Looking for amusement parks and kid-friendly entertainment venues in Memphis?
Families living and visiting Memphis are in for a treat when they discover the host of kid-friendly activities and venues around the city.
The city of Memphis has a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment venues that are bound to keep you and your kids entertained for hours on end.
Whether you take your kids for a picnic and a stroll along the Mississippi River waterfront, or if you choose to craft classes offered by Dixon Gardens, you and your kids will find that there doesn’t ever have to be a dull moment in Memphis.
Read on to learn about some of the best things to do around Memphis with kids!
Contents
- 10 Things to Do in Memphis with Kids
- Memphis Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Things to Do in Memphis with Kids
Spending time with your kids in Memphis doesn’t have to be boring when you take advantage of visiting some of these popular kid-oriented venues.
#1. Memphis Zoo
Parents and children can find a wide variety of fun activities at the Memphis Zoo.
Spend the afternoon gazing at the wildlife, which includes lions, bears, elephants, and giraffes.
There are also other zoo attractions, rides, and animal shows.
The Memphis Zoo offers membership options for families visiting the Zoo throughout the year.
They also offer daily admission pricing that varies based on your chosen experience package.
Operating Hours
The Memphis Zoo is open daily weather permitting from 9 am to 5 pm.
Ticket prices for the Total Experience package are as follows.
Adults: $38.00
Children: $33.00
Seniors: $37.00
Contact Information
Address: 2000 Prentiss Place – Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Website: https://www.memphiszoo.org
Phone: 901-333-6500
#2. Shelby Farms Park
Visitors and residents of Memphis can have year-round fun at Shelby Farms Park.
This popular urban park located in the middle of Memphis features a variety of lakes, trails, playgrounds, and waterfront picnic areas where families can relax and have a great time.
Children love spending time at the Woodland Discovery Playground and the Water Play Sprayground, where kids can climb, slide, and play.
While public entry into Shelby Farms Park doesn’t require admission, rides, attractions, and concessions may require payment.
Contact Information
Address: 6903 Great View Drive North – Memphis, Tennessee 38134
Website: https://shelbyfarmspark.org
Phone: 901-222-7275
#3. Children’s Museum of Memphis
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids in Midtown, visit the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
This famous kid-friendly museum features hands-on and interactive exhibits where children learn and play.
They also have special clubs and programs for museum members and regular visitors.
Popular Attractions and Exhibits
- H2Oh! Splash Park
- Ocean and Me
- Toddler Gardens
- Art and Innovation Lab
Operating Hours
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is open Tuesdays through Sundays daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Contact Information
Address: 2525 Central Avenue – Memphis, Tennessee 38104 Website: https://cmom.com
Phone: 901-458-2678
#4. Mud Island River Park
Located in Downtown Memphis, Mud Island River Park is famously known for its model that depicts portions of the Lower Mississippi River.
Families with kids spend the day exploring the park on foot and via its monorail tours.
Children can play at the playground or splash around in the splash pad during the warmer months.
Families also enjoy picnicking and breathtaking views of Downtown.
Contact Information
Address: 101 North Island Drive – Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Website: https://www.memphistravel.com/attractions-activities/mud-island-river-park
Phone: 901-312-9190
#5. Ride the Memphis Trolley
Taking your kids for a ride on the world-famous Memphis trolley is a great way to spend the day while educating your kids on the history of Memphis.
The trolley makes its way through well-known areas of the city, including Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
Eager families can take the trolley as they venture from one venue to the next or make the day out of riding it and learning more about the history of Memphis.
Families can buy tickets at the MATA Transit Center or when they board the trolley.
Visit the Memphis Area Transit Authority website to learn more about trolley routes, pricing, and operating hours.
Operating Hours
Main Street Rail Line 6:45 am through 12:00 am – Weekdays 8 am to noon – Weekends
Trolley service is scheduled to run around every twelve minutes on the Main Street Line,
Riverfront Line 10:20 am through 6 pm Daily Trolley service runs around every forty minutes on the Riverfront Line.
Memphis Trolley Ticket Pricing
Prices for Memphis Trolley tickets are as follows.
Adults: $1.00
Children: $.50
Children under Six: Free
Contact Information
Address: 547 N Main Street – Memphis, Tennessee 38105
Website: https://www.matatransit.com/trolley/routes
Phone: 901-577-2640
#6. Memphis Rock and Soul Museum
The Memphis Rock and Soul Museum in Downtown Memphis is a great place to take kids who want to learn about the history of Memphis Music.
This historical music museum offers insights into early music and famous musicians like B.B. King, who got their start in and around the Memphis area.
Operating Hours
The Memphis Rock and Soul Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission Pricing
Adults: $13.00
Children: $10.00
Kids 4 and Under – Free
Shelby Country Residents: Free with valid ID.
Specialty discounts are available for people who belong to AAA, AARP, the military, and Smithsonian Museum members.
Contact Information
Address: 191 Beale Street – Memphis, Tennessee 38103 Website: https://memphisrocknsoul.org
Phone: 901-205-2530
#7. The Metal Museum
Another popular attraction for families with kids in Memphis is the Metal Museum located Downtown.
This popular art museum has been teaching the craft and science behind metalworking, sculpting, and the development of metal-based and functional artworks since it opened in the late 1970s, overlooking the famous Mississippi River.
The Metal Museum features classes, exhibits, presentations, and workshops that teach visitors and potential metalworkers more about the history of the craft.
Admission Pricing
Adults: $15.00
Children: $10.00
Seniors: $13.00
Operating Hours
The Memphis Metal Museum operates Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm.
They open later on Sundays, operating hours between 1 pm and 5 pm.
Contact Information
Address: 374 Metal Museum Drive – Memphis, Tennessee 38106 Website: https://metalmuseum.org
Phone: 901-774-6380
#8. Children’s Garden at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
The Children’s Garden at Dixon Gallery and Gardens features both a museum and a garden in one location.
This popular family-friendly venue offers stunning exhibits, classes, and interactive programs where children and families learn more about various historic and nature-based topics.
They also offer a wide variety of soul-nourishing classes and instruction in areas that include yoga, painting, book clubs, and more.
The venue is also available for hosting events like birthday parties, weddings, and reunions.
Operating Hours
The Children’s Garden at Dixon Gallery is open six days a week and it is closed on Mondays.
Fees for classes and activities may vary.
Contact Information
Address: 4339 Park Avenue – Memphis, Tennessee 38117 Website: https://dixon.org
Phone: 901-761-5250
#9. The Cotton Museum
The world-famous Memphis Cotton Museum was once the home of one of the world’s largest cotton trading exchanges.
Their focus is on educating its visitors about the history and importance of cotton, one of the world’s most well-known and diverse crops.
They offer educational tours and instructions that meet Tennessee educator standards for students in traditional schools and homeschool programs.
The Cotton Museum also hosts special events like brunches, weddings, other special events, and parties.
The Cotton Museum is open five days a week.
They are closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Contact Information
Address: 65 Union Avenue – Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Website: https://memphiscottonmuseum.org
Phone: 901-531-7826
#10. Memphis Grizzlies
If you and your kids are basketball fans, you definitely don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to take them to a Memphis Grizzlies game!
Have a blast with your family while cheering on Memphis’ NBA basketball team.
Fans say going to the Grizzlies game is an electrifying experience where both adults and children can have a fantastic time.
Your kids can spend time at the game watching their favorite players, getting their faces painted, and hanging out in the Grizzlies Kid Zone.
Note: Game dates and ticket prices vary.
Contact Information
Address: Fed Ex Forum – 191 Beale Street – Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Website: https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/tickets
Phone: 901-201-1535
Memphis Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Memphis Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fun and affordable way to spend the day with kids in Memphis?
There are a wide variety of inexpensive or free activities to take advantage of in Memphis with kids.
For example, you and your family can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city for just a few bucks when you ride the Memphis Trolley.
Are there any fun and educational places to take my kids to Memphis?
Yes!
The city of Memphis has a variety of educational and fun activities for kids.
Your kids will love learning about the history of cotton at the Memphis Cotton Museum or engaging in interactive play at the Children’s Museum.
Are there any discounts or special rates for families who live in Memphis visiting kid-friendly venues?
Absolutely!
Many kid-friendly places like Shelby Farms Park offer free or discounted admission for kids.
The Memphis Rock and Soul Museum even offers free admission for Shelby County resident families with valid local IDs.
What are the best places to take your kids in Memphis?
Some of the most popular venues for families with kids in Memphis include Grizzlies games, the Mississippi Riverfront, The Metal Museum, and more!
Find more things to do in Memphis with kids with a quick Google search to plan your day.
