Getting to Know THE COAST: A Guide for New Families - Parents & Kids (parentsandkids.com)
GETTING TO KNOW THE COAST: A GUIDE FOR NEW FAMILIES
Posted by Parents & Kids Guest Writer | Mar 7, 2022
If you are new to the area or ready for something new, this article will offer several family-friendly things to do on and around the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Please Google each suggestion for more specific details such as hours of operation, costs, etc. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though…there’s so much more to explore!
Altitude Trampoline Park in Gulfport is the place to get some sky. The main court stretches with trampolines, to run with a bounce in your step, tumble, and soar with acrobatic moves. Basketball gets an extra bounce at the trampoline basketball area. Dodgeball with friends takes on a new spin with the added fun of jumping to the max. A ninja course dares all to accept the challenge of testing balance and strength on its obstacle course. The battle beam sits to challenge others. This fun-filled space is sure to offer much enjoyment for the whole family.
Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is a highly-reviewed attraction on the coast that is, according to many parents, a really top notch all-ages experience. There are interactive features at this vast indoor/outdoor place for learning about the oceans. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring exhibits that relay the beautiful depths of our vast oceans.
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi displays the maritime history of Biloxi through exhibits on recreational and commercial fishing. Net-making, shrimp peeling machines, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building and other marine resources are on display. A 1400-square-foot art gallery is also on-site.
Infinity Science Center in Pearlington offers hands-on learning at various stations. Artifacts such as the Apollo 4 capsule and Fred Haise’s astronaut suit are on display. Kids and adults alike can answer the call to complete a mission in a simulated underwater experience that allows you to test your skills navigating an underwater vessel. A space shuttle allows you to walk the steps of astronauts past. A virtual reality adventure is also there to transport you into another place. Outside, a playground sits near picnic tables for more enjoyment. The Center has Science Saturday events as well as other special events throughout the year.
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum holds more than 80 model train displays, with one of the largest lego railroad displays in Mississippi. Kids can ride a train and train toys for added fun while you sit at picnic tables for lunch or refreshments.
Ohr-O’keefe Museum combines history, architecture and landscape in an innovative cohesive setting. The museum hosts various art classes. Check out this award-winning display of art set just across from the beach. The setting is absolutely stunning.
Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi offers more than adult rest and relaxation. It also offers a way to escape in the family entertainment center, which offers a volcano rock climbing wall, rope course, virtual reality area, boutique bowling, and arcade games such as Mario Kart and Pac-Man (just to name a few). Take a break at several restaurants on-site to fuel up and put in more fun time in the arcade.
Downstage Productions offers an alternative to the longstanding community theaters on the coast. It offers shows and educational theater for everyone. The theater hosts plays, concerts and classes that performers and spectators of all ages can enjoy.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum in Gulfport honors the history of Mississippians who contributed significantly to the field of aviation. Twenty-two galleries with real airplanes and audio/visual media discuss the contributions of hurricane hunters, crop dusters, Tuskegee Airmen, and more.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport offers three levels of interactive spaces for children, situated around a colossal climbing structure. Children can explore the life of a talk show host, have their own shopping experience in the market, and explore science topics such as mass, sight and sound through fun interactive activities. NASA instrument models will allow them to see things not easily seen, and they can test their own shuttle-making skills. A pet vet, Dolan Avenue train depot, a seaside port, and a space exclusively for toddlers are just some of the experiences available inside and out for the kiddos.
No matter what new adventure you are looking for, the Gulf Coast offers great options…so now you KNOW and can GO!
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.