Attractions in the city proper that are worth investigating with children in Memphis include familiar offerings that most big cities have, as well as some unique opportunities. Check out the Children’s Museum of Memphis, the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, Sharpe Planetarium, Mud Island River Park, and the Ride the Ducks land and water tour. Also, the Society for Creative Anachronism reportedly shows up in Audobon Park to stage medieval reenactments.

Your children may not be old enough to appreciate Graceland, Memphis Rock’n’Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Sun Studio, but they might find the Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum interesting or appreciate a ride on a Memphis Riverboat. They may also find the Pink Palace Museum’s historic exhibits and the CTI IMAX Theater offerings on exploration of Mars and undersea adventure exciting.

Another type of activity to explore with children in Memphis is amusement parks. Golf and Games Family Park offers a 40-acre family-oriented amusement facility including miniature golf, a driving range, a go-kart track, bumper cars, a batting range and kiddie rides. A video gaming rom also features laser games and a virtual roller coaster. Other amusement parks like Dolly’s Splash Country, Dollywood, require travel outside the Memphis area.

If you are visiting with children in Memphis and looking for events and festivals, consider these possibilities: Memphis in May International Festival and World’s Largest Barbecue Cooking Contest, Beale Street Spring Festival, Carnival Memphis, Mid-South Fair, Memphis Music & Heritage Festival, and the Pink Palace Crafts Fair.

And when you’re visiting with children in Memphis and are looking for a sporting event to attend, consider these teams:

• Memphis Grizzlies — National Basketball Association
• Memphis Redbirds — Triple A affiliate for St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball team
• Mississippi RiverKings — Central Hockey League
• Memphis Panthers — North American Football League
• Memphis Blues — Rugby Union

  The PGA tour St. Jude Gold Classic is also held in Memphis.

  It is a good idea to check an events website in advance for scheduling of sports events that you’re hoping to see with children in Memphis.