Find a new spot for your next afternoon run, weekend picnic or morning playdate at one (or all) of these Memphis parks:
AUDUBON PARK
- Hours: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 751 Cherry Road
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: 6AM-11PM
- Location: 8628 Farmington Blvd
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.
CHICKASAW HERITAGE PARK
- Hours: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 305 Metal Museum Drive
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
- Hours: 6AM–8PM
- Location: Whitehaven Lane at Auburn Rd.
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: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 4223 Macon Rd.
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.
HW COX PARK
- Hours: 8AM–5PM
- Location: 440 West Powell Rd.
Featuring over 66 acres, this community park may be a little far for some of you folks—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.
Liberty Pocket Park
- Hours: 6AM–8PM (Summer), 6AM–6PM (Winter)
- Location: 2388 Southern Avenue
This park at the corner of Southern and Early Maxwell Blvd. right next to the Memphis Sports & Events Center features a 1/5-mile walking trail, 10 pieces of interactive cardio equipment, misting station and water fountain. Plus a stormwater bioswale that removes sediment and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.
memphis river parks
- Hours: Open dusk til dawn
- Location: 51 Riverside Drive
With 5 active areas spread across the Downtown Memphis Riverfront, Memphis River Parks not only provides jaw-dropping views of the Mighty Mississippi; but also offer opportunities for park lovers to experience seasonal programming, and native flora and fauna.
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OVERTON PARK
- Hours: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 1930 Poplar Ave.
Most Memphians know Overton Park for its central location and proximity to the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park Shell. But 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: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 712 Tanglewood St.
At the corner of Cooper and Higbee, this 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
- Hours: 6AM–8PM
- Location: 5220 Sea Isle Rd.
Dog lovers rejoice! This one’s for you. The Sea Isle Park, sponsored by pet supply store Hollywood Feed, provides one hell of a stomping ground for your four-legged friends. There’s plenty for humans to do too, including a playground, walking trails and fitness zones.
shelby farms park
- Hours: 6AM–6PM
- Location: 6903 Great View Drive North
Most Memphians would agree that this is the meca of Memphis parks. Amassing over 4,000 acres, Shelby Farms features the following:
- 40+ miles of paved and unpaved trails
- 20+ bodies of water for fishing paddleboarding and more
- Horseback riding, ziplining courses, and paintball play areas
- A 100-acre off-leash dog park
- Two award-winning playgrounds
Memphis Parks has even more intel on the 100+ parks that have popped up across the city!
Check out their official page here.
Looking for more to do outdoors in Memphis? Here’s your guide.
