Summer brings longer days, brighter moods, and more opportunities to spend time with the people you love. For families visiting loved ones at Kirby Pines, it’s also the perfect season to explore all the family friendly things to do in Memphis, TN – from outdoor parks to interactive museums and live music under the stars.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in Memphis that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few ways to make the most of your summer visit.
Make Kirby Pines Part of the Experience
Start your outing right here on our campus. At Kirby Pines, family visits become memorable moments. Enjoy a morning stroll through the gardens, grab lunch at the Bistro, or attend one of our many seasonal events together.
With so many ways to connect, relax, and celebrate everyday life, our campus is a destination in itself. Explore the Kirby Pines lifestyle and discover why families love visiting again and again.
Discover the Outdoors at Shelby Farms Park
One of the top family friendly things to do in Memphis, Shelby Farms Park is a must-visit. As one of the largest urban parks in the country, it’s just a short drive from Kirby Pines and offers something for everyone: paddle boating, biking trails, wide-open picnic areas, and the kid-favorite Woodland Discovery Playground.
With no entry fee, it’s also one of the most popular free things to do in Memphis, ideal for spontaneous summer fun.
Explore the Lichterman Nature Center
Nestled within East Memphis, the Lichterman Nature Center offers a peaceful escape for families who enjoy exploring nature together. From its scenic lake and wildlife observation decks to hands-on exhibits in the visitor center, it’s the perfect mix of education and adventure.
This 65-acre wildlife sanctuary invites guests of all ages to experience the beauty of native flora and fauna, whether you’re walking the trails or watching turtles sunbathe from the boardwalk. It’s a great addition to your list of family friendly things to do in Memphis that blends outdoor fun with meaningful time together.
Spend the Day at the Memphis Zoo
Looking for classic family things to do in Memphis? The Memphis Zoo is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. With over 3,500 animals and engaging exhibits like the Zambezi River Hippo Camp and the Teton Trek, the zoo blends entertainment with education.
It’s also easily walkable and accessible, with wide, paved paths and shaded rest areas that make it comfortable for visitors of all ages, whether you’re pushing a stroller or guiding a wheelchair. With interactive exhibits, engaging animal encounters, and plenty of spots to rest and recharge, the Memphis Zoo is perfect for multigenerational family outings.
Learn and Play at Local Museums
For indoor discovery, few places compare to the Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Museum of Science & History (formerly the Pink Palace). These are two of the best family friendly things to do in Memphis, TN for curious minds and playful spirits.
The Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning for younger children, while the Museum of Science & History has fossils, cultural exhibits, and even a planetarium for the whole family to enjoy. Both locations are also near local restaurants for lunch with your loved one from Kirby Pines.
Enjoy the Music of Memphis
Music lovers of all ages can enjoy the vibrant local scene that makes Memphis famous. From outdoor shows at Overton Park Shell to community festivals like Cooper-Young, there are endless family friendly things to do in Memphis that celebrate the rhythm of summer.
Want to keep the fun going? Kirby Pines regularly hosts lifestyle enrichment opportunities like live entertainment and social events, giving your visit a festive encore.
Come Home to Kirby Pines
After exploring the many fun things to do in Memphis, there’s no better place to unwind than Kirby Pines. Share stories over dinner, take a quiet walk through the grounds, or enjoy an evening concert right here in our community.
Every visit becomes a shared celebration of the season, of family, and of time well spent together.
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