Experience · Memphis

Memphis Science & Play Day

Kick off a fun-filled family day at the Memphis Museum of Science & History, where interactive exhibits will spark curiosity. Refuel with a family-friendly lunch, then let the kids burn off energy at a fantastic playground.

A 5.5-hour Memphis full_day plan for families — Memphis Museum of Science & History, Hen House, Shelby Farms Park.

Duration: 5h 30m
Cost: $50–$100
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Chickasaw Gardens + 2 more
Walking: Light walking · Total 7.7-mile driving route
Ideal for: Families · Kids · Friends

Start Plan

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The plan

1Memphis Museum of Science & History(3 hrs)→
2Hen House(1 hr)→
3Shelby Farms Park(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

The stops span roughly 7.7 miles across Memphis, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Memphis Museum of Science & History 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, and friends who want a planned Memphis outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
3 hrs
Memphis Museum of Science & History
Arts & Culture · Chickasaw Gardens
Learning center with history & science attractions including an attached IMAX theater & planetarium.
What to do — Explore the diverse exhibits at the Memphis Museum of Science & History, including the Dinosaur Hall, the cultural history displays, and any rotating special exhibits. Don't miss the planetarium show if available.
Scout Side Quest
Pick the creature or artifact on display that looks most like someone in your family before breakfast.
3.6 mi · 11 min drive
Then Drive a short distance to Hen House for a casual and delicious lunch.
2
1 hr
Hen House
Food & Drink · Colonial View
What to do — Settle in for a relaxed lunch at Hen House, offering a variety of comfort foods that kids and adults will enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after exploring.
Book it · Hen House
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Memphis, TN
3.7 (3)3 hrFrom $830.4 mi away
Check availability
4.1 mi · 12 min drive
Then Make your way to Shelby Farms Park, which is a short drive away, for some outdoor fun.
3
Optional 1h 30m
Shelby Farms Park
Outdoors · Cordova
4,500 acres with biking & horse trails, many bodies of water for fishing & boating plus playgrounds.
What to do — Head to one of the many playgrounds within Shelby Farms Park, such as the Woodland Discovery Playground, and let the children enjoy some unstructured playtime in a beautiful natural setting. Bring a ball or frisbee!
Scout Side Quest
Look up at the clouds or tree branches and find a shape that looks unmistakably like an animal.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Memphis itinerary for families?: Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 5 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Memphis Museum of Science & History.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 5 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Memphis itinerary cost?: Roughly $50–$100 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 7.7 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.

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