If you're visiting our Memphis campground with your kids, there is plenty to do on-site to keep the whole family busy during your stay! Although we offer a lot of family-friendly activities on-site, downtown Memphis is only 20 minutes away and offers a lot of awesome activities that are perfect for kids! Keep reading to learn about the top things to do in Memphis with kids and how you can make the most of your next trip to Memphis!

Memphis Zoo

Home to more than 3,500 animals, there's adventure around every corner of the Memphis Zoo for both young and old! Watch a butterfly emerge from it's cocoon, experience the magic of a hopping kangaroo, or take part in one of their special events like International Orangutan Day. At the Memphis Zoo there truly is something for everyone. Be sure to check it out the next time you're at our campground near Memphis Tennessee.

Children's Museum of Memphis

Opened in 1987, the Children's Museum of Memphis strives to foster child development through interactive exhibits and programs designed to support enriched early learning in the domains identified by the United States Department of Education as key to school readiness and success. Just some of these include fine arts, language and literacy cognition, physical wellbeing and motor skills, and social and emotional competencies. For the price of admission, your family can spend the entire day in the award-winning Children’s Museum of Memphis, where learning is child’s play. Children lose themselves in the world of playful learning at dozens of interactive exhibits, making this one of the best things to do in Memphis with kids.

Photo by Memphis Museum of Science and History

Memphis Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History – MoSH (formerly the Pink Palace Museum) in Memphis, Tennessee is the place to explore, discover and experience history, science, culture and nature. From their planetarium to their nature center you are sure to find the perfect exhibit for your child of any age to get lost in the wonder. Look for tickets here.

Photo by Memphis Botanical Gardens

Memphis Botanical Gardens

The Memphis Botanical Garden is a 96-acre botanical garden located in Audubon Park. The Garden is open to the public daily, and guests can take a stroll through various gardens on the grounds. There is also a children's garden, called my Big Backyard which is very popular with Memphians and out of towners.

In additon to their normal activities the Bontanical Gardens hosts many community events each year, such as the Daffodil Dash Race, The Family Egg Hunt, and Mother's Day Jazz Brunch. The garden also offers a range of educational programs for youth and adults. Plant sales and a concert series are held throughout the year to benefit its educational and horticultural programs. So when looking for things to do near Memphis with kids, look no further than this gorgeous option.

Fire Museum of Memphis

The Fire Museum of Memphis has a mission to promote the education of fire and life safety, to reduce injury, life-loss and property-loss related to fire and to recognize and preserve the heritage of the fire service and its contribution to the community. With exhibits ranging from an 1865 Fire Alarm Bell to a 9-1-1 Safety Theater this is a must see for all when camping near Memphis Tennessee.

Graceland

Step inside 120 acres of the life of Elvis Presley at Graceland! This experience gives you the opportunity to look inside of Elvis' life by exploring his mansion, cars, outfits, and interactive exhibits that showcase various important factors of his life! If you want to become immersed in the action, there are virtual and augmented reality activities that give you the opportunity to "spend time with" the King of Rock 'n Roll himself! You can purchase tickets for Graceland here.

Beale Street

Beale Street is a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, which runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, a distance of approximately 1.8 miles. It is a significant location in the city's history, as well as in the history of blues music. Today, the blues clubs and restaurants that line Beale Street are major tourist attractions in Memphis. Festivals and outdoor concerts frequently bring large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas. From restaraunts and shopping to museums you will find something for everyone.

Your stomach will agree that this is the best place to visit in Memphis!

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Everyone loves a good home-cooked meal, so stop by Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken for a delicious meal you'll never forget. Enjoy a 65+ year recipe that was crafted to perfection by Na and Maggie Vanderbilt in 1953. From being unable to afford a startup business, to having over 30 locations nationally, this hot 'n spicy chicken recipe is as good as it gets! If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth after your delicious chicken dinner, choose from various pie flavors and top it off with a scoop of ice cream. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is a half an hour away from our campground in Memphis Tennessee, but once you taste the food, it will be well worth the drive.

Photo by the National Civil Rights Museum

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

The National Civil Rights Museum is a complex of museums and historic buildings in Memphis, Tennessee; its exhibits trace the history of the civil rights movement in the United States from the 17th century to the present. Exciting events, extraordinary speakers and special guests turn civil rights history into a one-of-a-kind museum experience

Lichterman Nature Center

Lichterman Nature Center is a certified arboretum and nature center located in East Memphis, Tennessee, making it a perfect thing to do with kids while camping in Memphis. It has many outdoor and indoor animal exhibits, as well as several activities and events. Tucked away in the heart of metropolitan Memphis, Lichterman Nature Center brings nature to life with exciting exhibits, native wildflowers and trees, and a tradition of excellence in environmental education set in the midst of 65 acres of lake, meadow, and forest. Home to a wide variety of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, Lichterman is an urban wildlife oasis.

As you can see, Memphis, TN is a great place to visit with plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy. Between Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Children's Museum of Memphis, your itinerary will be filled during your trip! Once you've spent time exploring the city, you can come back to your home base at Jellystone Park™ Memphis - known as one of the best campgrounds near Memphis - to continue the fun! We hope this helps you plan your next family trip to this unique city!