Clyde Parker Circus Parade is a magical tiny world your kids will love looking at, when you visit Pink Palace in Memphis. My husband and I recently took the kids to Memphis to take advantage of our free
-- I hope you registered for it when I mentioned back in May because it's wonderful.
(If not and you're a
you can get in free as well)
If neither is an option go here to see
The T-Rex moves and growls as you walk past his sensor.This summer they have a new exhibit c
. It's upstairs and fun for the kids to explore.
There are a number of displays and an interactive
The museum volunteers were great with the kids.
They did presentations and offered a scavenger hunt (which was fun and you receive a free dinosaur tattoo if you complete it)
There's a dinosaur dig and other interactive displays.
My kids really enjoyed every aspect.
Check out the stone and gem displays on the first floor of the Pink Palace.But there's more to Pink Palace than just the dino exhibit.
Check out
circus display which is huge and awesome. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't however even when it's not working (which was the case when we were there) it is still impressive and magical.
The whole museum is packed with so many exhibits and displays it's hard to take it in, especially with youngsters.
They also have a planetarium which is extra but I recommend if you have the time and funds.
Included in the free membership is access to
It's a few miles from Pink Palace.
It is a beautiful place with a number of educational features and a plethora of hiking trails.
You can buy fish food for $1 and head down to the lake to feed the fish and the geese.
The lily pads are huge and beautiful.
We were in the animal center where they have live and static displays and saw a family of raccoons -- a mom and four babies.
They were wild and not caged. In fact they were on the observation deck. We watched them through the windows.
If you plan to hike during the summer make sure you bring some water.
I've never seen a family of raccoons. Have you?
The Lichterman visitors center has a number of interactive and educational displays. My son enjoyed the bird identification computer, while my daughter played with the wildlife cam and my youngest son checked out the various pelts and furs on display.Since this was a quick trip we didn't do some of our other favorites --
and Beale Street however we did manage to eat at Marlowe's Ribs near Graceland.
Our attractions were free so we splurged on dinner.
Marlowe's menu and kids menu -- Christie Dedman/News Staff(visited by
) is just down the road from Graceland. It has a giant pig smoker out front, can't miss it.
Bleu Suede Burger at Marlowe'sThe food was great. I had the Blue Suede Burger (bleu cheese crown), my husband had the beef brisket which was delish.
The coloring sheets for the kids -- Elvis of course.
(Moms -- warning -- the bathroom is small and you'll walk through the crowded bar area to get there)
There's also a gift shop -- I didn't visit it.
They offe
Graceland area.
You can also email before
Overall we love Memphis and love quick little road trips and would go back to the Pink Palace, Lichterman and Marlowe's for sure.
Bonus -- if you get a chance to drive across I-40 the bridge over the Mississippi River is fun for little kids. You'll cross over into Arkansas and turn around on the first exit -- not the weigh station. Look for barges and you'll see Mud Island park and tram plus the Memphis Pyramid.
Headed east on I-40 from West Memphis, Arkansas.