Memphis parents know the meaning of quality family time: you’ll find them on weeknights strolling Beale Street with the kids, chaperoning school field trips to the National Civil Rights Museum and posing for holiday pics on the Graceland lawn. We’ve gathered up our list of local favorites for Memphis family activities below and loaded up our Memphis events calendar with seasonal events to keep you busy. Hit the town!
photo: Christopher H. via yelp
National Civil Rights Museum
At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. Check out their family guide for tips on discussing sensitive topics with kids.
450 Mulberry St.
Memphis, TN
Online: civilrightsmuseum.org
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo spans 70 acres and is home to more than 4,500 animals, representing over 500 different species. The Zoo’s animal inhabitants reside in one-of-a-kind exhibits like Once Upon A Farm, Commercial Appeal Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage and CHINA.
2000 Prentiss Pl.
Memphis, TN
Online: memphiszoo.org
Fire Museum of Memphis
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century firehouse. Fight the flames of a burning skyscraper from a snorkel basket simulator. Take a look at the horse-drawn era of firefighting from the horse’s perspective! Test your ability to find an escape route to survive a fire. Feel the heat of the FEDEX Fire Room. Learn about the most devastating fires in the history of Memphis. Discover the proud history of Memphis’ first African-American firefighters.
118 Adams Ave.
Memphis, TN
Online: firemuseum.com
photo: Heather C. via yelp
Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms, located in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, is one of the twenty largest urban parks in the United States. At a size of 4,500 acres, it covers more than five times the area of Central Park in New York City with 843 acres.
500 N Pine Lake Dr.
Memphis, TN
Online: shelbyfarmspark.org
Levitt Shell Overton Park
Every year, the Levitt Shell presents more than 50 free concerts. Its mission is building community through free music and education, finding common ground in a diverse audience.
Memphis, TN
Online: levittshell.org
Memphis Botanic Garden
These peaceful gardens offer beautiful scenery all year round. Visit for Twilight Thursdays or Food Truck Garden Parties for even more fun.
750 Cherry Rd.
Memphis, TN
Online: memphisbotanicgarden.com
photo: Andrea K. via yelp
The Children’s Museum of Memphis
The Children’s Museum of Memphis creates memorable learning experiences through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs. There’s a bank, campground and loads of other pretend-play areas, plus a spot for the littlest visitors.
2525 Central Ave.
Memphis, TN
Online: cmom.com
Memphis Farmers Market Central Station
This busy weekly market offers produce, food trucks, local crafts and live tunes, open seasonally.
S. Front Street at GE Patterson
Memphis, TN
Online: memfarmersmkt.wpengine.com
Lichterman Nature Center
Located in the heart of metropolitan Memphis, Lichterman features exciting exhibits, native wildflowers and trees, and a tradition of excellence in environmental education set in the midst of 65 acres of lake, meadow, and forest.
5992 Quince Rd.
Memphis, TN
Online: memphismuseums.org
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Memphis
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Memphis events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
—Kate Loweth
Need some fresh ideas?
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