On the hunt for fun things to do with the kids?  Trying to avoid breaking the bank in the process?  Well, there’s good news!

This International Day of Families, there are numerous venues across Memphis where you can find free or super affordable activities to entertain the whole family.  You can enjoy plenty of what our great city offers without having to shell out top-dollar.

Browse the list below for potential ideas.  By no means is it comprehensive, but it’ll give you a place to start!

• Venture to Shelby Farms Park.

  Boasting 4,500 acres of beautiful green space, the park provides an outdoor oasis in the midst of our urban setting.
  
  
  • Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride on the Shelby Farms Greenline that spans all the way to Cordova.
  • Say hello to a buffalo --- from a distance, of course! Shelby Farms is famous for the impressive herd that it hosts.
  • Head to The Outback (the dog park within the park) to give your four-legged family members room to run.
  • Break out the fishing poles and cast into one of the twenty-plus ponds and lakes across the park.
    
    

• Head to A. Schwab’s and do some window-shopping. 

  The iconic dry-goods dealer carries all sorts of quirky sundries.
  
  
  • The upstairs of the store is home to the Beale Street Museum, which houses a number of notable artifacts connected to local lore.
  • If you can swing it, hit the soda fountain for some Sweet Magnolia milkshakes --- they’re famously thick and decadent.
  • Schwab’s slogan is: “If you can't find it at Schwab's, you're probably better off without it.” You have to admire the self-confidence.
    
    

• Check out the Memphis museum scene.

  If you’re searching for some educational fun, there are a number of fascinating options across the city.
  
  
  • The Museum of Science & History, better known as the Pink Palace, showcases our city’s storied and eclectic past.
  • The Lichterman Nature Center offers an immersive look at lake, meadow, and forest ecosystems, complete with up-close encounters with local flora and fauna.
  • The Memphis Zoo features a fantastic array of wildlife from all over the world. Recently the zoo reintroduced red kangaroos and is now offering an “Outback Experience” that brings participants in close proximity to these amazing creatures.
    
    

• Splash around at the Mud Island River Park.

  Take in views of the Mighty Mississippi as your kiddos have fun in the wading pool modeled after the Lower River.
  
  
  • Check to see if any performances or programs are going on at the park’s amphitheater.
  • If renovations have been completed, consider visiting the Mississippi River Museum located on-site.
    
    

• Witness the pomp and circumstance of the Peabody Duck procession. 

  The orderly march of the hotel’s famous avian residents is truly a sight to behold.
  
  
  • It’s a red-carpet affair, complete with a “Duckmaster” (you read that right), a soaring rendition of Sousa’s King Cotton March, and throngs of adoring onlookers.
  • The march takes place in the Grand Lobby daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Try to get there early to claim a good viewing spot!

As mentioned, this list --- which was inspired by the Memphis Travel website, linked below --- is just a starting point.  See if you can find even more of our city’s countless gems.  And then share your discoveries with others!

Let’s make this International Day of Families one to remember!

Other Sources:

https://www.memphistravel.com/trip-ideas/free-things-do-in-memphis-with-kids

https://www.memphistravel.com/attractions-activities/schwab-trading-company

https://www.memphistravel.com/trip-ideas/free-things-to-do-in-memphis

https://www.memphiszoo.org/kangazoo

https://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/experiences