Explore outdoor activities in Ridgeland, MS, with group-friendly parks, scenic trails, and water adventures perfect for reunions and outdoor excursions
Planning a fun outdoor excursion has never been easier, with ample outdoor retreats in Ridgeland, Mississippi, to discover. From boundless fun on the vast expanse of the Barnett Reservoir, plenty of scenic trails, including the Natchez Trace Trail, wind their way through the woods and picturesque parks perfect for a picnic lunch. The beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure meet to make for so many unique outdoor activities in Ridgeland, MS. Here are some of the best local spots to visit with your next group reunion.
It’s time to relax and reconnect—see what makes Ridgeland the perfect setting for your next get-together.
Group-Friendly Parks in Ridgeland
If you are planning a summer barbecue or need a wide-open space to celebrate, these local parks are the ideal Ridgeland nature spots for reunions.
Freedom Ridge Park is both a community hub for locals and a great reunion destination for outdoor activities in Ridgeland, MS. Year-round festivities keep this park buzzing with excitement, and your group can join in at one of their many baseball field and picnic pavilion locations for rent. Explore the Ridgeland Wildflower Field and Art Park for stunning landscapes blooming with vibrant flora during the spring and summer.
Families that enjoy an athletic afternoon will find that Wolcott Park is the ideal destination for a baseball group gathering. This 40-acre facility has everything to keep you active all day–baseball and softball fields, batting cages, and bullpens. If you are more of a tennis group, stop by the Ridgeland Tennis Center & Pickleball Courts, which are open to the public.
Settle into the comfort and familiarity of a neighborhood greenspace at Friendship Park. It’s all in the name of this location, as it offers a friendly environment filled with playground equipment, lighted pavilions, and access to a short walking trail. This is an ideal family location for parks and trails in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Old Trace Park features not only lakeside views but also a hidden gem of group-friendly outdoor adventures in Ridgeland: an 18-hole disc golf course. And if you’re bringing your four-legged family along, check out Old Trace Dog Park for off-leash fun with your furry friends.
Breathtaking Hiking and Biking Trails for Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor activities in Ridgeland include biking excursions on trails that draw thousands of cyclists yearly. Known as “Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Destination,” there is no lack of scenic parks and trails in Ridgeland to tour on foot or by bike. Winding nature trails through the woods to paved pathways with historical significance are ideal for fun outdoor experiences with friends and groups.
Marvel at the natural wonders found on the oldest trail in the city along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The parkway is a stunning combination of nature, culture and history, making it one of the finest outdoor retreats in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Running alongside the Barnett Reservoir and providing spectacular lake and wildlife views make this a one-of-a-kind trail. As it links some of the best sights and stops in the city, it is a must-see on your Ridgeland bucket list.
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An excellent option for cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users alike is the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail. Featuring a 10-mile paved pathway along the Natchez Trace, with several access points and accessible rest stops throughout. It takes you through the serene rolling hills and protected green space of historic Choctaw homelands.
The Ridgeland Trails offer fast-paced mountain bike tracks for thrill-seekers. With family passes and various difficulty-based trails to traverse, this is a fantastic opportunity for group-friendly outdoor adventures in Ridgeland for those who want a little extra excitement along the trails.
Water Activities at the Barnett Reservoir
The Barnett Reservoir, or “the Rez” as locals call it, is the top destination for group water adventures in Ridgeland. Whether you’re craving a laid-back lakeside day or need a refreshing escape from the heat, the Rez offers the perfect setting for outdoor fun.
As soon as those warmer months creep in, kayakers and paddleboarders alike flood to enjoy all the lily pad and lotus-filled waters they have to offer. You can join the fun, even if you don’t have aboard. Pearl River Kayaks has kayaks for rent, and you can treat your whole group to a guided kayak tour.
Does your family need more energized, group-friendly outdoor adventures in Ridgeland on the lake? Head to the Main Harbor Store to rent a pontoon boat and have fun with the whole family. Cruise around the lake, feel the breeze in your hair and hook up an innertube if you feel extra adventurous.
The Rez is also an angler’s paradise. Whether you are at one of their docks or out on a boat, there are plenty of fish to catch. And if you are short on fishing supplies or are looking for a local to show you the ropes, there is no lack of angler shops and guides.
If you are looking for Ridgeland nature spots for reunions with a fantastic lake view, start with Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore where you can fire up the grill and enjoy the wide-open spaces. Get your group together for a picnic with a side of disc golf and stunning views at Old Trace Park – and if you visit around May, you can celebrate summer with the annual Pepsi Pops featuring a lakeside concert with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Plan your next retreat to where big city fun is found amid a charming southern ambiance. With so many activities and locations to discover, your next group reunion destination is here. There is so much outdoor fun to explore with picturesque parks, scenic walking and biking trails, and various water activities in Ridgeland, MS.
Make your reunion an unforgettable one—learn how Ridgeland, Mississippi, mixes culture and fun today. Visit Explore Ridgeland for more information about the city and start planning your trip today
