Brrrr…it’s getting cold outside in Memphis, but there are ALL the holiday events going on. And our kids are getting excited and stir crazy with the holidays coming. If you’re looking for some fun, family friendly events for the kids and family that will still be inside safe from the elements and cold weather, I’ve got you covered! Keep reading below for my top 10 favorite family-friendly places in Memphis to visit with your kids this winter!
Top Family-Friendly Places in Memphis
Children’s Museum of Memphis – We have a family membership here, and the kids love it. In the winter, there is still tons to do indoors. They have exhibits from cars to firetrucks to planes to dental healthy to a grocery store and SO much more! It’s not just fun, it’s educational. I take all 3 of our kids, and they all still love it. It’s great for so many ages! And when it does get warm again outside, they love the splash pad area! Right now they have the The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. Play! exhibit going on, and it is perfect for Leighton’s age! And they typically have a fun winter themed exhibit each year too.
Orpheum Theatre – I just took Leighton here recently to see Beetlejuice (it was so good!). Last year I took the girls to see the Grinch, and they had a blast! This holiday season, they will be showing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on 12/19, and I am so excited to be taking the girls again this year. They will also be showing the Nutcracker 12/9/23 through 12/17/23. I always love how many family friendly and perfect for the holidays shows they have this time of year!
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid – This is always a favorite of the kids…and Matt’s. = ) The kids love running around and looking at the fish, the alligators, the animals and mounts, and all the boats and toys. There is something to look at on every corner. They even have Wahlburgers in the hotel and store, and it is so good and perfect for kids! They also have Santa in store during the holidays so you can get pictures of the kids with Santa too while there shopping. And the big tree out in the lobby is so pretty too!
Crosstown Concourse – There is so much to do at Crosstown. They have tons of restaurants, Mempops for popsicles. There is art to look at everywhere and tons of steps and things to explore around every corner. It’s a great place to take the kids and have some fun for yourself while letting the kids explore with you. After their Christmas lighting, it is so festive and fun to take the kids too.
Creation Station at Bellevue Baptist Church – We haven’t been here yet, but we have heard great things about it and cannot wait to take the kids to visit on a rainy day. Check out the website for hours and days. It looks so cool! If you’ve been before, let us all know what you think!
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park – Opening day is 11/24/23. What I love about Starry Nights is you can load the kids up in the vehicle with drinks and snacks and just drive through and let them see all the lights. It is so much fun, and it’s easy because you don’t even have to take the kid out of the truck!
Jumpin’ Jellybeans – This is a favorite of ours, and it’s only 10 minutes from the house. It is an indoor play place with a ball pit, a 2 story play house and so much more. They have ride on toys and tons of other slides and areas throughout. All 3 of my kids still love it here! We even had Grayson’s birthday party here last year!
Museum of Science & History – Formerly the Pink Place, this is a favorite of ours! There are tons of great exhibits throughout, and I love their giant screen theater. I just took Leighton to see the Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie here recently on their giant screen theater. Starting on 11/18/23, you can see the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees here.
Peabody Hotel – Another staple in Memphis, our entire family loves the Peabody. The kids love watching the ducks march and swim around in the lobby fountain. There are also several gift shops, restaurants and a deli that is amazing for their sweet treats they offer! They always have a big, gorgeous tree in the lobby, and the kids always love coming here, especially during the holidays.
And if you don’t mind braving the cooler weather or we get a little bit of warmer Southern weather, Memphis Zoo has Zoo Lights going on during the holiday season on select nights 11/24/23-1/6/24. And Memphis Botanic Garden will have Holiday Wonders at the Garden on select nights from 11/24/23 through 12/30/23.
What are you planning on doing with the kids this holiday season? What are your favorite traditions and places you just have to go visit during the holidays?
That first photo is sweet.