You’ll find amazing family attractions in and near Memphis. Our summer bucket list below is stuffed with children’s things to do and fun places in the city. From various outdoor adventures to discovering outdoor children’s areas, there are countless opportunities for your kids to learn new things through play. Check out our list below of some of the best family things to do in Memphis.
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Memphis with the Fam Bucket List
Rock, ribs & river adventures! Explore Memphis with your family- zoos, museums, music & BBQ for lasting family memories.
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Dressing up like a firefighter, sliding down a pole and climbing all over a fire truck are just a few of the fun children's things to do and enjoy at the Fire Museum of Memphis. Discover the thrilling life of firefighters and learn about fire safety at this interactive fire museum, one of the hottest attractions in Memphis. Located within the legendary Fire Engine House No. 1 in downtown Memphis, be sure to add this top tier attraction to your family’s itinerary.
My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden
Explore castles, climb a treehouse, have a puppet show and more at this botanical garden designed for kids. With over a 12 unique activity areas, My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden is a wonderful family attraction your children will be able to explore hands-on gardens, build their own forts at Seedling Circle, climb throughout the Treetop Adventure and through underground tunnels at Wormville, splash through Raindrop Stop, and so much more. Be sure to check out this family garden where your kids can stretch their legs and their imaginations.
Children’s Museum of Memphis
Visit the Children’s Museum of Memphis where you'll find lots of family activities around experiences that encourage the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs. With tons of children's things to do like a splash pad, Grand Carousel, accessible outdoor playground, the real airplane cockpit where they can become pilots to the Fire House room where kids can sit behind first-responder vehicles, this place is the kind of museum kids can get behind. The family attraction offers fun for children ages 1-12. Toddlers can retreat to their own special area in "4 & Under," and parents will enjoy the endless opportunities to help teach and play.
Memphis Zoo
Experience over 3,500 exotic and endangered animals up close at one of the wildest family attractions, the Memphis Zoo. Get nose-to-nose with polar bears in the Northwest Passage; catch the huge grizzly bears, elk, and timber wolves at the Teton Trek exhibit; and see hippos, flamingos and Nile crocodiles within the Zambezi River Camp.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
The Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis is much more than just a store, it's one of the most fun things to do in Memphis with kids. In addition to the vast collection of fishing, boating, and outdoor gear, this family attraction houses a 103-room hotel with treehouse cabins, 600,000 gallons of water teeming with over 1,800 fish, a cypress swamp with alligator pools, and an incredible observation deck on top of the 32-story steel pyramid with breathtaking views of Downtown Memphis. And, be sure to check out the Fishbowl at the Pyramid, a 13-lane aquatic-themed bowling alley located within the store.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
An iconic family activity in Memphis, treat your older children with a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland to see the King of Rock n’ Roll’s sprawling mansion in person. Tour his famous home and beloved rooms like The Jungle Room, Elvis’ living room and trophy building; plus, marvel at the many gold records, jeweled jumpsuits and classic cars at Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. Be fully immersed in Elvis’ life with the interactive iPad tour, hosted by John Stamos and featuring stories and commentary by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie.
Discovery Park of America – Union City
A great family attraction near Memphis is Discovery Park of America in Union City, the perfect day trip from Memphis. Discover amazing artifacts in the 100,000-square-foot museum and the 50-acre heritage park. Explore Native American history, military air and land vehicles, regional history, natural history, science, space and technology. You’ll find a number of children’s things to do outside as well, including the Children’s Discovery Garden which has a babbling brook, shrubs and flowers that attract beautiful butterflies and a nature-inspired playground. The PlayOdyssey Tower, mini zipline, log steppers and balance beams are fan favorites. Make your own music with the Rhapsody Outdoor Musical Instruments. And, the oversized chessboard with 3-ft. tall pieces is a great competitive family activity.
With this list of things to do with kids in Memphis, you’re sure to have the best family vacation. Check out more Tennessee family travel tips on our Trip Inspiration page.
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