29 Birthday Ideas in Memphis That Hit Every Note in 2025
Memphis knows how to throw a party, which is why birthday ideas in Memphis are anything but boring. From backyard blues to rooftop cocktails, this city makes it easy to celebrate in style. Whether you're turning 9 or 90, you'll find something that hits the right note — barbecue, Beale Street or beyond.
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- Unique Birthday Ideas in Memphis
- Birthday Ideas in Memphis for Adults
- Indoor Birthday Party Ideas in Memphis
- Kid Birthday Party Places in Memphis
- Restaurants for Birthday Dinners in Memphis
- Birthday Ideas in Memphis FAQs
Unique Birthday Ideas in Memphis
1. Cooking Classes in Memphis
Memphis is a foodie paradise, and cooking classes in Memphis are a hands-on way to connect with the city’s legendary food scene. Learn how to make everything from classic Southern comfort food — perfect in a town where barbecue is practically a love language — to delicious global dishes, all taught by top-rated local chefs.
2. Host a Jewelry Party with Silk N Honey
Permanent jewelry parties are huge right now, and Silk N Honey makes it easy to bring the trend straight to your celebration. It’s one of the most unique birthday ideas in Memphis for a reason. You pick the place, and they’ll handle the rest, setting up over 20 styles of bracelets, necklaces, anklets and rings for your guests to personalize.
3. Take a Boat Tour
Climb aboard an old-fashioned sternwheeler and cruise the mighty Mississippi with Memphis Riverboats. With a riverboat ride, you get to enjoy the skyline views, the city's history and, if you're lucky enough, maybe even live music. You can choose from a sightseeing tour or a dinner cruise to make it a party on the water.
4. Watch the Peabody Ducks MarchÂ
Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the resident ducks at The Peabody Memphis march through the hotel to the fountain in the lobby. It’s truly a sight to see and one of the quirkiest and most beloved birthday ideas in Memphis.
5. See a Grizzlies, Tigers or Redbirds Game
Any respectable list of birthday ideas in Memphis includes sitting courtside with the Grizzlies, catching a Tigers showdown, or heading to AutoZone Park for a classic Redbirds game. Bonus: Redbirds games often include birthday shoutouts and post-game fireworks.
6. Enjoy a Memphis Music History Tour
Walk, ride or roll through the story of Memphis music. From the legendary halls of Sun Studio to the shadow of Graceland, you'll learn all about the city’s influence on blues and rock and roll and you’ll hear the stories behind the songs and see why this city’s sound changed the world.
Birthday Ideas in Memphis for Adults
7. Graceland
Elvis Presley’s former home tops the list for birthday ideas in Memphis for adults. The Graceland estate has grown into a 200,000-square-foot complex featuring museums, restaurants, interactive exhibits and the iconic mansion itself. Step aboard Elvis’s private jet, admire his bedazzled jumpsuits and pay respects at his final resting place — all in one unforgettable visit.
8. Ride a Party Bike
See the city from a whole new angle on a Sprock n’ Roll party bike. Pedal through Downtown, cruise by the Mississippi River and pass iconic landmarks like the Memphis Suffrage Monument, all while enjoying drinks, music and good company. It’s part workout, part rolling party, and all Memphis.
9. Visit a Winery, Brewery or Distillery for a Tasting
Add some boozy fun to your birthday ideas in Memphis with a birthday tasting at a local spot like Old Dominick Distillery or Wiseacre Brewing. You’ll find everything from small-batch whiskey to craft beers brewed right on-site, plus rooftop views and guided tours for an extra splash of fun.
10. Memphis Botanic GardenÂ
Take a breather from the buzz and wander through 96 acres of curated gardens at the Memphis Botanic Garden. From the Japanese Garden of Tranquility to the Butterfly Garden, it’s an easy place to slow down and enjoy some nature on your birthday.
11. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
With 29 galleries showcasing works from all over the world, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates creative expression.
Indoor Birthday Party Ideas in Memphis
12. Memphis Rox
Memphis Rox is a 32,000-square-foot climbing gym built for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced climbers. It’s one of the most energizing birthday ideas in Memphis and with a strong community vibe, it turns a workout into a celebration.
13. Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM)
If you’re searching for indoor birthday ideas in Memphis that double as kid-friendly destinations, CMOM delivers. With over 30 hands-on exhibits and themed party packages, it’s a great way for little ones to play, learn and make birthday memories that stick.
14. Make Pottery
Looking for birthday ideas in Memphis that double as indoor date ideas? Try your hand at pottery at Seize the Clay, a local favorite for group workshops and beginner-friendly sessions. It’s hands-on, relaxed and perfect for making something personal — and memorable — on your special day.
15. AMUSE - The Adventure Museum
AMUSE is no ordinary museum. This high-tech, state-of-the-art facility is like stepping into a video game. You and your group will tackle mental, physical and skill-based challenges across immersive rooms — ideal if you want birthday plans that are active, competitive and totally out of the ordinary.
16. Memphis Escape Rooms
Birthday ideas in Memphis don’t get more interactive than this. Memphis Escape Rooms lets you and your crew race the clock across 12 immersive scenarios — think haunted hotels, art heists and secret agents. It’s a fun, fast-paced way to bond, laugh and maybe even flex those puzzle-solving skills. Ideal for friend groups, families or even team building activities in Memphis with a birthday twist.
17. Craft Axe Throwing
Looking for indoor birthday ideas in Memphis that aren’t just dinner or drinks? Round up some friends and head to Craft Axe Throwing for a unique adventure. You'll get to blow off steam and show off your aim.
Kid Birthday Party Places in Memphis
18. Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is the ultimate choice for kid birthday party places in Memphis. Spanning 76 acres, the zoo is home to over 3,500 animals from 500+ species, with plenty of interactive and educational exhibits to entertain kids of all ages. The on-site party packages take the stress out of planning — plus, where else can you hang with giraffes and feed stingrays on your birthday?
19. Slimetastic Kids Play Lab
With locations in Cordova and Collierville, Slimetastic Kids Play Lab is one of the best birthday ideas in Memphis for kids who love getting their hands dirty (which, let’s face it, is pretty much all of them). Wearing a lab coat and safety goggles, kids get to play scientist for a day and learn how to make ooey, gooey slime that’s a blast to play with. According to Goodwin University, hands-on learning is beneficial for kids of all ages, so it’s a win-win.
20. Little Studio on the Square
Kids' birthday party places in Memphis should allow for fun and creativity to blossom, and Little Studio on the Square does just that. Kids can experiment with paint and create a beautiful picture to keep and display.
21. Music for Aardvarks
If your kiddo is more interested in music than drawing, have their party at Music for Aardvarks. Packages include interactive music activities, dancing, instrument play, a bubble machine and more. It’s a lively, music-filled option with plenty of Memphis soul.
22. Kaye’s Pints & Scoops
An ice cream party is always a good choice for birthday ideas in Memphis, especially if you need parties with summer activities. Either bring the kids into the Kaye’s Pints & Scoops shop and let them choose their favorite flavor, or bring home some pints for an ice cream social. They even offer custom flavor flights — perfect for sweet-toothed partygoers.
23. Shelby Farms
A Shelby Farms birthday party is a no-brainer when it comes to birthday ideas in Memphis. Kids love the Woodland Discovery Playground, a playground for kids of all ages and abilities that looks like something out of a fairytale. It boasts tons of interactive play elements, including climbing boulders that encourage kids to reach new heights. Plus, the playground is open year-round, making it ideal for winter activities. Visiting in the summer? The Water Play Sprayground is the most epic splash pad in town.
Restaurants for Birthday Dinners in Memphis
24. Flight Restaurant and Wine BarÂ
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is a fine dining establishment serving up everything from steak and seafood to Southern favorites like chicken and waffles, plus dessert flights and taster-sized glasses of wine. It’s one of the best restaurants for a birthday dinner in Memphis if you’re looking for something fancy, and the tasting format means you don’t have to settle for just one dish.
25. Itta Bena
Located on the third floor of B.B. King’s Blues Club, Itta Bena is a swanky cabaret and cocktail bar with a full menu of Southern eats like shrimp and grits, Cajun pasta and roast chicken. It’s tucked away above the bustle of Beale Street, making it one of the more atmospheric birthday ideas in Memphis, especially for music lovers.
26. The Majestic Grille
Housed in an early 20th-century silent movie theater, The Majestic Grille dishes out upscale American fare like hand-cut steaks and seafood. The soaring ceilings and classic art deco interiors make it a stylish spot for groups or date-night birthdays.
27. Southern Social
Steak and seafood join deviled eggs, fried chicken and meatloaf on the menu at Southern Social, a fine dining restaurant with a warm atmosphere that gives a whole new meaning to Southern hospitality. The bourbon list is beyond impressive, with several dozen top-shelf varieties to toast the occasion.
28. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
No list of restaurants for a birthday dinner in Memphis is complete without Corky’s Ribs & BBQ. Chow down on ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken and more as you savor the original Memphis BBQ. A laid-back party vibe and legendary sauces make this a classic for locals and out-of-towners alike.
29. Coastal Fish CompanyÂ
Coastal Fish Company is one of the best birthday ideas in Memphis if you want dinner with a view. The upscale seafood restaurant is situated on Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park, making it the perfect ending to a Shelby Farms birthday party.
Birthday Ideas in Memphis FAQs
How Can I Celebrate My Birthday in a Unique Way?
The most memorable birthday ideas in Memphis usually come down to doing something that feels personal. In Memphis, that might mean touring Graceland, learning to make barbecue in a cooking class or dining somewhere with serious Southern character.
Does the Memphis Zoo Have a Birthday Discount?
Yes, the Memphis Zoo has a birthday discount. All you need to do is sign up for their email newsletter at least a week before your birthday, and you’ll receive a code for 20% off your online ticket purchase. Another reason the zoo is one of the best birthday ideas in Memphis is that it offers birthday party packages with add-on options like catering and rides (general admission is included).Â
What Are Some Good Birthday Party Activities?
The best activities depend on who’s celebrating. In Memphis, options range from riverboat tours to a relaxing day at the Botanic Garden or cheering on the Redbirds. Anything that brings people together for a good time counts.
Who Is the Most Famous Person Born in Memphis?
Justin Timberlake tops the list. He was born in Memphis on January 31, 1981. Other stars with Memphis roots include Morgan Freeman, Aretha Franklin and Ginnifer Goodwin. And while Elvis wasn’t born here (that was Tupelo), Graceland is still a birthday-worthy destination.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? These birthday ideas in Memphis hit all the right notes — whether you're a local or planning a trip to the Home of the Blues.
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