Top 10 Spots in Town for a Family Selfie
Whether for fall break or a family outing this weekend, more mild temperatures welcome a wonderful excuse to get outside and explore together! Discover Memphis Naturally, a hub to promote Memphis’ dynamic outdoor destinations and experiences, has compiled family-friendly spots to not only see but also snap a memory! Grab your phones or cameras and treat these 10 ideas as your family’s newest bucket list.
Photo: Bryan Rollins
Arkansas/Tennessee state line on Big River Crossing
It’s not often you find yourself in-between two states on the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi! Have fun with this center spot by capturing some family members “states apart” — and if you stay long enough, you might catch a Mighty Lights light show at sundown.
The MEMPHIS sign on Mud Island
This multicolored block-letter sign is a must-do on Mud Island. With the city skyline as the backdrop, a photograph in front of this art installation is a Memphis memory worth making. Now, strike a pose on a letter of your choice!
With the buffalo at Shelby Farms Park
Go where the buffalo roam, and you may even see some up close! The herd resides in a nearly 50-acre range at Shelby Farms Park with plenty of space, grass, and fields for them to enjoy. Get your “herd” together for a great family photo.
The Lookout at Bass Pro Shop Pyramid
Looking for fresh selfie angles? The Lookout at the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid offers aerial views of Downtown Memphis and beyond with a glass-floored observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River. What landmarks can you spot from there?
Paddling Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park
Nothing exudes “epic” more than an action shot paddling on the lake! Rent a kayak, canoe, or tandem kayak and get the whole family out on the water. Pro tip: Bring a waterproof phone holder.
The “beach” within reach along the Wolf River
This “secret beach” is a great place to build sand castles, have a picnic, hang a hammock, and watch for wildlife. The Wolf River covers ~100 miles through fields, forests, and communities in Memphis and is vital to our drinking water.
The “With Love From Memphis” mural in the Edge District
We encourage you to snap a selfie in front of as many murals in Memphis as you can, but if looking for something to send home, visit the Edge District and capture your own postcard-styled shot in front of this painted cityscape.
Memphis skyline from Big River Trail
Ready for an adventure? Cross over Big River Crossing and hike/bike the Big River Trail in West Memphis. This 6-mile paved loop offers incredible views of Memphis from the west bank of the Mississippi River.
The Blue Kids on the V&E Greenline
The 10-year old art installation knows how to pose for a photograph. Located on the V&E Greenline near the Crosstown Concourse, these kids are ready for some fun. Please be respectful of these old souls!
With the kangaroos at the Memphis Zoo
Within this free-range kangaroo exhibit at the Memphis Zoo, you and yours can see these marsupials up close — and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a selfie with a curious kangaroo.
Learn more at memphisadventures.com and follow @naturallymem on social media for daily ideas.
Five Family-Friendly Ways to Explore Memphis’ Parks
Did you know Memphis is home to 162 parks? Whether near your home or on the other end of town, our city’s parks are free and available to all to enjoy. Bookmark these ideas for this fall with the family:
Catch a fish at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park’s Poplar Tree Lake
Get the gang together and fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish on this picturesque lake. This state park offers year-round fishing, boat rentals, and camping options if you want to make a trip out of it.
See it from the trees with Go Ape!
The Treetop Journey is perfect for all ages with its suspended bridges, obstacles, and ziplines. Immerse yourself in nature for one hour, inspire a love for the outdoors, and take in the beautiful views of Shelby Farms Park.
Pitch a tent at T.O. Fuller State Park
With ample campsites for RVs and tents, T.O. Fuller offers plenty of space for everyone to have a great time, whether having a picnic, sharing stories around the fire, grilling up some grub, or enjoying a nature hike.
Plan a sunset picnic at River Garden
Located on the banks of the Mississippi, River Park offers beautiful views of the mighty river along with its barges, boats, and bridges. Within this space, there are play structures, swinging benches, and pavilions perfect for dining.
Enjoy horseback riding at Shelby Farm Stables
Choose from 20-minute to 2-hour rides and get a chance to spot deer, ducks, and wildlife while on horseback in the scenic Shelby Farms Park. They also offer private sunset rides!
Learn more at memphistn.gov/parks.