I've always wanted to take my kids to Mud Island and learn a little more about the Mississippi River and its history.

Ever since my friends and I have been jogging along the riverfront in downtown Memphis, I’ve wanted to take my kids to Mud Island and learn a little more about the Mississippi River and its history. I’ve heard other families talk about Mud Island, so my husband and I decided this Saturday would be Mud Island Day for our kids. Our oldest is in second grade and starting to learn about history and landforms, and our two younger children, ages five and three love anything to do with water and mud. So I knew it was an adventure we’d all enjoy.

My friends recommended starting our day at the Mississippi River Museum. Museums are always better in the morning hours for small children, well before lunch and naptime. I took along some snacks and water for a break in the middle of our tour, that way they’d make it through until lunchtime without getting cranky. The kids really loved learning about the native people of the area and their tools. We rested for a bit and learned in the Theatre of Disasters about the great earthquake of 1811, the yellow fever plagues and steamboat accidents. We finished our time in the museum in the River Room looking at the eight-ton diesel towboat engine and enjoying the large fresh-water aquarium filled with Mississippi River marine life.

After the museum we headed over to the Center Courtyard Café in the middle of the park for a lunch of hot dogs and ice cream and enjoyed the warm spring weather. Then we hopped on the monorail for a ride over the Mississippi River. The Swiss-style monorail offers great views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River and is about one-third of a mile long.

For a special treat at the end of our day, my husband took our two oldest kids on a pedal boat ride in the River Walk Gulf of Mexico area. There are three boat styles to choose from: swans, river dragons or pirate ships. Of course, they chose the pirate ship. They were captains while my husband did all the work. The baby had a nap in the stroller while I enjoyed stretching out on a blanket for a few minutes in the sun.

All in all, Mud Island was a great way to spend a sunny Saturday with the kids.