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.
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