Even though there are days when it feels like Memphis has completely ignored the order of the seasons, we’re given enough temperate days to take advantage of the great outdoors—and a great place to start is one of the many these neighborhood parks. We scoured the city for our top ten picks and although these parks may not be in your zip code, they are definitely worth checking out for your next afternoon run, weekend picnic or morning playdate.
Audubon Park
- Hours: 6:00 am -8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
With shaded trails and fitness zones, Audubon Park is a popular spot for walkers and runners alike. It’s also just minutes away from the University of Memphis, Dixon Gallery and Gardens and Memphis Botanic Gardens — so, you may want to make a couple of detours after you get your steps in.
Cameron Brown Park
- Hours: 6:00 am -11:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
This tranquil 55-acre Germantown park has playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields, picnic tables, and wooded trails. However, the biggest attraction is a picture-perfect 3-acre lake complete with ducks and fountain.
Central Park
- Hours: 6:00 am -8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Although Central Park sits right outside of the city limits, its two lakes, shaded walking paths and rolling hills make it worth the visit to Southaven. Also, fans of disc golf will enjoy the 18-hole course nearby.
Chickasaw Heritage Park
- Hours: 6:00 am -8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Nestled in the French Fort neighborhood and right across the street from the Metal Museum, Chickasaw Heritage Park is rich in local history. Two ceremonial burial mounds built by the Chickasaw tribe between 400 – 700 AD and 1000 – 1500 AD tower above the park and offer views of the Mississippi River that are hard to beat.
David Carnes Park/Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Place
- Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Transformed into the first Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Place, Whitehaven’s new multi-million dollar park renovation is packed with family fun, including a splash pad, obstacle course and a huge, state-of-the-art playground. A race down the 40-yard dash track is also perfect for the young and the young-at-heart.
Gaisman Park
- Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Gaisman Park is one of the largest of the city’s parks and sits in the middle of The Berclair and The Heights communities. This hidden gem features a community center, playground, swimming pool and a 24-acre multipurpose field that will set the stage for your next soccer match-up.
H.W. Cox Park
- Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
With 67.39 acres, this community park may be far but it is worth the trip. The 1.4-mile walking trail connects to the Collierville Greenbelt system and there are also plenty of playgrounds, picnic areas and ball fields to enjoy. The park is also home to the Harrell Performing Arts Theatre, Collierville Community Center and Desoto Athletic Club.
Overton Park
- Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Although most Memphians know Overton Park for its central location and proximity to the Memphis Zoo and Levitt Shell, this 324-acre green oasis has even more to offer for the young and old. From an off-leash dog park to a 9-hole golf course, there are plenty of spaces to explore, including one of the oldest, natural forests in Tennessee.
Peabody Park
- Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
At the corner of Cooper and Higbee, this small park will help you beat the heat and the crowds. The splash pad is one of its greatest features along with a playground, two pavilions, the Raymond Skinner Center and cool metal sculptures by local artist, Yvonne Bobo.
Sea Isle Park & Dog Park
- Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Click here for maps and access points.
Dog lovers rejoice! This one’s for you. The Sea Isle Dog Park, sponsored by pet supply store Hollywood Feed, has one of the largest dog parks in the city for your four-legged friends. There’s plenty to do for those on two legs as well, including a playground, walking trails and fitness zones.
Want to check out all of the parks we mapped out? Check out this Google Map.
Guest post by Ashley Davis Executive Director of Kifani Press
