Ride the newly restored 1909 Memphis Grand Carousel at The Children's Museum of Memphis

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Children's Museum Memphis

4.6

·3k reviews·Memphis, United States

A vibrant hub for kids to play, learn, and explore through interactive exhibits, a carousel, and a splash park.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow

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Children's Museum Memphis

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub for kids to play, learn, and explore through interactive exhibits, a carousel, and a splash park.

4.6

(3k reviews)

"It's a one stop for us! From the splash pad, to Dino Dig, to their outdoor playground we have a blast."

TIP

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must for kids and adults alike.

Pack swim gear! :swimmer:

The outdoor splash park is a major attraction, so bring swimsuits and towels for a fun water play session.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,833 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

2525 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA

Website

cmom.com

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Carousel

Indoor

A beautifully restored carousel that's a must-ride for all ages, offering a magical experience.

Outdoor Splash Park & Playground

Outdoor

Perfect for hot Memphis days, this area offers water fun and a playground to burn energy.

Interactive Exhibits

Indoor

From a mini-grocery store to a real airplane cockpit, these hands-on displays spark imagination.

Dino Dig & Skyscraper

Indoor

Kids can excavate fossils or climb through a towering structure, offering active play.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. The outdoor splash park is a huge hit, but can get crowded. Consider an early morning visit to maximize playtime before the heat sets in, especially during summer months.

Membership Perks

If you're a local or plan to visit multiple times, a membership can be a great value. It often includes access to special events and discounts, making repeat visits even more rewarding.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more space to play

Crowd

Low

When

Summer afternoons

Why

Splash park is a lifesaver

Crowd

Medium

When

Special event days

Why

Unique activities and themes

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We love the CMOM! This is one of our best membership purchases, because we stay in the streets! It's a one stop for us! From the splash pad, to Dino Dig, to their outdoor playground we have a blast. After being in the heat for a while we take our talents indoors where the things to do are endless!! I didn't capture half of the options. Nevertheless, check them out! Memphis is rich with things to d...

itslatesa_douglas

13 likes • 370 views

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must for kids and adults alike.

Pack swim gear! :swimmer:

The outdoor splash park is a major attraction, so bring swimsuits and towels for a fun water play session.

Is there anything better than a children’s museum? #cmom #childrensmuseum #saturdays #momlife #boymom #hueys #kids #brothers #memphis #memphistn

samantha_r_wallace

18 likes • 317 views

Warren Hodges had the best time of his life! 🙂‍↔️🕺🏼✨Dancing and raising money all weekend long for the Children’s Museum of Memphis. All for an incredible cause! 🧸🚂 #danceforacause #charityevent #memphisbusiness #warrenhodges #insurance #cmomemphis #bluffcity

warrenhodgesinsuranceagency

18 likes • 468 views

Check for exhibits ✨

They often have traveling exhibits, so see what's new before your visit to maximize the fun.

Membership is key :money_with_wings:

If you live nearby or plan multiple visits, a membership offers great value and perks.

It’s a great day to go on a field trip in Tate County! Our students are gaining hands-on learning experiences through exciting trips to college campuses, the Memphis Zoo, the Children's Museum of Memphis, Tobie Cinemas to see literature come to life, and more! These adventures provide our students with real-world learning opportunities, broadening their horizons and fostering a love of exploratio...

tatecoschools

7 likes • 413 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must for kids and adults alike.

Pack swim gear! :swimmer:

The outdoor splash park is a major attraction, so bring swimsuits and towels for a fun water play session.

Check for exhibits ✨

They often have traveling exhibits, so see what's new before your visit to maximize the fun.

Membership is key :money_with_wings:

If you live nearby or plan multiple visits, a membership offers great value and perks.

Embrace the mess :joy:

It's a children's museum, so expect some playful chaos! Staff work to maintain cleanliness, but it's a busy place.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum of Memphis for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and the fun provided by the Grand Carousel and outdoor splash park. It's described as a huge, fantastic place for imaginative play, offering hours of entertainment for children aged 2-10. While some find it smaller than other children's museums, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its cleanliness, friendly staff, and perfect blend of education and play.

"The Children’s Museum of Memphis is absolutely amazing! It’s one of the best places in the city for kids to play, learn, and explore. Every exhibit is hands-on and interactive—whether it’s climbing through the Skyscraper, shopping in the mini-grocery store, exploring the firetruck, or even stepping inside a real airplane cockpit. The Grand Carousel is beautiful and a must-ride, and the splash park outside is perfect for hot days.

The museum is clean, safe, and very well maintained. Staff members are friendly, welcoming, and clearly love working with kids. My family always spends hours here, and there’s something fun for every age. It’s the perfect mix of education and play, and you can easily come back again and again without running out of things to do."

Mustafa Hajjeh

"Someone else called this place small...I think they missed a turn or two, it's HUGE. There is so much to do, and is such a fantastic place for imaginative play. There is something for everyone, and we spent 4hrs here, and could have easily stayed longer! Highly recommend for ages 2-10!"

Ryan S

"We enjoyed ourselves because when we went it wasn’t busy. My daughter loved the carousel, bank room, dentist room, and painting screen. Compared to other Children’s museum that we’ve been, it’s relatively small. But fun overall."

Girly Girl

What People Like

Hands-on interactive exhibits

Grand Carousel

Outdoor splash park

What People Dislike

Can be crowded on weekends

Some find it relatively small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 2525 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local Memphis transit schedules for routes and times.

Yes, there is parking available at the Children's Museum of Memphis. It's generally sufficient for visitors, but can fill up during peak times.

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the Children's Museum of Memphis. Just set your destination to the museum's address.

Yes, the Children's Museum of Memphis is designed to be stroller-friendly, with wide pathways and ramps to accommodate families with young children.

Depending on your starting point in Memphis, major roads like Central Avenue and Poplar Avenue are common routes. GPS navigation is recommended for the most direct path.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but generally, there's a set fee per person. It's always best to check the official Children's Museum of Memphis website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.

While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended, especially for weekends or holidays, to ensure entry and potentially save time.

Operating hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the museum's official website for their current daily hours before planning your visit.

Discounts may be available for military personnel, seniors, or through specific community partnerships. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter. Memberships also offer significant savings for frequent visitors.

Refund policies typically vary. It's advisable to review the museum's ticketing terms and conditions or contact them directly regarding refund or exchange options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the Grand Carousel, the outdoor splash park and playground, the Skyscraper climbing structure, and interactive areas like the mini-grocery store and airplane cockpit. +1

Yes, the museum offers many engaging exhibits suitable for toddlers, with plenty of hands-on activities designed for younger children to explore and learn.

Absolutely! While geared towards children, the interactive nature and nostalgic elements like the carousel make it enjoyable for adults too, especially when seeing the kids' excitement.

The museum is quite large, so grab a map upon entry. Prioritize exhibits based on your children's interests or plan to explore section by section to ensure you don't miss anything.

While the museum is designed for active play, some areas might be less crowded. It's good to observe and find calmer spots, or take breaks in the lobby or outdoor areas if needed.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum typically has a cafe or snack bar offering light meals, snacks, and beverages for visitors.

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum exhibits. However, there might be designated areas for picnics or you can consume items purchased from the cafe. Check their policy.

Yes, the museum's cafe usually offers a selection of kid-friendly options like sandwiches, pizza, and snacks.

The museum is located in a vibrant area of Memphis with numerous restaurants nearby, ranging from casual eateries to family-friendly dining.

Typically, there are no food storage facilities available for outside food. It's best to consume any outside food before entering or after leaving the museum.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.

The Grand Carousel, the colorful exhibits, and the outdoor splash park (weather permitting) offer great photo opportunities. Capturing candid moments of kids interacting with exhibits is also wonderful.

Professional photography equipment or tripods may require special permission. It's best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policy.

Always be respectful of other families. Avoid taking close-up photos of children who are not your own without parental consent.

You can share your photos on social media using hashtags like #CMOMemphis, #ChildrensMuseumMemphis, or #MemphisFamilyFun. +1