Memphis, affectionately known as the Bluff City, is a vibrant cultural hub bursting with history, music, and creativity. While many know Memphis for its iconic outdoor attractions and legendary blues and rock ‘n’ roll legacy, the city’s indoor offerings provide an equally captivating escape, no matter the weather. Whether you’re an avid historian, an art aficionado, a foodie in search of gastronomic delights, or a family eager for interactive experiences, Memphis has a host of indoor adventures that cater to every interest.
This guide unveils 10 incredible indoor things to do in Memphis today. You’ll embark on a journey that spans poignant historical narratives, breathtaking art, interactive entertainment, and even hidden local gems that capture the creative spirit of the city. From absorbing the stirring exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum and exploring the timeless legacy of Graceland to enjoying world-class performances at local theaters and engaging in mind-bending escape rooms, every destination promises a unique adventure. As you step into these inviting spaces, you’ll discover that Memphis isn’t just about what you see outdoors—its indoor venues offer new perspectives, intriguing stories, and surprises that make every visit unforgettable.
1. Discover Memphis History
Memphis is a city steeped in history, where every corridor and exhibit tells a tale of struggle, triumph, and cultural transformation. Its indoor attractions provide a remarkable window into the events that have shaped not only the city but also the nation.
The National Civil Rights Museum
Situated at the historic Lorraine Motel, the National Civil Rights Museum offers an immersive journey into America’s civil rights movement. As you walk through its thoughtfully curated halls, you encounter powerful multimedia exhibits, firsthand accounts, and original artifacts that chronicle the struggles of the 1950s and 1960s. Key displays highlight pivotal moments—such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the courageous sit-ins, and the inspirational March on Washington—inviting reflection on how far society has come and the work still ahead.
Graceland
No exploration of Memphis history would be complete without a visit to Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley. More than just a shrine to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Graceland is a cultural time capsule. Touring its opulent private quarters, you’ll view an extensive collection of Elvis’s personal belongings—from his iconic outfits and gold records to his prized collection of classic cars. This experience offers an intimate look at a man who transformed popular culture while reflecting broader themes of American innovation and style.
2. Indulge in the Arts
Memphis boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, offering an inspiring indoor experience for art lovers and creative souls alike.
Brooks Museum of Art
Nestled in Overton Park, the Brooks Museum of Art stands as a cornerstone of Memphis’s creative community. As Tennessee’s oldest and largest art museum, its extensive collection spans centuries and styles—from European classics to bold contemporary works. Visitors not only admire masterpieces but also interact with engaging exhibits and partake in workshops that deepen one’s understanding of art’s evolution. This museum challenges perspectives and ignites creative passion in every guest.
Playhouse on the Square
For those who prefer live performances, Playhouse on the Square is the perfect indoor venue. This professional theater offers a dynamic mix of plays, musicals, and dance performances throughout the year. With its intimate setting and dedication to quality storytelling, every production transports audiences into vivid, compelling narratives that enrich Memphis’s artistic landscape.
3. Entertainment for All Ages
Memphis offers a delightful array of indoor entertainment options designed to captivate visitors of every generation, whether you’re a local or a family on vacation.
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
At the heart of Memphis’s musical heritage lies the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated venue tells the incredible story of the city’s role in the birth of rock and soul music. Through interactive displays and rare artifacts, you’ll uncover the legacy of music legends like B.B. King and Otis Redding. The immersive audio tours and striking visuals ensure a memorable experience that resonates with music lovers of all ages.
Malco Paradiso Cinema
For a laid-back yet immersive experience, head to Malco Paradiso Cinema. This state-of-the-art theater features plush seating, modern screens, and the latest blockbusters. Whether enjoying a family-friendly film or an indie gem, the cinema offers a high-quality viewing experience that serves as a perfect escape for a relaxing afternoon or an entertaining evening.
4. Get Active Indoors
For those looking to stay active while indoors, Memphis has venues that blend fun and fitness in an exhilarating atmosphere.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park delivers non-stop excitement with its array of physical challenges. Inside this expansive facility, you can bounce on trampoline zones, scale challenging climbing walls, and navigate intricate obstacle courses. With dedicated areas for both younger visitors and advanced challenges for older kids and adults, Urban Air is ideal for family outings, group events, or solo adventures—ensuring safety without sacrificing thrill.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
For a balance of friendly competition and light-hearted fun, the Putt-Putt Fun Center offers an engaging indoor escape. Here, a creatively designed mini-golf course presents obstacles that test precision while entertaining all ages. Complement your game with arcade challenges and a round of exhilarating laser tag, forging memorable moments packed with laughter and camaraderie.
5. Relax and Rejuvenate
When it’s time to take a break from the hustle, Memphis offers indoor sanctuaries dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Galleria Day Spa
At Galleria Day Spa, indulgence takes center stage. This serene retreat provides a wide variety of pampering services—from deeply relaxing massages and revitalizing facials to full-body treatments that leave you feeling renewed. Expert therapists, quality products, and a peaceful ambiance combine to create an oasis of calm—a perfect escape whether you’re seeking a solo reprieve or a shared pampering session with friends.
Shelby Farms Park Visitor Center
Though Shelby Farms Park is celebrated for its vast outdoor landscapes, its indoor visitor center is a hidden gem. This welcoming space hosts interactive workshops and educational programs covering local wildlife, crafts, and sustainable practices. Its hands-on exhibits and cozy atmosphere foster a unique connection between nature and community, even when the weather keeps you indoors.
6. Explore Memphis’s Hidden Gems Indoors
Beyond the well-known landmarks, Memphis is also home to lesser-known indoor attractions bursting with local charm and creative spirit.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Located on the original site of Stax Records, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music celebrates the golden era of soul. Interactive exhibits feature vintage instruments, classic outfits, and captivating narratives that honor legends like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. The museum’s immersive journey pays homage to the artists whose music changed the world and perfectly encapsulates Memphis’s soulful heartbeat.
Crosstown Concourse
Crosstown Concourse exemplifies Memphis’s spirit of reinvention. Once a historic Sears distribution center, this transformed space now serves as a vibrant cultural hub. Packed with galleries, boutiques, and creative workspaces, Crosstown Concourse hosts regular art exhibitions, film screenings, and community workshops that keep its energy ever-evolving—a refreshing alternative to conventional attractions.
7. Shop and Dine Indoors
Memphis elevates everyday shopping and dining into memorable experiences by celebrating local flavors and innovative spaces.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
One of the city’s most remarkable venues, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is far more than a retail store—it’s an indoor adventure. Wander through a massive complex featuring an indoor swamp (complete with live alligators), an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, and even a bowling alley. After exploring an eclectic selection of outdoor gear and memorabilia, savor a meal at the Lookout Restaurant, where delicious food and panoramic vistas create a truly unique dining experience.
South Main Market
Nestled in the heart of the historic South Main Arts District, South Main Market is a food hall that brings together some of Memphis’s best local culinary offerings. Stroll among vendors serving gourmet tacos, artisan coffee, and homemade desserts in an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and inviting. The eclectic mix of flavors and the artistic vibe make it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a quick, satisfying snack.
8. Learn Something New Indoors
For those with curious minds, Memphis offers educational indoor venues that transform discovery into an engaging, hands-on experience.
Pink Palace Museum
The Pink Palace Museum is a multifaceted institution that celebrates Memphis’s heritage and scientific curiosity. Inside, diverse exhibits cover natural history, regional culture, and technological innovation. Marvel at collections of fossils, minerals, and historical artifacts, and don’t miss the state-of-the-art planetarium—a cosmic journey that inspires wonder in visitors of all ages.
Lichterman Nature Center
For an immersive educational experience about local ecosystems, visit the Lichterman Nature Center. This interactive indoor space presents exhibits and hands-on demonstrations about native flora, fauna, and sustainable practices. It offers valuable insights into the delicate balance of Memphis’s natural environment, making it an ideal stop for families, school groups, or anyone eager to connect with nature without stepping out into unpredictable weather.
9. Engage with Science and Innovation
For those who thrive on interactive learning and creative challenges, Memphis has indoor spaces where science and innovation take center stage.
Children’s Museum of Memphis
At the Children’s Museum of Memphis, education meets play in vivid, engaging ways. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits—from piloting a real airplane to exploring the wonders of physics in a ball maze—which spark creativity and encourage problem-solving. Parents can relax in comfortable seating areas as they watch their little ones dive into innovative learning experiences that mix fun with discovery.
Memphis Escape Rooms
For a mental challenge that will test your teamwork and ingenuity, try one of Memphis’s themed escape rooms. With meticulously designed storylines, secret clues, and intricate puzzles, each room offers a pulse-pounding adventure where you must solve mysteries within the time limit. Whether you’re defusing a ticking bomb or unraveling a complex mystery, these escape rooms deliver a unique blend of excitement and brain-teasing fun.
10. Enjoy Indoor Sports and Games
For those with a competitive spirit, Memphis features indoor sports and gaming venues that merge physical activity with social fun.
Memphis Indoor Soccer Complex
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the Memphis Indoor Soccer Complex—a state-of-the-art facility open to players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re competing in organized leagues, joining pick-up games, or simply enjoying friendly tournaments, the venue ensures that the passion for soccer remains undampened by unpredictable weather.
Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment is a dynamic venue offering an eclectic mix of activities—from bowling lanes and laser tag arenas to billiards and a modern arcade featuring both retro classics and new games. Ideal for families, groups of friends, or even corporate team-building events, Main Event promises an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie enhanced by on-site dining options that round out your fun-filled day.
1-Day Itinerary
Morning:
- Begin your day at the National Civil Rights Museum to immerse yourself in powerful historical narratives.
- Quickly follow up with a visit to Graceland to experience the legacy of Elvis Presley with an intimate look at his personal treasures.
Afternoon:
- Head to the Brooks Museum of Art to appreciate its diverse collections in Overton Park.
- Stop for lunch at South Main Market, where you can sample local flavors in a vibrant, indoor setting.
Evening:
- Visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum for an interactive journey through music history.
- Wind down with a movie at Malco Paradiso Cinema or enjoy the creative ambiance of Crosstown Concourse with its local galleries and shops.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Dive into history at the National Civil Rights Museum and tour Graceland.
- Afternoon: Explore the engaging exhibits at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
- Evening: Savor dinner with unique views at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Brooks Museum of Art and catch a live performance at Playhouse on the Square.
- Afternoon: Get active at Urban Air Adventure Park and challenge yourself at Putt-Putt Fun Center.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and a relaxed atmosphere at South Main Market.
Day 3:
- Morning: Engage with interactive learning at the Pink Palace Museum and Lichterman Nature Center.
- Afternoon: Bring out your competitive spirit with an immersive experience at Memphis Escape Rooms.
- Evening: Cap off the day with a light dinner and a stroll through an indoor cultural hub.
1-Week Itinerary
Day 1:
- Focus on history: Spend your morning at the National Civil Rights Museum and then tour Graceland in the afternoon.
Day 2:
- Embrace art and culture: Visit the Brooks Museum of Art, catch a performance at Playhouse on the Square, and explore Crosstown Concourse in the late afternoon.
Day 3:
- Get active: Enjoy thrills at Urban Air Adventure Park, challenge yourself at Putt-Putt Fun Center, and unwind with dinner at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.
Day 4:
- Discover hidden gems: Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, then explore smaller local exhibits and creative spaces indoors.
Day 5:
- Relax and rejuvenate: Start with a pampering session at the Galleria Day Spa, then join a workshop or exhibition at the Shelby Farms Park Visitor Center.
Day 6:
- Learn something new: Spend your morning at the Pink Palace Museum and Lichterman Nature Center, and enjoy interactive play at the Children’s Museum of Memphis in the afternoon.
Day 7:
- Recap your experiences: Revisit your favorite spots or try new activities like indoor sports at the Memphis Indoor Soccer Complex and Main Event Entertainment. End your week with a thrilling escape room adventure.
Plan Your Tennessee Trip
Memphis is just one shining example of Tennessee’s allure. If you’re planning an extended adventure across the state, be sure to explore what else Tennessee has to offer. For instance, discover nearby cities with unique attractions by checking out Best Things to Do in Chattanooga. If you want to time your visit perfectly, learn more about the best time to go to Nashville and enjoy everything this dynamic city has to offer. Budget travelers can uncover free things to do in Knoxville for creative, low-cost experiences, while the Tennessee tourism guide is your comprehensive resource for planning your entire trip.
When booking your adventures, consider seamlessly guided tours available via GetYourGuide or explore various activities with Viator. For convenient accommodations and flights, check out Expedia and secure your travel arrangements. And to ensure peace of mind on your journey, don’t forget to protect yourself with travel insurance from SafetyWing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Memphis’s indoor attractions provide a vibrant array of experiences that cater to every interest and age group. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful narratives of the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland, the creative pulse at the Brooks Museum of Art and Playhouse on the Square, or the dynamic fun found in escape rooms and sports complexes, there is truly something for everyone. These venues offer not only a sanctuary from inclement weather but also a window into the city’s rich cultural, artistic, and innovative spirit.
As you plan your stay in this remarkable city—and even beyond into the broader treasures of Tennessee—immerse yourself in the unforgettable indoor adventures that await. Memphis is ready to inspire, educate, and entertain at every turn, inviting you to make memories that will last a lifetime.
