Did you know that the biggest meteor shower of the year peaks this weekend? What better place to view it — while enjoying a sleepover — than at Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.
Shelby Farm's first overnight stay, Park + Pajamas, happens Friday, August 10th, at 7:30 p.m. Families will gather at the park's Visitors Center and have the option to either use sleeping bags inside the center, or pitch a tent and sleep under the stars.
Activities are geared for parents with children ages 6 to 12, though teens are also welcome. After fielding many requests over the years, the weekend represents the conservancy's first venture into opening the park for an overnight stay.
"The park is an awesome place, it's got great stuff but people only experience about half of what it has to offer," notes Matt Farr, manager of education and outreach for the park. "I want people to experience what goes on here at night."
The sleepover will include a nocturnal wildlife walk, star gazing, and a conversation about the Perseid Meteor Shower with members of the Memphis Astronomical Society. Telescopes will also be on-hand for guests, though Farr says the shower should be visible to the naked eye.
Watch the skies away from light pollution, as 50 to 60 meteors are expected to streak past hourly. While the shower will peak on August 12th, it continues until the end of the month. Learn more about viewing meteor showers at Earthsky.org
Old meteor watcher's motto: "You might see a lot or you might not see many, but if you stay in the house, you won’t see any." ~ Earthsky.org
In the morning, Farr says they'll offer a Tai Chi lesson next to Patriot Lake, followed by breakfast with the buffalo. This buffet by Fratelli's features quiche, bagels, and fruit. • Per attendance: One adult can bring up to three children. The event will be capped at around 40 kids/60 adults, so register now.
LET'S GO!
Park + Pajamas • Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. until Saturday at 10 a.m.
Visitors Center, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy • $55/parent & child, $45/parent & child members, $25 each additional person