Jan. 3-6, when grandparents and grandchildren can share the excitement of exploring many of the city's museums and attractions at a special discount or even for free.

Chattanooga has plenty of things to do that will keep your grandkids, as well as keep you entertained for days. Visit the Creative Discovery Museum, the Chattanooga Regional History Museum, the Hunter Museum of American Art, the Chattanooga African American Museum and the Tennessee Aquarium. (Discounts and coupon information listed below.)

“Hanging out and having fun with your grandkids can be a great way to develop a close relationship as well as priceless memories for both of you,” said Joyce Clem, director of intergenerational programs at Senior Neighbors of Chattanooga. “When the two generations adventure into the world together, the experience can be magical.”

The following museums and attractions are offering free admission or discounts, with coupon, to grandparents and grandchildren on all four days. You may print out the coupon flyer here (pdf file) or pick one up at Senior Neighbors, 1000 Newby Street; the downtown museums; the information desk at Hamilton Place Mall; Healthlink Plus at Northgate Mall; and local YMCA’s.

Tennessee Aquarium -- Discover the real stars behind the flashy undersea antics of the characters from “Finding Nemo.” Then “Dive Into Winter” with scheduled feeding dives at the Aquarium when you present a special coupon to receive one child's ticket free with the purchase of an adult ticket from Jan. 3 - 6.

Creative Discovery Museum – In the new exhibit “RiverPlay” you can pilot a river boat, climb high atop a crow's nest, build sailboats and make water wheels spin. In the “Cool Wonders” exhibit kids can explore a winter forest, play in a warm cottage, wind their way through a blizzard maze, and then climb an icy peak. Free admission with coupon.

Hunter Museum – The “Paper Sculpture Show” will inspire you to create your own sculptures in the gallery. Twenty-nine different sculptures are available as well as the supplies needed to create them. Visitors are encouraged to leave their work for others to see or take their creations with them. Free admission with coupon.

Chattanooga Regional History Museum – At the History Museum “grands” can explore prehistoric life in our valley when they visit “Dinosaurs Plus,” the museum’s in-house designed and built interactive exhibit for the young and the young at heart. Free admission with coupon.

African American Museum – This adventure will fascinate you with artifacts from the life of Bessie Smith, “Empress of the Blues,” permanently on display. There are also three temporary exhibits –“In Spite of Our Journey pt.1 - Russell Goode,” “In Spite of Our Journey pt.2 - Lillian Robinson” and “African American Soldiers and the Building of Early Chattanooga.” Free admission with coupon.

To kick off “Grand Winter Days” a celebration is scheduled at the Chattanooga Regional History Museum at 401 Broad St. on Jan. 3 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Each museum/attraction will feature fun activities for the young and young at heart to enjoy together -- from making snowflakes and brass rubbings, to getting up-close and personal with animals from the Aquarium.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., enjoy entertainment by the CSO Youth Orchestra Ensemble, followed by the Senior Neighbors Orchestra, the Kids on the Block, and Tom Morgan and Lynne Haas. Refreshments will also be served.

For more information: Joyce Clem at Senior Neighbors (423) 755-6100.

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