OT: Downtown Memphis

[BonzoGoesToCollege]

Heading to Memphis for a couple of days to see the Redbirds, do the zipline, Graceland. Any suggestions on things to do in the downtown area with kids (10-15)?

Thanks

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

I couldn't imagine having 10-15 kids...

Does Mud Island still have the Mississippi River museum thing with the pool at the end?

 

[patdog]

Go see the ducks. Hang out at the MS River Park downtown. Go to the zoo.

 

[Drewbowski]

Showgirls on Lamar.

 

[aTotal360]

Hit that fresh nar

 

[Maroonthirteen]

Yeah, Mud Island is still there and open. However you can't swim in the Gulf Coast any longer. They have paddle boats in there. It is something to do with all those kids. If walk over, above the monorail, they won't charge you

There are two large parks to let them run around and toss the ball on the MS river.....Riverside below the south bluffs and another north of the Pyramid out on Mud Island.

There is Basspro....there is bowling in there. You can ride the elevator to the top for $10 a person. (Or go in 100 N Main, take the elevator to the top floor and have the same view for free. Ha!)

 

[BulldogBlitz]

its still open? woah!

 

[BonzoGoesToCollege]

I couldn't imagine having 10-15 kids...

should have read 2 kids, ages 10 and 15

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Around downtown you have options. Most have covered it. Mud Island, Bass Pro, the Fire museum on Adams Ave., rock and soul museum. In mid town you have the Zoo, Children's Museum, the Pink Palace Museum are all right near each other. If you are looking for somewhere to eat just head to Overton Square...tons of choices.

 

[Lucky Dawg]

All the high points have been covered, and I would say my top two would be the Zoo (top 10 US, dead serious) and Bass Pro (crazy but true). I just wanted to chime in and say please for the love of all that is holy do NOT eat at Rendezvous. The last good meal I had there was 15 years ago, and I've been 3 or 4 times since. Our new baseball bats should be Rendezvous ribs. If you are looking for good BBQ, head to the original Central BBQ or the original Interstate BBQ on 3rd street (go a little early - not the best neighborhood after dark). Half a dozen others would be on the list, but I'm sure there's another thread on here somewhere about it.

 

[dawgatUSM]

If they're into music Sun Studios is cool too.

Bass Pro, Beale St Landing, but the zoo is the real deal.

 

[Palos verdes]

All the high points have been covered, and I would say my top two would be the Zoo (top 10 US, dead serious) and Bass Pro (crazy but true). I just wanted to chime in and say please for the love of all that is holy do NOT eat at Rendezvous. The last good meal I had there was 15 years ago, and I've been 3 or 4 times since. Our new baseball bats should be Rendezvous ribs. If you are looking for good BBQ, head to the original Central BBQ or the original Interstate BBQ on 3rd street (go a little early - not the best neighborhood after dark). Half a dozen others would be on the list, but I'm sure there's another thread on here somewhere about it.

I've done everything to do in Memphis, except Mud Island and zoo. To this day, I don't understand how I've missed on this.

 

[seshomoru]

It's shocking what Overton Square and Madison Ave. has rebounded into...

And the Zoo is as good as Audubon in New Orleans. 15 year old may not be that into the kid's museum. 10 year old would probably love it.

 

[kired]

Some more info on the zoo --- there are plenty of air conditioned places and shade, so it's not as hot as you'd expect. We went middle of last week, high was in the lower 90s and I was kind of dreading it with kids. But it really wasn't that bad. Almost every section has an enclosed building where you can cool off (aquarium, tropical birds, reptiles, etc). I'm sure it will be packed but everywhere will be this weekend.

 

[dawgoneyall]

Duck.

 

[msstatelp1]

Hit A.Schwab's Dry Goods and Tater Red's on Beale. They have some unique and interesting things the kids might enjoy looking at, plus Schwab's now has an old fashioned Soda Fountain. Civil Rights Museum is nearby if you want something educational for them. BTW, I second Lucky on Rendezvous and the original Central.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

The zoo really is amazing and they are currently adding on more. Fred Smith/FedEx have transformed it into a legit top ten zoo in the country.

 

[aTotal360]

I went to HS with Tater Red's nephew. Managed to wrangle a pretty rad Tater Red's Lucky Mojo and Voodoo Healings tshirt from the dude.

 

[I_Love_My_Mommy]

Not to be argumentative, but the Prentiss family has done most of the work to transform the zoo into what it is today. Although he died recently his wife has continued her support.

 

[Bulldogg31]

Not sure if it's still there but Freewheelin Franks was always good for a cultural experience. Pretty cool stuff in there for past, current, and future Deadheads

 

[dawgoneyall]

But damn if only Memphis dumbasses had allowed Abe Plough to moved the Zoo to the Penal farm at his expense. He wanted to make it the greatest Zoo in the world. Memphis just had to be memphis.

 

[SwampDawg]

Ditto on the recommendations to visit the riverside parks. Show the kids how the tugs and pushes have to fight the current going upstream, throwing a rooster tail at about 2 knots. Awesome. On a downer note, keep your car doors closed and locked. When you park don't leave ANYTHING lying around inside your car. If you do, they will break your windows just to see what's in that grocery bag. Speaking from my son's experience as a resident.

 

[hatfieldms]

What city or town do you go to where you don't leave your car doors closed?

....

 

[SwampDawg]

Not just a thing about locking doors. I meant lock your car doors while you are driving in Memphis. My daughter in law (very pretty) was threatened by a carload of young men. My son's history from living in Memphis: Apartment broken into and handgun and other things stolen, car broken into and boots and clothing stolen, loft entranceway broken into and two bicycles stolen, car broken into and air pump stolen. He has lived in Mid Town and one other decent neighborhood for about six years.

 

[hatfieldms]

That sucks.

I have livedin Memphis for 8 years and have had a bike stolen once. No other issues besides that

 

[Ishmael]

Most of it's been covered,but a few things not mentioned: Ornamental Metal Museum, South Main Area (including Civil Rights Museum, The Arcade, Ernestine & Hazel's), Belz Museum (weird, but interesting), Stax Museum, Al Green's church.

 

[codeDawg]

Not just a thing about locking doors. I meant lock your car doors while you are driving in Memphis. My daughter in law (very pretty) was threatened by a carload of young men. My son's history from living in Memphis: Apartment broken into and handgun and other things stolen, car broken into and boots and clothing stolen, loft entranceway broken into and two bicycles stolen, car broken into and air pump stolen. He has lived in Mid Town and one other decent neighborhood for about six years.

Most of the theft and burglary I have seen has been "invited". The not leaving anything visible in your car is sound advice.

I've lived in the city for 15 years and the only thing I have ever had happen is a car radio got stolen once when I parked on the street and forgot to lock my doors. I've lived Downtown, mid-town, and East Memphis.

 

[state2013]

Not downtown but shelby farms park is a must see. They have a huge and unique playground area, large dog park, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and lots more.

 

[amcdan2000]

Zoo over the top and Pink Palace is amazing.

 

[BonzoGoesToCollege]

Agreed.

Not downtown but shelby farms park is a must see. They have a huge and unique playground area, large dog park, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and lots more.

The zipline and ropes course at the park is incredible and well worth the cost.