Discover Outdoor Adventures, Local Favorites, and Hidden Gems Around Memphis
There’s More to Memphis Than Beale Street
Beale Street deserves its reputation, but it’s only one piece of what makes Memphis such a fun summer destination.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the sunshine, or spend a weekend exploring with family and friends, Memphis has plenty to offer beyond live music and barbecue. From ziplining through the trees to paddling across the lake or discovering local parks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Here’s how to spend a summer weekend experiencing a different side of Memphis.
Start Your Weekend with an Adventure at Go Ape
Zipline Through the Trees at Shelby Farms Park
If you’re searching for outdoor activities near Memphis, Go Ape at Shelby Farms Park is one of the city’s most unique experiences.
Set among towering trees, the Treetop Adventure combines ziplines, rope bridges, suspended obstacles, and Tarzan swings into a two-to-three-hour outdoor adventure that’s equal parts fun and rewarding.
Whether you’re visiting with family, celebrating a birthday, planning a date, or simply looking for something different to do this summer, Go Ape offers an experience you won’t find downtown.
More Than Just Ziplining
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Go Ape is that there are multiple ways to enjoy the park.
Choose from:
- Treetop Adventure
- Treetop Journey (for beginner adventurers)
- Forest EscAPE, an outdoor escape room
- Axe Throwing
- Gorilla Golf, an outdoor minigolf course
- Primal Dynamix team-building experiences
Local Tip: Book an early morning climb to enjoy cooler temperatures during the summer months, then spend the rest of the day exploring Shelby Farms Park.
Explore Shelby Farms Park
One of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms Park is worth exploring even after you’ve finished your Go Ape adventure.
Spend a few hours:
- Walking or biking scenic trails
- Renting kayaks or paddleboards
- Enjoying the lakes
- Having a picnic
- Letting kids burn off energy on the playgrounds
It’s easy to spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.
Cool Off on the Water
Memphis summers can be warm, making water activities a welcome addition to your weekend.
Shelby Farms offers:
- Kayak rentals
- Paddleboarding
- Pedal boats
- Scenic lakeside views
If your group prefers a slower pace after climbing through the trees, this is the perfect way to unwind.
Explore Memphis’ Outdoor Side
When people think of Memphis, outdoor recreation isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind – but locals know better.
Consider adding one of these to your itinerary:
Walk the Big River Crossing
Take in panoramic views of the Mississippi River from this pedestrian bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas.
Visit the Memphis Botanic Garden
A peaceful stop for blooming summer gardens, shaded walking paths, and seasonal events.
Bike the Shelby Farms Greenline
This popular paved trail connects Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park and is perfect for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely walk.
Make It a Full Summer Day
One of the best things about visiting Go Ape is how easily it fits into a full day of exploring.
Here’s a simple itinerary:
Morning
- Coffee and breakfast
- Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Lunch
- Picnic in Shelby Farms Park or a local café
Afternoon
- Kayak, paddleboard, or bike the park
Evening
- Dinner in Midtown or Downtown
- Live music on Beale Street if you want to end the day with a Memphis classic
You get the best of both worlds: outdoor adventure and iconic Memphis culture.
Why Go Ape Belongs on Every Memphis Summer Bucket List
There are plenty of fun things to do in Memphis, but few combine outdoor recreation, physical activity, teamwork, and unforgettable views quite like Go Ape.
Instead of simply sightseeing, you’ll spend the day climbing, ziplining, laughing, and encouraging one another through an adventure you’ll be talking about long after you leave the park.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, date day, birthday celebration, or weekend with friends, it’s one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in the Memphis area.
Experience a Different Side of Memphis This Summer
This summer, venture beyond the city’s most famous attractions and discover what locals already know—some of the best experiences happen outdoors.
From soaring through the treetops at Go Ape to paddling across Shelby Farms’ lakes and enjoying miles of scenic trails, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of a Memphis summer.
If you’re looking for an adventure that combines fresh air, fun, and lasting memories, start your weekend in the trees. It’s a side of Memphis you won’t want to miss.
About Go Ape
Go Ape believes in creating spaces where people of all ages and abilities can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy. Go Ape isn’t just an activity; it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose.
Go Ape isn’t just an activity. It’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.
Find Your Go Ape location:
- Arlington-Dallas, Texas
- Plano, Texas
- Houston-Sugarland, Texas
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Bear, Delaware
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Rockville, Maryland
- Kansas City, Missouri
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Omaha-Lincoln, Nebraska
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Springfield, Virginia (Washington DC)