Memphis with the Fam Bucket List

Places Featured in This Article:
Fire Museum of Memphis
My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden
Children’s Museum of Memphis
Memphis Zoo
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Discovery Park of America – Union City

• 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

• Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible with an elevator that takes you to the second floor exhibit space

• Parking: There are parking lots adjacent to the museum and limited street parking on Adams Avenue, which is regulated by parking meters Monday-Friday but is free on the weekends

• Special Events: The Fire Museum of Memphis hosts temporary exhibits about Memphis fire history with coordinating artifacts throughout the year

• Tickets

• 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 forts at Seedling Circle

• Climb throughout the Treetop Adventure and through underground tunnels at Wormville

• Splash through Raindrop Stop

• Be sure to check out this family garden where your kids can stretch their legs and their imaginations

• Accessibility: The visitor center and primary pathways through the garden are wheelchair accessible. There are a few push-chair wheelchairs available to rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are free of charge and can be reserved upon arrival

• Parking: Ample parking is available adjacent to the Visitors Center with additional parking in the North Lot for some special events

• Special Events: Storytime in the garden, holiday happenings, classes and more programming happen throughout the year

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• 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

• Children's things to do include a splash pad, Grand Carousel, accessible outdoor playground, a real airplane cockpit and Fire House room full of first-responder vehicles

• The family attraction offers fun for children ages 1-12

• Toddlers can retreat to their own special area in "4 & Under"

• Parents will enjoy the endless opportunities to help teach and play

• Accessibility: Call the museum ahead of time to inquire about any accessibility needs. If your child feels overwhelmed from sensory input or overload, sensory bags are available by asking a staff member

• Parking: Parking is $4 and available adjacent to the children's museum. You pay for parking with your admission

• Special Events: Check out the calendar for programs such as Science Saturday, Science of Bubbles, music time, ARTivities and more

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• 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

• See hippos, flamingos and Nile crocodiles within the Zambezi River Camp

• Accessibility: Most attractions, exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs (412) and electric wheelchairs ($32) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Single and double strollers as well as Scooter Pals - animal-themed, electric scooters - are available to rent for a fee as well. Memphis Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to provide a more sensory inclusive experience to guests. For more information, contact Guest Services at 901-333-6700

• Parking: $10 to park in the main lot outside of the Zoo entrance off of Poplar Avenue. Accessible parking is available in the main parking lot

• Special Events: From zookeeper talks, zoo after-hours 21+ parties and family-friendly seasonal events like Zoo Boo in October and the holiday experience Wild Lights, you'll have a roaring time at Memphis Zoo

• Tickets

• 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

• Vast collection of fishing, boating, and outdoor gear

• Houses a 103-room hotel with treehouse cabins

• 600,000 gallons of water teeming with over 1,800 fish

• Cypress swamp with alligator pools

• Incredible observation deck on top of the 32-story steel pyramid with breathtaking views of Downtown Memphis

• Be sure to check out the Fishbowl at the Pyramid, a 13-lane aquatic-themed bowling alley located within the store

• Accessibility: A limited number of motorized and standard wheelchairs are available for customer use.

• Parking: Ample parking is available at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

• Special Events: Outdoor-themed events and meet-and-greets are hosted throughout the year. Live fish feeding shows at the aquarium take place 2 p.m. daily

• Tickets: Free admission to Bass Pro Shops with some experiences requiring separate tickets

• 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

• 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

• Accessibility: Graceland offers shuttle services with a lift for the tour only for those who are in wheelchairs or scooters. All rooms in the Graceland Mansion are wheelchair accessible, except for two basement rooms. There are photos and a TV monitor that shows what the two basement rooms, the TV room and the pool room, look like for those guests who cannot view them in person. Elvis Presley's Memphis is wheelchair accessible. While the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible, there's a video of the planes in the gift shop. The iPad tour is fully captioned.

• Parking: $10 for standard vehicles and $15 for RV's, trailers or semi-trucks. The secured, main parking lot is located at 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd.

• Special Events: Check the event calendar for special concerts, traveling exhibits and annual events like Elvis Week, Elvis Presley's Birthday Commemoration, Christmas at Graceland and more.

• Tickets

• A great family attraction near Memphis

• Discovery Park of America in Union City is 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

• Accessibility: Exhibits, restaurants, attractions and retail spaces are wheelchair accessible. Large amount of seating is available on each floor. Certain sections of Discovery Park can be made available for a visit before or after hours with advance notice for those with autism and sensory sensitivities. A sensory-safe nurse's station as well as a medical room is available. A nurse is usually on staff during operating hours. Large restrooms are located on the main entrance level off the lobby on the lower level off Art Hall. Outside, restrooms can be found on each side of the park. Wheelchairs are available for our guests on a first-come, first-served basis

• Parking: Ample parking is available at Discovery Park of America. Accessible parking spaces are located at the front of each side of the parking lot.

• Special Events: Summer concert series, special exhibits and seasonal events like the Cardboard Boat Regatta, fall Pumpkin Village and holiday Let It Glow Light Show - Drive-Thru and Walk-Thru are hosted throughout the year.

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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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