A visit to Memphis, Tennessee provides families with a culturally diverse experience in a southern setting. While Memphis has a reputation for smoky blues bars, its offerings do not stop at the neck of a bottle. From adventures at the zoo to the soft rolling waters of the Mississippi river, visitors will find many attractions to fill a family vacation.
The self-proclaimed birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the home of the blues, Memphis has a number of family-friendly music attractions. Graceland was the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and is open to the public for tours. With exhibits ranging from colorful costumes to painted jets, Graceland appeals to a variety of ages. Additionally, there are museums dedicated to the creation and evolution of music in Memphis, including Smithsonian-created Memphis Rock 'n' Roll Soul Museum.
Urban development has not taken away Memphis's strong southern accent. Families can delve into southern culture at the Center for Southern Folklore or learn about the still-thriving cotton exchange at the Cotton Museum. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum allows visitors to explore the passage where freedom-seeking slaves risked their lives to escape plantation life. The National Civil Rights Museum sits on the Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated.
Families, especially those with young children, can step outside of the structured environment of museums and take part in the outdoor activities in Memphis. The Memphis Zoo, located in Overton Park, houses 500 species on 76 acres and has several exhibitions and shows throughout the day. The Memphis Botanic Garden includes a children's area called My Big Backyard among the 96 acres of gardens, lakes and woodlands. Walk the nature trails of the Lichterman Nature Center to spend a day browsing the wildlife conservation area and experience nature hands-on. Mud Island showcases the history and ecology of the Mississippi River in an indoor museum and outdoor recreation center.
The Mississippi River snakes through Memphis on its voyage to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It has been immortalized in songs and stories by many artists, but most notably by Mark Twain. Memphis RiverBoats, Inc offers cruises on the Mississippi that provide scenic views of Memphis from the water. Boats range from drawling, historic paddle boats to speedy air boats. Families can also rent boats and explore the Mississippi on their own; pack a lunch and find a bank for a picnic.
When traveling with a family group, it is always good to know where to find a deal. From the basics, like watching sunsets over the Mississippi River to the Orpheum Theatre Walk of Stars where 63 stars are immortalized in cement, the city offers many sites to see without dipping into your wallet. For a cute show, watch the Peabody Ducks parade daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel. After the parade is over, take a quick ride up to the top of the hotel to see the duck's resting place and a sprawling view of Memphis.
