Things to Do in Memphis Tennessee 

When it comes to things to do in Memphis Tennessee that will appeal to kids, zoos are always popular choices. Here they can explore nature while learning about exotic wildlife while having family fun together at the same time.

After touring Memphis, visitors can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to marvel at all of Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding’s clothing and instruments that they used during their career.

Beale Street

Beale Street is at the core of Memphis and one of its most beloved tourist destinations. Although its length only measures 1,500 feet, Beale Street attracts people from around the world with its electrifying atmosphere and rich history.

Nightclubs dotted along the streets offer a range of blues, jazz, rock and country music that draws in lively crowds; though some travelers have warned that this scene can become rowdy at times.

If you need a break from dancing and drinking, there are plenty of restaurants and shops on the street to take your mind off things. Visit the BB King Museum to see the microphone that Elvis Presley used when recording some of his first hits as an 18-year-old; other historical attractions include Sun Studio for tours that shed light on their impactful role in rock and roll’s development.

Cultural institutions nearby include the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery and Daisy Theatre/Randle Catron Interpretive Center. If you prefer more upscale entertainment experiences, Orpheum Theater boasts Broadway shows, A-list comedians and local musicians for performances that run year-round as well as hosting numerous community events throughout its storied history.

Downtown Memphis Trolley

Experience Memphis Tennessee like never before on board the Downtown Memphis Trolley; it is affordable, stylish and convenient! Explore Memphis at your own pace while taking in all its beauty along the way!

Music enthusiasts visiting Memphis must visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to experience its history first-hand and see its period recording equipment, a replica of a 1967 European revue performance and over 1,000 cuts in its Hall of Records – plus learn about legendary soul musicians such as Otis Redding, B.B. King and Isaac Hayes! Don’t miss this iconic site!

Visitors with children will love exploring the Pink Palace family of museums, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to West Tennessee history. Children in particular love exploring Discovery Place Nature Museum; both kids and adults will also love exploring Orpheum Theatre from 1920, considered haunted by many, who frequently come here for energy readings of its building.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis is an absolute must. Here visitors can learn how the artists who created soul music overcame racial and socioeconomic barriers to create something that had an impact in society. Situated at the original Stax Records site with interactive exhibits as well as an impressive memorabilia collection featuring instruments, outfits, shoes and records; spending at least two hours here is highly recommended!

Visit Memphis’ Children’s Museum with your little ones! It is one of Memphis’s most beloved museums because it provides children with a truly interactive museum experience – from rock climbing walls and car garages, to art studios where kids can show off their artistic side!

Mud Island River Park offers the ideal family activity in Memphis: strolling and relaxing along its winding river bank path is sure to bring relaxation, while offering stunning views of the Mississippi. Picnic spots abound here! For those wanting an authentic taste of Memphis, join professional Beale Street musicians on a Memphis Mojo Bus Tour that stops by Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, BB King’s Blues Club and A. Schwab as part of its route.

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is an integral part of Memphis Tennessee, due to its tributes to iconic musicians. This museum honors soul music, Memphis rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly pioneers like Jerry Lee Lewis’ custom Cadillac and Isaac Hayes’ organ from Stax Records; memorabilia such as Jerry Lee Lewis’ custom Cadillac is on display, along with videos performances and interviews with each new inductee.

The Museum offers live performance space and outdoor observation deck, making it the ideal venue for discovering local bands or singer-songwriters. Or join one of their special events such as Zoo Boo in October or the twinkling Zoo Lights in December!

As you escape the bustle of downtown Memphis, take a relaxing respite at Memphis Botanic Garden. Situated in Audubon Park on 96-acres, this sprawling sanctuary provides an idyllic retreat away from Beale Street’s hectic streets. Stroll through blooming gardens, explore Victorian tombstones at Elmwood Cemetery and learn Memphis botanical history on docent-led tours. Additionally, special events such as Plantpalooza in springtime and Memphis Wine & Brew Festival in October take place here; children especially welcome here calming attraction.

Memphis Botanic Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden provides a soothing refuge from the vibrant street life and noise of Beale Street, offering visitors a place of repose with paths for strolling or 31 specialty gardens including daylily circles, dogwood trails, sculpture gardens, Asian gardens and urban home gardens featuring chicken coops.

Visitors can explore local plant species on a free self-guided tour or attend an educational presentation at the visitor center, while children can enjoy activities in the Children’s Garden with its rock climbing wall, car garage, art studio and dinosaur displays.

The Memphis gardens provide a soothing refuge from the city’s bustle. To maximize your visit, plan to see them during spring or summer when their blooms come into full bloom. Or visit during Memphis in May festival; vendors line the streets, musicians play outdoor concerts and runners compete in an exciting 5K race – making for an unforgettable experience!

Families visiting Memphis will appreciate its Children’s Museum, which goes beyond traditional museum experiences by providing children with an engaging hands-on learning adventure. Kids can dig for fossils with real archaeology tools or try their hands at painting, cooking or building robots; additionally there are holiday themed programs such as Zoo Boo at Halloween or Zoo Lights during December at this institution.

Memphis Zoo

Established in 1906, Memphis Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal enthusiasts. Boasting over 500 different species – and one of only four US zoos with giant pandas! Additionally, visitors will encounter exciting animals such as polar bears and sea lions at this iconic zoo.

There’s plenty to see and do at the zoo, from feeding fish, turtles and birds in an aquarium to taking a boat ride around Mud Island or strolling through its botanical garden. Additionally, special events take place throughout the year at this attraction.

Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former Memphis oasis, offers visitors a glimpse into his lavish living rooms, bedrooms, and basements as well as an assortment of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. A visit to Memphis wouldn’t be complete without visiting Graceland!

The Dixon Gallery & Gardens combine an art museum with an attractive public garden to make an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. The museum showcases porcelain artifacts and French Impressionist paintings; while its gardens boast open spaces, natural canopy trees, and more formal plantings for peaceful relaxation from city streets. They’re especially beloved among locals.

Bass Pro Shops

One of the top attractions in Memphis is visiting Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, an outdoor-oriented attraction that boasts aquariums, fish feeding shows and interactive hands-on activities – making for an engaging day’s visit!

If you are visiting Memphis Tennessee with children, The Children’s Museum of Memphis should be top on your itinerary. One of the world’s largest and most engaging children’s museums, kids will love exploring its exhibits on topics like history, science and art.

Your visit to Memphis would not be complete without visiting the Peabody Hotel. Every morning at 11 am, a flock of mallard ducks make an appearance on its red carpet and splash about in its central fountain.

Memphis offers another musical attraction worth seeing: the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Affiliated with Smithsonian Institution, this museum explores Memphis’ deep connection to rock & soul music through seven galleries that you can tour on guided tours.

Guests looking for an escape from Beale Street should visit South Main Arts District, an artsy neighborhood filled with chef-driven restaurants and boutique shops. Visitors can also stroll through Elmwood Cemetery if time allows.