The Volunteer State is a great destination choice for your next family vacation and one of the best places to visit in Memphis. This river town offers everything from world-famous music to delicious deep Southern cuisine sure to please even your pickiest eater. There are several ca n’t-miss attractions that the entire group will enjoy.
If you have kids, you’ll want to devote at least a day to the famous Memphis Zoo. This attraction boasts a larger-than-life arched entrance reminiscent of ancient Egypt. Your family will love the multiple different theme enclosures, including the rare Chinese Pandas!
Browse around the many different gift shops and have your picture taken as a souvenir or grab lunch from one of the local food vendors inside. Strollers are welcome and special accommodations can be found with visitors’ services.
You’ll find history lessons included in most of the exhibits. Educate yourself and your crew on the history of the Native American totem poles, or the famous journey of Marco Polo.
If you have nature buffs in your family. A trip to the Memphis Botanical Gardens won’t be a waste. This scenic and beautiful preserve is situated right in the middle of the city, its little oasis!
Take a stroll through a variety of different environments like the Japanese serenity garden, the sensory gardens (where curious children and adults alike are encouraged to touch and explore), or the famed butterfly garden.
Your senses will come alive with smells of roses, azaleas, and magnolias. Your group is sure to be delighted with this find.
For historians, no trip is complete without a stop on Mud Island. This outdoor park is attached to the mainland via monorail and boats with tremendous views of the city. You’ll find museums, historical exhibits, and even a scale model of the river itself. Pack those swimsuits because the water in the model of the river is as wet as the real thing and kids are welcome to wade in!
Also, make time for the breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi River as you explore the Memphis River Walk. This pathway runs the length of downtown Memphis and affords easy access to shopping and dining.
You’ll also find a water park for the kids, as well as a superb Children’s Museum where you little adventurers, can dress up like firefighters, pilots, or rock stars.
Speaking of rock stars, don’t forget to stop at Elvis’ house and bring your camera, a Tennessee Family Vacation wouldn’t be complete without a family photo in front of the legendary iron gates to Graceland!