Memphis family-friendly travel guide

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About Memphis

Memphis has fast become one of the most sought after destinations for travellers across the world. As the home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is bursting with culture, history and new life.

Best known for its rich musical legacy and vibrant culinary scene, Memphis offers so much more and is perfect for all ages. From its cool and quirky neighbourhoods, historic sites, new and innovative hotels and outdoor adventure opportunities, this city along the great Mississippi River is a must for travellers.

Destination facts

State

Tennessee

Population

650,618

Official language(s)

English

Time zone

GMT-6

Landmass

839 km²

Currency

US dollar

Emergency number

911

Religion

Home to many different faiths

Helpful information

Where to go

The Peabody Hotel

Here at Holidays with Kids, we love ducks. Rubber duckies, ducklings, Peking duck, duck-duck-goose, the whole works. So imagine our delight when we found a hotel in Memphis, complete with resident ducks! Twice a day, the Peabody ducks hop out of an elevator, escorted by the Peabody Memphis Duckmaster (his official title), and march along a red carpet into a water fountain. Tourists flock to the hotel to see them, so you’ll need to get there early to grab a good spot.

Graceland

For older kids, Graceland is a must do. The home of Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll, this 5.6-hectare property is rich with musical history. Explore Elvis’ mansion, walk the property’s gardens, and even tour the aircraft that he used to travel between shows. The Trophy Building contains a range of fascinating memorabilia, from The King’s spangly suits to toys from Lisa Marie’s childhood.

Shelby Farms Park

But if your family would rather get out into nature, you’ve got options there, too. Shelby Farms Park is a 1,821-hectare park, one of the USA’s largest urban parks. With more than 64 kilometres of paved and unpaved trails and 20 bodies of water, the park provides options for walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing and paddleboarding. For something a little more hair-raising, Go Ape gives visitors the chance to zip, swing and climb through the trees on a treetop adventure course. Your family will be equipped with harnesses, pulleys and carabiners to navigate the 40 crossings and obstacles, including rope ladders, net bridges, Tarzan swings and zip lines.

Best time to go to Memphis

Any time is a good time to visit Memphis weather wise, however April to June is the best time to visit. These months produce warm sunny weather before the peak summer. Memphis in May – a month long festival – is also held during this time.

Summer

June to August. Expect highs of 33 and lows of 21 degrees Celsius and approximately 18 days of rain.

Autumn

September to November. September is still quite warm with highs of 30 degrees Celsius, while November is much colder with highs of 17 and lows of six.

Winter

December to Febuary is not too cold or wet with highs or 13 degrees and lows of 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 22 days of rain.

Spring

March to May is the wettest period with approximately 25 days of rain. Highs of 27 degrees and lows of seven.

Passport and visa requirements

Passport

An international passport is required to visit the United States of America

Visa requirements

When visiting the US for tourism reasons the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Getting in and around for families

Major airport

Memphis International Airport is a short onward flight from Houston International Airport (80 minutes) or Dallas Fort Worth (70 minutes). The airport is only a 15-minute drive from the city. Buses, taxis, shuttles and Ubers are available to transport you to and from the airport.

Taxis

Memphis offers a range of cab companies. The average taxi fare is $1.50 per mile. Keep in mind tipping cab drivers is common courtesy in the US.

Buses

MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority) is Memphis’s public transport provider. MATA only accepts correct change – so be prepared. The buses can be accessed from all areas of the city.

Food and drinks that kids will love

Memphis is renowned as being home to barbecue and Southern-style soul food. That being said, Memphis’ food scene is boasting with culinary experiences that extend beyond the barbecue, offering everything from fine dining, authentic Italian and Mexican cuisine, breweries, burger joints and award-winning chefs. You will also find an abundance of local eateries offering everything from American classics to more eclectic dishes. If, however, you are looking for a real Memphis eating experience, be sure to head to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in downtown Memphis and try out the top-secret hot and spicy chicken.

Shopping

Memphis offers some amazing shopping opportunities. You will find everything from antique stores, malls, record stores, art galleries, historic department stores and gift shops. If you are more inclined to head to a shopping mall, be sure to add the popular Oak Court Mall to your itinerary, along with Wolfchase Galleria, which offers over 120 stores to shop from. Outlet shopping is also popular in Memphis, so be sure to add Tanger Outlets in Southaven to your list of places to visit.

Memphis is also filled with amazing neighbourhoods that offer a unique shopping experience. Visit Broad Avenue Arts District where you will find unique and quirky gifts, apparel and artwork. Overton Square is also one to visit, with the revitalised neighbourhood now filled with restaurants, shops and activities. South Main is a boutique hoppers dream, offering cutting edge fashion, furniture, home wares and vinyl.

Customs

Tipping

Waiters, bartenders, spa services, hairdressers and taxi drivers should be tipped 15% to 20%. Coat checks, bellhops/porters and hotel maids should be tipped a dollar per service or day. Tour guides and bus drivers are required to be tipped 20% or $10 a day.
Some of the above services include tips in the prices, so be sure to check the bill.

What to wear

Casual clothing is accepted in most places. Memphis does not have a particular type of clothing that must be worn.

Courtesy

Tipping (see above) is an expected sign of courtesy in Memphis.

Electricity

Electricity mainly operates on 220 volts. You will need a power adapter for the USA.

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

Polio, MMR, Tdap and influenza vaccines should be updated before visiting the USA.

Safety

Although very rare, Memphis does fall into an area that is known to have tornadoes.

Most photographed places

Beale Street

Beale Street is one of the most visited and tagged spots in Memphis, besides being possibly the most famous street in the US. Beale Street is famously known as being the home of blues music; this street provides many photo opportunities, mainly in the form of the famous signs.

Wolf River Greenway

Wolf River Greenway is home to 58 kilometres of trails, a hardwood forest and the Wolf River. This is the perfect spot for gorgeous nature photos.

South Main Arts District

South Main Arts District is a shining example of Memphis’ downtown revitalisation. Filled with urban scenery that reflects the city’s rich history, here you’ll find the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Blues Hall of Fame. The famous Arcade Restaurant is also situated in this neighbourhood, with the front of the restaurant a favourite photo spot for travellers. The neighbourhood is boasting with old school architecture and amazing art pieces – making it the perfect place to capture all that Memphis represents.