Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Memphis, TN

At 5000 acres, Shelby Farms is simply too big to be enjoyed in one trip.  Smaller, more manageable trips are easier to take and are sure to be enjoyed rather than endured.

Here are the five best ways to enjoy Shelby Farms with your kids.

1. Saddle up - Trail and pony rides are available seven days a week and start at 10 am.  Hand-led pony rides are available for children under eight and cost $5, while trail rides cost $20 and last about an hour.  Get there early since the horses are usually first come first serve unless you want to make a reservation and pay in full when the reservation is made.

2. Take your dog! - Shelby Farms has a great off-leash area dedicated to your favorite furry friend.  This area is a great idea for your older kids who are comfortable with dogs running around and not being under immediate control. 

3. Go for a boat ride - Take your little ones out for a paddle boat ride or a couple of hours in a kayak.  Both are wonderful ways to wear the rugrats out before your drive home.  Two person boats are $11 an hour and four to fiver person boats are $17 an hour.  You can rent boats from 10am till 6pm Monday thru Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sundays.  Last rental of the day is at 6pm so you have all day to do other activities and then end with the paddle boats.

4. Grab a pole - With over thirty bodies of water, surely you and your small fry can find a quiet fishing hole in which to drop your line.  To fish at Shelby Farms you have to have a fishing license and you can find out how to get one by clicking here.  For a sure catch, check out Catch'em Lake which is open from sunrise to sunset [7am till 7pm].  This is a "for fee" fishing hole so check out the website for a full list of pricing.

5. Go ride a bike - Off-road mountain biking and road biking is a must at Shelby Farms.  Bring the tricycle and your own bike and hit the trails.  Shelby Farms has miles of paved and unpaved trails for you and your kids to explore.  Pack a lunch and make a day of it...maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the park's bison.
Hayrides are available right now and are a must for any child [and adult].  For $250, 30 people can enjoy an hour long hayride and an hour long bonfire.  The event starts at 7pm and they book quickly so check out the website to make your reservation.

Some of these things can be combined and some deserve to be your family's main reason for visiting Shelby Farms.  Since Shelby Farms is free, you can come back as many times as you want so that you and your kids can enjoy everything that the park has to offer.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbill/11195764/sizes/s/