100 Things to Do in Memphis Over Fall (Break)

It’s fall y’all!
Here’s a list of things to do in and around our city during Fall Break and through the month of October:

1. Is your kid literally climbing the walls at your house this fall break? Consider taking them to Highpoint Climbing! The kids’ area is AMAZING, and who knows, they may just end up on a climbing team!

2. Go to the fair! The MidSouth Fair will be at the Landers Center October 1-11 this year! Tickets are on sale now.

3. At the lower barn of the Agricenter, you’ll find their annual Harvest Festival on October 24th, from 9am-2pm.

4. On October 22 and 24, Memphis Moms is hosting Story Time + a Craft. October 24 is at Belltower Coffeehouse at Shelby Farms Park and October 22 is at Studio 127. This month we’ll be reading “The Pumpkin Thief” at 10:00am. All ages welcome, but intended for the 5 and under crowd.

5. Celebrate Oktoberfest! There are SEVEN different celebrations happening around town in the month of October. Check them all out here.

6. Put your costumes on and join us at Boo at the Ballpark, a FREE family-friendly Halloween event at AutoZone Park! It’s October 17 from 12-4 pm. Activities include: trick-or-treating, hay rides, a dance party, and more.

7. Rent a bike for exploring the city from Explore Bike Share! Learn more here.

8. Parents: the 16th annual Cooper Young Beerfest is on October 16th! Cheers!

9. Take in dinner and a movie at Ridgeway Malco Theatre. This theatre is a hidden gem with large leather seats that fully recline! (Grown-ups : they serve wine!)

10. Chucalissa is hosting International Archaeology Day on Saturday, October 17th from 10am-3pm. Activities that day include flintknapping, ataltl contest, a musical storytime, birds of Prey program, pine doll craft–make your own pine doll with a Native American artist, artifact exploring, and garbology. Free popcorn and hot dogs while supplies last.

11. Billy Hardwick’s Bowling is the perfect family date!

12. Trick-or-treat on Broad Avenue on October 11 from 2-5 pm. Wear your best costume and get candy at participating businesses.

13. Check out the new Stomping Grounds, located in midtown where Railgarten used to be. It’s the perfect spot to drop in and let your kids play! With an outdoor playground, indoor play space, and a literal wall of drinks, such as kombucha and beer (off limits to the littles), this is the perfect place to meet up with a friend. The Art Project is also joining the space in October!

14. Little Diggers is now open! It’s a 1,200 sq ft sand play area for kids 7 and under! There are hundreds of construction-themed toys, including their custom-made Sand Stacker and Tower Blocks, plus plenty of space for creative, constructive play.

15. On October 31, there will be a pilates pop up at Wiseacre downtown at 10 am through Mind Body Haus. Costumes are encouraged! Get your sweat on before your kids pay you their trick-or-treat tax!

16. From October 16-25th, Monster Market is back! This year it will be open for 10 nights in honor of its 10th birthday! Monster Market is a creepy annual pop-up shop featuring weird art, strange apparel, and bizarre home decor. This year it is at the Medicine Factory downtown. (Opening night is October 16th from 6-9pm)

17. Lichterman Plant Sale is October 3 from 9-5. Free parking and over 150 species of native plants.

18. See a FREE concert at the Overton Park Shell. Shows are almost every weekend, but get there early to claim the perfect spot!

19. Check out a new-to-you playground! There are so many fun ones in the city!

20. It’s the perfect time of year to trek across the walking bridge to Arkansas!

21. Youth Ballet Memphis’ production “Jubilee” celebrates 40 years of Ballet Memphis on Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm, with a vibrant showcase of tradition, creativity, and new perspectives. The program features two excerpts from the classical ballet “Giselle”, two new works by student choreographers Virginia Bowie and Prestina Fang, and a restaging of Brandon Ramey’s birthday inspired piece, “Les Ballons”. In honor of Ballet Memphis’ 4 decades, Jubilee brings together beloved classics, returning favorites, and emerging voices for a joyful celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

22. Visit Novel and buy books about Fall. Go home and snuggle up to read together!

23.Fall Break Camp @ Licterman Nature Center is October 5-9 AND 12-16 Get ready for a STEAM‑powered indoor-outdoor adventure. This week’s camp theme is Pocket ZOO! Campers will explore real animal science as they research, design, and create their own trading cards. By Friday, every camper heads home with 20 cards—10 they made and 10 from new camp friends. Register Here.

24. There are so many new coffee shops in Memphis! Be sure to check them all out!

25. Visit your local library and sign up for a library card. You can take up to 10 books home on each card!

26. Get lost in the MidSouth Corn Maze at the Agricenter! This maze has been around for more than 20 years! If you’re wanting a spooky-scary corn maze, head to Jone’s Orchard. There’s more than one trail to choose from too.

27. Head to Aldo’s Pizza (midtown or downtown!) and share a large, extra-cheesy pie. Did you know that Aldo’s provides dough balls for each kid to be entertained while they wait? SO FUN!

28. Head to Fayette County and explore the area for the day! Click the link for to-dos!

29. Mempho Music Festival is October 9th-11th this year!

30. There’s an Arts and Crafts Festival on October 24th from 10am-3pm in Lakeland. It’s their 4th year doing the festival and is Lakeland’s biggest festival of the year!

31. Paint a pumpkin.

32. Get dressed up and visit the Peabody Hotel for the twice daily duck walk.

33. Farmer’s Markets are in their prime season — load up the family for a fun Saturday morning at either the Downtown Farmer’s Market (Front Street) or the Cooper Young Farmer’s Market (First Congo parking lot). Fresh veggies, fresh meat/seafood, fresh flowers, and fresh coffee.

34. With so much to see at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, you could spend a fun, rainy day here. Every Saturday from 10am-2pm the museum is free.

35. Top Golf is the perfect place for tweens and teens (or a fun date night option, too!)

36. Broad Avenue Art Walk is October 24th this year. It’s always a fun outing!

37. Drink hot apple cider! (Add caramel vodka for an AMAZING adult beverage!)

38. Try your hand at Belltower’s Pottery classes!

39. Head downtown for the 20th River Arts Fest, October 17-18th.

40. Try your hand at fishing! The Catch ‘Em Lake is open at the Agricenter on weekends from 8am until 6pm!

41. Get your Pinterest on and make a DIY, homemade bird feeder! There are a million ways to do them, and your neighborhood birds will thank you!

42. Take a family picture at a pumpkin patch. Check out our guide to area patches here!

43. Like You Film Club: Spooky Season Special is October 10 at the Giant Screen Theater at the Pink Palace.. It’s a celebration of Spooky Season for anyone who loves ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night. This collection includes a curated selection of short films from the “Gimme the Creeps” block from the past two years of the Like You Children’s Film Festival.

44. Join Memphis River Parks for a hauntingly fun daytime skate on Saturday, October 24, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. under the Sunset Canopy in Tom Lee Park. Costumes are highly encouraged at this fun, family-friendly event — perfect for all ages and skill levels. Limited, free 30-minute skate rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Bringing your own skate is highly encouraged.

45. Get some new fall plants! The Fall Plant Sale at the Memphis Botanic Garden is October 1-3rd.

46. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is playing Orchestra Unplugged: The Planets on October 30th at the Halloran Center in a partnership with the Orpheum Theater Group.

47. Ride the carousel at CMOM.

48. Buy a plate wall from Heirloom House.

49. Make Rice Krispy treats!

50. Head to Mud Island and check out Baron von Opperbean, the newest attraction in town. Read all about it here!

51. The annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival is Saturday, October 24th in Court Square downtown.

52. Make a recipe with pumpkin. Tis the season!

53. Or be a pumpkin spice hater.

54. Gather the neighborhood kids and play an “old fashioned” game of Red Rover!

55. Build a bonfire! Have a tiny backyard? We recommend purchasing a fire pit!

56. … now you can roast weenies!

57. … or make s’mores. So.Many.Options. Peanut Butter Cup, Choc Cherry Cheesecake, Mint peppermint patty, or even salted caramel. S’more! S’more! S’more!

58. Speaking of FOOD (gah, now we’re hungry!) — did you know there’s a new FOOD TRUCK PARK at Shelby Farms Park? Head to the intersection of Farm Rd. and Say Cheese and El Mero Taco will always been on site, with other trucks rotating in each week!

59. Try your hand at skateboarding!

60. Make sure you check out the BRAND NEW Metal Museum in the old Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park!

61. Bust out that vintage hacky-sac.

62. Go Tigers Go! Memphis plays UAB on Saturday, October 10th, East Carolina on October 22nd, and Army on October 31st.

63. Roller skating at Cordova Skating Rink is always a popular thing to do with the kids! Grab your spouse and couple-skate all.night.long.

64. Learn to play chess at the bests place in town, Memphis Chess Club.

65. Give your kiddos pumpkin to talk about this Halloween! Take a hike through the Garden for some not-so-spooky fun at the Memphis Boo-tanic Garden. No bones about it, you’ll shriek for joy at this fun, safe, daytime alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Fall for fun with hands-on activities, not-so-spooky characters, and treats (no tricks here)! October 17 from 9:30-2 pm (last entry 1 pm). Get tickets here.

66. The Mid-South Ice House is the best place to try ice skating!

67. Carve a pumpkin.

68. Make homemade pumpkin bread.

69. This year Dixon Gallery & Gardens is hosting Art on Fire on October 24th. This event offers food and drink tastings, live music, a silent auction, art sale, and more. Admission includes access to the event, beer, wine, and food. This is the Dixon’s biggest fundraising event of the season.

70. Listen to music at the Memphis Listening Lab inside Crosstown Concourse. It’s really the coolest rainy day idea! Buy a treat from Lucy J’s afterwards too.

71. The YMCA of Memphis and the MidSouth is hosting a Camp Discovery Fall Break Camp from October 12-16, for kids ages 5-12, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM. The camps will be at 7 locations in the Memphis area. YMCA Fall Break Camp is a fun and educational way to keep kids engaged while school is out!

72. ZOO BOO! Select Nights now through November 1st.

73. Go jump around at Jumpin’ Jellybeans! Now with two locations: the original in Collierville and a new one in Southaven. It’s the most fun indoor play area for the 10 and under crowd.

74. The 12th annual Paint Memphis is October 3rd. This one day event showcases local and regional artists. The fun takes place on Broad Avenue between Summer and Holmes from noon-7pm.

75. Go on a scavenger hunt for the best Memphis Mural. Have you seen this one?

76. Or go on a scavenger hunt and find as many tigers as you can! Can you find this one?

77. Learn to crochet.

78. Take a trip to Trader Joe’s. Get ALL the pumpkin things! What’s your favorite?

79. Hire a babysitter, grab your friends, co workers, or family members and hire Sprock ‘n Roll — Memphis’ Best Party Bike company! They have 8 routes to choose from and many different package deals.

80. Overton Square Movie Nights are back! Join us for a free screening on Thursdays at 7:00PM in the Courtyard for a free movie night. Bring your picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy this free, fun, and relaxing evening of cinema under the stars: October 1 — Knives Out, October 8 — Practical Magic, October 15 — Casper, October 22 — Us, and October 29 — Poltergeist (1982)

81. Take a nature hike in Shelby Forest.

82. The Orpheum has several events going on in October! They are doing a haunted dinner on stage on October 7. Learn all about the Orpheum’s ghosts while eating a 3 course dinner on stage. October 11 is the Broadway sing along. And then Spamalot will be here October 27-November 1!

83. From 20 minute pony rides to 2 hours trail rides, Shelby Farms Stables is the perfect place to try horseback riding. They even offer lessons and private group rides!

84. Need some goat snuggles in your life this fall? This is the event for you. On October 10th at 2 and 3 pm, you can do yoga with baby goats at Shelby Farms. Reserve your spot here.

85.Have a fall birthday in your family? Book Donut Hutt for one of the best birthday parties around! (or pretend it’s someone’s birthday and just book a party anyway!)

86. The Grizzlies will host the Magic on October 7th and the Hornets on October 16th in preseason action at FedExForum. PLUS, their regular season starts October 21st when they host the Jazz at home. They also host the Kings on October 31st. Don’t forget about their new NO BAG policy! Sensory Kits available, too; just ask!

87. Create a blanket fort.

88. Snuggle under a blanket as you watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

89. Do a family STAYCATION at Canopy by Hilton! They even have adjoining rooms, perfect for larger families.

90. Check out the Pumpkin House at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Garden admission is free!

91. Fit4Mom has classes every Saturday morning at 9:30 at Woodland Discovery Playground at Shelby Farms. Bring your kiddos! First class is free!

92. Take the whole family and try your hand at picking apples straight from the tree! Jones Orchard, on Hwy 51 in Millington, is a must-visit. During harvest season, their farm is full of pick-your-own fruit including apples, berries, nectarines, plums and of course, farm fresh, Tennessee peaches!

93. On October 25, experience Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classes at the Memphis Brooks Museum. There are multiple times available. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit!

94. Make homemade play dough! Here’s a fun recipe for dye-free pumpkin pie play dough!

95. Check out the Fire Museum of Memphis. The museum is located in the renovated Fire Engine House #1 at 118 Adams Ave, Downtown. Ages 2 and under are always free!

96. Don’t be scared to grab a sweet treat from Sugar Ghost! They’re eerily delicious.

97. Don’t forget to buy, or better yet, be creative and make your own Halloween costume!

98. Glow-in-the-dark putt-putting? Heck yes. Check out Monster Mini Golf in Cordova — the perfect theme for this month!

99. One last October 17th event (the city is going to be BUSY that day!). There’s a Harvest Moon Fall Festival from noon-6pm at Bobby Lanier Farm Park. There will be inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, etc. Sounds like a perfect fall afternoon!

100. Take a nap! You earned it!