Does the thought of seeing slithering snakes, walking through an alligator infested swamp or coming face to face with big, toothy sharks send shivers down your spine? Relax and embrace the critter jitters. That’s what the Aquarium’s month-long celebration – Thrills, Gills and Chills – is all about. Throughout October, enjoy special keeper talks, costumed divers and animal encounters designed to bring you up close to nature’s most feared and often most misunderstood animals.

Animal Encounters and Dive Programs
Some animals may look extra creepy like a hairy tarantula, or be super-cool like “Boo,” the talking African gray parrot. But creepy or cool, you’ll have a fun and unforgettable time learning about the different species’ unique adaptations. Learn about the chilling aspects of the predator/prey relationships by uncovering the real facts about the Aquarium’s most notorious animals, such as moray eels, piranha, alligators, sharks and even penguins. Special costumed divers and gallery programs focus on the myths and mysteries of some of the most feared animals on earth.

Test your powers of observation. Click here and look very closely at the clownfish. You’ll be shocked at what you see!

Gorge-ous Fall Colors on the River Gorge Explorer
Autumn is the perfect time to view foliage decked out in vibrant red, yellow and orange aboard the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer. Autumn color is spectacular, cascading from the mountain tops to the water’s edge along the length of the 26-mile Gorge. An on-board naturalist describes some of the area's history and points out wildlife along the way. Passengers aboard the River Gorge Explorer enjoy the view from oversized windows during high-speed portions of each excursion and a topside observation deck while cruising in the heart of the Gorge.

IMAX 3D Theater - Now showing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Chattanooga audiences will experience the magical world of Hogwarts in a whole new way when watching the sixth film in the Harry Potter series on the giant, six-story screen at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been digitally re-mastered to produce an eye-popping 3D opening sequence, approximately 12 minutes, which will fill the Scenic-City’s largest screen for a truly magical beginning. The two-hour and thirty minute film has been rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.

Aqua-Scarium Halloween Party - Friday, October 30
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Come in costume and celebrate Halloween with the wild ones at the Aquarium, like stinging jellies, bizarre seahorses, squirming octopus and toothy sharks. At Ocean Journey trick or treat among our loveable mascots in costume! In River Journey, watch for our popular costumed divers and characters, trick or treat for more goodies and win treasure as you play games. Encounter scales and tails at the animal encounter and dare to touch the unknown. The best costumes may win a prize! Have your picture taken by a professional photographer from Showtime Pictures. Take home the photo for only $5. Additional packages will also be available.  >> Click here to register.

Thrilling Adventure Awaits You in Chattanooga
When ChattaBOOga transforms itself from Chattanooga, it’s not the typical haunted venue. October in Chattanooga offers thrilling, chilling adventure and family fun you can’t experience anywhere else.

Sponsor Hotel Packages
Choose from several Aquarium packages including the Sheraton Read House Hotel. Shadows of the past linger at this hotel which is listed on the national register of historic places. During your stay, ask staff about famous past guests such as Al Capone

Thrills, Gills & Chills is proudly sponsored by: