Ways To Enjoy The Outdoors In Memphis

Did you know Memphis has 60+ miles of bike trails and lanes? This includes the Shelby Farms Greenline, a dedicated 10.65-mile paved trail that connects pedestrians and cyclists through the city to Shelby Farms Park and connects to the Wolf River Greenway, and Big River Crossing, the longest bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Mighty Mississippi into Arkansas. 

Zipline through the trees and over lakes with GoApe Adventures, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Hyde Lake, let the pups run around the off-leash dog park, let the kids run around the Woodland Discovery Park playground, go find the herd of bison that roam, get in a game of frisbee golf, head to the stables to ride horses or rent a bike to cycle and explore the 4,500 acres of Shelby Farms Park. 

Named one of the top zoos in the country and one of only four zoos where you can see giant pandas, Memphis Zoo sprawls out over 70-some acres and introduces you to more than 3,500 animals. You'll want to spend the whole day discovering lions, tigers, hippos and more. 

It’s basically a religion in Memphis. If the sun is shining, the patios will be full of people eating, drinking, playing lawn games, listening to Memphis music and having a good 'ole time. 

Of course, you know about the Mighty Mississippi, but what about the Ghost and the Wolf Rivers? Explore the waterways and rent a kayak or canoe if you're an experienced paddler or take a tour with Kayak Memphis Tours. Don't want to do any exercise? Then walk on board a Memphis Riverboat, grab a seat, order a drink and listen to your guide as they tell stories about the river city. 

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park has plenty to do outdoors. Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, camping and hiking are just a few of the activities that are available. Just take a scenic drive down One-Way road and you'll be in awe of this 12,539-acre hard wood forest just a few minutes north of downtown. Stop by the Shelby Forest General Store on the way into the park to grab a map, some snacks and some advice from owners Doug and Kristin. And if you happen to be there on a Friday night, you'll find a live bluegrass band and a steak dinner for $13. 

Visit the Dixon Gallery and Gardens or the Memphis Botanic Garden to experience beautiful flora and lush landscape design. The Botanic Gardens boast 96- beautiful acres including 31 specialty gardens and My Big Backyard for the kids, while The Dixon Gallery is host to eight to ten exhibitions every year and Cherry + Park, a delicious on-site cafe. 

Watch the sunset in Tom Lee Park, let the kids get soaked at the Beale Street Landing Splash Pad, stroll through the newly renovated River Garden Park or catch a free yoga class. You could also just rent a scooter and ride along the Mississippi riverfront as you watch the giant barges go by. 

There is beautiful public art all over the city. Grab your camera and find all the Instagram worthy walls to shoot. You'll discover local artists that tell the visual stories and collaborations with artists from out of town that were inspired by Memphis. 

Memphis has so many vibrant neighborhoods. Downtown you'll find the trolleys and galleries of South Main Arts District and the Medical District. Just a little east is architectural award-winning Crosstown Concourse. Keep going and you'll head to midtown where you'll find Broad Avenue Arts District, Overton Square Entertainment District connected to the theatre district and the hip Cooper-Young. Don't forget our suburbs: Cordova, Collierville, Germantown, Bartlett, Millington and Arlington. Not only will you find historic main streets and great shopping, but there are parks and attractions to discover there too.