Family-Friendly Adventures in Memphis, Tennessee!

A. Schwab

Why Visit?

Exploring A. Schwaff on Beale Street in Memphis is a delightful experience for families. Established in 1876, this historic store offers a unique blend of nostalgia, quirky memorabilia, and authentic Southern charm.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day by heading to Beale Street, easily accessible by car or public transport with ample parking nearby. A. Schwab is hard to miss with its old-fashioned facade and vintage sign. Begin on the ground floor where you’ll find an eclectic mix of products ranging from vintage candies to classic Memphis music records. It’s a fantastic way for kids to see a retail world reminiscent of a bygone era.

Midday: Dive Deeper and Discover

Head to the second floor where the store transforms into a museum. Here, you’ll learn about the store"s history and its evolution over the decades. Engage with displays that showcase historical artifacts, which tell the story of Memphis and Beale Street. Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits like trying on period clothing or exploring old-fashioned toys.

Lunch Break

Grab a bite at one of the local eateries on Beale Street, where you can enjoy some authentic Southern barbecue or a quick snack.

Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping

Return to A. Schwab for some souvenir shopping. The store is famous for its quirky “If you can’t find it at A. Schwab, you don’t need it” motto, so it’s the perfect place to hunt for unique keepsakes. From custom-blended spices to Beale Street memorabilia, there’s something to capture the memory of your visit.

Departure

As your day ends, take a stroll down Beale Street to absorb the vibrant street performances often found in the area, providing a lively, musical end to your visit at A. Schwab.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures a memorable visit to one of Memphis’s most iconic stores, filled with education, fun, and unique finds.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Peabody Hotel Ducks

Why Visit?

Family Visit Itinerary to the Peabody Hotel Ducks in Memphis

Morning Arrival

Start your day arriving at the historic Peabody Hotel located at 118 S 2nd St, Memphis. Easily accessible, you can park on-site or take a taxi from any part of downtown Memphis.

Duck March

At 11 AM, gather in the opulent lobby to witness a charming tradition that dates back to the 1930s – the Peabody Duck March. The hotel"s Duckmaster will share an engaging tale about how the ducks first arrived at the hotel, making this an educational and entertaining experience for kids and adults alike. Watch as the ducks parade along a red carpet to the lobby fountain, where they spend their day.

Explore the Hotel

After the march, explore the hotel"s lavish interior including the Duck Palace on the rooftop. It"s a fantastic photo opportunity, and the clear viewing panels allow children to see the ducks up close in their $200,000 "palace."

Lunch Break

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at the Peabody Deli & Desserts located within the hotel, offering a variety of kid-friendly options and southern specialties.

Afternoon Exploration

Post-lunch, take a casual walk to the nearby Mississippi River Park, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The park offers sprawling spaces for kids to play and picturesque paths for a family stroll along the river.

Duck March Again

Return to the hotel by 5 PM for the afternoon Duck March. Watching the ducks retire for the day is as thrilling as their morning parade.

Closing the Day

Conclude your visit with dinner at one of downtown Memphis’ family-friendly restaurants, such as Gus"s World Famous Fried Chicken, which is just a short walk from the hotel.

This Peabody Hotel Ducks visit offers a perfect blend of unique local tradition, educational content, and fun, making it a memorable day for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Handy Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Handy Park

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day at Handy Park, easily accessible by local bus routes or a short drive with ample parking available. Upon arrival, swing by the visitor center to pick up a park map and event schedule. Begin your exploration by taking a leisurely stroll along the well-marked Nature Trail. It’s an easy 1-mile loop, perfect for little legs and strollers, and offers delightful views and the chance to spot local wildlife. Interesting fact: Handy Park is named after the renowned musician W.C. Handy, celebrating his contributions to the blues genre!

Midday: Picnic and Playground Fun

Around noon, settle down at one of the park’s scenic picnic spots. After lunch, head over to the playground, an ideal spot for kids to burn off some energy. The playground equipment is designed to be inclusive, catering to children of all abilities. Nearby, you’ll find clean restroom facilities and a concession stand for snacks and refreshments.

Afternoon: Educational Workshop and Leisure Activities

Post-lunch, check out the interactive educational workshops often held in the park’s community center. These workshops might involve arts and crafts, local history, or environmental education, providing fun and learning for the whole family. Afterwards, enjoy a family game of frisbee or soccer in one of the open fields, or if available, rent paddle boats at the park’s small lake for a relaxing water adventure.

Late Afternoon: Music and Departure

Wrap up your day with a visit to the park’s amphitheater, where local bands perform live music, often featuring jazz or blues in a nod to W.C. Handy’s legacy. It’s a melodic and fitting end to your park adventure. Before heading home, take a leisure stroll back through the park, maybe stopping for an ice cream treat from a nearby vendor.

Handy Park offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational fun, and cultural enrichment, making it a perfect day trip for families seeking a memorable and engaging experience.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Overton Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to your perfect family day out at Overton Park, Memphis" historic 342-acre public park filled with attractions suitable for all ages!

Morning: Memphis Zoo

Start your day at the Memphis Zoo, one of the oldest in the United States. Enter through the main entrance located on Prentiss Place, easily accessible from East Parkway. Parking is available directly off Prentiss Place for convenience. Here, your family can marvel at over 3,500 animals from 500 different species. Don’t miss the Giant Panda exhibit, a unique highlight since the Zoo is one of only a few in the U.S. to house these rare animals.

Lunch: Picnic by Rainbow Lake

After exploring the zoo, enjoy a relaxed picnic by Rainbow Lake, just a short walk southwest from the zoo. Bring a blanket and your packed lunch, and enjoy the scenic views and maybe even some duck watching!

Afternoon: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art & Overton Park Playground

Post lunch, head to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, located within the park. This museum, established in 1916, offers engaging exhibits including American, European, and contemporary art. For the kids, the museum provides interactive art activities in the drop-in studio.

Next, let the kids burn off some energy at the Overton Park Playground, near the Greensward. This area offers a safe and fun environment for children to play and is just a short walk from the museum.

Early Evening: A Stroll & the Levitt Shell

Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll around the park’s formal gardens and the Veterans Plaza, soaking in the lush landscapes and historic monuments. Conclude your visit with a free concert at the Levitt Shell, the historic amphitheater where Elvis Presley gave his first paid concert. Check their schedule in advance to catch a family-friendly performance.

Overton Park provides a well-rounded mix of nature, history, and culture, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. Enjoy your day!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Victorian Village

Why Visit?

Victorian Village, with its charming 19th-century architecture and tranquil streets shaded by mature trees, is a hidden gem perfect for a family day out. Here’s a delightful itinerary for your visit:

Morning: Tour of James Lee House

Begin your exploration at the James Lee House, an exquisite example of Gothic Revival architecture. Located at 690 Adams Ave, it’s easily accessible by car or a short bus ride from downtown. Tours are typically available from 10 AM, allowing you to marvel at the meticulously restored interiors and learn about the house’s transformation from a family home to an art academy. The guided tour, lasting about an hour, is both educational and engaging for children and adults alike.

Lunch: Picnic at Victorian Village Park

Just a 10-minute walk from the James Lee House is the Victorian Village Park. Pack a picnic to enjoy under the sprawling branches of ancient oaks. The park is a great spot for kids to play and for adults to relax in a picturesque setting.

Afternoon: Woodruff-Fontaine House

After lunch, head over to the Woodruff-Fontaine House, just a short stroll from the park. This magnificent mansion, built in 1871, is now a museum that showcases life during the Victorian era. The self-guided audio tour is perfect for families, as it lets you explore at your own pace. Children will be fascinated by the ghost stories and the antique doll collection.

Evening: Stroll through the Village

Wrap up your visit with a leisurely walk back through Victorian Village as you admire the beautiful homes and their unique architectural features. Each house tells a story, creating a wonderful atmosphere to end your day.

This itinerary provides a blend of educational content, outdoor activities, and leisurely exploration, ensuring a memorable day for both kids and adults in Victorian Village.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.