Memphis in 2 Days for Families - Hands-on play at the Children's Museum
A practical, gently paced 2-day plan for families with young children visiting Memphis in spring. Focused on interactive museums, big outdoor play spaces, easy transfers, stroller-friendly routes, and kid-friendly meals with buffer time for naps, snacks, and bathroom breaks.
Highlights
- Hands-on play at the Children's Museum
- Overton Park and Memphis Zoo — paved paths and family facilities
- Wide-open play and trails at Shelby Farms Park
- Seasonal blooms at Memphis Botanic Garden
- Kid-friendly fun at Bass Pro Pyramid and the Peabody duck march
Itinerary
Day 1
Interactive indoor morning for younger kids, relaxed park lunch, and a longer afternoon at the zoo. Early evening burger dinner near midtown.
Children's Museum of Memphis — hands-on play and discovery
Start the day where kids lead: interactive exhibits, sensory play areas, and short galleries great for ages 1–8. Plan to arrive shortly after opening to avoid crowds and let little ones explore at their pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 1–8 — toddlers and early-elementary kids will love the hands-on exhibits; allow 60–90 minutes.
- Stroller tip: fold or park the stroller just inside the entrance for freer movement in busy galleries; staff can point you to stroller parking.
- Facilities: there are family-friendly restrooms and quiet corners for a quick feed or diaper change; ask staff for the calmest spot if your child needs a nap.
Overton Park — snack, playground stretch, short walk
A short transfer to Overton Park for a relaxed snack or picnic and a leafy pause before the zoo. Plenty of shade, lawns, and space for kids to run off energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the small playgrounds near the southern edge of Overton Park for easy supervision and shaded benches for caregivers.
- Stroller-friendly paved paths make a gentle lap or nap walk possible if a child drifts off after a busy museum morning.
- Bathrooms are near the museum and park entrances — do a quick stop before heading into the zoo to avoid an extra stop inside.
Memphis Zoo — afternoon exploring (children's areas + indoor exhibits)
Paved loops and shaded trails make the Memphis Zoo very stroller-friendly. Focus on the Children’s Zoo, sea lion or dolphin schedule if available, and indoor exhibits for a calm rest area if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: great for 2–10 year olds; plan a 2–3.5 hour visit with breaks — take the train or tram for a short ride if little ones are tired.
- Stroller hack: bring a lightweight stroller with sun cover — paths are paved, but some exhibits have steps so a sling can be handy for toddlers.
- Family facilities: the zoo has family restrooms and quiet indoor spaces; locate the closest family restroom on the map when you arrive for easy diaper changes or nursing.
Dinner at Huey's (Midtown) — burgers, kids' menu, relaxed atmosphere
Local favorite with simple, kid-friendly menu options and high chairs. Good place to unwind after a busy day with flexible menu choices for allergy needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive a little early or call ahead for a table — booths are easier with small kids and high chairs are available.
- Menu: simple burgers, salads, and kids' plates — staff are usually willing to accommodate simple allergy requests (ask the server).
- Stroller & nap: the Midtown location has a family-friendly dining room; quiet corners are easier to find during earlier dining times.
Day 2
Big outdoor morning at Shelby Farms, relaxed park picnic, botanic garden stroll in the afternoon, then a fun visit to the Bass Pro Pyramid followed by the Peabody duck march and a classic diner dinner.
Shelby Farms Park — big play areas and nature trails
Wide-open space, playgrounds and gentle trails. Great for energy-burning and flexible family time; plenty of spots for shade and short walks with strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 1–10 — the Discovery Playground and open meadows are perfect for toddlers through elementary-aged kids.
- Bring a lightweight blanket for an easy shaded rest or picnic; stroller routes are paved on the main loops, but off-trail areas are grassy.
- There are family restrooms and changing stations at the main visitor areas — check the map when you arrive so you can plan snack and bathroom breaks.
Picnic lunch at Shelby Farms — relaxed, flexible meal time
Either grab sandwiches to-go from a nearby cafe or sit down with a packed picnic. This is a low-pressure meal time with room for naps or stroller rests.
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone has allergies, pack clearly labelled foods or choose a local deli for made-to-order sandwiches — picnic time makes it easy to control ingredients.
- Shade hack: set up near the playground or pavilion so caregivers can sit while kids play and you can easily access restrooms.
- Nap buffer: use this lunch window to let younger kids rest in a stroller or shaded spot if they need a brief nap before the afternoon.
Memphis Botanic Garden — seasonal blooms and the My Big Backyard area
A calmer afternoon option with paved pathways, themed gardens, and kid-focused outdoor learning areas that are stroller-friendly and peaceful in spring.
Tips from local experts:
- Great for all ages; younger kids enjoy the My Big Backyard and interactive plantings — ideal for a relaxed 60–90 minute visit.
- Stroller tip: paths are paved and gentle, but bring a light blanket for a short rest on the lawn if someone needs a break.
- Facilities: the garden has restrooms and quiet benches; in April you’ll see spring blooms — bring a camera for family photos in the flowering beds.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid — indoor swamp, aquariums, and observation deck
A surprising family destination: fish-filled displays, an indoor swamp scene, and an observation area with views over the city — easy to enjoy for short bursts.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid-friendly: kids love the aquarium and big fish displays — plan 60–90 minutes so you can take the elevator up to the observation deck without feeling rushed.
- Accessibility: elevators and wide aisles make it stroller-friendly; family restrooms are available near the main floor.
- Snack break: there are casual food options inside; consider a quick snack stop before walking up the observation deck to avoid restlessness.
The Peabody Memphis — watch the daily Peabody Duck March (5:00 PM)
A short, iconic spectacle great for kids — the ducks 'march' through the hotel lobby on a set schedule. Arrive a little early for best viewing and quieter seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to claim a bench spot in the lobby — arriving early helps smaller children see without standing on tiptoe.
- Stroller tip: keep strollers to the side so everyone has a clear view and you can fold them quickly if needed.
- Timing: the march happens daily at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM — we recommend the 5:00 PM show after an afternoon of activities; have a light snack beforehand to keep kids comfortable.
Dinner at The Arcade Restaurant — classic diner with kid-friendly choices
A Memphis institution with a casual, family-friendly diner menu. Great for early dinners and familiar kid-food options. Comfortable booths and high-chair availability.
Tips from local experts:
- Family-friendly menu: classic diner options and breakfast-for-dinner choices are often a hit with kids — staff are used to families and high chairs are available.
- Seating timing: aim for an earlier seating (5:45–6:15 PM) to avoid the later dinner rush and keep the day calm for bedtime routines.
- Allergies & flexibility: diners are generally flexible with simple swaps (grilled vs. fried); mention allergies to your server when ordering.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Culture, Outdoor, Attraction, Restaurant, Meal, Event |
