There’s no better way to chill out than by visiting the Tennessee Aquarium. But have you ever wondered how animals beat the heat? Thermoregulation is the big, scientific word for keeping comfortable when summer sizzles. Aquarium visitors will be fascinated to learn creature comfort facts like these:
It’s cold in there. Can penguins get hot?
You bet! If a person runs a marathon in 30 degree weather, they’d work up a sweat. Since penguins can’t sweat, they use their flippers to dissipate heat after vigorously swimming a few laps.
Made in the Shade
The swampy areas where American alligators live can get pretty steamy in the summer. So they take off in search of a shady spot in the water. But look closely, their posture in the water points to whether they’re cooling off or warming up.
Too Hot to Fish?
There’s an old joke about a fisherman complaining that it was so hot, “Even the fish I caught were sweating.” Fish can’t sweat of course, but many species will cool off by seeking deeper pools, shady spots or locations fed by a spring. >> Learn more
Close Encounters of the Cool Kind
Throughout the Summer visitors will say, “That’s Cool!” when they get up close to critters, chat with SCUBA divers, animal keepers and the Aquarium’s animal encounter specialists while discovering awesome facts about the coolest creatures in the world.
Cold Surprises
Like an unexpected summer shower, Aquarium guests will be treated to some chilly surprises to make their seasonal visit a bit more memorable. Will it snow in July? Could some frozen treats be in store for some of the animals? Will some guests be rewarded for asking a cool question or knowing the cold facts about thermoregulation? >>
Learn more
Cool off at IMAX!
The IMAX 3D Theater
feels like an oasis in the summertime. Chill out awhile as you zoom
through the cosmos during Hubble 3D. Freeze with fear as sharks attack a
swirling mass in Wild Ocean 3D. Or, become transported to another world
as AVATAR’s cool special effects spring to life on the giant IMAX
screen. Bring Your Bathing Suit
There are several ways to cool off for free while visiting Downtown Chattanooga. The water is refreshingly cool in the stream that meanders in between the Aquarium’s two buildings. Enjoy the shade and have some splashy fun with your family. The water flowing through The Passage on the East side of Ocean Journey is also inviting. There’s plenty of room for families to enjoy this beautiful tribute to the Cherokee Nation. Or get soaked in the whimsical Coolidge Park Fountain just a short walk in your flip-flops across the famous Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. Now That’s COOL!
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