You're driving down Central Avenue, maybe you've just grabbed a burger nearby, and you see that massive, colorful building sitting right on the edge of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. That's it. The Children's Museum of Memphis. It’s a local staple, honestly. If you grew up in the 901, you probably have a blurry memory of sitting on that grand carousel or "driving" the big FedEx plane. But here’s the thing: it’s changed. A lot.
Most people think of museums as these quiet, "don't touch the glass" kind of places. This is the opposite. It’s loud. It’s chaotic in the best way possible. It’s basically a giant laboratory where kids can blow off steam without realizing they're learning physics or civic duty. If you’re planning a trip, don't just show up at noon on a Saturday and expect a peaceful stroll. You need a game plan.
The Reality of the Children's Museum of Memphis Experience
Let’s be real for a second. If you have kids, you know the "museum fatigue" is a very real threat. You spend forty bucks on tickets, and twenty minutes later, everyone is crying because they’re hungry or bored. The Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM) tries to kill that vibe by keeping everything tactile.
The centerpiece for many is the Grand Carousel. It’s not just some carnival ride. This is a 1909 Dentzel Memphis Grand Carousel. It’s a literal piece of National Register of Historic Places history that was restored to its former glory. It cost millions to bring back to life. You feel it when you’re on it—the hand-carved animals, the lights, the sheer weight of the thing. It’s separate from the main museum floor, housed in its own gorgeous glass pavilion.
🔗 Read more: Harry J's Moscow Mills: What Most People Get Wrong About This Local Legend
Why the FedEx Plane is Still the King
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the FedEx Boeing 727. It’s perched right out front. Kids get to go inside, sit in the cockpit, and flick switches that actually do... well, they don't fly the plane, but they make noise. It’s iconic.
Why does this matter? Because Memphis is a logistics city. Giving kids a chance to see the "guts" of a cargo plane connects them to the city's economy in a way a textbook never could. They aren't just playing; they're seeing what their parents or neighbors might do for a living.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You About the Layout
The museum is sprawling. You’ve got the H2Oh! Splash Park outside, which is a lifesaver in the Memphis humidity. Seriously, if you go between May and September, bring a towel and a change of clothes. You will regret it if you don't. The water area is massive, and kids will gravitate toward it like magnets.
Inside, the "city" setup is where the meat of the experience lives. There’s a grocery store, a dentist's office, and a bank.
- The Kroger Grocery Store: It sounds mundane to an adult, but kids lose their minds over the tiny shopping carts and the scanners. It teaches them about math and "money" without the lecture.
- The Fire Station: Complete with a real (mostly) fire truck.
- The Auto Service Center: Kids can get under a car and "fix" things. It’s greasy-looking without the actual grease.
The flow can be weird. You’ll find yourself looping back through the Skyscraper climber a lot. This is a multi-story vertical maze. If your kid gets stuck at the top and starts panicking, you—the adult—might have to crawl up there. I’ve seen it happen. It’s a tight squeeze for grown-ups. Just a heads up.
💡 You might also like: Weather Forecast Turks and Caicos: What Most People Get Wrong
Is the Price Tag Worth It?
Let's talk numbers. As of now, general admission sits around $15 to $20 per person. If you’re a family of four, you're looking at nearly eighty bucks before you even hit the gift shop.
Is it worth it?
If your kids are between the ages of 2 and 10, yes. Absolutely. If they’re older, they might get bored after an hour. The sweet spot is really that 4-to-7-year-old range where the "imagination play" is at its peak.
Pro-tip for locals: Get the membership. If you go three times in a year, it pays for itself. Plus, CMOM is part of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. This means if you have a premier membership, you can get 50% off admission at hundreds of other children’s museums across the country. It’s a travel hack that most people ignore.
Navigating the Crowds and the Chaos
If you hate crowds, avoid rainy Saturdays. It becomes a madhouse. Since it's one of the few high-quality indoor activities in Memphis for toddlers, every parent in Shelby County has the same idea when the clouds roll in.
Try a Tuesday morning. It’s ghost-town vibes in comparison. You’ll have the Toddler School area all to yourself, which is great because that area is specifically gated off for the literal "littles" so they don't get trampled by the 8-year-olds sprinting toward the rock climbing wall.
The Educational Angle (The "Secret" Value)
People often overlook the STEM aspects. There's a stream table where you can manipulate water flow and learn about erosion. There’s a light painting exhibit. It’s subtle, but the Children's Museum of Memphis does a decent job of sneaking science into the play.
🔗 Read more: Aer Lingus Seat Selection: How to Actually Get the Best Spots Without Overpaying
Dr. George Crile once said that "a museum is a place where time is transformed into space." At CMOM, they’ve transformed the concept of a "job" into a playground. Whether it's the Arise to Read area or the art studio, the goal is basically to foster "executive function" skills—planning, focus, and multitasking.
Where to Eat and What’s Nearby
The museum doesn't have a full-service restaurant inside, though there are vending machines and snack areas. You’re allowed to bring your own food and eat in the designated cafe area. This is a huge money saver. Pack some PB&Js and avoid the "I'm hungry" meltdown.
If you want to head out for food, you're in a prime spot. You’re right by Cooper-Young and Overton Square.
- Central BBQ: The one on Central is literally down the street. It’s a Memphis legend. Get the house-made chips.
- Young Avenue Deli: Great fries, very chill atmosphere for families during the day.
- Railgarten: A bit further down, but it has a huge outdoor area for kids to keep running if they still have energy.
Addressing the "Safety" Question
Memphis gets a bad rap sometimes regarding safety. The museum is located in the Liberty Park area (formerly the Fairgrounds). It’s well-patrolled, the parking lot is fenced and gated, and there’s usually a security presence at the entrance. It feels very secure once you're inside the perimeter. Don't let the headlines scare you off from a great day out; just use common sense like you would in any major city.
Misconceptions About the Carousel
People think the carousel is just for kids. Honestly? It's a work of art. The 1909 Dentzel Carousel is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the world. The animals aren't plastic; they are hand-carved wood. The detail on the horses, the rabbits, and the chariots is staggering. Even if you don't have kids, the Carousel Pavilion is worth a peek just for the craftsmanship. It’s a quiet, beautiful contrast to the high-energy screaming happening in the main building.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually enjoy your time at the Children's Museum of Memphis, follow this checklist:
- Check the Calendar: They host special events like "Noon Year’s Eve" or sensory-friendly nights. Sensory-friendly sessions are incredible if your child gets overwhelmed by loud noises and bright lights—the museum dims the lights and limits capacity.
- Dress for Mess: Between the art studio, the water tables, and the splash park, your kid will get wet or covered in paint. It’s a sign of a good day. Wear "play clothes."
- The Socks Rule: Some areas require socks. Some require you to take shoes off. Just make sure everyone has socks in their bag.
- Start at the Back: Most people enter and stop at the first thing they see. Walk all the way to the back and work your way forward to stay ahead of the initial "entry crowd" surge.
- Set a Time Limit: Two to three hours is usually the "sweet spot" before the overstimulation kicks in. Leave while they’re still having fun, not when they're having a meltdown.
The Children's Museum of Memphis isn't just a place to drop the kids off while you stare at your phone. It’s a place to actually engage with them. Go into the grocery store. Help them build a house in the construction zone. It’s one of the few spots in the city that genuinely bridges the gap between "historic Memphis" and the future of the city. Plus, where else can you sit in a cockpit of a real jet and then ride a hundred-year-old wooden horse in the same afternoon?
Grab your tickets online beforehand to skip the line, pack a cooler for a picnic at the nearby Liberty Park after you're done, and make sure your phone is charged for the inevitable 400 photos you're going to take. It’s a Memphis rite of passage for a reason.