The things to do in Tennessee while on a family vacation, are musical, natural and educational. When considering where to take the family on your next vacation, think about visiting the exciting and family-friendly city of Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to its rich musical history-the blues, Elvis and Justin Timberlake! Memphis has a wide variety of activities the whole family can enjoy.
Kick off your visit to Memphis with a stop at the world class Memphis Zoo. The spectacular entrance harks back to the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis, for which this Tennessee city was named. Double and single stroller rentals are available near the entrance, and zoo staff will take your picture for a souvenir photo you can purchase as you exit.
Country Music Hall of FameBe sure not to miss the pandas in their special China-themed enclosure; nearby exhibits explore the voyage of Marco Polo and other intrepid explorers. Another exhibit focusing on the bears of North America includes a history lesson on Native American culture and the meanings and stories behind totem poles. The zoo is a great place for a picnic lunch, but hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches are among the offerings at the Backyard Burgers locations inside.
Once you've paid a visit to the animals, take a morning to explore the luxurious plant life at the Memphis Botanical Gardens. Located in the heart of the city, the Gardens are an oasis of beauty and shade, featuring a sensory garden with plants you can touch, a Japanese serenity garden with a pond full of fat koi, and a butterfly garden.
Stroll among the roses, azaleas and magnolias, then stop at the dinosaur statues for a glimpse of what life must have been like in the prehistoric era. Tip: be sure to buy a bag of fish food for the koi so the kids can feed them. They will be amazed at how many fish are lurking under the water of the pond.
No trip to Memphis would be complete without a trip to Mud Island. Purchase the River Park pass at the monorail ticket office to receive a round trip on the monorail, plus entrance to the River Museum, a wonderful series of exhibits that explore the history of the Mississippi River from 10,000 BC to the age of the riverboat gambler, from the Civil War up to the present day.
Even the kids will enjoy this museum, with its glimpses of the cabins on a riverboat and the cannons of a Union gunboat. Outside the museum, kids can wade in a scale-model version of the Mississippi River, all the way from Lake Otasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
The river walk on the real Mississippi includes a great water park where kids can splash in fountains, so don't forget your swimsuits and sunscreen! Finally, take a break from the heat and check out the Children's Museum of Memphis, where kids can don firefighter's clothes and pretend to drive a real fire truck, explore the cockpit of a FedEx plane, dress up in a wild costume and dance onstage or play dentist. Like so many other destinations in Tennessee, this museum in Memphis loves kids!
Speaking of other destinations in Tennessee, you need keep checking back as we bring you information about Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and other family vacation spots in the great Volunteer State.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to Do in Tennessee.
