Let’s be honest: Memphis has many outlets for adults and little kids, but there aren’t as many options that interest pre-teens and teenagers. So I’ve decided to be intentional and create a Memphis Weekend for my kiddos. Twice a month, we’ll go to a Memphis location on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Since we are a family of six and not overflowing in riches, our outings will always be wallet-friendly. Here were the stops for this past weekend.
Friday: Crosstown Concourse
After a school week, everyone needs to relax! Each person in this family has their own way of relaxing. For my daughter, it’s fries and a book. One twin loves a good MemPop, while the other is more partial to artwork and scenery. My oldest must grab a pizza, play a game, or hear some cool beats. My husband enjoys a good cocktail. Me, I love it all!
Crosstown Concourse has everything. We first stop by MemPops and grab some minis. They are the perfect size to snack on while walking to the WYXR radio station. We sit and watch the people in the glass like a fish bowl. They always wave kindly to us. Next, we go to the other side of the stairs. My boys take a pit stop at Sweet Magnolia for some gelato. How they can eat sweets back-to-back is beyond me! My daughter, husband, and I share some fries from Farm Burger. We have balance! Something sweet and something salty.
We agreed to meet in the Memphis Listening Lab after snacking. My kids get a kick of listening to music from the 1900s. (I know, I know. I keep asking them to refer to my birth year as the 1980s, but they insist on saying that I was born during the 1900s! The disrespect!) Oh, the Listening Lab is free! After listening to a few tunes, the kids go to the big steps to read or play cards, while hubby and I grab a quick cocktail at Art Bar. The cocktails there are top-notch, and I love the oddly decorated yet comforting rooms. When the kids start texting me they’re done, we take a walk through the Crosstown Arts Galleries, which are also free!
Before we knew it, we’d spent about two hours at Crosstown Concourse and enjoyed every minute of it. One day I hope to save up enough money to spend the weekend at Crosstown’s AirBnB Pettigrew Adventures. That would definitely make me Parent of the Year!
Photo: Patricia Lockhart
Saturday: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
After a slow morning filled with video games and a melee of breakfast, we finally break out of our pajamas and head to the Brooks Museum. At the Brooks, the first Saturday of every month is Super Saturday. From 10 a.m. to noon, they have free admission and art making facilitated by an art educator. My kids love art galleries, but it’s not often they get to see Black art by Black artists. The Brooks currently has an exhibit called “Black American Portraits.” It’s so DOPE! My kids laughed, joked, and stood in awe of some of the work. While you can roam and view for yourself, we decided to get a guide. The docents were so knowledgeable and provided a lot of context about the work and artists. There was even some Memphis artwork by a Memphis artist showcased!
I’m going to remind you, like I have to remind my kids at every gallery we go to … Don’t get too close to the art! No matter how much it boggles and inspires you.
Sunday: Memphis Rox
I’m not afraid of heights. I’m simply afraid of falling. But my fear of landing face-first was not dampened by Memphis Rox’s atmosphere. This is a place where my teenagers are sure to be ready for a nap afterwards.
Because I’m new to rock climbing, I thought about taking the Top Rope Class. I felt it would be informative and reassuring. I thought if I had proper training and guidance, I could be the best climber in the building. I thought about how cool I would look scaling the wall and mastering near-impossible reaches. I thought about hanging from the “cliff” by sheer finger strength. I thought the entire time … with my feet planted securely on the solid ground. I did not engage.
My family, however, thoroughly enjoyed themselves! They were climbing and bouldering as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Even my daughter was having a good time! (Which reminds me, when she was 4, she refused to hold my hand on the Ferris wheel when I was afraid. The disrespect!)
What I most love about Memphis Rox is that they exclude no one, regardless of ability to pay. While a day pass can cost anywhere from $10 for kids to $12 for adults, you’re also welcome to set a price that works for you.
Although I didn’t climb, I did sign up for Memphis Rox’s next community cleanup. It’s always good to give back! Register for the next event via Volunteer Odyssey. Next time, I promise I’ll try a little climbing.
Enjoy Memphis!
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend
