Spend the Weekend in Memphis, Tennessee with Kids
Memphis, Tennessee | iStock
Sweet views, civil rights legacy, music history, and the best BBQ. Here is our itinerary for a fun weekend in Memphis, Tennessee.
Beale Street, Memphis | Laura Powell
Friday in Memphis
Shop at the grocery, play outside, and ride a vintage carousel at the Memphis Children’s Museum. Learn about the best of southern soul music at Stax Records. Visit Sun Studio and see where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins got their start. You may think Beale Street is only for the 21 and up crowd, but just taking a walk down this bustling street is worth it with kids. Often, there are all ages shows in the early evening on Beale Street at Silky O’Sullivans, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Grill, and Hard Rock Cafe. Check for family friendly shows at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Browse Tater Reds for Memphis memorabilia and Memphis Music Store for records, cds, and gifts. A. Schwab Trading Company, the oldest store in Memphis, has an old-fashioned soda fountain where you can sip a milkshake and more. Top off your day with pulled pork and ribs at Rendezvous. It’s so addictive you’ll want to buy seasoning and BBQ sauce to take home with you.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid Memphis | Laura Powell
Saturday in Memphis
Wake up to soft, buttery biscuits and coffee at Sunrise Memphis. This casual restaurant also has breakfast plates, bowls, and Cookie Monster pancakes (our son’s favorite). Let the kids get their wiggles out at the big playground and trails at Overton Park. Take a walk around the surrounding neighborhood to see beautiful turn-of-the-century homes. Near Overton Park, visit the Pink Palace and learn about the history of the entrepreneur behind the Piggly Wiggly grocery stores. There is a giant screen theatre, natural history exhibits, and a planetarium at the Pink Palace as well. Visit the Bass Pro Shop megastore in Downtown Memphis. Pay the extra few bucks to take the elevator up to the top of the pyramid and take in the view of the Mississippi River and the downtown skyline.
National Civil Rights Museum | Laura Powell
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Downtown. Learn about the history of the civil rights movement and its impact on today. Nearby, eat at the Arcade Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Memphis
Sunday in Memphis
Graceland | Laura Powell
Leave plenty of room for Sunday Brunch at the Peabody Hotel in Downtown Memphis. You don’t want to miss out on this Memphis tradition. See the duck march at the Peabody every day at 11am and 5pm –get there early for a spot by the fountain. See Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. The rooms at Graceland are textbook 1970s fab. There’s more to Graceland than touring Elvis’s home, though. Spend a few hours touring Elvis Presley’s cars, airplanes, and learning about his life. With a recent 80,000 square foot expansion, you can enjoy world-class exhibits on topics ranging from space exploration to dinosaurs.
Hernando’s Hide-A-Way | Laura Powell
Just down the road from Graceland, get a bite at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, which was recently restored by country musician Dale Watson. Sit in booths named after musicians who have played at the club, including Charley Pride, Fats Domino, and Johnny Cash —pop a few coins in the old jukebox and chow down on tasty vittles.
Looking for more information to help plan your trip to Memphis? Find upcoming events, a trip planner and lots of great articles at memphistravel.com
