The 901 is Our Playground: A JustMyKIDS Exclusive!

By Makoa (Fifth Grade Professional Adventurer)

Hey Memphis! Makoa here. If you haven’t heard the news, my brothers—Kaleo and Akoni—and I are on a mission. We know Memphis is legendary for BBQ and Elvis, but we’re here to prove that it’s actually the best place in the world to be a kid.

We are officially launching JustMyKIDS, your all-access pass to the "kid side" of the Bluff City. We’ll be going on location to explore the coolest events, the biggest parks, and—let’s be honest—probably getting into a little bit of (mostly) harmless trouble along the way. Our goal? To build the ultimate JustMyKIDS Guide to the 901 so parents know exactly where to take us!

Kickoff: All Access at Theatre Memphis

To start things off, we went behind the scenes at Theatre Memphis. Now, I’m a theater kid (shoutout to Seussical, Jr.!), but seeing the "guts" of a professional theater was next level.

We met up with Randall Hartzog, the Director of Marketing and Communications. He’s basically the keeper of the keys, and he gave us a VIP tour. We saw where the magic happens—from the massive Lohrey Theatre to the more intimate Next Stage. We even got to peek into the costume shop (it’s like the world’s best dress-up trunk) and see where they build those giant, mind-blowing sets.

Why Theatre Memphis Rocks for Kids

Theatre Memphis isn't just for grown-ups in fancy clothes. They are all about the community. Here’s why you need to get your parents to take you there:

• The Academy: They have a Tech Academy where you can learn how to run the lights and sounds. If you’re like me and like pushing buttons and making things glow, this is for you!

• Youth Performances: They put on shows specifically for younger audiences and even have matinees for schools.

• Classes & Camps: They offer drama classes and summer camps where you can learn to act, dance, and find your "stage voice."

• Read to Relate: This is a super cool program that connects storytelling and reading with live performance. It makes books come to life!

Calling All Memphis Fun-Makers!

This is just the beginning. We want the JustMyKIDS Guide to the 901 to be HUGE.

Are you a school with a cool play? A church with a massive festival? A summer camp with the best lake? Or maybe you run a kid-friendly attraction that we haven't visited yet? We want to hear from you! Share your events, your camps, and your pitch for Memphis families with us. We want to show the world that Memphis is a city where kids can dream big, play hard, and maybe learn a thing or two (while having a blast).

Stay tuned—Kaleo, Akoni, and I might be coming to your neighborhood next!