Free Things To Do In and Around Memphis!

Free for all…It’s free!...freebies!, is the music to ears of parents on a budget looking for fun things to do with their children. From viewing Memphis, to connecting with nature, to listening to music, to visiting the animals in the zoo, there are free activities in nearly every category of Family FunSpots!, in every season, in every part of the city and suburbs. The lions roar just as loudly, the art and sculpture still captivate, the flowers smell just as sweet, and the rhythms still sooth; it’s only the cost that’s missing.

Memphis can be viewed free on foot and above the ground from bridges for those families who like to walk.

Bringing books to life for a child is as simple and cost free as a visit to your public library. Some bookstores also offer free storytimes that enchant young children. Festivals of books have the added bonus of characters from storybooks dressed in costume walking around.

Picnics downtown along the river or at your area park are all free memory-makers for Memphis-area families.

As a final note, don’t forget the free days at major attractions. The crowds maybe a little larger and lines a little longer, but the exhibits and sightseeing are the same.

Details on these plus more free activities can be found in this section and throughout the guidebook. We took special care to find as many as possible. The economy may be tight, but that’s no reason to curtail family adventures. In fact, it’s something of an adventure planning fun and free things to do!

Please note: Although, we have made every effort in researching and writing this section, dates, times and information sometimes change. So call ahead to confirm details that have been provided before you venture out. Have fun!

Go Window Shopping!

163 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 523-9782

A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store, operating in the family since 1876, is a historic mainstay as the only remaining original business on Beale Street. This store loads three floors with voodoo powders, handcuffs, clerical collars, saucepans and the largest collection of hats in town. They operate by the motto, “If you can’t find it at Schwab’s you’re better off without it.”

Hours: Mon.- Fri. 9 a. m. – 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.- 12 midnight.

It’s Agricultural!

7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120

901-757-7777

Agricenter International, which displays advances in farming technology, is a self-sustaining, not-for-profit organization. It provides educational programs, as well as recreational opportunities.

Visit www.agricenter.org for more information.

Imagine this!

142 Communication/Fine Arts Bldg.

3750 Norriswood, Memphis, TN 38152

(901) 678-2224

www.amum.org

The Art Museum of the University of Memphis permanently maintains displays of West African artifacts and Egyptian antiquities. The Museum also features changing exhibits of contemporary art.

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm. Closed University holidays and between exhibits. Free admission. Metered parking located in Central Ave. parking lot. Parking is also available in the Fogelman Garage at $1 per hour. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more people. Please call (901) 678-2224 to schedule group tours.

See a new Destination!

4674 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 432, Collierville, TN 38017

(901) 854-8240

Collierville is home to The Avenue Carriage Crossing, which has a great "Main Street inspired" ambiance with a strong historical inspiration. The Avenue, one of the first open-air centers of its kind, has amazing architectural features, including fountains and sculptures. For your shopping pleasure, discover the many specialty stores and restaurants in an attractive open-air setting!

Bike it!

Biking Routes

Cyclists can now enjoy 60+ miles of city streets for on-road, shared roadway bike route tours. There are five "neighborhood" route tours and one longer "Memphis" route tour. These routes are intended for recreation as well as commuter use and link neighborhoods, commercial areas and many city attractions. Destinations include downtown, Memphis riverfront, city parks, museums, gardens, nature center and the Memphis zoo. www.cityofmemphis.org.

Learn about Southern Folklore!

119 S. Main, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 525-3655

www.southernfolklore.com

The Center for Southern Folklore & Cafe is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, defend and protect the music, culture, arts and rhythms of the South. Just head downtown to enjoy exhibits and photographs on the arts, music and culture of the area.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6 pm. No charge for entrance into museum.

Visit the Hall of Fame!

65 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 531-7826

www.memphiscottonmuseum.org

Cotton was king, and in this impressive Cotton Museum’s Hall of Fame at The Memphis Cotton Exchange, it retains its royal splendor. The Cotton Museum is located in the Memphis Cotton Exchange, founded in 1873, and still a viable member organization. Although there is a charge for the museum, The Cotton Museum Hall of Fame, located in the lobby, is free to the public.

Learn the History of St. Jude!

Danny Thomas - ALSAC Pavilion St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105

(901) 495-3508

www.stjude.org

St. Jude is a unique place - unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility in the world. Discoveries made at St. Jude have completely changed the treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases worldwide. Learn the history of St. Jude hospital and its founder through a self-guided tour.

All tours must be scheduled in advance. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (800) 877-5833 (extension 2041) or (901) 578-2041.

Visitors must be 16 years of age or older to participate in a hospital tour. Younger children may visit the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion located on the hospital campus. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tours are typically available Monday - Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tours are not available on Saturday or Sunday.

Enjoy the Art of it All!

4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117

(901) 761-5250

www.dixon.org

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum, specializing in French and American Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The museum is surrounded by 17-acres of beautiful gardens, consisting of formal and informal gardens, open vistas, and woodland areas. Every Saturday from 10am to 12pm guests receive FREE admission.

Have a Grave Experience!

824 S. Dudley, (901) 774-3212

www.elmwoodcemetery.org

The historic Elmwood Cemetery was founded in 1852, this is the final resting place for some of the city's most celebrated citizens including Robert Church, Mayor "Boss" Crump, and victims of the Yellow Fever epidemic. Grounds open daily, 8am-4:30pm. The cottage is open Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm and Sat from 8am-12pm. Admission is free.

Take a Step Back in Time!

198 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 320-6320

www.memphismuseums.org

The Magevney House is the oldest middle-class residence still standing in Memphis. Eugene Magevney was an educator and local political leader. This house was also the site of Memphis' first Catholic Mass, wedding and christening. Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, the house is furnished in 1850s style. This historic home is closed due to city budget reductions but watch for exciting news about re-opening Summer2008. Call (901)320-6320 for more information.

Free admission, donations accepted.

Be Stunned! Martyrs Park

With a majestic view of the Mississippi River, the park is home to a stunning statue commemorating the suffering and courage of citizens who tended the sick and dying during the epidemics that devastated the city in the 1870s.

Explore it Yourself! Discover the Memphis Botanical Gardens

750 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117

(901) 576-4100

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

A delight for plant lovers, this 96 acre garden is open year-round and offers natural areas with native wildflowers as well as over 23 formal gardens, including the renowned Japanese Garden of Tranquility and the Little Garden Club Sensory Garden. Located in the heart of East Memphis in Audubon Park on Cherry Rd, west of Perkins Rd. and north of Park Ave. Don’t forget to feed the fish!

Free admission on Tues from 12 noon until 6pm.

Experience Fine Art in Memphis!

1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

(901) 544-6200

www.brooksmuseum.org

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in the state of Tennessee, the Brooks is housed in an original Beaux Arts-style building, which is registered as a U.S. National Landmark. The Museum's permanent collection contains over 8,000 works ranging from ancient to contemporary. Free admission on Wednesdays from 10am-4pm.

Eat a delicious Peach!

Well, the peach will cost you; but not much. And a juicy farm-fresh Tennessee peach hand selected at the Memphis Farmers' Market in the heat of the summer is well worth the pocket change! Open Every Saturday, 7am to 1pm from May through October, in the South Main District at the Central Station Pavilion. Parking is FREE on market days! Visit www.memphisfarmersmarket.org or call (901) 575-0592 for more information.

Think Pink! Pink Palace Museum & Mansion

3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

(901) 320-6320 www.memphismuseums.org

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum, with its renovated Mansion, is the most visited museum in the Southeast. Walk through a replica of the world’s first self-service grocery store or trace Memphis' history from the time of Mississippian Indians and Spanish explorers through the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. Also, view award-winning medical exhibits and see how dinosaurs and fossils dramatically chronicle our planet. The Clyde Parke Miniature Circus is always a favorite. The Mansion contains a permanent exhibit on life in the early 20th century.
Museum exhibits are free on Tuesday from 1pm – 4pm. Admission: Adult $8.25, Child $5.75, Senior $7.75. Group rates are available, call (901) 320-6362 for information.

Brown Bag it!

1930 Poplar Avenue, Memphis TN 38104

(901) 272-5100

www.mca.edu

Each year Memphis College of Art hosts 15 to 20 exhibitions in two venues: the Main Gallery, Rust Hall, located in the Overton Park campus; and on the street, MCA’s downtown gallery located at 338 S. Main. The galleries showcase nationally recognized artists, emerging artists, regional artists, and student work. Visiting Artists Lectures and Brown Bag Lunch Lectures provide students and the community an educational opportunity to interact with artists. For information about exhibition and lecture schedules, call 901.272.5100 or visit MCA’s website: www.mca.edu. Hours: The Main Gallery located in Rust Hall is open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm, Sat 9am – 4pm, Noon – 4pm, Sun.; hours for on the Downtown gallery are Thurs. – Fri. 4pm – 9pm., Sat. Noon – 5pm. Admission: Free.

Check it Out!

You can read it for free at Memphis Public Library & Information Center

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library

3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

(901) 415-2700

www.memphislibrary.org

The Memphis Public Library & Information Center, 19 locations and three mobile units offer a variety of services to our community. A wide array of programs for library users of all ages is available throughout the year, including storytimes for preschoolers and toddlers. The 330,000 square foot Central Library features state-of-the-art technology and traditional library services in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Want to dig deep into our music history? There's no better place than our new public library. The Memphis Music collection is comprehensive, well-organized and easily accessed by anyone, regardless of race, creed, religion or musical taste. Check out CDs, tapes, books and more.

Be enchanted!

Try visiting local bookstores and libraries during their storytimes. They provide great opportunities for learning and expose children to creative activities.

With a Moo Moo here! and Hiss Hiss there!

Stop by and visit the animals at the Memphis Zoo

2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112

(901) 276-9453

www.memphiszoo.org

The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species. Free admission on Tues from 2pm-5pm for Tennessee residents only. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Downtown beautiful Sunsets!

There's nothing as relaxing as a sunset on the Mighty Mississippi as the riverboats go by.

See Civil Rights History Up Close!

450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 521-9699 www.civilrightsmuseum.org

The National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the historic Lorraine Motel— site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is the first of its kind in the country to chronicle the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the earliest days of slavery to the 21st century. Through interpretive exhibits and audio-visual displays, the Museum brings to life the most significant periods in modern American history.

Free admission Mondays from 3pm until closing for Tennessee residents with state issued identification. Not applicable for tour operators.

How about a little Rock ‘N’ Soul?

The Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music, created by the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world. Free admission Tuesdays from 2-7pm for Shelby County residents with valid identification.

Visit the Peabody Ducks!

149 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 529-4000

www.peabodymemphis.com

All you’ll need is your camera for this free fun. The Peabody Hotel Ducks have become a world-famous part of the history of the Peabody Hotel. The Ducks spend part of the day swimming in the Grand Lobby Fountain at the Peabody Hotel. Visitors can watch as the ducks parade through the lobby on a red carpet twice daily. The march of the famous Peabody ducks is free and takes place daily at 11am and 5pm. Afterwards, ride the elevator to the roof to see the ducks' habitat and the fantastic views of Memphis.

Home to Muvico-22 Theaters, It’s Entertainment!

Between Peabody Hotel & Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 260-7529

www.peabodyplace.com

The Peabody Place Entertainment & Retail Center, anchored by the historic Peabody Hotel in the heart of downtown, the center was designed to be reminiscent of a town square, which was rediscovered, refurbished and topped with the largest skylight in Tennessee to create an enclosed town square. At night, the lighting systems create the atmosphere that the Center really is outdoors, with abundant sidewalk cafes and other seating. See unique art sculptures! The Center boasts over 300,000 square feet of leasable retail space and is directly connected to approximately 3,000 parking spaces. It is also located immediately adjacent to the historic Peabody Hotel.

Hours: Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 12:30 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.

Take a Hike! or How about a Picnic?

7161 Mullins Station, Memphis, TN 38134

(901) 382-0235

Shelby Farms Park remains the largest urban park in the U.S., even larger than Central Park in New York City. The park offers picnic tables, sporting activities, nature trails and a home to a variety of wildlife, including free-roaming bison.

Ride the Trolley!

The South Main Arts District located along the trolley line on South Main Street in downtown Memphis, this culturally rich neighborhood offers a diverse array of art galleries, trendy restaurants, open markets and popular shops.

The last Friday of every month, galleries on Main Street are open for this unique event from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The FREE Trolley stops at all galleries, shops, and restaurants between the Orpheum and Central Station. For more information,

Go on a Statue Tour!

From W.C. Handy at Handy Park and Elvis Presley on Beale Street to B.B. King in the Riverside Drive Visitor Center, statues help tell the story of Memphis' rich history.

Stroll down Beale Street to W.C. Handy Park! See free concerts, traveling musicians, and more:

• Beale Street Flippers

Watch as members of the Beale Street Flippers turn upside down and backwards - sometimes using only one hand!
• Beale Street Historic District

One of America's most famous streets, it is where W.C. Handy penned the first Blues song. Contains restaurants, nightclubs, parks, museums and shopping.

• Beale Street Walk of Fame

Between 2nd and 3rd, musical notes embedded in the concrete mark the Walk of Fame, where some of Memphis' finest musicians are honored.

For more information. log onto www.bealestreet.com.