If you’re looking for one of the best free things to do in Memphis, Shelby Farms Park should be at the top of your list. At 4,500 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family outing, date night, girls’ day, or outdoor adventure, you’ll find playgrounds, walking trails, paddle sports, bike rentals, ziplining, seasonal events, and beautiful lake views all in one place. From relaxing by the water to tackling an aerial ropes course, here are my favorite things to do at Shelby Farms Park.
Explore the Woodland Discovery Playground
If you’re visiting with kids, this is the first stop I’d recommend. The Woodland Discovery Playground is unlike a typical neighborhood playground. Kids can climb giant treehouses, crawl through tunnels, splash in the water play area during warmer months, swing, slide, and explore nature-inspired play spaces for hours. There are climbing structures, balance beams, sand play, and plenty of room to run around. It is one of the best playgrounds in Memphis and can easily entertain children of all ages. Whether you’re visiting for an hour or planning to spend the entire day at the park, this playground is worth making your first stop.
Rent a Bike and Explore the Trails
One of my favorite ways to explore Shelby Farms Park is by bike. Bike rentals are available near Hyde Lake, making it easy to enjoy the park even if you don’t bring your own bicycle. Ride around the lakes, through wooded areas, or connect to the Shelby Farms Greenline for an even longer adventure. Shelby Farms Park features more than 40 miles of paved and natural trails, so you’ll find routes for every skill level. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely family ride or a longer workout, the scenery is beautiful year-round.
Walk or Run the Trails
If biking isn’t your thing, simply lace up your tennis shoes and enjoy one of the many walking trails throughout the park. The paved Greenline is especially popular with walkers, runners, families with strollers, and cyclists. The peaceful lake views, shaded wooded paths, and wide-open green spaces make it one of my favorite places in Memphis to get outside and enjoy nature.
Paddle Hyde Lake
One of the most popular activities during warmer months is getting out on Hyde Lake. The Hyde Lake Boat House offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats. Whether you’re trying paddleboarding for the first time or simply want a relaxing afternoon on the water, Hyde Lake is a great place for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. It is such a peaceful way to experience Shelby Farms from a completely different perspective.
Canoes + Cocktails
Speaking of Hyde Lake, Canoes + Cocktails has become one of the park’s most popular seasonal events. Held on select Friday evenings, guests begin with a guided sunset paddle across Hyde Lake before enjoying cocktails, music, lawn games, and light bites afterward. It is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing with friends, and it often sells out well in advance.
Take on Go Ape Adventure Park
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head over to Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. The aerial adventure course features suspended bridges, rope obstacles, Tarzan swings, and zip lines high above the forest floor. There are courses for different experience levels, making it a fun challenge for older kids, teens, and adults. If you’re someone who enjoys trying something new, this is definitely one of the most exciting things to do at Shelby Farms Park.
Spot the Buffalo
One of the most unique features of Shelby Farms Park is its herd of American buffalo. There are designated viewing areas throughout the park where visitors can safely watch these incredible animals grazing in the fields. It is always a favorite stop for families and a fun surprise for visitors who don’t expect to see buffalo in the middle of Memphis. Don’t forget your camera because they make for some pretty memorable photos.
Cool Off at the Water Play Sprayground
Visiting during the summer? The Water Play Sprayground is the perfect place for kids to cool off after spending time at the playground. The interactive water features make it easy to spend an entire afternoon enjoying the park, especially on those hot Memphis days. Be sure to pack towels, swimsuits, and a change of clothes if your little ones plan to splash around.
Enjoy a Picnic
One of the simplest ways to enjoy Shelby Farms Park is by packing a picnic. There are picnic tables, open fields, lakeside views, and plenty of shady spots throughout the park. Bring lunch from home or grab takeout from one of your favorite Memphis restaurants and spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors. There is no shortage of beautiful places to spread out a blanket and enjoy the scenery.
Horseback Riding
Did you know you can also go horseback riding at Shelby Farms Park? Shelby Farms Stables offers guided trail rides through scenic wooded areas of the park. Whether it’s your first ride or you’re an experienced rider, it’s another unique way to experience one of Memphis’ most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Attend Seasonal Events
There is always something happening at Shelby Farms Park. Throughout the year, the park hosts outdoor concerts, fitness classes, food festivals, family events, movie nights, holiday celebrations, charity races, and one of Memphis’ favorite holiday traditions, Starry Nights. Before your visit, it’s worth checking the event calendar to see what’s happening during your trip.
Enjoy Dinner with a View
After spending the day exploring the park, head over to Coastal Fish Company for dinner overlooking Hyde Lake. The patio offers beautiful sunset views over the water and is one of my favorite spots in Memphis for a relaxing dinner. Whether you’re ending a family day at the park or planning a date night, it is the perfect way to wrap up your visit.
Tips for Visiting Shelby Farms Park
- Admission to Shelby Farms Park is free.
- Arrive early on weekends since parking fills up quickly.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water during warmer months.
- Pack towels if you’re visiting the Water Play Sprayground.
- Check the event calendar before visiting since many seasonal events require reservations.
- If you’re planning to rent bikes or paddle equipment, consider arriving earlier in the day during busy weekends.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a date night, looking for a great place to exercise, or simply wanting to spend more time outdoors, Shelby Farms Park truly has something for everyone. From ziplining and paddleboarding to playgrounds, trails, and seasonal events, it is one of my favorite places in Memphis to unplug and enjoy nature. If you haven’t visited lately, consider this your sign to plan a trip. You might just discover a new favorite spot right here in our own backyard.
