What are the best things to do with kids in Midtown, TN?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Midtown, TN include National Civil Rights Museum, Overton Park Shell, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, Big River Crossing, Memphis Botanic Garden. We have 35 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Midtown, TN?

There are 15 free things to do with kids in Midtown, TN, including Evergreen, Cooper-Young, Overton Park, Overton Bark, Rainbow Lake Playground, and more.

What are indoor activities for kids in Midtown, TN?

Midtown, TN offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Things To Do With Kids in Midtown, TN

Discover 35 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Midtown.

11 Upcoming Events

🎨 Museum

Photo: Mrityunjay Singh Victor

National Civil Rights Museum

★4.9(13,894)$$3 mi away

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.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours

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Overton Park Shell live music venue in Midtown, TN

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: Luke McLaughlin

Overton Park Shell

★4.8(1,146)$

The Overton Park Shell is a beloved outdoor amphitheater in the heart of Midtown Memphis that brings families together for free concerts, movie nights, and cultural events under the stars. With its lawn seating and relaxed atmosphere, kids can dance, play, and enjoy live entertainment while parents soak in the beautiful park setting and community vibe.

🕑 2-3 hours for most concerts and movie nights

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Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid sporting goods store in Memphis, TN

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: James “Mann” Edward

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

★4.7(6,871)Free3 mi away

This isn't your typical sporting goods store,the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is a jaw-dropping entertainment destination housed in a 32-story steel pyramid on the Mississippi River. Kids will be amazed by the towering structure, massive aquarium tanks filled with fish, and the glass-floor observation deck with panoramic views of Memphis, not to mention the unique aquatic-themed bowling alley called The Fishbowl.

🕑 2-4 hours

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🦁 Zoo

Photo: Owen Purdy

Memphis Zoo

★4.6(15,828)$$1 mi away

Memphis Zoo is a world-class destination featuring over 4,500 animals from around the globe, making it one of the top-ranked zoos in the nation. With engaging exhibits like Teton Trek (featuring polar bears and grizzlies), giraffe feedings, and bonus attractions including a splash pad, carousel, and miniature train ride, this zoo keeps kids entertained for an entire day while offering educational experiences they'll remember long after the visit.

🕑 4-6 hours for a full experience, 3-4 hours if you're moving quickly or visiting with very young children

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🌳 Park

Photo: Terrance Jenkins (TJ)

Overton Park

★4.6(8,037)Free

Overton Park is a sprawling 335-acre urban oasis in Midtown Memphis that offers endless opportunities for family adventure. From well-equipped playgrounds and wide-open fields perfect for kite flying to old-growth forest trails that feel like stepping into another world, this beloved park has something to captivate kids of every age and energy level.

🕑 3-5 hours for families wanting to explore multiple areas; 1.5-2 hours for a focused playground or picnic visit

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🎨 Museum

Photo: Jackson Hearn

Children's Museum of Memphis

★4.6(2,884)$$2 mi away

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.

🕑 3-4 hours

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🎨 Museum

Photo: John Radziewicz

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

★4.6(1,079)$

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art transforms the museum experience for families with interactive workshops, engaging family programs, and exhibitions designed to spark children's creativity. Located in beautiful Overton Park, this acclaimed art museum makes exploring diverse cultures and artistic traditions accessible and fun for young visitors through hands-on activities and kid-focused tours.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours

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🎨 Museum

Photo: Fire Museum of Memphis

Fire Museum of Memphis

★4.6(543)$3 mi away

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.

🕑 1.5-2 hours

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🌳 Park

Photo: MemphisTravel

Overton Bark

★4.6(533)Free

Overton Bark is an excellent destination for families with dogs to teach kids about responsible pet ownership while letting their furry family members socialize and play. Located in Midtown Memphis, this well-maintained off-leash park features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, making it safe and enjoyable for pups of all sizes while children watch and interact with their pets.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

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📚 Library

Photo: Salim Topalov

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library - Memphis Public Library

★4.6(524)Free2 mi · East Memphis

The Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is a family favorite in East Memphis, offering far more than just books. With an expansive children's section filled with interactive elements, regularly scheduled storytimes that captivate young listeners, and engaging summer reading programs that make learning fun, this library branch provides a welcoming, air-conditioned haven for curious minds of all ages.

🕑 1-2 hours

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☕ Cafe

Cakes by Bakin Bishop

★4.6(74)$

Cakes by Bakin Bishop is a delightful local bakery in Pigeon Forge that transforms a simple sweet treat stop into a memorable experience for kids. With its colorful, welcoming atmosphere and an irresistible selection of cupcakes, cookies, and kid-friendly baked goods, it's the perfect spot for a midday pick-me-up or a special dessert celebration during your family vacation.

🕑 20-30 minutes

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The Peabody Memphis hotel in Memphis, TN

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: The Peabody Memphis

The Peabody Memphis

★4.5(9,389)Free3 mi away

The Peabody Memphis offers one of the city's most charming and unique free attractions: the famous Peabody Ducks who march ceremoniously through the grand lobby twice daily. Kids are captivated watching these well-trained mallards waddle down a red carpet from their rooftop palace to the lobby's marble fountain at 11am, then back up again at 5pm, all accompanied by John Philip Sousa's 'King Cotton March.'

🕑 30-60 minutes (including time to arrive early and secure a spot)

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11 upcoming family events in Midtown

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🌳 Park

Tom Lee Park

★4.6(3,634)Free3 mi away

Tom Lee Park is a stunning 31-acre riverfront destination that combines Memphis's natural beauty with excellent play facilities for kids. The star attraction is the Life on the River playground, themed around the mighty Mississippi, along with the Sunset Canopy activity area and breathtaking river views that make this park a must-visit for families exploring Memphis.

🕑 2-3 hours

🌳 Park

Mud Island

★4.2(244)$4 mi away

Mud Island offers a unique educational experience where kids can literally walk along a five-block-long scale model of the Mississippi River, following its path from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. The shallow water flowing through the model creates perfect splash zones for hot Memphis days, and the Riverwalk ends at a one-acre pool that's ideal for wading and cooling off while parents relax on the surrounding lawn.

🕑 2-4 hours

🧗 Adventure

Big River Crossing

★4.7(134)Free4 mi away

Big River Crossing offers families a one-of-a-mile adventure across the mighty Mississippi River (not Tennessee River as sometimes listed) on the longest public pedestrian bridge spanning the river. Kids will be thrilled by the LED light displays that illuminate the bridge at night, creating a magical atmosphere as you walk or bike high above the water. It's a completely free outdoor experience that combines exercise, stunning views, and the excitement of crossing between Tennessee and Arkansas.

🕑 1 to 2 hours

🌳 Park

Audubon Park

★4.5(638)Free5 mi · East Memphis

Audubon Park is a beloved East Memphis gem that offers something for every family member. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded walking trails perfect for stroller walks, and wide open spaces for kids to run freely, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day adventures with picnic blankets and outdoor games.

🕑 2-4 hours

⭐ Activity

Memphis Botanic Garden

★4.7(2,877)$$5 mi · East Memphis

The Memphis Botanic Garden's 96 acres transform nature exploration into pure childhood magic, especially at My Big Backyard,a dedicated children's area where kids can splash through water features, climb into treehouses, and discover hands-on nature play zones. This isn't your typical 'look but don't touch' garden; it's designed for active, curious kids to run, explore, and connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways.

🕑 2.5-4 hours

⭐ Activity

novel.

★4.7(32)$$5 mi · East Memphis

novel. is a charming independent bookstore in East Memphis that truly understands young readers. With a thoughtfully curated children's section, regular story time sessions, and exciting author events, this local gem makes book discovery an adventure for kids while giving parents access to knowledgeable staff who can recommend the perfect read for any age or interest.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

🍦 Ice Cream

Sweet Noshings

★4.3(7)$5 mi · East Memphis

Sweet Noshings is a delightful kosher dessert destination in East Memphis that's perfect for family treats. Kids will love choosing from premium ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt options, and a tempting selection of candies and fresh popcorn, all in a welcoming, family-oriented environment where everyone can find their favorite sweet indulgence.

🕑 30-45 minutes

🍽️ Restaurant

Chick-fil-A

★3.0(73)$6 mi · East Memphis

This East Memphis Chick-fil-A goes beyond typical fast food with both a large indoor playground and an outdoor play area, making it a go-to spot for parents who want their kids to burn energy while enjoying a meal. The complimentary ice cream on Tuesdays adds extra excitement and makes it an affordable weekly tradition for local families.

🕑 1-2 hours

🎨 Museum

Graceland

★4.5(24,993)$$6 mi away

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 décor that makes this historic home feel like stepping into a time machine to the 1970s.

🕑 3-4 hours for the full experience including mansion, museums, and planes

🌳 Park

Sea Isle Park

Free7 mi away

Sea Isle Park is a hidden gem in East Memphis that offers families a peaceful playground experience without the typical crowds. With equipment suitable for toddlers through tweens and plenty of open space for biking and running around, it's the perfect neighborhood spot for an active morning or relaxed afternoon outdoors.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours

🧗 Adventure

Shelby Farms Greenline

★3.8(5)Free8 mi · East Shelby County

The Shelby Farms Greenline offers ten miles of smooth, paved trail that's perfect for family bike rides, leisurely walks, or rollerblading adventures through beautiful wooded scenery. This accessible trail connects neighborhoods across East Shelby County, making it easy to explore as much or as little as your family wants, with plenty of spots to rest and enjoy nature along the way.

🕑 1-3 hours depending on how much of the trail you cover