Top 25 Things To Do In Memphis With Kids: Your Ultimate Family Guide

Planning a family trip to Memphis but wondering how to keep your kids entertained? Memphis isn't just about blues music and barbecue—it's a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions that will create lasting memories for both children and adults. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, this vibrant Tennessee city offers countless activities that will keep your little ones engaged while you explore the rich culture and history of the Home of the Blues.

1. Explore the Wonders of the Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo, spanning 70 acres in Overton Park, is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species. Your kids will be thrilled to see giant pandas, one of only four zoos in the United States to house these rare creatures. The zoo's Northwest Passage exhibit featuring polar bears and sea lions offers underwater viewing areas that fascinate children for hours.

The zoo also features a carousel, train ride, and seasonal attractions like the Dinosaur exhibit that transports visitors back millions of years. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens or grab a treat from one of the many food stands scattered throughout the grounds. The zoo's educational programs and keeper chats provide valuable learning experiences disguised as fun activities.

• Gary Lockwoods Sex Scandal Leak How It Destroyed His Life
• Don Winslows Banned Twitter Thread What They Dont Want You To See
• Demetrius Bell

2. Discover Science at the Children's Museum of Memphis

The Children's Museum of Memphis offers 20+ interactive exhibits designed specifically for children to learn through play. Your kids can climb aboard a real airplane cockpit, operate a miniature city complete with a bank, grocery store, and medical clinic, or explore the wonders of water at the H2Oh! Splash Park (open seasonally).

The museum's Tree House provides a multi-level climbing adventure, while the art studio encourages creative expression. For younger children under five, the 4D Theater and toddler-specific areas ensure age-appropriate fun. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including sensory-friendly nights for children with special needs.

3. Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi

A Mississippi River riverboat cruise offers a unique perspective on Memphis history while entertaining the whole family. The Memphis Riverboats company provides daily sightseeing cruises where kids can learn about river ecology, spot wildlife, and experience the grandeur of America's largest river system.

• Leaked How To Make A Ribbon Bow So Nude Its Banned Everywhere
• Elijah Schaffers Sex Scandal Leaked Messages That Will Make You Sick
• Stuart Mad Tv Leak Secret Video Reveals His Darkest Secret

The sunset dinner cruises combine breathtaking views with family-friendly dining options. Many boats feature narrated tours that share stories about river pirates, steamboats, and the Mississippi's role in American commerce. The gentle rocking motion often lulls younger children to sleep, making this both an entertaining and relaxing activity.

4. Visit the Fire Museum of Memphis

The Fire Museum of Memphis transforms fire safety education into an exciting adventure. Housed in a historic firehouse from 1910, this museum features interactive exhibits where kids can slide down a real fire pole, try on firefighter gear, and experience a simulated fire rescue.

The Escape Maze teaches children how to safely exit a smoke-filled room, while the fire engine simulator lets them experience what it's like to drive a fire truck. The museum's memorial wall honoring fallen firefighters provides a touching moment of reflection. This attraction combines education with entertainment perfectly, making it one of the most valuable experiences for families visiting Memphis.

5. Enjoy Shelby Farms Park Adventures

Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in America at 4,500 acres, offers endless outdoor activities for families. The Woodland Discovery Playground features six unique play areas connected by a winding walkway, including climbing structures, slides, and sand play zones that will keep kids occupied for hours.

The park also offers paddle boat rentals, horseback riding, and a 18-hole disc golf course. The Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course provides thrilling zip lines and obstacle courses for older children and adults. With multiple lakes, hiking trails, and open green spaces, Shelby Farms Park allows families to enjoy nature without leaving the city.

6. Experience History at the National Civil Rights Museum

While the National Civil Rights Museum might seem too serious for children, it offers age-appropriate ways to introduce important historical concepts. The museum, built around the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, uses interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts to tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement.

For younger children, the museum provides family guides with discussion questions and activities. The Standing Up by Sitting Down exhibit recreates the famous Woolworth's lunch counter sit-ins with interactive elements. Older children can engage with more complex exhibits about voting rights, school desegregation, and modern social justice movements.

7. Get Hands-On at the Pink Palace Museum

The Pink Palace Museum combines natural history, science, and cultural exhibits in a stunning pink marble mansion. Kids love the CTI 3D Giant Theater showing educational films on a massive screen, and the Sharpe Planetarium offers shows about space exploration that captivate young minds.

The museum's Dixon Gallery and Gardens features a hands-on discovery room where children can touch fossils, minerals, and other specimens. The Piggly Wiggly replica (honoring the first self-service grocery store) includes a child-sized shopping experience. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Native American artifacts, the Pink Palace offers something for every interest.

8. Cool Off at Mud Island River Park

Mud Island River Park provides a perfect blend of education and recreation. The Mississippi River Museum features 18 galleries detailing river history, with interactive exhibits about steamboats, music, and Civil War battles. The highlight for many families is the scaled model of the Lower Mississippi River, where kids can walk along the miniature river and even splash in certain sections.

The Monorail provides a scenic ride to and from the island, thrilling children with its elevated views. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free concerts during summer months, and the Gulf of Mexico swimming area offers a place to cool off on hot Memphis days.

9. Explore Overton Park and the Old Forest

Overton Park offers a natural escape within the city limits, featuring the Old Forest State Natural Area with hiking trails suitable for families. The Overton Park Shell hosts free family movie nights and concerts throughout the year, providing entertainment under the stars.

The park also contains the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (currently undergoing renovation but still offering programs) and the Rainbow Lake Playground, which features accessible equipment for children of all abilities. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic areas or let your kids burn energy on the open fields while you relax.

10. Take a Tour of Sun Studio

Sun Studio, known as the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," offers family-friendly tours that introduce children to musical history. The 45-minute guided tours include listening to original recordings and learning about legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Kids are often fascinated by the studio's vintage recording equipment and the stories about how these famous songs were created. The tour guides excel at making the content accessible for all ages, and many children leave inspired to explore music creation themselves. The studio's gift shop offers kid-friendly souvenirs and music-themed toys.

11. Visit the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art might not be an obvious choice for families, but it offers surprising appeal for children. The museum's collection includes colorful Asian art, intricate carvings, and fascinating historical artifacts that capture young imaginations.

The hands-on discovery area allows kids to try on traditional clothing, create art projects, and engage with cultural materials. The museum offers family guides with scavenger hunts and activity sheets that make the visit more interactive. Many parents find this cultural exposure valuable for broadening their children's perspectives.

12. Enjoy Water Fun at the Kroc Center

The Kroc Center provides year-round water activities perfect for families. The facility features an indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and a zero-entry pool area ideal for toddlers. The competition pool offers open swim times where families can enjoy recreational swimming.

Beyond water activities, the Kroc Center includes a rock climbing wall, gymnasium, and various fitness classes suitable for different age groups. Day passes are available for non-members, making it an affordable option for families looking to burn energy regardless of weather conditions.

13. Take a Ghost Tour of Downtown Memphis

For older children and teenagers, a ghost tour of downtown Memphis combines history with spooky entertainment. Several companies offer family-friendly walking tours that share stories about Memphis's haunted past while visiting historic buildings and landmarks.

These tours often include Civil War history, music legends' ghost stories, and tales of famous Memphis characters. While not too scary for most school-age children, the tours do require walking and standing for extended periods, so they work best for families with older kids who can handle the physical activity.

14. Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music celebrates Memphis's rich musical heritage in an engaging way for families. The museum features interactive exhibits where kids can try their hand at mixing music, playing instruments, and even recording their own songs.

The dance floor with its "Soul Train" lines encourages kids to move to classic Motown and soul hits. The museum's costume collection and album art displays fascinate many children, while the stories about artists like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding provide cultural context. The museum's energetic atmosphere makes it appealing even to children who might not initially be interested in older music genres.

15. Explore Lichterman Nature Center

The Lichterman Nature Center offers a peaceful retreat where families can connect with local wildlife and ecosystems. The center features nature trails, boardwalk paths through wetlands, and interactive exhibits about Tennessee's native plants and animals.

The Backyard Wildlife Center houses live animals including snakes, turtles, and birds that fascinate children. The center's educational programs often include hands-on activities like pond dipping, bird watching, and nature crafts. With its combination of indoor and outdoor experiences, the Lichterman Nature Center works well even during inclement weather.

16. Enjoy Family Time at Tom Lee Park

Tom Lee Park, stretching along the Mississippi River, offers beautiful views and recreational opportunities for families. The park features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and wide open spaces perfect for frisbee, kite flying, or simply running around.

The park's location provides excellent opportunities for river watching, where kids can spot barges, speedboats, and sometimes even large ships. The sunset views from Tom Lee Park are spectacular, making it an ideal spot for evening family outings. The park also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are family-friendly.

17. Visit the Metal Museum

The Metal Museum offers a unique experience where families can watch professional blacksmiths at work and even try metal crafting themselves. The museum's working smithy provides demonstrations that fascinate children with the transformation of raw metal into beautiful objects.

The sculpture garden overlooking the Mississippi River offers a peaceful place to explore outdoor art installations. The museum offers family workshops where parents and children can create simple metal projects together. This unusual attraction provides a different kind of cultural experience that many families find memorable and educational.

18. Explore the Dixon Gallery and Gardens

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens combines art appreciation with outdoor exploration. The 17-acre gardens feature walking paths, fountains, and sculptures that appeal to children's sense of wonder. The cutting garden and formal gardens provide beautiful backdrops for family photos.

The museum offers family art workshops where children can create their own masterpieces inspired by current exhibitions. The library contains children's books about art and artists, and the staff provides activity sheets that make gallery visits more engaging for young visitors. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes this a versatile family destination.

19. Take a Day Trip to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Just 13 miles north of downtown Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers a natural playground for adventurous families. The park features over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, with several trails specifically suitable for children.

The boat ramp and fishing pier provide water access for families interested in fishing or simply enjoying the waterfront. The visitor center offers educational exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems. With its swimming beach, picnic areas, and camping facilities, this state park makes an excellent day trip or overnight adventure from Memphis.

20. Visit the Children's Theatre of Memphis

The Children's Theatre of Memphis presents professional theatrical productions specifically designed for young audiences. The theater's main stage productions run throughout the year, featuring classic stories, fairy tales, and contemporary children's literature adapted for the stage.

Many productions include sensory-friendly performances for children with special needs, and the theater offers backstage tours that let kids see how productions come together. The intimate theater space ensures that even young children can see and hear well from any seat. This cultural experience introduces children to live performing arts in an age-appropriate format.

21. Explore the Memphis Botanic Garden

The Memphis Botanic Garden offers 96 acres of themed gardens that captivate children's imaginations. The My Big Backyard children's garden features interactive play areas, a tree house, and seasonal activities that encourage exploration and learning about nature.

The garden hosts family events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, art installations, and holiday celebrations. The butterfly garden and sensory garden provide educational opportunities, while the wide paths accommodate strollers and wagons. With its combination of beauty and interactivity, the botanic garden appeals to both adults and children.

22. Visit the Blues Hall of Fame Museum

While the Blues Hall of Fame Museum might seem too mature for children, it offers engaging exhibits that introduce young visitors to Memphis's musical heritage. The museum features listening stations where kids can hear classic blues recordings and learn about the stories behind the music.

Interactive touchscreens provide information in accessible formats, and the museum's rotating exhibits often include visual art and photography that appeal to younger audiences. The museum's compact size makes it manageable for families with limited attention spans, and many parents appreciate the opportunity to share musical history with their children.

23. Enjoy Arcade Restaurant's Vintage Charm

Arcade Restaurant, Memphis's oldest cafe established in 1919, offers a family-friendly dining experience with historical charm. The restaurant's vintage decor, including its famous neon sign, fascinates children, while the extensive menu offers options for even picky eaters.

The restaurant has appeared in numerous films, and staff members often share stories about celebrity visitors that interest older children. The breakfast menu served all day is particularly popular with families, and the restaurant's central location makes it a convenient stop during sightseeing adventures.

24. Take a Day Trip to Graceland

Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home, offers surprisingly family-friendly tours that appeal to multiple generations. The interactive iPad tours allow visitors to explore at their own pace, with content appropriate for different age levels. Children are often fascinated by Elvis's colorful jumpsuits, car collection, and the jungle room's unique decor.

The entertainment complex includes exhibits about Elvis's movies, music, and cultural impact that provide context for older children and teenagers. The mansion tour is brief enough to maintain children's interest, and the grounds offer space for kids to move around between exhibits. Many families find this iconic Memphis attraction worth the visit despite its commercial nature.

25. Visit the Crystal Shrine Grotto

The Crystal Shrine Grotto, located in Memorial Park Cemetery, offers a truly unique experience that fascinates visitors of all ages. This hand-built religious art installation features intricate crystal formations, sculptures, and mosaics created by artist Dionicio Rodriguez in the 1930s.

The grotto's cave-like interior with its colorful lighting and unusual artwork creates a sense of wonder that appeals to children's imaginations. The surrounding memorial park includes other folk art installations and beautiful landscaping. While the location might seem unusual for a family attraction, many visitors consider this hidden gem one of Memphis's most memorable experiences.

Conclusion

Memphis offers an incredible variety of family-friendly activities that go far beyond its reputation as a music and food destination. From world-class zoos and museums to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, the city provides countless opportunities for families to learn, play, and create lasting memories together.

The key to enjoying Memphis with kids is balancing educational experiences with pure entertainment and being flexible with your schedule. Many attractions offer combination tickets or passes that can save money for families planning to visit multiple sites. Consider the ages and interests of your children when planning your itinerary, and don't forget to include downtime for rest and spontaneous exploration.

Whether you're watching giant pandas at the zoo, creating art at a museum, or simply enjoying a picnic along the Mississippi River, Memphis welcomes families with genuine Southern hospitality. The city's rich history, vibrant culture, and commitment to family entertainment make it an ideal destination for your next family vacation. Start planning your Memphis adventure today, and get ready to discover why this Tennessee treasure has so much to offer for visitors of all ages.