Parenting teens in this city is no small feat. Between balancing chores with rest, managing homework, hormones, and the constant tug-of-war between their craving for independence and their need for support, it’s a daily dance. If you’ve been following my articles, you know I’m a mom of four: an 11-year-old girl, twin 13-year-old boys, and a 17-year-old boy. Last month, the Flyer shared an article about the gun violence epidemic affecting Memphis’ children. And if you’re like me, you’re always on high alert.
Every time I hear about another young person getting shot, I say a silent prayer for safety — for my kids, for yours, for all of them. But that’s part of why I write. I want other Memphian moms to know it’s possible to raise teens and still love this city we call home. I make it a point to spend intentional time with my kids — laughing, playing, exploring Memphis together. Being out in the city gives us space to connect and reminds them (and me) that joy still exists, even in hard times.
I’m not naïve. I know the statistics, the dangers — especially for my brown-skinned teens. But I also believe this: Teens will never learn how to navigate spaces they’re never in. From an early age, we took them to restaurants not just for the food, but to teach them how to behave in shared spaces. Now we do the same with coffee shops, museums, arcades, and parks.
So if you’re looking for ideas, here are some of our favorite spots to hang out:
• Memphis Public Libraries: We don’t just check out books. We play video games, watch movies with popcorn, use the 3D printer, sew, learn Spanish, and even knit — all for free. My kids are extra excited about getting into Cloud901, the teen-only space. That might be their new after-school hangout.
• City & State: My teens love their coffee and pastries. They come in with their Nintendo Switches, take over the center table, and just enjoy each other’s company.
• Nerd Alert: A retro-cool arcade my kids love. I need to check if they still serve cereal on Saturday mornings — we used to go just for that.
• AMUSE — The Adventure Museum: Sometimes I need them to get up and move. At AMUSE, it’s like being dropped into a video game. They’re jumping, running, solving puzzles — and totally forgetting it’s exercise.
• Memphis Zoo: My kids are a little “zooed out” at this point. But me? I could go every week and never get tired of it.
• Crosstown Concourse: With food, art, music, and wide-open spaces, there’s something here for each of my four. From my vegetarian to my sugar-lover, everyone leaves happy.
• Cordova Skating Center: Whew! Talk about a workout. But it’s affordable, especially on Wednesdays, and a great way to burn off teen energy.
• Overton Park Shell: We love live music and a laid-back picnic. This fall’s lineup is amazing. We bring blankets, snacks from home, and just soak it all in.
• Aldar Cafe: Have you tried their all-day breakfast or Yemeni coffee? We bring books, grab a table, and chill. It’s cozy and delicious.
• Dixon Gallery & Gardens: My kids appreciate art, and I appreciate the fact that it’s free. Bonus: the Park + Cherry Café inside is a hidden gem.
• The KROC: They swim while I read. Or play while I work out. It’s a full-family win.
• Voodoo Cafe: One Saturday, we played Uno for two hours straight. I didn’t win a single round and I’m still salty about it — but that memory will stick forever.
• Grind City Brewery Co.: A huge front yard, lawn games, space to run, and cold beer for me. Everyone wins. And the chips and queso? Always a hit.
While no place is 100 percent safe — in any city or state — our presence as parents makes a difference. Teens still need us around. Their brains aren’t fully developed, and their instincts aren’t always reliable. Our time, attention, and love matter more than ever.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines — me, too. But don’t shut down. Don’t retreat. Get outside. Be present. Ask questions. Share fries. Laugh hard.
Memphis is still ours. And our teens deserve joy, safety, and support.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s an assistant principal and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
