


Memphis Museum of Science & History
About
The Memphis Museum of Science & History is a hands-on wonderland where kids can come face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons, explore fascinating fossils, and dive into interactive STEAM exhibits that make learning feel like play. With a planetarium for cosmic adventures and engaging activities throughout, this museum keeps children entertained while sparking their curiosity about science and history.
Highlights
- βImpressive dinosaur skeleton displays and fossil collections that wow young paleontologists
- βInteractive STEAM exhibits encouraging hands-on experimentation and discovery
- βPlanetarium shows that transport families through space and time
- βRotating special exhibits keeping repeat visits fresh and exciting
- βScience demonstrations and educational programming throughout the day
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10:30 AM on weekdays to beat school groups and enjoy exhibits with smaller crowds
- 2.Check the planetarium show schedule online before visiting and plan your museum exploration around show times to maximize your experience
- 3.The museum store has excellent educational toys and dinosaur merchandise,budget extra time and money if you have dino-obsessed kids
- 4.Pack snacks and drinks since on-site food options may be limited, though there's typically a designated eating area
- 5.Allow kids to lead the way through exhibits; the hands-on nature means they'll want to spend different amounts of time at various stations
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings are ideal for avoiding large school groups and weekend crowds. Visit during the school year (September-May) for the full programming experience, but summer offers special camps and activities.
What to Know
Parking is available on-site. Check the website for current admission prices and combo tickets that include planetarium shows. The museum is stroller-friendly and accessible, with restrooms and family facilities throughout.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Mondays year-round. Summer months feature special camps and extended programming. Holiday breaks may have special themed activities,check their event calendar. Indoor venue makes it perfect for hot Memphis summers or rainy days.
Nearby Eats
Head to Chick-fil-A on Poplar Avenue (5 minutes away) for quick kid-friendly meals, or visit Young Avenue Deli nearby for family-style sandwiches and a casual atmosphere with options for picky eaters.
More Activities Near Memphis
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum offers families a profound educational experience at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and carefully curated artifacts, children and parents can explore pivotal moments in American history together, fostering meaningful conversations about equality, courage, and social justice.
Children's Museum of Memphis
The Children's Museum of Memphis is a hands-on wonderland where learning feels like pure play. With over 30 interactive exhibits ranging from a historic 1909 Grand Carousel to The Great River waterworks area where kids can splash and explore water science, this museum keeps children engaged for hours while parents enjoy watching their little ones discover new skills and concepts.
Fire Museum of Memphis
The Fire Museum of Memphis is a thrilling destination where kids can explore authentic vintage fire trucks, try on firefighter gear, and learn about fire safety through interactive exhibits. With its hands-on approach and impressive collection of historic firefighting equipment, this museum turns education into an exciting adventure that sparks imagination and teaches important life skills.
Graceland
Graceland offers families a fascinating glimpse into Elvis Presley's life through mansion tours, vintage car collections, and Elvis's custom jets. Kids will be amazed by the jungle-themed Jungle Room, the mirrored TV room, and the over-the-top dΓ©cor that makes this historic home feel like stepping into a time machine to the 1970s.