Christmas off I40 with toddler (Memphis: home, neighborhoods, theater)

[montereymadi2]

Hi. We're making our cross country trip from CA to VA, via I40. We'll probably stop in Memphis along the way. We're traveling with our two year old son. We're looking for fun Christmas themed places as well as parks and fun things for toddlers. We know about the Children's Museum. Are there any cool neighborhoods with great Christmas displays? Any must sees for Christmas and/or for toddlers in general? Thanks so much for any advice.

[tippster]

I would check out the Memphis Zoo lights display.

The Memphis Zoo - SunTrust Zoo Lights

[Pearlbob]

I was going to mention the same thing. Zoo Lights at the zoo, it's Friday and Saturday nights, but I think started the 13th it is every night thru xmas eve. Check their website. Very pretty, for kids and adults alike. I go every year and I'm not a kid! They do have a ton of activities for the kids though.

It's no where near I-40, but 40 goes around town, not through it. I take it you do not know where you are staying in Memphis? If you are coming from Cali (west) you'll hit downtown first. What day are you coming? There is an xmas parade downtown...on....maybe the 15th? Not sure. The zoo is between North Parkway and Poplar, near McLean. (Overton Park, if you look at a map). Really, really easy to get to.

[strumpeace]

You might want to check out the Pink Palace, home to the Enchanted Forest/Festival of Trees. It's pretty cool. While at the Pink Palace, you can also take in a showing of 'Santa vs. the Snowman' at the IMAX theater.

[Pearlbob]

yes! Again, great idea about Pink Palace. It's not near I-40 but it sort of in the same general vicinity as the zoo (a few miles down Poplar, a few blocks south)