As I was sifting through summer photos (for our sorely neglected Shutterfly account) I realized just how many cool places there were to take the kids in order to beat- or at least ignore- the Memphis heat.
First there was the members’ preview of the Birds and Bees exhibit at the country’s #1 Memphis Zoo. Just one of many perks we get for our membership, which was a steal at $99 for the family plus one (ideal for grandparents or babysitters, or $79 for basic family membership). I understand that Zoo Brew is yet again sold out, although you can still make Zoo Rendezvous and Zoo Boo.
Then there was Voices of the South’s annual Children Theatre Festival at Rhodes College over Memorial Day weekend. Friday night included the premiere of Frindle and even a performance by Two Way Radio. Saturday was filled with performances and interactive tents- a variety of fun and pay-what-you-can.
We didn’t make it all the way to Jones Orchard, but we did head out to their satellite strawberry patch at the Agricenter. Flannery was quite proud of her strawberry-picking skills, although clearly not all of hers made it home… The berries were the first item on our local food dinner menu, as we headed afterward to the Agricenter Farmers Market and Catch ‘Em Lake.
Speaking of farmers markets, there was also the Memphis Farmers Market in Central Station downtown (Saturdays from 7a-1p) and the Botanic Garden’s Farmers Market (every Wednesdays from 2-6p). Ian was very happy to discover that these markets include a variety of locally grown and produced items, enough to satisfy any omnivore.
The splash park at Johnson Park in Collierville was a huge hit for our little miss and her mini cousin. And for me! Although next time we’ll make the most of the drive and hit the playground and boardwalk nature path.
Ah, the Levitt Shell. We attended a few of their Saturday evening family performances, including Watoto’s Funnzies during which Flannery hopped right onto the stage. I’ll leave that at “memorable.” But do not miss the Shell’s fall lineup- Saturday at 5:00 pm is still the magic hour for family shows but the entire season is phenomenal.
And then there was Rock N Romp- a definite ton of fun and a lineup of Robby Grant, Scandaliz Vandalistz, and the Kenny Brown Band. I think the Vandalistz are Ian’s favorite new band, and I fake bond with them as they are White Station alumni (older daughter Ripley attends WSHS, although she apparently ducks out of summer family fun). We really must make it to upcoming RNRs, and so should you- like the one in November at the Metal Museum.
No August would be complete without a pilgrimage to the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland. Enough said.
Next on the list- and luckily available post Labor Day- are My Big Backyard and the Mud Island River Walk and fountains. But please do let me know if there’s a family gem we’re missing!
Oh, and yes, I do score points with a long ago English teacher for my ridiculously alliterated post title.
Excellent list, Elizabeth!! I think we’ve hit all of these ourselves! Don’t forget riding the trolley in a loop downtown – this was a big hit with our 3 year old! And she also fell in love with Malco’s summer series of kid’s movies on Tuesday mornings, but that’s now over for the summer. They were great for getting out of the heat itself. THE IMAX at the Pink Palace can still be used to escape any late season heat we may still get. Maybe we’ll see you at Rock and Romp in November!