In the Chattanooga area..  pitch a tent, take the kids camping at Harrison Bay State Park on Hwy 58. The scenic wooded 1,200 acre park surrounding the beautiful Chickamauga Lake makes a peaceful setting for camping, boating or fishing. Bathhouses are located in each of the 4 camping areas as well as a playground. For more information call: 423-344-7966

Kids love animals and will certainly enjoy a day at the Chattanooga Zoo, formerly Warner Park Zoo. The small 6 acre zoo is located inside Warner Park, just 2 miles from downtown Chattanooga. The zoo's newest exhibit is the Himalayan Passage featuring red pandas, snow leopards, langurs

and the highly endangered Bali-Mynahs.  You can also see playful spider monkeys, a Jaguar and macaws. The most popular animal of all though is Hank, one of  the five chimpanzees.  Hank will celebrate his 40th birthday on Saturday June 21 and the zoo invite you to "Hanks Day" combined with their Grand Opening of the zoo's new front entrance. Hank's birthday has been one of the the favorite zoo events between families and children where they enjoy cake and ice cream, arts and crafts and much more. Admission: Adults $6- Children 3-15 $3. For more information call 423-697-1319 or 423-697-1322.

Lake Winnepesaukah continues to be the south's favorite amusement park. With all the thrill rides, kiddie rides, games and free concerts it has to offer, admission is still a reasonably good value; Gate admission $5, unlimited ride pass $21 or individual ride tickets 95 cents each or $12 for a value strip of 14 tickets.

Take the kids for a ride on the  Incline Railway to the top of historical Lookout Mountain and learn about civil war battles.  Adult: $14 round trip -  Children (ages 3-12): $7 round trip. For more information call (423) 821-4224.

The winding flag-stone trails at Rock City are fun and entertaining.  When you follow the  Enchanted Trail, it will take you through some amazing rock formations, beautiful gardens, and narrow caverns like Fat Man's Squeeze. The 4100 foot trail leads you across a fun swinging rope bridge  to Lover's Leap and  spectacular views 1700 feet above sea level. On a clear day it is possible to see the seven surrounding states. Admission: Adults $15.95 - children $8.95. For more information call 423-820-2531. Also on Lookout Mountain, a cool place to go on a really hot day is Ruby Falls where the temperature stays at 60 degrees year round.  located over 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls is the nation's largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. Hundreds of gallons of water rush over by the minute

every day and amaze visitors. Admission Adults: $14.95 - Children (ages 3-12): $ 7.95. Parking at both Rock City and Ruby Falls is free.

Another cool and interesting place to visit when temperatures are in the sizzling nineties is The Lost Sea, America's largest underground lake, located in Sweetwater, TN. The adventure begins with a guided tour which will explain the fascinating geological development of the cavern rooms and rare formations.  At the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea.  The lake is located 140 feet below ground level and  covers more than 4 acres. Admission: Adult - $15.95 Children (5-12) - $7.45. For more information call (423) 337-6616.