Shelby Farms Park

Planning a Reading Day at Shelby Farms Park

A park the size of Shelby Farms can feel overwhelming on a first visit, so a little planning helps families make the most of an outdoor reading day. The park is spread out, and the walk between parking areas, trails and lakeside spaces can be longer than expected, especially with small children and a bag of books. Arriving early gives you time to find your spot, settle in and let little ones run off some energy before a story begins.

What to bring

• A blanket or folding chairs, as grass can be damp in spring mornings.
• Water, snacks and sun protection, since shade is not guaranteed in open areas.
• A few favourite books from home, so children can share a story of their own or keep reading after a session ends.
• A light layer or rain jacket, because Memphis spring weather can change quickly.

Turning the outdoors into a reading lesson

Open green space is an ideal setting for building early literacy skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Before or after storytime, try a simple nature word hunt: ask children to spot things that start with a certain letter, name the colours they see, or describe the sounds around them. Older children can keep a small notebook to jot down birds, plants or anything that catches their eye, then write a short sentence or two about their day. These small habits connect reading and writing to real experiences, which helps vocabulary stick.

Picture books about animals, seasons, water and the outdoors pair especially well with a park visit. Reading a story about ducks and then spotting real ones by the lake is the kind of link that makes books come alive for young readers.

Before you go

Outdoor events depend on the weather, so check for updates before setting out, and confirm park conditions and any closures through the park's official channels. For more ideas on reading with children at home and outdoors, browse our family reading resources, or see the full range of programs we offer across the city.