Memphis is one of those cities that surprises families. It has soul, history, huge parks, and hands-on museums that pull kids right in. At Endless Stays, we host families all across our Memphis homes, and we hear the same thing over and over: there is more to do here with kids than most people expect.
We put this guide together to save you time. Below you will find our favorite family-friendly spots, honest tips on what to expect, and a simple plan for making the most of your visit. Whether you are traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens, this list is built for real trips with real kids.
Why Memphis Is a Great City for Families
Memphis blends fun and learning in a way that feels effortless. Kids can meet giraffes at the zoo in the morning, splash in a museum splash pad after lunch, and watch marching ducks parade through a hotel lobby before dinner. Big-city energy meets small, walkable neighborhoods and plenty of green space.
The city is also affordable compared to many family destinations. Many top attractions are free or low cost, and outdoor spots like Shelby Farms Park stretch across thousands of acres, giving kids room to run.
Local tip: Summers get hot and sticky, so plan indoor stops (museums, aquariums, the Pyramid) for the middle of the day and save parks and gardens for morning or evening.
Top Family Attractions in Memphis
These are the classic must-do stops. If it is your first family trip to Memphis, start here.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is our number one pick for families with young kids. It sits inside leafy Overton Park and packs in a wide variety of animals, from pandas and giraffes to sea lions and reptiles. Kids especially love the giraffe feeding, the small train ride, and the splash areas that cool everyone down on hot days.
- Rating: 4.6 (16,000+ reviews)
- Address: 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112
- Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Phone: (901) 333-6500
- Tip: Plan for 3 to 4 hours, bring water, and pack a light lunch to save on food costs
Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM)
If you have kids under 10, put this near the top of your list. CMOM is built for hands-on play, with a mini city, a real (parked) FedEx cargo plane the kids can climb into, a working splash pad, and a beautifully restored 1909 Grand Carousel. It is the kind of place where two hours flies by.
- Rating: 4.6 (2,900+ reviews)
- Address: 2525 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Hours: Vary by season, check ahead
- Best for: Toddlers through age 10
Learn more about the Children’s Museum of Memphis
Shelby Farms Park
At more than 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Kids can bike the Greenline, paddle on the lakes, ride the treetop zipline (age and height restrictions apply), and even see the resident bison herd. It is easy to spend a full day here without spending much money.
- Rating: 4.8 (12,000+ reviews)
- Features: Playgrounds, lakes, trails, zipline, dog park, cafe
- Tip: Rent bikes near the visitor center and take the paved loop trail with kids
Learn more about Shelby Farms Park
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
This is not your average retail stop. The 32-story Pyramid houses a full outdoor swamp with alligators, huge freshwater aquariums, a bowling alley, an archery range, and a glass-floor observation deck at the top. Even non-shoppers walk out impressed. Kids typically ask to go back.
- Rating: 4.7 (7,400+ reviews)
- Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105
- Hours: Mon to Sat 9 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 7 PM
- Free to enter: Yes; observation deck has a separate fee
Learn more about Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
Museums and Learning Adventures
Memphis has real depth when it comes to museums, and kids do not just tolerate them, they enjoy them.
Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH / Pink Palace)
Housed in a pink marble mansion, MoSH covers natural history, dinosaurs, and cultural exhibits, plus a planetarium and a giant screen theater. Younger kids love the fossils and animal displays, while older kids get into the interactive science stations.
- Rating: 4.5 (700+ reviews)
- Best for: Ages 5 and up
- Bonus: Planetarium shows are a hit on rainy days
Fire Museum of Memphis
Set inside the historic Fire Engine House No. 1, this small museum is a hidden gem for kids who love trucks, sirens, and heroes. There is a fire safety simulator, real fire engines, and a hands-on kids area. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes.
- Rating: 4.6 (550+ reviews)
- Address: 118 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
- Best for: Ages 3 to 10
Learn more about the Fire Museum of Memphis
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum is one of the most important stops in the country. It is powerful and moving, and best suited for kids around age 8 and up. Plan quiet, thoughtful time here (about 2 to 3 hours), and talk with your kids about what they are seeing.
- Rating: 4.9 (14,000+ reviews)
- Address: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Best for: Ages 8 and up
Learn more about the National Civil Rights Museum
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
The Brooks is the oldest art museum in Tennessee, and it makes a genuine effort for young visitors with family days, kid activity guides, and rotating hands-on programs. It is a nice, low-key stop between busier attractions.
- Rating: 4.6 (1,100+ reviews)
- Tip: Ask at the front desk for the family activity guide
Learn more about Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Outdoor Fun and River Adventures
Memphis sits right on the Mississippi River, and the riverfront gives families some of the best outdoor experiences in the city.
Big River Crossing
This is the longest active rail-and-pedestrian bridge in the country, stretching nearly a mile across the Mississippi River. Kids get a real kick out of walking (or biking) from Tennessee to Arkansas over the water. Free to use, open daily.
- Rating: 4.8 (community reviews)
- Best time: Sunset, when the bridge lights up in color
- Tip: Bring water and sunscreen; there is no shade on the bridge
Learn more about Big River Crossing
Tom Lee Park
Newly redesigned and reopened, Tom Lee Park runs 30 acres along the Mississippi. Families love the modern playgrounds, wide-open lawns, splash areas, and river views. It is one of the best free family stops in the city.
- Rating: 4.6 (3,700+ reviews)
- Features: Playgrounds, splash pad, walking paths, event space
Mud Island River Park
Mud Island is a slim peninsula on the river with walking paths, a scale model of the Mississippi River (kids can splash in it), and views back at downtown Memphis. Quiet, breezy, and a great picnic spot.
- Rating: 4.2 (240+ reviews)
- Tip: Bring a change of clothes, kids will get wet in the river model
Learn more about Mud Island River Park
Memphis Botanic Garden
Home to My Big Backyard, one of the best kid-focused garden spaces in the South. Kids can explore treehouses, gardens themed like fairy tales, water features, and outdoor musical instruments. Adults get 96 acres of gardens to wander.
- Rating: 4.7 (3,000+ reviews)
- Address: 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
- Hours: Daily 9 AM to 6 PM
Learn more about the Memphis Botanic Garden
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
A quieter alternative to the busy attractions downtown, Dixon offers 17 acres of gardens and a family-friendly art museum. Free on Tuesdays. Kids love the outdoor sculpture trail and the open lawn to run.
- Rating: 4.8 (880+ reviews)
- Tip: Bring a blanket and picnic on the lawn after exploring
Learn more about Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Graceland
If your kids know even a few Elvis songs, Graceland is a fun cultural stop. The mansion tour includes an audio guide keyed to different ages, plus car and jet exhibits that keep younger kids engaged. Plan on 3 to 4 hours.
- Rating: 4.5 (25,000+ reviews)
- Address: 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
- Tip: Buy tickets ahead of time and arrive early to beat the crowds
A Simple 2-Day Memphis Family Itinerary
If you only have a weekend, this is the plan we suggest to our guests.
Day 1: Zoo, Museum, and Ducks
- Morning: Memphis Zoo (2000 Prentiss Pl), arrive at opening
- Lunch: Picnic in Overton Park
- Afternoon: Children’s Museum of Memphis (nap-friendly indoor break)
- 5 PM: Duck March at The Peabody
Day 2: River, Pyramid, and Green Space
- Morning: Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid (ride to the top of the observation deck)
- Lunch: Downtown near Beale Street
- Afternoon: Tom Lee Park or walk the Big River Crossing
- Evening: Sunset at Shelby Farms Park
Practical Tips for Visiting Memphis with Kids
A few things we have learned from years of hosting families here:
- Rent a car. Memphis is spread out and many top spots are not close to each other.
- Watch the weather. Summer heat and thunderstorms are intense. Spring and fall are ideal for family trips.
- Stay hydrated. Pack refillable water bottles for every family outing.
- Book major museums ahead. Especially Graceland and the Civil Rights Museum on holidays and school breaks.
- Balance heavy topics with fun. After a serious museum visit, plan a park or splash pad to reset.
- Choose a home with space. For kids under 10, a home with a private pool or a bunk room makes a huge difference in vacation happiness.
Plan Your Family Trip With Endless Stays
Memphis is a city that keeps giving. Kids leave with stories about giraffes, splash pads, marching ducks, and giant fish tanks inside a pyramid. Parents leave impressed by how much the city offers without wearing everyone out.
When you are ready to book your stay, we would love to host your family. Browse our Memphis vacation rentals to find a home with the space, amenities, and character to make your trip feel truly endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to bring kids to Memphis?
Memphis works for all ages, but ages 4 to 12 hit the sweet spot. Younger kids love the zoo, the Children’s Museum, and the duck march, while older kids can appreciate the history at the Civil Rights Museum and Graceland.
Is Beale Street kid-friendly?
Yes, during the day. Beale Street is fun and lively in the daytime, with music and family-friendly restaurants. After dark it turns into more of an adult nightlife area, so plan to visit before dinnertime.
What free things can families do in Memphis?
Plenty. The Peabody duck march is free to watch. Tom Lee Park, Big River Crossing, Shelby Farms Park, and Overton Park are all free. Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is free to enter (the observation deck costs extra). Many museums also have free days each month.
How many days do you need in Memphis with kids?
Two to three days is enough to hit the highlights. Four days lets you take a slower pace and add smaller stops like the Fire Museum, Dixon Gallery, or a river cruise.
Is Memphis safe for families?
The main tourist areas (downtown, Overton Park, the riverfront, East Memphis around the Botanic Garden) are safe when you use normal city awareness. Stick to well-lit areas at night, keep valuables out of the car, and you should have no issues.
What is the best time of year to visit Memphis with kids?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to early November) are ideal. Temperatures are comfortable and outdoor spots are at their best. Summer is doable but hot; plan indoor activities for midday.