It might still only be October, but I promise before you know it, all the holiday events for the family will be here! 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 and events in Memphis to visit with your kids this holiday season!
Top Family-Friendly Places in Memphis for the Holidays
1.) 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! They have recently renovated several areas inside too! 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! They usually end up having a Winter in Wonderland event in December.
2.) Orpheum Theatre – This year they will have The Nutcracker from December 12-14 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas December 16-21. I love how many family friendly ones you can find there too. There is always a great variety of ones for date night, friends and family.
3.) 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! Plus it is always decorate for Christmas with a big tree. You can also get pictures with Santa taken here. Santa arrives on November 1.
4.) Crosstown Concourse – There is so much to do at Crosstown and they should be having their Season of Delight soon. 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. From popsicles to burgers and milkshakes to popcorn and a library, there is something for everyone! After their Christmas lighting in the concourse, it is so festive and fun to take the kids too.
5.) Memphis Botanic Garden Holiday Wonders – The majority of the garden is outdoors, but their main building is large and also has a cafe inside. It’s a great place to walk around and look at all the gardens and My Big Backyard. And then you can warm up inside and grab some lunch afterwards. I take all 3 kids each year, and they always have a blast here. And starting November 28 on select nights they have Holiday Wonders with all different themes. You can meet Santa some nights and even enjoy some hot chocolate and festive treats.
6.) Starry Nights at Shelby Farms – If you prefer to see your lights while in the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle, then Starry Nights are for you! Grab a hot chocolate and snacks for the kiddos, tune your radio onto Christmas music and drive through and see over 3.5 million Christmas lights at Shelby Farms. We do this most every year with the kids, and they love it! And we love the convenience of it. It runs November 28-January 3.
7.) Lantern Festival at the Memphis Zoo – The zoo is a favorite of ours, and this year they are having their first ever Lantern Festival! There will be more than 60 huge, illuminated fixtures. It will run November 14-February 1 and sounds like so much fun this winter!
8.) Museum of Science & History – 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 a couple years ago on their giant screen theater. Check out their calendar and see what movies they have coming up. The kids love the museum and the building areas downstairs. We went for Enchanted Forest, and Grayson wanted to stay there and build stuff all night! I take the kids to Enchanted Forest each year. You can get snow globe pictures with Santa at the end, and they usually have fun little scavenger hunts too! The Enchanted Forest is open November 15-December 28.
9.) 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 no matter what time of year it is! The Christmas tree in the lobby goes up on November 28.
10.) Christmas at Graceland – Why have a white Christmas when you can have a blue Christmas?! Graceland is Elvis’ home, and not only is it a fun place to visit and tour, but it is also decorated for Christmas right now. They also have some special events and fun Christmas music on select days. Matt and I love going, but if you have older kids, they would also love it too! I am planning on taking Leighton soon and think she will love it. Graceland is even more special at Christmas time with all the decor! Christmas at Graceland start November 20. They will have a holiday lighting ceremony, movie showings and other fun events for the holiday season. Plus Graceland will be decorated for Christmas, and it’s the perfect time to take a tour and then have night away at the Guest House at Graceland. The lighting is on November 20.
11.) Christmas tree farm at Priddy Farms – We always visit Priddy during the holiday season. We love to let the kids play outside, buy some treats and check out the gorgeous trees. Even if you buy artificial trees (like we do with us all having allergies), they have so many great, fun-filled activities there for the entire family at a great price! We love visiting this time of year!
What are you planning on doing this winter with the kids? What are your favorite spots to visit when it’s cold outside?
