Is there a hole your bucket? Perhaps your tweens have rejected the idea of forming a book club for their mandatory school reading. We have already made “dot cakes” half a dozen times. Sufficient efforts have been made to become a pool rat. Ready for a summer spark? Let’s dive in.
Have you ever explored a beach along the Mississippi River? Book a professionally guided canoe trip with Mississippi River Expeditions and see Memphis in a whole new way. All trips are privately chartered, and each canoe fits ten passengers. We recommend a sunset or morning excursion where you’ll stop at an island beach, have some snacks and paddle back under the bridge.
Your kid came home from summer camp with dreams of becoming an equestrian; you are not ready for #horselife. Head to Shelby Farms Stables. Kids ages 4+ can stay in the ring with a pony ride. Older riders can ride out through the pastures and shaded forest trails to spot the wildlife of Shelby Farms.
If the ‘cat distribution system’ hasn’t reached your family, you may need to take a short drive to Fancy Cat Cafe in Southaven, MS. Think cozy cafe vibes with feline charm. It’s coffee and pastries on one side and adoptable cats on the other. They rotate residents, ensuring new friends mingle daily and every visit supports rehoming efforts. A purr-fect summer stop.
Even kids crave a palate refresh, so turn meal planning into a game. One sibling might tackle a first-time food, while another might move beyond the kids’ menu. Kick off a family foodie tour: list local spots, keep a running record, and compare favorites. It’s a delicious quest to crown the town’s best taco, discover sushi, find a new vegetable or settle the best steak debate.
And for those days when the temperature soars, you can thrive indoors. We liken an afternoon at Malco Theatres, with a cold drink and the comfiest seating, to a spa experience with a free movie. There are so many family-friendly movies out, and if you are lucky, everyone will sit still and be quiet.
Other spots on our list with AC? For the trading card enthusiasts - Nashcards. When you don’t want glitter and paint in the house – book free play at Art Project. For the youngest Disney fans, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is at the Children’s Museum of Memphis. For just enough wacky and wonder - Baron Von Opperbean and The River of Time is an immersive adventure on Mud Island. No one is bored; you just need some new ideas!