The Memphis Zoo Offers Fun For Teenagers and Young Children

I have been to Memphis, TN several times and you cannot fit all of the spectacular things to do in Memphis into just one day. However, you can have a great day trip in Memphis and see so much in just one day if you plan your day accordingly.

One of the best hotels to stay at in Memphis that is just a short 4 mile trip to The Memphis Zoo is the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This hotel is located in Downtown Memphis and thus near all kinds of hot spots of Memphis. Because the hotel is located on Beale Street, you will have a large variety of places to eat and tour. Breakfast is offered inside the hotel at the Canal Bar and Bistro.

The Memphis Zoo is located 4 miles from the hotel. According to TripAdvisor.com, the Memphis Zoo is rated the Number 1 Zoo in the US according to polls done on their site.

The zoo is located at 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN and the phone number is (901) 333-6500. You and your teens will enjoy all of the attractions at the zoo and the main attraction I suggest you NOT miss is the Sea Lion show.

The sea lion show is located at the Northwest Passage in the amphitheater. The sea lions and handlers put on a fantastic show that not only educated you about sea lions but also entertains you with special tricks the sea lions have been taught.

You will find yourself being mesmerized by the intelligence of these water mammals and enjoying the humor demonstrated by the sea lions during the show.

The sea lions have been trained to wave, splash you, dance, and even wiggle like a worm. This show is a must see and is shown daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm and during the summer season an extra show is scheduled in at 1:30pm.

Other exciting shows you do not want to miss at the Memphis Zoo is the Penguins Rock show that is put on by the penguin handler daily at 3pm. Panda Keeper Chat is in the China area of the Zoo and the Keeper Chat occurs daily at 11am.

Visit the Primate Canyon at 1:00pm to catch the Primate Keeper Chat to learn more about the primates as well as see the primates interact with the handlers.

The Memphis Zoo offers other shows for other animals as well but these were by far our favorites. Not only were we all entertained but walked away from the experience with awesome pictures and feel more educated about the animals.

We ate at the Cat House Café located at the end of the "Nile River". The food wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. The zoo is located near many other restaurants and eating a meal at the zoo is not necessary.

Admission prices are $15 for ages 12 to 59. If you are active or retired military personnel you can receive a discount on admission by showing your credentials.

The Memphis Zoo is rather large and if you don't feel like all of the walking you can ride the Zoo Tram for $2 per person. This is a guided tour and the tram will make frequent stops for you to take pictures.

If you stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or another hotel on Beale Street, once you return to your room from the zoo you and your teenager can enjoy a fun filled meal at the Hard Rock Café at 315 Beale Street. I had the Grilled Hawaiian Chicken that is marinated in a fresh ginger soy marinade and roasted slowly and topped with diced and grilled pineapple, green onions and served with white cheddar mashed potatoes and a vegetable.

Some of the memorabilia in the Memphis Hard Rock Café include items from Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan just to name a few.

Beale Street is always active and your teens will have a fun time navigating the interesting venues. Beale street has several bars, clubs, and outside live music depending on the weather. Some areas are open to teenagers 16 or 18 and up. Parents need not be overly concerned about these establishments because everyone is carded for age requirements.

This Perfect Family Day Vacation for you and your teenager begins with breakfast at the hotel, a fun filled and educational day at the zoo, dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and a stroll down Beale Street. Depending on what the season is, you may be able to catch a live band performing on Beale Street. Memphis has so much to offer for people of any age.