Getting to Know the Pine Belt - Parents & Kids (parentsandkids.com)
GETTING TO KNOW THE PINE BELT
Posted by Parents & Kids Guest Writer | Mar 14, 2022
If you are new to Hattiesburg, Laurel, Collins, Purvis, Lumberton or some other city or town in the Pine Belt region … welcome! Get ready for something new. In addition to other suggestions in this issue of the magazine, this article will offer ideas of things for families to do in the Pine Belt and surrounding areas.
The Hattiesburg Zoo is equipped with animals from most continents. It offers a scenic train ride around the zoo, a ropes course for big and little tikes, a mining expedition, carousel, splash pad, petting zoo, bug-themed playground for hours of fun, and even an Australian wallaby walkabout where wallabies roam freely around an enclosed walkway. It’s all sure to provide plenty of options for enjoyment. The zoo also hosts several theme events throughout the year, providing even more opportunities for fun.
Updown Trampoline Park in Hattiesburg is decked out with 45,000 square feet of trampoline space including an open jump court, dodgeball court, dunk court and a jousting court suspended over a foam pit. To challenge you further, a ninja warrior course awaits. For a break from jumping, an arcade and refreshments can provide the needed respite to recharge before going back at it again.
Grand Paradise Waterpark is one to add to your list of activities for summertime. It can meet the need to beat the heat of a Mississippi summer! This park provides fun for all ages with activities ranging from a splash pad in Waddleland to a four-story slide. A full day of adventure awaits the whole family in Collins, Miss. at this park spewing water from every corner.
Saenger Hattiesburg Theatre is located in the historic downtown district of Hattiesburg and hosts varying types of entertainment. Once an old movie palace, it’s now a theater prepped for concerts, ballets and orchestral performances. Visit Hattiesburgsaenger.com for up-to-date information on performances for the family to enjoy.
The All-American Rose Garden sits on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi, ready to display all its glory (usually from mid-April until the weather cools around November). Eight-hundred bushes with more than 36 distinct varieties of roses beautify the area and attract visitors from places near and far while showing off nature’s abilities and beauty.
African-American Military History Museum sits in the last remaining USO building constructed exclusively for African-American solider use during World War II. Exhibits display the contributions of African-American soldiers from the revolutionary war to present day, including some with interactive exhibits. Visit the website Hattiesburguso.com for more information as well as for details on upcoming summer programs and other events hosted by the museum.
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum located inside Camp Shelby highlights the contributions of Mississippi military members, making it the state’s largest collection of historic military artifacts. Items dating as far back as the 19th century can be viewed – most items range from the Civil War to World War II. Step inside to journey back through a part of history.
Options abound to keep families busy and active in your new community. With 29 parks, walking tracks and recreational facilities in Hattiesburg alone, the Pine Belt has much to enjoy. We hope you plan to stay in southern Mississippi for a long time to come.
Alicia Stevens , a resident of Pearl River County, is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two who enjoys traveling with her family and friends.