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

Tis the season for giving and no one knows that better than a parent.  If you think about it though, how long will those gifts be loved and cuddled and then forgotten?

I see too many friends of mine who seem to have forgotten two really great places that are Memphis originals where a membership costs about as much [probably less] than just one gift for one child. 

Why not give the gift that keeps giving all year long?

#1 The Memphis Zoo - With 400 species on 70 acres, there's a lot to love about the zoo.  There are seven "levels" of membership with the family level probably being the most popular.  Events are held year round and there are special "members only" activities to take part in.

The zoo also has a Grandparents' package that allows your parents to take the kids to the zoo.  A great gift for those special people who add so much joy to your kids' lives.

#2 The Pink Palace - A true fixture of Memphis, the Pink Palace also has seven different levels of membership with their family plan being around the same price as the zoo's at $75.  The family membership includes:

• Free Admission to the Pink Palace Museum
• Free Admission to Lichterman Nature Center
• Passes to the Crew Training International IMAX® Theater*
• Passes to the Sharpe Planetarium
• Free and/or Discounted Admission to 175 museums nationwide. You can view a list of these reciprocal museums at astc.org
• Invitations to members-only previews and opening events*
• Annual Members Day at Coon Creek Science Center
• Discounts on classes and workshops
• 10% discount at Museum Stores & Nature Store, excluding DVDs, CDs,Videos & Clearance
• A Gift Certificate to Anne's Bakery and Café (new members only)