Tips for Travelling with a Baby or Kids

Travelling with kids can be an adventure all to itself and lugging around baby gear is no fun!  Many popular destinations have businesses that cater to travelling families by offering baby gear rentals such as strollers, cribs, high chairs, bed rails and more.  These are great services and usually include delivery but the rental fees can quickly add up.  We've rounded up some of the best portable travel gear that you can take with you and use again for the same price or less than renting.
Stide Rite Phibian

 Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian Sneaker Sandal (Toddler/Little Kid), Navy, 6 M US Toddler

These shoes rock! No need to pack sneakers, socks, or sandals for your summer vacation.  These shoes handle it all, play, mud, water, and sand.  They are closed toe for protection and dry quickly.  Hose them off with a garden hose or put them in the washing machine.  They also have a slip-resistant sole.  
Baby's Journey Babysitter High Chair Pad


Baby's Journey Babysitter High Chair Pad

 This portable high chair pad transforms any chair into a safe place for your baby or toddler to sit without taking up alot of suitcase space.  It's machine washable and great not only for travel but just to keep in your car at home.

Inflatable Safety Bed Rails


Toddler Bed Rail by The Shrunks | Inflatable Safety Bed Rails for Toddlers for Travel or Home Use | Two Bed Side Rails


Eliminate the need to lug around a pack n play, rent bedrails, or build a pillow fort.  You can easily transform any size bed into a safe place for your toddler to sleep at home or away.  The inflatable safey bed rails come with a foot pump and handy carrying case for easy packing and transport.
Inflatable Bath Tub

Mommy's Helper Inflatable Bath Tub Froggie Collection, White/Green, 6-18 Months

The cleanliness of hotel bathrooms can be iffy.  Travel with this inflatable bathtub to keep baby clean and safe.  It aslo has a saddle horn to help keep baby from sliding around.
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Ultimate FREE Summer Guide in Memphis & Midsouth


Beat Summer Boredom and help your family have the Ultimate Summer in Memphis this year by taking advantage of some of these FREE or low cost options to keep the kids busy all summer long.

Kids Bowl FREE

Kids Bowl FREE  is a program designed to give local bowling centers a way to give back to the community and provide a safe and fun way for kids to spend the summer.  Register your children to receive 2 FREE games of bowling everyday during the summer (valued at over $500 per child).  The age limit for children varies by location.  Shoe rental is not included.

The following Mid South bowling centers participate in the program. Registration is required. Dates vary by location.

Andy B's Family Entertainment (Bartlett) - May 2 - August 21, 2016 (ages 18 and under)
Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes (Memphis) - May 1 - August 31, 2016 (ages 15 and under)
Cordova Bowling Center (Cordova) - May 22 - September 10, 2016 (ages 15 and under)
Funquest (Collierville) - May 2 - August 21, 2016 (ages 18 and under)
Winchester Bowl (Memphis) - May 15 - August 7, 2016 (ages 18 and under) 



Kids Skate FREE

Get the kids moving this summer by participating in Kids Skate Free.  Kids Skate FREE is a program for kids 12 and under to receive 2 weekly skate passes for FREE at participating locations.  Registration is required and passes will be emailed to parents weekly.  Passes are only good for certain times of the week and vary by location.

Cordova Skate Center
East End Skating Center
Skateland Raleigh


FREE Summer Camps (Deadlines in May)

 For the first time ever, Memphis Libraries are hosted several FREE summer camps for teens.  
FREE - Explore Memphis 2016 (June 1 - July 31, 2016)

Explore Memphis is a great way to keep the whole family entertained all summer through the Memphis Library.  Library card holders can enjoy fun programs and FREE stuff by showing their library card at participating sponsors.  Also, there are several FREE Kickoff events at local libraries, find out more info, here.


 FREE Outdoor Movies

Several business and municipalities show FREE outdoor movies for the community to enjoy.  Bring a chair, blanket and mosquito repellent and enjoy!



FREE Pink Palace Museum & Lichterman Nature Center Summer Membership

 The Pink Palace Family of Museums is offering a FREE 90 day Summer trial family memberships for 2 adults and up to 10 related children (children, foster children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews).  This does not include groups, churches or camps.  You must sign up in the month of May and the membership is good for 90 days from sign up.  The trial membership allows unlimited visits to the Pink Palace Museum, Lichterman Nature Center and Mallory-Neely House. It also includes $1 discount on tickets to Star Shows and 10% discount in the museum store and the Bella Cafe.


FREE Brooks Museum - Wacky Wednesdays

Wacky Wednesdays at the Brooks Museum is FREE this summer.  Wacky Wednesday is an open artwork studio, gallery guides and children's international short film every Wednesday in the months of June and July.  



FREE Summer Reading Program w/Prizes

 The Germantown Community Library is hosting a Summer Reading Program for children ages 0-18, May 28 - July 31, 2016.  Stop by the library to sign up and receive information, calendar, and reading log. Once a child meets various benchmarks (1, 5, 10 or 20 hours of reading) they will receive FREE prizes / giftcards.  No library card required.
FREE Guided Nature Hikes
910 Riddick Road, Millington, TN 38053
901-876-5215

 Every Saturday at 10:00 am, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can enjoy a FREE 1.5 mile hike at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.  A naturalist will give information on native flora and fauna, natural history, conservation and more.  Meet at the Visitor's Center.  
FREE Kids Camp

 Carriage Crossing in Collierville is hosting a FREE Kids Camp on Tuesdays in June, from 9 - 10:30, am at the Children's Park across from Milano's Pizza.  All activities are FREE and available for kids ages 4-8 and light snack are also provided.  
$2 Malco Movies Kids Summer Film Fest

 Participating Malco Movie Theaters will show $2 kids movies on Tuesdays on Wednesday at 10:00 am from June 7 - July 27, 2016.
  • June 7 & 8 - The Croods
  • June 14 & 15 - The Peanuts Movie
  • June 21 & 22 - Alvin & the Chipmunks Road Chip
  • June 28 & 29 - Home
  • July 5 & 6 - Penguins
  • July 12 & 13 - Horton Hears a Who!
  • July 19 & 20 - Turbo
  • July 26 & 27 - Night at the Museum - Secret Tombs

FREE Dixon Gallery & Gardens

Explore art and beautiful gardens at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.  Admission is FREE on Saturdays from 10 am - noon.  Tuesdays are a pay-what-you-wish day for patrons.  Children 6 and under are always FREE as are Educators with ID.  During the summer, Memphis library card holders receive FREE admission everyday.  They offer children's workshops on various days of the week FREE for members and usually $8 for non members.  Don't forget about Food Truck Fridays from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm,  April through September. 


FREE Admission to Rock & Soul Museum
191 Beale Street & Hwy 61, Memphis, TN 38103
901-205-2533

 Admission is always FREE for Shelby County residents on Tuesdays. Proof of residency is required. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

FREE Admission to Memphis Zoo

Admission is always FREE to Tennessee Residents on Tuesdays from 2 pm - close.  Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.  Adults 21 and older may accompany up to five children age2 16 and under. $5 per vehicle parking fee still apply.


FREE Storytimes and Crafts

There are lots of great options for kids in the Mid South to enjoy story time, songs and crafts.  See our guide to Story time in the Memphis area.


Earn a FREE Book from Barnes & Noble

 Participate in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Triathlon and earn a FREE book.  Complete the reading journal and bring it into a store by September 6, 2016.
FREE Kids Building Projects and Low Cost Crafts

Both Lowe's and Home Depot offer various FREE kid building projects.  Home Depot builds are the first Saturday of each month.  Registration is required.  Through Michael's Kids Club children can participate in great kids crafting classes for just $2 on Saturdays. View website for class schedule and to reserve a seat. 


FREE LEGO Club

The Knowledge Tree hosts FREE Lego club builds at specific locations on Saturdays.  Children use imagination to build to a specified theme.  Check the calendar to find out which location will be hosting each week.  


FREE admission to National Civil Rights Museum

Tennessee residents can visit the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) for FREE on Mondays from 3 pm - 5 pm (year round).   The NCRM is located at the site Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and is now museum chronically the entire civil rights history and struggle for equality.
FREE admission to Tipton County Museum, Veterans Memorial & Nature Center

 Admission is always FREE at the Tipton County Museum.  There are regular educational programs, art classes and more to enjoy. 
FREE Mud Island Riverwalk Tours

 Everyday, except on Mondays, take an informal walking tour to learn some of this history and interesting facts about the Mississippi River on an exact scale model of the Lower Mississippi River.  It includes water that kids can wade and splash in.  The walking tour times are 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.  Mud Island also has Pedal Boats available for $5 for 30 minutes.  And, there are plenty of areas along the river to have a great family picnic.
Peabody Ducks


Watch the Peabody Ducks march the red carpet in Downtown Memphis.  This FREE daily event occurs at 11 am or 5 pm.  It's lots of fun for kids.
Kids Eat FREE

View our guide to Kids Eat FREE in the Midsouth to pair a fun family outing with a FREE meal for the kids.



FREE Swimming

 The City of Memphis has several outdoor and indoor pools with FREE admission.  However, you must obtain a City Access Card in order to enter / swim.  These can be obtained from any Memphis Public Library.
FREE Splash Area at Island Play @ Beale Street Landing

 Island Play @ Beale Street Landing is an interactive play area on the Mississippi Riverfront in downtown Memphis.  There are dancing water fountains that kids can run through, one-of-a-kind stone slide, and a giant catfish for kids to explore.  The area is designed for children ages 10 years old and under.  Hours are 8 am - 8 pm, or until sunset, whichever time is earlier.
$5 Swimming @ T.O. Fuller State Park
1500 West Mitchell Rd, Memphis, TN 38109
901-543-7581

 The T.O. Fuller State Parks swimming pool opens May 27, 2016.  The Olympic sized pool has lifeguards on duty.  The cost to swim is $5 / persons ages 4 years old and older.  The park also has hiking trails, volleyball, picnic areas, camping, playground and basketball court.
Area Playgrounds & Parks

 Visit any one of the great parks in the Midsouth for a day of fun play.  Find information about great parks for kids below.

Arlington Parks
Bartlett Parks with Playgrounds or Athletic Fields
Collierville ParksGermantown Parks
Horn Lake Parks
Lakeland Parks
Memphis Parks with Play equipment
Millington Parks
Olive Branch Parks
Southaven Parks
Woodland Discovery Playground at Shelby Farms


Ride the Greenline

The Greenline is a 6.5 mile urban trail connecting Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park.  Get some exercise, take in the scenery and have fun while you ride.  You can ride your own bike or rent one at the corner of Farm Rd and Mullins Station Rd.  It's fun for the entire family.  To keep up with the latest news and closings due to weather, visit the Shelby Farms Greenline Facebook page.

Storytimes

 There are lots of FREE and low cost storytimes happening in and around the Memphis area year round.  Please see our guide to storytime.  All storytimes are subject to change (especially during the summer), please call before arriving to confirm dates and times.
Bartlett Recreational Center Summer Membership
If you want to enjoy some great summer classes, basketball, walking trail, swim or let the kids get wet at the splash pad, you can join the Bartlett Rec Center for 3 months.  The 3 month membership is available to both residents and non residents.  Memberships are good for 3 months from purchase date.
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Memphis Area Storytime for Babies, Toddlers & Kids


***PLEASE NOTE - ALL STORYTIMES LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION, PLEASE CALL TO VERIFY TIME & DATES***
Mondays

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
901-415-2700
10:15 am - Preschool Storytime is for children ages 3-5 years old. Activities include stories, songs and fun.


Germantown Community Library
1925 Exeter Rd, Germatown, TN  38138
901-757-7323

 10:00 am - Book Babies is designed for babies 0-12 months old.  Storytime includes story, songs, rhymes and cuddles.

 11:00 am - Wonderful Ones is for toddlers 12-24 months old.  The program includes a story, songs, and whole body movements. 


 Knowledge Tree (Germantown)
2095 Exeter Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
901-758-2280

10:00 am - Storytime Hour includes a story and craft time.


Tuesdays
Art Project Memphis(Overton Square)
2092 Trimble Place, Memphis, TN 38104
901-425-3434

 10:00 am - Story Time followed by art free play for kids 12 months and older.  The cost is $12 for non members and there is no cost for members.
Barnes & Noble (Wolfchase)
2774 N. Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133
901-386-2468
11:00 am - Toddler story time and fun.
Germantown Community Library
1925 Exeter Rd, Germatown, TN  38138
901-757-7323
10:00 am - Book Babies is designed for babies 0-12 months old.  Storytime includes story, songs, rhymes and cuddles.

 11:00 am - Wonderful Ones is for toddlers 12-24 months old.  The program includes a story, songs, and whole body movements. 
Knowledge Tree (Horn Lake)
981 Goodman Rd, Horn Lake, MS 38637
662-510-5601

10:00 am - Storytime Hour includes a story and craft time.
Tipton County Public Library
3149 Highway 51, Bldg C, Covington, TN 38019
901-476-8289
10:00 am - Mother Goose Storytime is for infants and toddlers ages 0-24 months and  features stories, crafts and fun.
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
901-415-2700

 10:15 am - Babies & Books is a parent child story time for children ages 6-18 months. Activities include stories, songs, rhymes, and early literacy fun.

Collierville Libary (Lucius E. Elsie C. Burch Jr. Library)
501 Poplar View Pkwy, Collierville, TN 38017
901-457-2600

 10:30 am - Reading Readiness Storytime is for 3 - 5 year olds and includes a story, songs, fingerplays, movement activities and crafts.
Arlington Library (Sam T. Wilson Library)
5854 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN 38002
901-867-2620

 10:30 am - Toddler Time includes stories, songs, counting, dancing and parent interaction.
The Booksellers at Laurelwood
387 Perkins Rd Extended, Memphis, TN 38117
901-683-9801

 11:00 am - Storytime includes stories, songs and sometimes a special guest.

Wednesdays
Bartlett Library
5884 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN 38134
901-386-8968

 11:15 am - Preschool Storytime for ages 2-5 years old. Registration IS required.

 Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
901-415-2700

10:15 am - Toddler Storytime is for children ages 18-36 months. Activities include stories, songs and fun.
Germantown Community Library
1925 Exeter Rd, Germatown, TN  38138

901-757-7323

 10:00 am & 11:00 am- Terrific Twos and Threes is children ages 2-3 and includes lively songs, stories, and fingerplays.


 Knowledge Tree (Memphis)
5000 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
901-324-9251

 10:00 am - Storytime Hour includes a story and craft time.

Arlington Library (Sam T. Wilson Library)
5854 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN 38002
901-867-2620
10:30 am - Toddler Time includes stories, songs, counting, dancing and parent interaction.
Collierville Libary (Lucius E. Elsie C. Burch Jr. Library)
501 Poplar View Pkwy, Collierville, TN 38017
901-457-2600

 10:30 am - Reading Readiness Storytime is for 3 - 5 year olds and includes a story, songs, fingerplays, movement activities and crafts.

 11:30 am - Toddler Storytime is for toddlers 18 - 35 months old.  The program is energetic and includes stories, music, dancing, crafts and occasional puppet show.
Cordova Library
8457 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
901-415-2764

 10:30 am - Baby Story Time is for little ones and an adult, it includes stories, songs and fun.
Kid's Play
9155 Highway 72 (Poplar Ave) #27, Germantown, TN 38138
901-758-1015

 10:30 am - Story Time Live includes story, song and a meet and greet with a character.  Guests may take pictures with the character afterwards.  Story Time Live is complimentary with daily admission.  No RSVP required. 
Millington Public Library
4858 Navy Rd, Millington, TN 38053
901-872-1585
11:00 am (School year only) - Children's Storytime with story and fun.

Thursdays
Germantown Community Library
1925 Exeter Rd, Germatown, TN  38138

901-757-7323
10:00 am - Terrific Twos and Threes is children ages 2-3 and includes lively songs, stories, and fingerplays.

 11:00 am - Fantastic Fours and Fives caters to children ages 4-5.  Storytime includes story, music and fun.
Knowledge Tree (Cordova)
8195 Dexter Rd, Cordova, TN 38016
901-382-3102

 10:00 am - Storytime Hour includes a story and craft time.
Tipton County Public Library
3149 Highway 51, Bldg C, Covington, TN 38019
901-476-8289

 10:00 am - Toddler & Preschool Storytime features stories, crafts and fun.

 2:00 pm - Toddler & Preschool Storytime features stories, crafts and fun.
Collierville Libary (Lucius E. Elsie C. Burch Jr. Library)
501 Poplar View Pkwy, Collierville, TN 38017
901-457-2600

 10:30 am - Toddler Storytime is for toddlers 18 - 35 months old.  The program is energetic and includes stories, music, dancing, crafts and occasional puppet show.

 11:30 am - Tiny Tots Storytime is for infants and toddlers ages 6 - 18 months.  Storytime includes stories, bounces, songs, nursery rhymes, fingerplay and free play.
Cordova Library
8457 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
901-415-2764

 10:30 am - Toddler Story Time is for children ages 2 - 3 and includes stories, songs and fun.

 11:30 am - Pre-School Story Time if for children ages 4-4 and includes fun stories and silly songs.
The Booksellers at Laurelwood
387 Perkins Rd Extended, Memphis, TN 38117
901-683-9801

 11:00 am - Storytime includes stories, songs and sometimes a special guest.


Fridays

Art Project Memphis (Overton Square)
2092 Trimble Place, Memphis, TN 38104
901-425-3434
10:00 am - Story Time followed by art free play for kids 12 months and older.  The cost is $12 for non members and there is no cost for members.
Millington Public Library
4858 Navy Rd, Millington, TN 38053
901-872-1585

 11:00 am - Children's Storytime with story and fun.
Whole Foods (Germantown)
7825 U.S. Highway 72, Germantown, TN 38138
901-896-3247

 10:00 am - Storytime at Whole Foods includes stories, healthy snacks, and playtime.

Saturdays

 Barnes & Noble (Wolfchase)
2774 N. Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133
901-386-2468

 11:00 am - Weekly Children's story time and fun.
Barnes & Noble (Carriage Crossing)
4610 Merchant's Park Circle Suite 521, Collierville, TN 38017
901-853-3264

 11:00 am - MOST Saturdays is Children's storytime and fun.  Check the store calendar.
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Memphis Area Bowling for Kids



Andy B's
6276 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134
901-386-7701

 Andy B's Bowling in Bartlett has bowling, arcade and video games, food and drinks for kids and adults.  Andy B's has birthday party packages and youth bowling programs including special programs for daycare, after school care and in school programs.  The traditional lanes offer a clean, smoke free environment for the whole family.
Bass Pro - Pyramid
1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN 38105
901-291-8200

 The Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Downtown Memphis is an exciting destination for families of all ages.  Located inside the iconic 535,000 square foot Pyramid is something for everyone.  Find tons of outdoor gear for sale, multiple water features, a swamp with 100 ft trees, alligator feedings, fish aquarium, arcade, shooting range, family friendly restaurant, 13 lane ocean themed bowling alley, gift shops, 28 story freestanding glass elevator, and a glass floor covered observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis.  You can also book a stay at the Big Cypress Lodge, a 103 room wilderness hotel with tree houses and cabins.  Be prepared for a truly unique experience. 
Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes
1576 S. White Station Rd, Memphis, TN  38117
901-683-2695

 Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes is a 40 lane bowling center located in East Memphis.  Offerings include bowling, birthday parties, bowling leagues, cosmic bowling, snack bar and arcade.  Birthday party packages are available for Kids and Teens.  All birthday parties require a minimum of 10 guests which includes a party host, cosmic bowling, party table, pizza, soda, and game room tokens.  Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more (deposit required).  School trips and summer camps receive special rates with a minimum of 10 guests.  Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes participates in the Kids Bowl Free Summer program.
Cordova Bowling Center
7945 Club Center Cove, Cordova, TN  38016
901-754-4275

 Cordova  Bowling Center offers public bowling, birthday parties, youth bowling leagues, and concessions.  There are three birthday party options available.  All parties include party room, bowling balls, shoes, bumper bowling, balloons, paper goods, small drink and party host for up to 10 guests.  Additional fee applies for extra guests.  Cordova Bowling Center participates in the Kids Bowl Free Summer program.
Funquest
440 U.S. 72, Collierville, TN 38017
901-850-9600

 Funquest in Collierville is a great family destination that everyone can enjoy.  Activities include bowling, skating, laser tag, and games.  Birthday party options are available for kids and teens.  Funquest also participates in the summer program Kids Bowl Free.
Main Event
7219 Appling Farms Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133
901-372-5000

 Main Event Entertainment in Memphis has bowling opportunities for all ages.  Bumpers are available for kids learning to bowl.  The bowling area includes state of the art scoring, seating area, black lights, music and more.  You can even reserve a lane online.
Strike Zone Bowling
3330 Pine Tar Alley, Southaven, MS 38672
662-893-0530

 Strike Zone Bowling in Southaven offers bowling fun for the entire family.  Amenities include bowling, video games / arcade and concession stand.  Several birthday party packages are available for kids.
Winchester Bowl
3703 S. Mendenhall Road, Memphis, TN 38115
901-362-1620

 Winchester Bowl offers bowling, arcade games, billiards, concessions, cosmic bowling, youth bowling league and bowling coaches to teach children how to play the game.  Winchester Bowl participates in the Kids Bowl Free summer program.
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