Summer is one of my favorite times of year with the kids! Between outdoor concerts, splash pads, fairs and baseball games, there is no shortage of ways to get out of the house and enjoy the season! Whether you’re looking for free activities or planning a full day of family fun, these are some of the best summer events and activities around Memphis for families. They are great for all ages!
Groovin’ & Grillin’ at Municipal Park
One of Germantown’s most popular summer traditions, Groovin’ & Grillin’ brings live music, food vendors and a fun community atmosphere to Municipal Park. Families can spread out blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy dinner from local food trucks and let the kids dance while listening to live music or play on the playground. Best of all, admission is free!
Live Music at the Overton Park Shell
The Overton Park Shell hosts free outdoor concerts throughout the summer and is one of the most iconic places to experience live music in Memphis. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy performances under the stars. The relaxed atmosphere makes it especially family-friendly.
Summer Concerts at GPAC
The summer concert series at the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is a great option for families looking to enjoy live music in an outdoor setting. Concerts feature a variety of different bands, and the lawn provides plenty of room for kids to move around while parents relax and enjoy the show.
Catch a Memphis Redbirds Game
Nothing says summer quite like baseball. A Memphis Redbirds game at AutoZone Park is always a hit with families. Between the on-field action, ballpark food, themed nights and fireworks shows, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Spend a Day at the Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions for a reason. Kids can see everything from giraffes and elephants to penguins and giant pandas while exploring beautifully designed exhibits throughout the zoo. And we can’t forget the ziplines and the splash pad either. Summer mornings are often the best time to visit before temperatures get too hot.
Midweek Movies at the Malco
Looking for an affordable way to beat the heat? Midweek at the Malco is a summer favorite for families. Select Malco Theatres offer discounted family-friendly movies during the summer months, making it a great option for younger kids and a budget-friendly outing. Grab some popcorn, enjoy a movie together and escape the Memphis heat for a few hours before heading back outside for evening activities.
Explore My Big Backyard
Located at the Memphis Botanic Garden, My Big Backyard is a favorite destination for families with younger children. The interactive play spaces encourage imaginative play while helping kids connect with nature. It is one of those places where children can easily spend hours exploring. There is also a little splash park area, fish you can watch, a playground and so much more! They even have a great cafe, and we love eating there afterwards.
Have an Adventure at Shelby Farms Park
One of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms Park offers something for every age. Families can enjoy biking, paddle boating, playgrounds, walking trails, horseback riding, ziplining and more. The Woodland Discovery Playground is always a favorite stop for younger kids.
Cool Off at a Local Pool
When Memphis temperatures start climbing, a pool day is hard to beat! Whether you visit your neighborhood pool, a friend’s pool or even the Lifetime Pool, spending the day in the water is one of the easiest ways to enjoy summer with kids.
Groovin’ & Grillin’ at Municipal Park
One of Germantown’s most popular summer traditions, Groovin’ & Grillin’ brings live music, food vendors and a fun community atmosphere to Municipal Park. Families can spread out blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy dinner from local food trucks and let the kids dance while listening to live music or play on the playground. Best of all, admission is free! They have a playground and sand volleyball court there too.
Visit a Slash Pad
If your family is looking to cool down a little more this summer, we love visiting a splash pad. We love the Collierville Splash Pads, the Memphis Zoo Splash Pad and also the CMOM Splash Pad.
Visit Local Museums
Summer is the perfect time to explore some of Memphis’ best museums. Get your kids’ free museum pass for the summer in Memphis here. The Children’s Museum of Memphis is always a favorite with younger kids thanks to its hands-on exhibits and outdoor splash area. WE also love places like the Pink Palace Museum, Amuse Adventure Museum or the Fire Museum. Museums are a great way to stay cool and keep on learning while still making the most of summer break.
Get Creative at The Art Project
If your kids love arts and crafts, The Art Project is such a fun summer activity. Families can choose from pottery painting, canvas projects and other hands-on art experiences that let kids get creative while taking home something they made themselves. It is also a great indoor option on especially hot days. All three of my kids love the Art Project!
Try an Escape Room Together
Looking for something a little different for older kids and teens? Escape rooms are a fun way to challenge the whole family to work together solving clues and puzzles. Several escape room experiences around Memphis offer family-friendly themes and make for a unique summer outing that gets everyone thinking and laughing together. Exit 4 Escape Rooms just opened in Collierville. Come show them some love!
Enjoy an Evening Picnic in the Park
Sometimes the simplest summer activities are the most memorable. Pack a picnic, bring a ball or frisbee and head to one of Memphis’ beautiful parks. Whether you choose Shelby Farms Park, Overton Park, Municipal Park, Hinton Park or another great Memphis park, a casual evening outdoors can become one of your family’s favorite summer traditions.
Visit the Bluff City Fair
The Bluff City Fair is a summer tradition for many Memphis-area families. Held each year at Liberty Park, the fair features carnival rides, games, fair food, live entertainment and attractions for all ages. Whether your kids love the thrill rides, want to win prizes at the midway or simply enjoy a funnel cake and lemonade, it is an easy way to spend an evening making summer memories together. It runs through May 31, 2026 this year.
Climb at High Point Climbing and Fitness
For families looking for something a little more adventurous, High Point Climbing and Fitness is a fun way to stay active during the summer. Kids and adults can challenge themselves on climbing walls designed for different skill levels while building confidence and having fun together. It is a great option for rainy days, extremely hot afternoons or families with older kids looking for something beyond the typical summer activities. All of our kids love spending the day climbing here!
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love most about Memphis is how many different ways there are to enjoy summer outdoors as a family. From concerts and festivals to playgrounds, baseball games and splahs pads, there is always something happening. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of summer break and kids your kids from being bored nonstop, start with a few of these local favorites and create some memories together along the way. Enjoy summer Memphis! What’s on your list first?
