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Memphis surprised us in the best way. Music history, powerful civil rights landmarks, kid approved attractions, and great food all made this a meaningful and fun stop for our family.
We stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street, just a few blocks from Beale Street. Being able to walk there after long travel days was such a win.
Reflecting at the Lorraine Motel Memorial
We visited the outside of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
From the exterior alone, you can clearly see the historic balcony and memorial area. I decided that a full indoor tour would have been too much emotionally for my son, but I still felt it was important for him to see this site and have thoughtful, age appropriate conversations about history.
A Favorite Stop: The Children’s Museum of Memphis
Hands down, our favorite attraction was the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
This museum checks so many boxes for families traveling with kids:
• Splash area for cooling off and sensory play
• Sand zones for tactile exploration
• Tons of interactive exhibits
• Spaces that encourage creativity and movement
Children’s museums are always a go to for us because they naturally support fine motor skills, problem solving, and curiosity while letting kids move at their own pace.
Exploring African American History at Slave Haven
We also visited the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
When we travel, I make it a priority to expose my son to African American history and the stories that shaped this country. These experiences spark meaningful conversations and deepen learning beyond the classroom.
Memphis Zoo and Aquarium Adventures
Another highlight was the Memphis Zoo, which includes an aquarium area and unforgettable animal encounters.
We were able to:
• Ride a camel
• Feed giraffes
• Watch aquatic animals up close
Those hands on moments made this stop especially memorable for my animal loving kid.
Mud Island Riverwalk and Iconic Photo Ops
We stopped by the Mud Island Riverwalk, where kids can explore a working scale model of the Mississippi River and learn through movement and play.
We also grabbed photos in front of the famous Memphis sign nearby, which was a fun way to wrap up the day.
Memphis Food Scene with a Picky Eater Approved Twist
The food in Memphis was excellent, and even better, I had no trouble finding something my picky eater would enjoy.
From barbecue to comfort food and simple kids menus, there were plenty of options for every appetite and sensory preference.
Bonus: Adding Two More States to Our Journey
One of the perks of visiting Memphis is how close it is to multiple state lines. During our stay, we took short drives into Mississippi and Arkansas, adding two more states to our growing travel list.
Quick cross border adventures like this are perfect for teaching kids geography in real time and maximizing every trip.
Sensory-Friendly Things to Do in Memphis
If you are traveling with autistic kids or children with sensory sensitivities, Memphis offers several great options:
Wide open green space, walking trails, and space to decompress.
Hands on exhibits and rotating displays that often appeal to curious learners.
Quiet paths, beautiful scenery, and sensory rich plant life.
• Tom Lee Park
River views, playgrounds, and plenty of room to move.
• Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island
Educational and interactive with water features many kids enjoy.
Memphis gave us history, learning, fun, and meaningful conversations all in one trip. From walking Beale Street to splashing at the children’s museum and reflecting at powerful landmarks, this city delivered an unforgettable family experience, plus the bonus of adding Mississippi and Arkansas to our growing list of states visited.
Check out my IG highlights for more details.
