GO! SEE! EXPLORE! :: Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Park is one of my absolute favorite places in Memphis, and my kids love it too. Any time I ask if they want to go, the answer is an immediate, “YES!” From playgrounds to bike trails, there’s something to do year round!
Shelby Farms Park is located off of Walnut Grove Road and is open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Did you know that at 4,500 acres it’s one of the largest urban parks in the country? The park is open to the public and has tons of free and paid activities. Shelby Farms Park Conservancy manages and operates the park, raising the majority of the operating budget each year.
The Buffalo Herd
Shelby Farms Park is home to a herd of about 15 buffalo! They have a 50 acre range to themselves, and spotting them is a highlight of our visits. If the real ones are being elusive, there’s also a giant stuffed buffalo inside the visitors center. (It’s like a giant stuffed animal, not a taxidermy.)
The Playground and Sprayground
The Woodland Discovery Playground was actually designed by kids! It consists of  six “play nests,” each focusing on a different kind of play. There’s sand, slides, rope climbing ladders, and swings.  Mom Tip: The sand one has water, so be ready. The playground is also designed to be accessible to children of all ages and abilities.
The Water Play Sprayground is a must for any summer visit. It’s free on Tuesdays for one hour sessions, on a first-com first-served basis. When the hour is over they shut the water off and everyone has to clear out, which is awesome because there’s less struggle to get the kids to leave. Kids of all ages will enjoy the features of the sprayground, and personally I like that there’s a lot of shade.
The Trails
Shelby Farms Park has over 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails, including the Shelby Farms Greenline. The Greenline is a 10.65 mile paved cycling and pedestrian trail that runs from Memphis to Cordova through the park. Within the park there are great cycling and pedestrian trails for all skill levels. And again, thanks to tree cover, there’s a lot of shade.
The Lakes and Ponds
While a lot of people are familiar with Hyde Lake (the big one near the visitor’s center), there are more than 20 lakes and ponds at Shelby Farms Park. And you can fish them! (Be sure you have a license) You are also allowed to use non-motorized boats on all of the lakes, but some are more easily accessible than others. Â In the summer you can also rent canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards for an additional fee.
Other Adventures
Shelby Farms Park also has horseback riding, a treetop adventures course with ziplines, paintball, and laser tag. Each of these has additional cost, as well as height and age requirements, so be sure to check out the Shelby Farms Park website for all the details.
More to Know
Shelby Farms Park has lots of dog-friendly areas and an off leash dog park. The visitors center has a gift shop and recently added a Belltower Coffee Shop. Plus the Coastal Fish Company restaurant is located adjacent to the FedEx Event Center. You can hold events of all sizes at the park; they have lots of options for pavilions, lawn space, and indoor event space. Also be sure to watch their social media and website for seasonal events!
Shelby Farms Park
Open 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset
6903 Great View Drive North
Memphis, TN 38134
There are large parking lots at the Visitors Center, FedEx Event Center, and the Woodland Discovery Playground. Each of these also has bathrooms.
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