Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Memphis, TN

Some of my most challenging mom moments have occurred on days when it is pouring outside.  A change of scenery is usually the best solution but coming up with an inexpensive and exciting choice can seem like an insurmountable feat.

Since I know that I'm not the only mom who just about looses it when the days turn rainy, I've compiled a list of the top five things to do in Memphis when it rains.

#1 The Children's Museum of Memphis : Admission is $9 for anyone over 1 which is a bit high if you're going to be paying for more than you and one kid.  But, the museum is open from 9 to 5 pm Monday thru Saturday and for the remainder of August they're open until 8pm on Thursdays.  They're current traveling exhibit: Monkey Around with Curious George will be at the museum until September 28^th and is a huge hit with just about every child under the age of five.

#2 The Famous Peabody Ducks :These silly ducks are internationally known and for a good reason; they're ridiculously cute and kids love them.  Duck time is 11 am and 5 pm everyday and there is no admission.  To sweeten the deal, there is a "kid friendly" bar which is always a bonus.  If your child is intimidated by large crowds then you best bet for happy duck viewing is on the second floor.  Get there early if you expect to actually get a seat on the first floor.

#3 The Pink Palace : This place provides a lot of bang for a relatively small buck.  Adult admission is $8.75.  Kids 3-12 are $6.25 and anyone under 3 gets in for free.  The museum is open from 9 until 5 pm Monday thru Saturday and from noon until 5 pm on Sunday.  If you go around lunch time then be sure to check out Anne's Bakery Caf?? for some awesome kid friendly sandwiches.  The featured exhibit right now is called Treasure! and includes seven different "areas".  At least one should appeal to even the most discerning of three foot dictators.

#4 CTI IMAX Theater : Most kids think of the IMAX Theater as a REALLY BIG TV and for most, that's a really cool thing.  Show times vary depending on what show you want to see and admission is $8 for adults, $6.25 for kids 3-12 and tots under 3 are free.  Combination admissions with the Pink Palace are available if you feel like making a true day of it but just going to the IMAX for a bit is a great choice for younger kids.

#5 A. Schwab's :A dry goods store may seem like an odd choice of venues for an outing but it is well worth it.  It costs nothing [unless you buy something] and there are two levels of fun for both you and your kids.  Sure you can get cool souvenirs but what you really want to be on the lookout for are the nickel candy machines and the mojo candles.

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