There are many great neighborhood parks in Memphis. A visit to these outdoors offers many advantages to Memphians where they can explore beautiful landscape, open and green space along with a number of fun and family friendly activities. So, these parks are worth checking out for the ultimate fun with family and friends without going too far. Afternoon run, weekend picnic, family outing are popular in these parks in Memphis, TN.
So, here is a list of some of the best and nicest Memphis parks that are complete with dozens of amenities and offer cozy atmosphere to everyone to enjoy the best outdoor fun with their near and dear ones.
1. Overton Park
Address: 1914 Poplar Ave #202, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 214-5450
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 8 pm.
This city park in Memphis, Tennessee is able to steal anyone’s heart! A visit to Overton Park is one of the best ways to make memories with own self, with each other and with the natural world.
The property was purchased in 1901, and the park was established in 1906 to entertain the public. Designed by landscape architect George Kessler, the park was named to honor John Overton, a co-founder of Memphis.
The 342-acre park features Memphis Zoo, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, a 9-hole golf course, the Memphis College of Art, Rainbow Lake and many other opportunities.
For nature lovers, this is one of the best parks in Memphis where one half of the area is dedicated for outdoor recreational opportunities and for environmental preservation. So, outdoor adventurers can spend hours through jogging, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing under this serene ambience.
Moreover, Overton Park contains an off-leash area for dogs.
2. Tom Lee Park
Address: Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
Hours: Open everyday from 5 am to 10 pm.
Tom Lee Park is another popular city park located to the immediate west of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, overlooking the Mississippi River. The 31-acre local history rich park offers place for all to enjoy great outdoor fun with the fantastic river view.
Tomo Lee Park contains public art, outdoor classroom, the Sunset Canopy, misting fountain and more. The spectacular river-themed playground, called the Life on the River playground is a perfect place for kids to climb, slide, swing and discover the wildlife and plants of the Mississippi River.
The park runs parallel to the Mississippi River for about a mile, making great opportunity among the visitors to enjoy the panoramic views of the flowing water. Visitors also get the chance to learn about Tom Lee, an African-American river-worker, after whom the park has been named.
Tom saved the lives of 32 passengers from sinking into the river in 1925. To honor his courageous activity, the park has been named after him.
Tom Lee Park is also popular for hosting the Beale Street Music Festival, an annual festival that is conducted every year. Otherwise, many walkers, joggers, and cyclists make this park their everyday destination to enjoy nature, fit their body or to make memories with their near and dear ones.
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3. Shelby Farms Park
Address: 6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: (901) 222-7275
Hours: Open everyday from sunrise to sunset.
Can you believe, the 4,500 acres of green space and 10.65 miles of urban trail could be explored and enjoyed by any city visitor at free of cost? Yes, Shelby Farms Park is one of the best public parks in Memphis, TN and it offers free admission to the visitors.
Established in 1970s, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The park is best known as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. So, you also go to this outdoor destination with your crew and make some epic memories while exploring the park’s over 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails.
Except hiking, enthusiasts could spend time walking, running, biking and even horseback riding. Bike rentals are available year-round. Another exciting opportunity the park offers is exploring more than 20 water bodies, each with plenty of opportunities for fishing.
4. John F. Kennedy Park
Address: 4577 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38128
Hours: Open everyday. Summer hours from 6 am to 8 pm, winter hours from 6 am to 6 pm.
John F. Kennedy Park is a good spot to inspire you to spend few peaceful hours from the hustle and bustle of city life. The 260.57 acres of park is popular with walking and biking trails, and a segment of the Wolf River Greenway runs through Kennedy Park, making the outdoor destination more acceptable among the Memphis people.
The highlighting features of John F. Kennedy Park include 9 softball fields, 2 soccer fields, 2 rental pavilions, a 0.5-mile unpaved nature trail and a 2.8-mile out-and-back trail. The trails offer beautiful views of the Wolf River.
Other facilities the park boasts are restrooms and concessions. Visitors can also discover multiple natural resources like nowhere else in this popular Memphis Park.
5. T. O. Fuller State Park
Address: 1500 W Mitchell Rd, Memphis, TN 38109
Phone: (888) 867-2757
Hours: Open everyday from 8 am to 4 pm.
T.O. Fuller State Park is some of the best parks in Memphis, TN, where visitors could enjoy over 1100 acres of preserved land along with wide assortment of activities. Open for all ages, there is no lack of exciting things to do in the T. O. Fuller State Park.
The popular outdoor inspiration could be hiking or visiting the nature and education center. The nature center is open in the summer and it’s popular with featuring a number of natural history exhibits and programs.
For some outdoor relaxation, camping or taking a dip in the Olympic sized pool are always great choices. Other park amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts, softball field, sheltered picnic areas and 6 miles of hiking trails.
The park offers scenic beauty and there are many nice spots to make it a special place for any visitor. The best part is, it is the only state park within the city limits and is quite popular for wildlife watching.
The park is named in honor of Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, whose mission was to empower and educate African Americans, also the park was originally established for the African Americans by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), but later, the park was open to everyone.
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6. Mud Island River Park
Address: 101 N Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 8 pm in the summer, and from 6 am to 6 pm in the winter.
The convenient location of Mud Island River Park makes it a popular outdoor destination for year-round. Nestled in the heart of the Mississippi River, the park is just a short walk from the downtown of Memphis.
Popular with catching the mesmerising Mississippi skyline views, the park has been one of the top things to do in Memphis for decades. The highlight of the park is the new 50-ft “MEMPHIS” sign, a perfect spot to click lots of Instagram-worthy photos.
Currently under Memphis River Parks management, the park offers nice attractions and activities to celebrate family outings. Kids and kids at heart love walking across the Skybridge on sunny summer days and splashing the water of Mighty Mississippi at the park.
Mud Island River Park also boasts an 18-gallery river museum, and a 5,000-seat concert venue. Exciting concerts and events are lined up throughout the year. Though the admission to the park is free, concert tickets are charged.
7. Handy Park
Address: 200 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 526-0117
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 8 pm.
Located right off Beale Street Entertainment District, Handy Park, a passive urban park, is a history-rich park, and it offers everyone the chance to feel endless fun with family and friends. If you want to do some of the best and free things in Memphis, a visit to this nice Memphis Park is a must.
Originally named W.C. Handy Park, Handy Park boasts a statue of W.C. Handy, a large and open green and grassy space, and an amphitheater. To grab outdoor entertainment experience, must try to drop into the facility when any performance is running.
Otherwise, the park is a place where Memphians go to experience the beauty of nature, slow down, relax and make memories! So, it’s a good place for you, too, where unique opportunities are ready to entertain you.
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8. Audubon Park
Address: 4145 Southern Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
Hours: Open everyday. Summer time 6 am to 8 pm, winter time 6 am to 6 pm.
Audubon Park is a 373-acre park and includes a playground, an open field, pavilions, an 18-hole golf course, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Leftwich Tennis Center and a mile long paved trail. This family friendly park could be anyone’s great stop to make pleasing and memorable memories.
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FAQs
1. What is the most famous thing in Memphis?
Memphis is home to many great things, and the city is considered some of the best places to plan a peaceful and family friendly short vacation. There are some museums like National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music are quite popular throughout the nation. But, all in all, the attraction that makes Memphis worldwide famous is Memphis being the home of the Blues & birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Also, Beale Street is one of the most iconic streets in America and it’s the official Home of the Blues.
2. How many parks are in Memphis TN?
There are 162 Memphis park s and neighborhoods along with 83 individual playgrounds that are scattered throughout the city.
