Memphis News
Stuff to Do
Since the pandemic began, people have been searching for more things to do outside. We put together a list of all the awesome outdoor activities Memphis has to offer, so you can enjoy the great outdoors, while staying safe!
Memphis River Parks
- Just a few streets over from Beale you’ll find Memphis River Parks. Open from dawn to dusk, all of the parks are pet and bike friendly.
- Mud Island Park is where you can find a scale model of the Mississippi River that flows into “the Gulf of Mexico”, where you can dip your toes and even join in on a paddle board yoga class. Just a few steps away from the Gulf is where you’ll find the larger-than-life Memphis sign. Bring a camera, because it makes for a great photo-op!
- Greenbelt Park is filled with people riding bikes, walking dogs, picnicking, or just going for a run. In the park, there are three different Explore Bike Share kiosks, where you can rent a bike through the bCycle app for as little as $5 a day. If you see yourself utilizing this service frequently, you might want to look into an annual pass for only $90! They even have an off-leash dog park for your furry friends to enjoy.
- Fourth Bluff is where you’ll find the River Garden. In the River Garden you’ll oftentimes find people picnicking or practicing yoga. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even rent a kayak from The Fourth Cup kiosk, and then grab a snow cone afterward. Next to the Fourth Cup they have patio seating available, as well as a new treehouse installation where kids and adults alike can get a better view of the river. Bring your ENO hammock, if you have one; there’s a place under the “treehouse” to hook it up and relax!
- Big River Parks encompasses several parks such as Tom Lee Park and Big River Crossing. Tom Lee Park is a great place to play a game of pickup basketball, and is currently being renovated to better serve the community. If you’ve seen photos of people standing in both Arkansas and Tennessee at once, you’ve seen Big River Crossing. Around a mile long, the bridge is the largest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi.
Shelby Farms
- At 4,500 acres and over five times the size of Central Park in New York City, Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Open from dawn to dusk, the park is sure to have something for everyone.
- The Greenline is one of Shelby Farms most notable trails. It is nearly 11 miles long and is open for both cyclists and pedestrians. If the Greenline isn’t for you, there are also over 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails for biking, hiking, walking, and running available for public use.
- Kayaking and Fishing are also readily available, as the park has over 20 lakes and ponds. Kayak, paddle board, and paddle boat rentals are offered if you don’t have your own to bring.
- Horseback Riding in the park is available for all ages is sessions ranging from 20 minutes to two hours. If that isn’t enough for you, private lessons are also available!
- Go Ape is an outdoor adventure among the treetops. Anyone 10 and up can enjoy zip lining, climbing, and swinging through the trees of the pine forest. Recently, Go Ape added axe throwing to their list of adrenaline inducing activities.
- The Outback is Shelby Farms’ 100+ acre off-leash dog park, where your pup can enjoy trails, ponds, and fields to run in.
Memphis Botanic Garden
- The botanic garden is nearly 100 acres with many specialty gardens and interactive exhibits that are sure to entertain the whole family.
Overton Park
- Overton Park is in the heart of Memphis and has something for the everyone, even the smallest and furriest friends.
- Playgrounds are scattered throughout the park and feature climbing structures, building areas, and other attractions to spark the imagination of your little ones.
- The Memphis Zoo is in the back of Overton park and has the only panda exhibit in Tennessee! On Tuesdays after 3pm, Tennessee residents get free admission with a valid state ID.
- Overton Bark is your furry friend’s new favorite place! With weight-based separated parks so small dogs won’t be overpowered or intimidated, plenty of shade, and sitting areas for fur parents, this dog park should accommodate you and your pet just fine.
We hope you go out and enjoy all the great outdoor options our city has to offer. Be sure to tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured!
Sources: https://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/about, https://overtonpark.org/things-to-do/#1572027538819-076434c7-997c, https://www.instagram.com/memriverparks/?hl=en, https://www.memphisriverparks.org/parks/, https://www.shelbyfarmspark.org,
