Like most big cities, Memphis has its share of things for adults to do at night. But what about kids and teens? Their fun in Memphis doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down and the museums and attractions close for the day. Check out these exciting nighttime activities (outdoors and indoors) to keep your younger traveling companions engaged and entertained.
Like most big cities, Memphis has its share of things for adults to do at night. But what about kids and teens? Their fun in Memphis doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down and the museums and attractions close for the day. Check out these exciting nighttime activities (outdoors and indoors) to keep your younger traveling companions engaged and entertained.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY Entertainment DISTRICTS
Beale Street: Downtown Memphis’ iconic Beale Street is known for its bars, clubs and incredible music scene, but that doesn’t mean families can’t enjoy this legendary street too! Beale Street is packed with delicious restaurants where you can get anything from barbecue to soul food to mouth-watering burgers. Then stop in Beale Street’s oldest shop, A. Schwab, for ice cream or a shake. Cap off your Beale Street adventure with a free twilight acrobatics show courtesy of the famed Beale Street Flippers.
Overton Square: This trendy neighborhood is full of family-friendly restaurant and dessert options, shops and activities, from occasional live music and movie nights to art-making at The Art Project (and feel free to pick up a game of cornhole in the courtyard!). Families will also find four theaters hosting a mix of movies and plays, often geared to families.
LIVE MUSIC
Just like the best things in life, concerts at the Levitt Shell are free. Located in Overton Park within walking distance of Overton Square, this amphitheater is outdoors and sized just right to let the kids roam while you keep them in view. Bring a blanket and jam to one of more than 50 free concerts offered every year; you’re bound to find a band that both you and your kids can agree on!
Drive-In Movies
Lucky for you, Memphis has one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in the country. The Malco Summer Quartet Drive In is perfect for families, regularly featuring kids’ movies, offering entry by the carload and stocking a retro concession stand with all your favorite sweet and savory movie treats.
SPECTATOR SPORTS
The Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate to the St. Louis Cardinals, play in beautiful AutoZone Park (within easy walking distance to Beale Street Entertainment District). Parents love the budget-friendly prices and kids can chillax on the outfield hill, chasing down home runs and snacking on BBQ nachos. Watch for post-game fireworks shows.
Mighty Lights
Head downtown for an LED light show on the mighty Mississippi River. Each night, from sundown to 10 p.m., the Big River Crossing and Hernando de Soto bridges illuminate downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River with the Mighty Lights light display. Often, the light shows are themed for holidays and celebrations or city events, such as University of Memphis Tiger games. Riverfront parks including Beale Street Landing and River Garden are free and picture-perfect spots to catch these nightly affairs.
Ghost Tours
Hear tales of the city’s haunted heritage as told by a professional Backbeat Tours storyteller. Kids and teens will be all ears for the stories of ghosts like “Mary,” who has haunted the city's Orpheum Theater for 100 years.
ACTION-PACKED FAMILY NIGHTS
When the sun sets and the kids still have energy to burn, take your pick:
- Topgolf just opened in Memphis with a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility featuring 70+ hitting bays that are heated in chillier months. The Angry Birds game is perfect for all skill levels.
- Society Memphis is an indoor skate park with a viewing lounge on the second floor where parents can watch and enjoy craft coffee drinks from the on-site coffee bar.
- Memphis Escape Rooms has two locations with ever-changing rooms and challenges. Their recently opened Adventure Museum immerses you into 35+ live action games.
- Memphis Rox Climbing Gym and High Point Climbing & Fitness are totally fine with your kids (and you) climbing the walls.
- Golf & Games Family Park features miniature golf, batting cages, laser tag, arcade games and more.
- America’s Incredible Pizza Company offers similar activities plus a kid-approved buffet.
- Main Event offers a full menu (and bar, parents!) as well as bowling, a ropes course, laser tag and more than 100 interactive games.
- Urban Air Adventure Park invites kids to jump and bounce late into the evening at two Memphis-area locations.
