Experience · Memphis
East Memphis Family Play Day
Dive into an afternoon of discovery and play at the Children's Museum of Memphis, perfect for engaging young minds. Afterwards, grab a casual family-friendly meal, then let the kids unwind with some outdoor play.
A 4-hour Memphis afternoon plan for families — Children's Museum of Memphis, Owen Brennan's Restaurant, Shelby Farms Park.
- Duration
- 3h 45m
- Cost
- $40–$80
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- East Memphis + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 9.8-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Solo · Friends
The plan
The plan
- 1Children's Museum of Memphis(2 hrs)→
- 2Owen Brennan's Restaurant(1 hr)→
- 3Shelby Farms Park(30 min)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 9.8 miles across Memphis, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Children's Museum of Memphis is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Shelby Farms Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, solo, and friends who want a planned Memphis outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Dive into an afternoon of discovery and play at the Children's Museum of Memphis, perfect for engaging young minds. Afterwards, grab a casual family-friendly meal, then let the kids unwind with some outdoor play.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrsChildren's Museum of Memphis
Arts & Culture · East Memphis
Interactive permanent displays & traveling exhibits create learning opportunities for kids.
What to do — Let the kids engage with hands-on displays and explore different themed areas designed for fun and education.
6.9 mi · 18 min drive
Then A quick drive will take you to a nearby, family-friendly lunch spot.
21 hrOwen Brennan's RestaurantFood & Drink
Mardi Gras decor accents at this Cajun & Creole standby offering blackened fish, beignets & brunch.
What to do — Have a relaxed lunch with plenty of options for both kids and adults in a vibrant, Mardi Gras-themed setting.
2.9 mi · 9 min drive
Then Short hop over to Shelby Farms Park.
3Optional 30 minShelby Farms ParkOutdoors · Cordova
4,500 acres with biking & horse trails, many bodies of water for fishing & boating plus playgrounds.
What to do — Thirty minutes of unstructured play at Shelby Farms Park after a structured day.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Memphis itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, solo, and friends and runs about 3 hr 45 min across 3 stops, starting at Children's Museum of Memphis.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 45 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Memphis itinerary cost?
- Roughly $40–$80 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 9.8 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Scout Stories
People who did this
Be the first to leave a Moment.
Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.
Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in Memphis
Different moods, same city.
Food & DrinkMemphisBlues & Bites Downtown Date NightKick off your evening with the legendary live blues at B.B. King's, soaking in the iconic Memphis sound. Then, enjoy an elegant dinner at a downtown restaurant, making for a classic and memorable date night.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $120–$250
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends