Shelby Farms Park
A sprawling 4,500-acre urban oasis in Memphis, offering diverse activities from water sports and horseback riding to extensive trails and playgrounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Shelby Farms Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 4,500-acre urban oasis in Memphis, offering diverse activities from water sports and horseback riding to extensive trails and playgrounds.
"It's a great place to go with the whole family and even your dog. It has plenty to do from kayaking, riding a horse, paddle boat, zip lining, fishing to just simply going for a walk or just letting the kids play in the playground or the sand."
Pack Plenty of Water 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The park is vast and you'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Bike Rentals Available 🚴
Rent bikes for an hour to cycle around the lake. A fun and active way to see the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Outdoors
Various locations throughout the park
Explore 4,500 acres of trails, lakes, and green spaces. Perfect for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature.
Water Adventures
Various lakes
Rent paddle boats, kayaks, or canoes for a fun day on the water. Enjoy scenic views and a relaxing escape.
Playground Fun
Playground area
A colorful and engaging playground that's a hit with younger kids. Perfect for a family outing.
Food Truck Park
Near Mullins Station Rd
Enjoy diverse culinary delights from local food trucks, often with live music and events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Navigate the Vastness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Plenty of Water 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The park is vast and you'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Bike Rentals Available 🚴
Rent bikes for an hour to cycle around the lake. A fun and active way to see the park.
Check for Events 🎄
Look out for special events like Starry Nights during the holidays or community runs. 
Dog-Friendly 🐶
Bring your furry friends along for walks and enjoy the green spaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Plenty of Water 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The park is vast and you'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Bike Rentals Available 🚴
Rent bikes for an hour to cycle around the lake. A fun and active way to see the park.
Check for Events 🎄
Look out for special events like Starry Nights during the holidays or community runs.
Dog-Friendly 🐶
Bring your furry friends along for walks and enjoy the green spaces.
Explore Hidden Beaches 🏖️
Discover serene spots along the Wolf River for a peaceful retreat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Shelby Farms Park's immense size and natural beauty, highlighting the abundance of activities like boating, biking, and playgrounds that make it a perfect family destination. While the park is widely loved for its recreational opportunities and scenic views, some visitors note that it can get very crowded, and supervision is needed around the playground due to rough play.
"I recently took my baby girl to Shelby Farms Park, and we had a really great time! The park is absolutely beautiful and full of space to explore. The playground area is fun, colorful, and perfect for younger kids my daughter had the best time. Watching her smile and enjoy herself made the whole trip more than worth it.
That said, it was very packed when we went. It’s clearly a popular spot, especially on nice days. One downside was that some parents weren’t really watching their kids, and a few children were being pretty rough and playing in a way that didn’t feel very safe for the younger ones. I definitely had to keep a closer eye on my daughter than expected.
Still, the park itself is amazing there’s so much to do, from walking trails to open fields and the lake. If you’re looking for a fun, active day with your kids, Shelby Farms is a great place to go. Just be prepared for crowds during peak hours, and keep an eye out if your little one is still small or just learning their way around.
Tip: Try going earlier in the morning or on a weekday if you want to avoid the bigger crowds.
All in all, a great experience for us and we’ll definitely be going back!"
Angelic Graham (Angie)
"Wanted to find a place to walk after dinner. Some areas with water access and pavilions were very busy. Many roads and outlets so even with the Google map, it was hard to know the layout of the area.
We wanted to find a quieter area. Did find one that was by Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. At first we did not know what it was, but cool to see treehouse like structures and rope bridges above us. Bridge was out on one trail there, but alternate trails have splits in the trails.
Did help a gentleman and his wife find their car keys."
Shelly Damiano
"It's a great place to go with the whole family and even your dog. It has plenty to do from kayaking, riding a horse, paddle boat, zip lining, fishing to just simply going for a walk or just letting the kids play in the playground or the sand . It really is quite a lovely place to go. Just remember to take plenty of water to stay hidratanted"
Mineydi Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shelby Farms Park is located in Memphis, TN. It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Memphis. You can access different areas via various roads and outlets within the park. Parking is available in designated lots throughout the park.
Information on direct public transportation routes to Shelby Farms Park can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for convenient access to the park's many areas.
Given its size, using a GPS or a park map is highly recommended. Some visitors find it challenging to navigate due to the numerous roads and outlets.
The park has multiple access points. The Visitor Center is a common starting point, and areas like the Food Truck Park have their own specific addresses.
Yes, the Shelby Farms Greenline is a paved trail that connects to the park, making it accessible for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Shelby Farms Park is generally free to enter and explore its vast grounds.
While park entry is free, specific activities like paddle boat rentals, kayaking, horseback riding, and zip-lining require separate fees.
The park itself is typically open from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities or event hours may vary. It's best to check the official Shelby Farms Park website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Shelby Farms Park hosts various ticketed events throughout the year, such as 'Starry Nights' during the holidays and the Buffalo Run 5K + 15K.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks for picnics. There are also cafes and the Food Truck Park for purchasing refreshments.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss exploring the extensive trails, renting a paddle boat or kayak, visiting the playground, and checking out the Food Truck Park. Horseback riding and zip-lining are also popular options.
Yes, the park features a fantastic playground and splash pad, making it a great destination for families. +1
Yes, there are several lakes within Shelby Farms Park where you can fish and enjoy boating activities like paddle boats and kayaks.
The park offers numerous scenic spots perfect for picnics, including open fields and areas with pavilions.
Visitors have reported seeing various birds, and the park is known to have buffalo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Shelby Farms Park features a dedicated Food Truck Park with a variety of local vendors, as well as a cafe.
The Food Truck Park typically operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours. It's closed on Mondays.
Yes, bringing your own food for picnics is highly encouraged and a great way to enjoy the park's many scenic spots.
The variety of food trucks often includes options that cater to different dietary preferences, including healthier choices.
Yes, there is a cafe located within the park where you can grab a bite to eat.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakes offer beautiful reflections, especially at sunset. The sunflower fields (seasonal) and the general scenic landscapes are also great for photography.
During events like 'Starry Nights,' the park is transformed with millions of lights, creating a magical backdrop for photos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most flattering light for landscape and portrait photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check the park's official policies or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone.
While primarily a natural park, the modern apartment complexes adjacent to the park offer sleek architectural lines that some find visually appealing. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, families can enjoy paddle boating on the lake 🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The Shelby Farms Greenline offers a paved path for cycling enthusiasts. Consider joining a local running club like the 901 Run Club for group runs. Don't forget to bring your comfortable athletic shoes and stay hydrated! couples & Dates
Consider a horseback riding date for a unique outing. +1 The park's vastness allows for intimate moments amidst nature.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Activities Galore: From Water Sports to Horseback Riding
+2 If you prefer to stay on land, horseback riding is available, offering a unique perspective of the park's trails. For the adventurous, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park provides thrilling treetop challenges. Beyond these, the park boasts extensive biking and hiking trails, including the well-known Shelby Farms Greenline, which connects to the park.
+2 Families with younger children will appreciate the playground and splash pad, ensuring fun for all ages. +1Pro-tip: While many activities are available year-round, check seasonal availability and operating hours, especially for water sports and specific adventure parks. Booking in advance might be advisable for popular activities during peak times.
The Culinary Scene: Food Trucks and More
+1 Visitors can savor a wide array of cuisines, from classic American fare to international flavors, often accompanied by live music and a lively atmosphere. The Food Truck Park operates most days of the week, offering lunch and dinner options, though it is closed on Mondays.
This makes it an ideal spot to refuel after a day of exploring the park's vast acreage. Beyond the food trucks, there's also a cafe within the park for more traditional dining options. Community and Wellness: Running Clubs and Nature Walks
Similarly, Walk Club 901 organizes Sunday gatherings in the fall, meeting at the Visitor Center for guided walks. Beyond organized groups, the park is a haven for bird watching and quiet contemplation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit