Introduce Kids to Art and Nature in Memphis

Mention Memphis and some of the first things that come to mind are Elvis, rock ‘n roll, and Beale Street — and for good reason. The city’s musical history is undeniable and it’s a great place to introduce kids to the sounds that helped shape the nation, but if you want to show them a little art and natural beauty while in town, you’ll want to head over to the Dixon.

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is one of the nicest ways to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon in Memphis, and one where you can experience the perfect combination of art and nature. The grounds are home to beautiful gardens you can walk through at your leisure, taking your time to experience beautiful flowers, sprawling foliage, soothing fountains and interesting sculptures that let kids get a feel for how nature and art interact seamlessly.

The gardens also include Jim Strickland Youth Education and Tropical Plant House, a great place for kids to learn about different kinds of plants and how to care for them. There are workshops and programs designed to teach and entertain little ones of all ages. These workshops are led by staff who have a passion for both nature and working with children.

The grounds are also home to Dixon Gallery, a collection of more than 2,000 objects of art housed inside a beautifully preserved 1941 residence. The collections range from modern art to French Impressionist paintings and include everything in between, including local artists and collections of decorative porcelain and pewter. In the back you’ll find a children’s area with interactive exhibits and activities designed to spark interest and creativity.

Exploring the Dixon is a different experience each time you go. As the seasons change, so do the gardens and exciting activities the organization hosts. While springtime may bring fresh blooms of every color imaginable, so too do the other seasons as the gardens are planted with different varieties that thrive at different times of year.

In fact, seasonal transformations are part of the fun at Dixon, especially this fall with a special nod to harvest time. Kids of all ages will love the pumpkin house, a festive structure made almost entirely of hundreds of pumpkins, creating the perfect place to take a fall family photo.