The Blue Plate cafe downtown is really good. And you can catch a Redbirds game (Cardinals minor league) if they're in town; it's right downtown, too. The Peabody ducks are cute, but that will take you all of about 5 minutes so I don't know if I'd bother with that unless you are already nearby.

I'll add my vote to the zoo--it's really great, better than the National Zoo here--and Mud Island.

Also, don't be fooled by what they call Midtown in Memphis (where the zoo is); it's actually the suburbs! Maybe because it makes me think of midtown Manhattan, but I find it a little ridiculous.

Children's museum, mud island museum, Peabody ducks, big playground on mud island, strolling through Beale looking at sights, but I wouldn't take them there at night. Central BBQ is the best. There is a kid friendly farmers market on Saturdays in the south main area. We lived in Memphis for two years with a baby and had a blast, let me know if you want restaurant recommendations.

I lived in Memphis for 3 years - worst place EVER.

I 2nd the ducks at the Peabody and the Memphis Zoo. There is also the Children's Museum of Memphis on Central Ave.

Graceland might be a good idea since Elvis was such an icon in American music and pop culture. You might not think they'll remember it but I definitely remember important cultural experiences that I did with my parents when I was that age and although I might not have fully appreciated it at the time- I sure appreciate it now. Also, you could probably do some fun, outdoorsy things on the Mississipi River. Whatever you do though, don't bother crossing the order into Arkansas. I just had my first Arkansas experience and I can honestly tell you there is absolutely nothing there.

The Memphis Zoo is very good - they will love it. Yes try and see the ducks at the Peabody too. They are so cute. Corky's BBQ is family friendly.

DH has a business trip in Memphis in late August. I was going to meet him down there with our 3 young kids (newly turned 2, 4, and 6 year olds) for a long weekend before school starts. Any suggestions for fun places to go to with our family? The kids won't appreciate or understand icons like Graceland or any of the historical (civil rights or Civil War) things, but was hoping there was a great children's museum (the one in Chattanooga was awesome) or a cool aquarium. The Memphis Zoo looked good and the Peabody(?).