Summer Summer Summer Time!
For local families, and those traveling to Memphis, there are a host of free activities and events that take place in our colorful city. Summer vacations and kid activities can hit our pockets pretty hard, so this list is comprised of FREE stuff to do in Memphis this summer!
Outdoor Fun
Memphis Zoo free Tuesdays- The Memphis Zoo offers free general admission to Tennessee residents with ID on Tuesday afternoons from 2 p.m. to close.
Downtown Memphis- The Downtown Memphis area is great for free things to do, including tours, walking and sightseeing.
- Peabody Hotel- Plan a visit to the Peabody Hotel to watch the famous Peabody ducks walk the red carpet everyday at 11pm and 5pm.
- Beale Street- Explore the sights and sounds of Beale Street. Visit the shops and museums, and watch the Beale Street Flippers (tips are encouraged.) The atmosphere is more family friendly during the week or during the day than on the weekends.
- Mud Island- Free access to the Mud Island Riverwalk is available for individuals who can and are up for walking the skybridge to get across.
- Find some reprieve from the heat, and head over to Island Play, a misting park at Beale Street Landing.
- Take a sunset stroll, or have an evening picnic at Beale Street Landing, where the kids can burn off some energy and run, or bring toys and play.
- Explore South Main's Historic Art District.
- Listen to live music and ride the trolley during South Main Trolley Nights - a street festival event held the last Friday of every month.
2019 Beale Street ArtCrawl- Attend the Beale Street ArtCrawl on June 29, 11am to 7pm to take note of and support Memphis' new artists.
The Lichterman Nature Center- Explore the outdoors at the Lichterman Nature Center. Free admission from 1pm to close, every Tuesday
Check out Memphis Moms Blog's list of Playgrounds and find out where we will host Park Hops.
Downtown Memphis offers a new spot for family fun- Riverplay at the Fourth Bluff. Play games, walk, or just hang out.
Levitt Shell Concert Series- The Levitt Shell presents more than 50 free concerts every year. Visit the Levitt Shell website for more details on the artist, dates, and times. Fun for the whole family!
Splash Pads and swimming pools
- Hickory Hill Community Center Indoor Aquatics Center- Free for Memphis Residents
- Shelby Farms Water Play Sprayground- There is no admission fee on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm to 6pm.
- Civic Center Plaza has in ground water jet sprays at 125 N Main St. in front of City Hall.
- Play in the sprinklers of all sizes at Peabody Park Splash Park.
- For additional splash pads and water fun that is free with memberships check out Memphis Mom's Blog's post
Indoor Fun
Kids Bowl Free- Sign your children up for the Kids Bowl Free Summer Program
Kids Skate Free- If your kids love to skate, the Kids Skate Free program should be on your list.
Memphis' Public Libraries have a variety of events and activities for children and adults of all ages.Visit the Memphis Public Library website to see whats going on in your area.
Hickory Hill Community Center- This community center has a nice sized indoor swimming pool/aquatic center. The water slide and splash area is a hit with the kids.
Visit Crosstown Arts as they welcome Stitched: Celebrating the Art of Quilting from May 10-July 28, 2019. This festival will feature two art exhibitions, public quilting workshops, and a Gathering of the Guilds showcase. There's even an interactive kid quilt by the staircase library!
Museums
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum offers free museum days on Tuesdays from 2 - 7 pm.
The National Civil Rights Museum offers free admission on Mondays from 3 - 6 pm.
Brooks Museum of Art- has Wacky Wednesdays every Wednesday in June and July. Children of all ages can create art projects, make short films, and play.
Pink Palace Museum- The Pink Palace Museum offers free summer membership that you can sign up for. Without the summer membership the family can enjoy free admission to the museum on Tuesdays from 1pm to close.
The Stax Museum of American Soul- Delve into the "Memphis Sound" on Tuesdays from 1pm to 5pm when admission to The Stax Museum of American Soul is free.
