Memphis in 2 Days - 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
More than 12 itineraries in Memphis.
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.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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.
- Monday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
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.
- Monday11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Saturday11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
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.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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.
- Monday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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 |
