Free fun things for kids in Memphis area? (live in, costs)

[ggluvbug]

Hello,
My son is currently at a Youth Villages facility in the area. This month, he gets to start taking off campus passes. We are on a tight budget, but we want to do some fun things with him while he is off campus. I was wondering if anyone could make some suggestions about things we could do with him in the area. He is 12 years old.
Thanks!

[Pearlbob]

I believe several of the museums in town offer free admission on certain days of the week. The Civil Righs Museum used to (Tuesdays maybe?) and the zoo does as well - the zoo used to at least, although now when I look on their website it doesn't mention it. Might be worth a phone call though. Maybe the Children's Museum too.

Going walking around Shelby Farms, or walking/hiking/biking at Shelby Forrest would be an option. Just walking around downtown along the river would be nice as well when it's warmer.

It's not free, but once the Redbirds start playing (baseball), you can get tickets on the bluff (the grassy area in the outfield) for $5. Pretty cheap, and always a really, really fun experience. The Grizzlies games are going on now (NBA) and you can also get tickets for $5. A very good deal for a professional sports league.

[strumpeace]

When the weather warms up, Mud Island will be a great place to visit. It's free (unless you take the tram, which costs a few bucks) and is a great place to stroll and think and talk.

[ggluvbug]

Thanks for the ideas. I didn't know there was a basketball team there. That might be something he would really like, and we can swing that for tickets. It is hard b/c I live in South Mississippi and only get to see my son once a month right now so I want to make sure we have a good time when we get to see him.

[fittoac]

i second the idea about the basketball or baseball games! my hubby and i live downtown and have really enjoyed the times we've bought spur-of-the-moment $5 tickets just to do something different for a night. it's always well worth the money and we really have a great time.

[ggluvbug]

Is there a website I can go to so I can see the schedule?

[fittoac]

GRIZZLIES: 2008-09 GRIZZLIES SCHEDULE

[ggluvbug]

Thanks so much for the link. We won't be able to do it this month b/c of the schedule, but there is a possibility that we may be able to the Hornets game next month (my husband would love that too--we live near New Orleans)
I really appreciate your help.

[tippster]

I would recommend checking this site out too. It lists some free activities and things to do in the Memphis area with kids.

memkids.com