Memphis and Nashville
 

We are going to the Smokies with our kids (11,9,6) this summer and thought we would stop in Memphis and Nashville, each for a day, on our way. Are there any "must see" places with kids in these 2 cities?

I don't know whether this is the sort of thing you had in mind. But we made a point of staying in Nashville a few years back because I wanted to take our kids to see the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home. Our youngest was the age of your oldest at the time, the older one was 15.

Worth staying at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville if you can get a reasonable rate. Your kids will enjoy the atrium, the restaurants in the hotel are fine. I believe there is a paddleboat ride that departs from the hotel. If you are in town on Saturday night, the Grand Ole Opry is an enjoyable show at a very modest price.

I'd say that Graceland is a must see in Memphis, though not much fun for your kids. Same with Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

In Memphis I would take the kids to the zoo to see the pandas, to the Civil Rights Museum and to the Peabody to see the ducks (skip this if pressed for time).

I have to second the Opryland Hotel. It is a destination in itself for kids that age. I have taken my kids almost yearly since they were about 5. You can walk for hours there! They also have installed a very nice and large indoor pool and fitness room. If they tire of that, it's attached to a large mall with a Rainforest Cafe.

Has anyone been to the Country Music Hall of Fame? Is this something that would be entertaining for kids?
I think we'll try the Memphis zoo. The Opryland Hotel is full. Thanks for your help! Anywhere else fun?

"Has anyone been to the Country Music Hall of Fame? Is this something that would be entertaining for kids?"

I thought the Country Music Hall of Fame was great, but I suspect your kids will not get the same thrill I did reading Hank Williams' second grade report card (even at 8 years of age Hank was a bit tardy).

Even if the Opryland Hotel is full (and I would keep checking; they have many early convention exits) it's still a great place to take kids for several hours. They have miles of indoor trails through the plants, etc. and a food court for lunch.