Enjoy an evening paddle followed by cocktails and community at Shelby Farms Park. Perfect for unwinding after sunset with friends in a beautiful, natural setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels welcome; paddling is gentle and suitable for most participants.
Wildlife
History
Shelby Farms was established in the late 1800s as a major agricultural hub before becoming a public park in the 1970s.
Conservation
The park actively manages invasive species and promotes native habitat preservation to maintain rich biodiversity.
Shelby Farms Park
Enjoy an evening paddle followed by cocktails and community at Shelby Farms Park. Perfect for unwinding after sunset with friends in a beautiful, natural setting.
Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering a wide range of outdoor recreation, rentals, and reservable event spaces. The park provides guided nature experiences such as ranger-led hikes and structured field trips tailored for school groups and youth organizations. Rentals include pedal boats on Pine Lake and three-speed hybrid and kids bicycles available hourly or for two-hour sessions, with helmets provided for safety.
Multiple pavilions and picnic areas—Hyde Lake Pavilion, Jones Pond Pavilion, Beaver Lake (#5) Uncovered Picnic Area, and Stables (#3) Pavilion—offer picnic tables, grills, firepits, electricity, and restroom access for family gatherings and celebrations. The First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center houses the Buffalo Room meeting space accommodating up to 40 guests with WiFi and a kitchenette, allowing outside catering for meetings and events. Community programming includes the Get Outside! Fitness initiative in partnership with Girls on the Run, focusing on physical activity and life skills for girls in grades 3–8 and culminating in a 5K celebration. Amenities on site include a gift shop and coffee house near pavilion areas. Shelby Farms Park supports conservation through activities like pedal boat rentals and maintains paved trails for biking and walking across scenic landscapes. Operating hours and rental availability vary by activity; bike rentals run Tuesday through Sunday. Shelby Farms Park serves families, schools, and event planners seeking accessible outdoor experiences in Memphis, combining recreation, education, and community-focused amenities. Visitors can reserve spaces and rentals online or by phone today.
Location
Memphis, TN
Accessible city park
Experiences
10 Experiences
Rentals, field trips, and pavilions
Rentals
Bike & Boat Rentals
Helmets provided, Tue–Sun
Meeting Space
Up to 40 Guests
Buffalo Room in Visitor Center
Check availability for pedal boats, bike rentals, pavilions, field trips, and the Buffalo Room meeting space — plan the perfect outdoor event.
Arrive early
Get a good spot and prepare for the guided paddle at the start of the event.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes can be active in the evening near water; wearing repellent ensures comfort.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in layers as temperatures can vary, especially near water at sunset.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during the event for comfort and safety.
Waterproof sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during outdoor paddling and lounging.
summer
Boat hat or cap
Shade your face during paddle time and while relaxing outdoors.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the event with easy access to water.
Casual clothing layers
Comfortable clothes that can be adjusted as the evening cools down.
summer