Mississippi is a state that’s brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a place where families can explore the roots of American music, immerse themselves in civil rights history, and discover the wonders of the Gulf Coast. From exciting museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Mississippi.
Here are just seven that you will want to consider adding to your itinerary.
1. Dive into History at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Let’s kick things off with a healthy dose of history. Did you know that Mississippi has been a central stage for many significant events in American history?
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is an excellent place to introduce your young ones to the civil rights movement. With interactive exhibits and powerful narratives, it’s not just educational but also incredibly engaging.
2. Have Educational Fun at the Mississippi Children’s Museum
You can ignite your children’s curiosity and imagination at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson. This interactive wonderland boasts countless engaging exhibits that promote learning in a fun and exciting way, such as the STEM-themed areas, mini grocery stores, and the life-size replica of an offshore oil rig.
Your kids can also get their creative juices flowing as they express themselves through art projects or uncover Mississippi’s cultural heritage through hands-on activities. With ever-changing exhibits and educational programs for all ages, the Mississippi Children’s Museum is an ideal destination for a day of educational fun that the whole family will enjoy.
3. Encounter Wildlife at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo
At Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, your family can get up close and personal with an array of fascinating animals. You can take a safari-style tour through the park to witness majestic buffalo roaming freely, or feed them from the safety of your car, and marvel at the playful antics of exotic species like giraffes, zebras, and kangaroos as you stroll through the zoo.
For a unique experience, book a hands-on encounter where you can interact with friendly creatures like lemurs or hold baby alligators. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo offers unparalleled wildlife encounters that will leave your family in awe.
4. Visit the Amazing Mississippi Aquarium
You and your kids can experience even more awesome creatures up close at the Mississippi Aquarium. The indoor and outdoor campus features twelve freshwater and saltwater habitats and your family can get to see around two hundred species of aquatic animals, such as sharks, stingrays, North American river otters, and bottlenose dolphins.
5. Take a Trip to Natchez Trace Parkway
If you want to escape into nature, one of the best places to visit is Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway. The scenic drive offers breathtaking vistas.
Pack a picnic and relax at one of the picturesque overlooks while taking in panoramic views of rolling hills and lush forests. Then, lace up your hiking boots and explore one of the many trails dotted along the parkway to immerse yourselves in tranquil surroundings teeming with wildlife.
Natchez Trace Parkway provides an outdoor oasis where you can bond with your loved ones and create cherished memories in the heart of Mississippi’s natural beauty.
6. Have Family-Friendly Fun at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Your children’s curiosity can run wild at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport. This interactive museum offers a plethora of hands-on exhibits and activities that will engage and educate young minds. From a mini supermarket where your kids can play pretend shoppers to a child-sized veterinary clinic, there are endless opportunities for imaginative play.
You and your family can also explore the outdoors in the sprawling play garden, which features treehouses, a sensory garden, and even a pirate ship. With art workshops, science demonstrations, and special events throughout the year, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center guarantees a day of family-friendly fun that will captivate both children and adults alike.
7. Unwind at Gulfport Beach
Lastly, for some sun, sand, and relaxation, head to Gulfport Beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Set up your beach chairs and umbrellas as you soak up the warm rays or build sandcastles with your little ones along the pristine shoreline. Then, take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters or try your hand at fishing from the pier.
Alternatively, you could simply enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk while savoring an ice cream cone or indulging in fresh seafood, such as crispy shrimp tacos, at one of the waterfront restaurants. Whether you seek tranquility or adventure, Gulfport Beach is a picturesque getaway for family bonding and rejuvenation.
The Takeaway
From museums, interactive workshops, and waterparks to aquariums, natural parks, and beaches, Mississippi features a plethora of things that the whole family is sure to enjoy doing. So, explore the above attractions in more detail and look at other family-friendly things to do in Mississippi so that you can begin planning your fun vacation.