1. Chickasaw Heritage Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Looking for a spot that blends ancient Native American heritage with sweeping river views? Chickasaw Heritage Park offers rich history and serene beauty right in the heart of Memphis.Recommended For:
History buffs, families, cultural travelers, walkers, and those seeking a peaceful scenic viewpoint.What I Love: ♥
Ancient ceremonial mounds, Mississippi River views, and historical connections stretching from Paleoindian cultures to the Civil War.- Climb the preserved ceremonial mounds for panoramic views of the riverfront and Memphis skyline.
- Learn about Chickasaw culture, Hernando DeSoto’s 1541 expedition, and the site’s Civil War history.
- Explore this quiet, open-air park located next to the National Ornamental Metal Museum.
- Relax at this lesser-known gem that's perfect for sunrise strolls or peaceful afternoon reflection.
Cost:
Free admissionBest time to visit:
Spring and fall for pleasant weather and clear river viewsLocal tips:
Bring a camera or binoculars—the views from the mound tops are some of the best in Memphis!Distance:
10 minutes south of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Chickasaw Heritage Park:
From downtown Memphis, take Riverside Drive south and follow signs to Metal Museum Drive. The park is just next to the National Ornamental Metal Museum.Address:
Chickasaw Heritage Park, Memphis, TN 38106Phone: 901-576-4200
2. Court Square
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Need a peaceful green space in the heart of the city? Court Square is a historic downtown oasis perfect for relaxing, people-watching, or enjoying a quick lunch under the trees.Recommended For:
Locals, downtown professionals, history lovers, and visitors looking for charm, shade, and a touch of old Memphis.What I Love: ♥
Classic fountains, gazebo seating, and views of the city’s restored antique trolley system passing by.- Relax on shaded benches and enjoy the park’s well-maintained gardens and water features.
- Watch Memphis’s historic trolley cars roll past on nearby Main and Second Streets.
- Attend seasonal events like the downtown farmers market and food truck festival.
- Appreciate the park’s history—it’s the last remaining intact municipal park from Memphis’s original 1819 layout.
Cost:
Free admissionBest time to visit:
Weekdays at lunch or evenings for community events and downtown activityLocal tips:
Grab takeout from a nearby downtown eatery and enjoy it under the gazebo for a peaceful break in your day.Distance:
Located in the heart of downtown MemphisHow to Get to Court Square:
Located at the intersection of Court Ave and Main Street, the park is easily walkable from most downtown landmarks and accessible by trolley.Address:
62 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103Phone: 901-575-0540
3. Jesse H. Turner Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Looking for a neighborhood park with a powerful legacy and space to play? Jesse H. Turner Park blends history, community, and recreation in one meaningful South Memphis destination.Recommended For:
Families, local athletes, community groups, history-minded visitors, and those looking for a quiet picnic or active afternoon.What I Love: ♥
Honoring a civil rights icon, this park offers updated playgrounds, sports courts, and a welcoming space for gatherings.- Play on a newly renovated playground designed for safe, active fun for kids of all ages.
- Compete on the lighted baseball field, basketball court, or at the on-site tennis center.
- Gather under a reservable picnic pavilion, perfect for family reunions and community events.
- Reflect on the legacy of Jesse H. Turner Sr. and Jr., whose lives helped shape the city's civil rights history.
Cost:
Free admission; pavilion rentals available by reservationBest time to visit:
Weekends for family fun or late afternoons for shaded play and sportsLocal tips:
Call ahead to reserve the pavilion for private events—it’s a popular spot for community celebrations!Distance:
10 minutes south of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Jesse H. Turner Park:
From downtown, take US-51 S/Bellevue Blvd. The park is located at the corner of Bellevue and South Parkway.Address:
1310 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106Phone: 901-636-6564
4. Lichterman Nature Center
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Looking for an immersive outdoor experience right in the heart of East Memphis? Lichterman Nature Center is the perfect mix of education, wildlife, and forest adventure for all ages.Recommended For:
Families, school groups, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in local wildlife and hands-on learning.What I Love: ♥
Forest boardwalks, wildlife observation trails, and interactive exhibits that let you explore nature from all angles—including underwater!- Walk three miles of trails through forest, meadow, and lake environments with plenty of wildlife sightings along the way.
- Visit the indoor exhibit hall for hands-on activities, preserved specimens, and a lake-cam view of the ecosystem in action.
- Explore a two-story forest boardwalk and wetland observation areas for up-close encounters with native species.
- Enjoy year-round programs at the outdoor pavilion and amphitheater, including overnight youth camps and educational events.
Cost:
$10 adults, $8 seniors and children (ages 3–12); members and under 2 freeBest time to visit:
Spring and fall for comfortable trail walks and active wildlifeLocal tips:
Don’t miss the underwater viewing area—it’s a favorite for kids and a unique look into the lake habitat.Distance:
25 minutes east of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Lichterman Nature Center:
From downtown Memphis, take I-240 E to Poplar Ave. Continue east to Quince Rd and follow signs to the center entrance.Address:
992 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN 381195. Memphis Botanic Garden
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Need a peaceful escape filled with color and calm? Memphis Botanic Garden is a vibrant 96-acre oasis with themed gardens, shady trails, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Audubon Park.Recommended For:
Garden lovers, families, photographers, event-goers, and anyone looking for a serene walk or seasonal inspiration.What I Love: ♥
Over 23 themed gardens, interactive children’s spaces, butterfly-friendly blooms, and a café with tranquil garden views.- Wander through specialty gardens like the Japanese Garden, iris garden, magnolia garden, and sensory garden.
- Explore My Big Backyard—an award-winning children's garden with interactive displays and play spaces.
- Visit the Anne Heard Stokes Butterfly Garden and catch pollinators in action throughout spring and summer.
- Dine at Fratelli’s Café, serving soups, sandwiches, and views of the sculpture garden and ponds.
Cost:
$12 adults, $7 children (ages 2–12), discounts for seniors, military, and membersBest time to visit:
Spring for full blooms; fall for cooler strolls and seasonal foliageLocal tips:
Visit early or late in the day for the best light for photography—especially in the iris and rose gardens.Distance:
20 minutes east of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Memphis Botanic Garden:
From downtown Memphis, take Poplar Ave east to Cherry Rd. Turn right and follow signs into Audubon Park and the garden entrance.Address:
750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117Phone: 901-636-4100
Romantic Memphis Parks:
6. Memphis Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Want riverfront views with a side of local history? Memphis Park is a peaceful bluffside space filled with memorials, greenery, and quiet moments just steps from downtown.Recommended For:
History lovers, downtown walkers, veterans, students, and visitors seeking a reflective space with scenic Mississippi River views.What I Love: ♥
Historic tributes, a blufftop setting overlooking the river, and thoughtful monuments honoring Tennessee’s veterans and cultural icons.- Reflect at the World War I Medical Society memorial and Civil War Navy tribute to the 1862 Battle of Memphis.
- Read plaques honoring Tennessee veterans and suffragist Elizabeth Avery Meriwether, a local literary and civil rights figure.
- Enjoy peaceful strolls through tree-lined paths and shaded benches with sweeping river views.
- Connect with local heritage in a space that blends beauty, memory, and civic pride near the University of Memphis Law School.
Cost:
Free admissionBest time to visit:
Early morning or sunset for the best views over the Mississippi RiverLocal tips:
Bring a book or journal—this quiet park is ideal for peaceful breaks and reflective afternoons.Distance:
Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Memphis Park:
From Beale Street or Main Street, walk north toward N Front Street. The park is directly adjacent to the University of Memphis Law School along the river bluff.Address:
N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103Phone: 901-576-7205
7. Mississippi Greenbelt Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Need wide-open space and river views right downtown? Mississippi Greenbelt Park is your go-to for scenic walks, dog-friendly play, and sunset picnics along the Mississippi River.Recommended For:
Walkers, runners, cyclists, dog owners, and anyone looking for peaceful green space with riverfront views.What I Love: ♥
Open lawns, a paved 1.5-mile trail, bike share access, and a boat ramp for Mississippi River adventures.- Walk or ride the 1.5-mile pedestrian trail for exercise, views, or a 5K loop around the park’s length.
- Launch your kayak, paddleboard, or boat from the ramp at the park’s north end into the Mississippi River.
- Bring your dog and enjoy spacious open lawns perfect for play, relaxing, or a riverside picnic.
- Use Explore Bike Share stations at both parking lots to easily hop on a ride along the river.
Cost:
Free admissionBest time to visit:
Sunrise for quiet river reflections; sunset for golden-hour views and relaxing strollsLocal tips:
The park’s wide-open spaces are ideal for photography and drone shots—don’t forget your camera!Distance:
10 minutes from downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Mississippi Greenbelt Park:
From downtown, cross the A.W. Willis Bridge onto Mud Island. Follow Island Dr north; parking areas and bike share stations are clearly marked.Address:
Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38115Phone: 901-312-9190
Family-friendly Memphis Parks:
8. Overton Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Looking for a one-stop spot for nature, art, music, and animals? Overton Park is a vibrant 342-acre urban retreat packed with Memphis’ top cultural and outdoor attractions.Recommended For:
Families, dog owners, museum-goers, music lovers, golfers, and anyone seeking a full day of fun in one place.What I Love: ♥
The Old Forest’s natural serenity, the world-class Memphis Zoo, and the Levitt Shell’s legendary musical legacy.- Explore the 126-acre Old Forest, a designated State Natural Area with shady walking trails and historic trees.
- Visit the Memphis Zoo, one of the nation’s top zoos, right inside the park’s boundary.
- Catch a concert at the Levitt Shell, where Elvis Presley once performed, or tour the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
- Play a round at Overton Golf Course or let your pup roam free at Overton Bark dog park.
Cost:
Park admission is free; individual attractions may charge admissionBest time to visit:
Spring and fall for festivals, concerts, and mild walking weatherLocal tips:
Check the Levitt Shell schedule before visiting—many concerts are free and family-friendly!Distance:
10 minutes east of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Overton Park:
From downtown Memphis, take Union Ave or Poplar Ave east to Tucker St, then turn into the park entrance near the zoo and museum complex.Address:
1914 Poplar Ave #202, Memphis, TN 38104Phone: 901-214-5450
9. Peabody Park
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Location:
Memphis, TNHighlights:
Looking for a neighborhood park with heart, art, and summer splash fun? Peabody Park is a Midtown Memphis favorite that blends play, accessibility, and community spirit.Recommended For:
Families, children, caregivers, local residents, and community groups looking for inclusive recreation and gathering space.What I Love: ♥
The summer splash pad, inclusive programs at the Raymond Skinner Center, and local art that brings personality to this urban park.- Play in the aqua splash pad with fountains and misters—perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
- Explore the playground and small field for informal games, outdoor fun, and family picnics.
- Admire metal art sculptures by local artist Yvonne Bobo, including the whimsical "Without Boundaries."
- Participate in community events, live music, and seasonal festivals hosted in the park throughout the year.
Cost:
Free admission; pavilion rentals available by reservationBest time to visit:
Summer for splash pad fun; weekends for festivals and community activitiesLocal tips:
Bring a towel and water shoes for the splash pad—it's a hit with kids and a great place to cool off!Distance:
15 minutes east of downtown Memphis, TNHow to Get to Peabody Park:
From downtown Memphis, take Union Ave east to Cooper St. Head south to Young Ave, then turn left onto Tanglewood St to reach the park entrance.Address:
712 Tanglewood St, Memphis, TN 38104Phone: 901-272-2528
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