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Mississippi makes a shocking seaside trip spot for households. It is inexpensive, enjoyable, and exquisite. So why is that this vacation spot typically missed? As a result of vacationers merely don’t consider Coastal Mississippi when planning their seaside holidays! Which means fewer crowds and higher offers alongside the Secret Coast for these of us within the know. Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Go Christian, Lengthy Seaside, and different Mississippi seaside cities present loads of points of interest and allure. Check out these 25 enjoyable issues to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters!
This story is delivered to you in partnership with Coastal Mississippi, the official regional tourism entity representing Mississippi’s three coastal counties: Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock.
1. Go to the seaside.
Let’s begin on the sandy shores of Mississippi! This southern state gives 62 miles of shoreline alongside the Gulf of Mexico, overlooking the Mississippi Sound. That features 26 miles of white sand seashores, lots of which you will discover alongside Seaside Blvd.
The waters are usually heat and shallow, making Mississippi an particularly alluring seaside vacation spot for households with younger youngsters. Under are just a few of one of the best seashores alongside the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Henderson Level Seaside
Henderson Level is a reasonably seaside situated in Go Christian. It gives over a mile of shoreline and loads of issues to do. You’ll be able to play sand volleyball, gather seashells, or discover an onsite playground. Tenting on the seaside is even obtainable.
Biloxi Seaside
Biloxi Seaside gives pristine waters and delicate white sands. Get pleasure from numerous water sports activities together with parasailing, waterboarding, jet snowboarding, and aqua biking. Lease seaside loungers and water recreation tools onsite from Life’s A Seaside.
As well as, Biloxi Seaside is an outstanding vacation spot for fishing with the choice of having fun with a fishing constitution. Check out the finest fishing constitution choices in Biloxi.
Ship Island
Located 11 miles from Mississippi Gulf Coast, this barrier island makes a enjoyable day journey. Take a Ship Island Excursions ferry from Gulfport to achieve the longest stretch of seashore within the Nationwide Park System. You’ll seemingly see diving dolphins alongside the best way!
Ship Island can also be dwelling to seashores with the clearest water within the state. An array of various marine life makes Ship Island Seaside the right spot for snorkeling. Convey alongside sturdy footwear, too, to discover the island’s mountaineering trails.
2. Meet alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Excursions.
Households like to feed alligators, go on an airboat experience, and even cuddle a child gator at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Excursions in Moss Level. This was my 11-year-old son, Leo’s absolute favourite factor that we did throughout our mother-son Mississippi Gulf Coast trip.
What child would not need to toss treats to a bunch of snapping gators?! (From behind the security of a secured fence, after all.) For a enjoyable picture op, courageous youngsters and fogeys can take a flip holding a child alligator, whose jaws are securely shut.
We noticed a few wild alligators throughout our airboat tour. In the meantime, our airboat information, Captain Frog, defined a bit to us about native wildlife and crops.
Probably the most thrilling half, although, was our speedy tour across the bayou. Maintain on to your youngsters for zippy 180 and 360 turns! Youngsters have to be not less than 4 years previous to embark on a swamp boat tour, however I would maintain off till not less than 6 or so. Notice: pregnant ladies should not permitted to experience for security causes.
3. Catch shellfish on the Biloxi Shrimping Journey.
Get out on the Gulf throughout a Biloxi Shrimping Journey throughout your Coastal Mississippi trip. Not solely are you able to absorb beautiful water views, but in addition your youngsters can see how shrimp are caught utilizing a web dragged behind the boat. Then get an opportunity to carry the contemporary catch, whether or not it is a pile of shrimp or a blue crab snared within the web.
Better of all could also be T.J. the beer and soda supply canine! If the warmth is not too dangerous, head as much as the roof of the boat and look ahead to T.J. to climb the steps, loaded up with cans of chilly drinks to dole out to passengers.
4. Eat contemporary Mississippi Gulf Coast fish and seafood.
For seafood lovers, Mississippi Gulf Coast is heaven! You will discover really JUMBO shrimp at extraordinarily cheap costs.
In the course of the shrimping season in summer season, you should purchase contemporary shrimp straight off boats within the harbor for only a few {dollars} per pound. Crab legs are bountiful and affordably priced, too.
Recent seafood eating places are simple to seek out, too. Under are three prime choices the whole household will love.
Shaggy’s
For informal but scrumptious seafood, Shaggy’s gives thee places in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Along with indoor seating, all provide out of doors eating with fabulous water views.
Suppose seafood tacos, fried fish platters, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Cool off with mocktails, tropical cocktails, or craft beers, too. The kids’s menu serves up popcorn shrimp and land-based child favorites.
McElroy’s
McElroy’s is an area favourite, notably for weekend brunches. This native chain has two places, one in Ocean Springs and one other in Biloxi. McElroy’s Harbor Home gives nice views of the Gulf and makes a good selection earlier than or after your Biloxi Shrimping Journey since they share a parking zone.
Half Shell Oyster Home
My son, Leo, and I completely liked Half Shell Oyster Home in downtown Gulfport. There are three different Coastal Mississippi places, too.
Anticipate southern and Cajun specialties like shrimp & grits, blackened redfish, and poor boy sandwiches. In fact, there are many oyster choices as nicely, together with on the half-shell, charbroiled, fried, and extra. Steaks listed here are additionally scrumptious, particularly when topped with lump crab meat or jumbo shrimp!
5. Cool Off at Gulf Islands Waterpark.
If your loved ones enjoys waterparks as a lot as mine does, you then’re in for a deal with at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport. A wave pool, lazy river, web pool crossing, splash play areas, and loads of water slides will preserve all ages content material and funky for hours. For thrill-seekers, the Horn Island Blaster water curler coaster is the star attraction with greater than 500 toes of twists and turns plus 45-degree drops.
6. Benefit from the small-town really feel in Ocean Springs.
Ocean Springs charms guests with its southern hospitality and walkable small-town USA really feel. The beachfront Fort Maurepas Metropolis Park encompasses a ship playground and splash pad to please the children. On Sunday mornings, wander by means of the city’s farmer’s market to peruse homegrown and handmade goodies. Artwork lovers may also need to cease at The Walter Anderson Museum to view work, drawings, murals, and sculptures by famend native artist, Walter Anderson.
Plus, you will discover all types of boutique shops and native eating places in downtown Ocean Springs. A spotlight is the Miner’s Doll & Toy Retailer, which is as cute on the surface because the old style and new-fangled toys are inside.
Remember to cease by Pop Brothers for a gourmand popsicle. Select from such flavors as Cherry Coke Float or Oreo Cheesecake.
The Sweet Cottage is a should with or with out youngsters. All ages are tempted by favorites at this sweets store like malted milk balls, pecan logs, and pralines.
7. Eat BBQ and take heed to the blues at The Shed.
Barbecue is required throughout a trip within the South, even alongside the coast. You will must drive to achieve The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, however you will be glad you probably did. On weekend nights, take pleasure in free stay blues music right here.
Unsure what to order? Get the ShedHed Sampler for a little bit of every little thing! It options all seven of their slow-cooked meats, plus a alternative of three sides like Momma Mia’s Mac Salad or Collard Greens with smoked pork renderings.
When you’re ready in your grub, play a spherical or two of cornhole or take a stroll alongside the bayou. Simply be sure you preserve watch of younger youngsters and your eyes open for gators!
8. Play at Paradise Pier Enjoyable Park.
Opened in 2023, Paradise Pier Enjoyable Park is wildly common with households. This amusement park is situated on the Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi and is open to the general public.
It gives 15 rides from the mellow Whirlwind Balloons for little youngsters to the Rolling Thunder curler coaster for thrill-seekers. Get pleasure from stay music acts, roaming characters, and honest meals like New Orleans beignets and fried cheese curds, too.
The 180-foot-tall Biloxi Tide-Turner statement wheel is a should. This Ferris wheel’s enclosed gondolas provide air-con so it is also an excellent place to chill off.
For a further charge to the theme park day cross, parkgoers can order cocktails, beers, and sodas to sip whereas aboard the Aerobar. This “bar within the sky” rises and spins to present riders 360-degree views of the Mississippi Sound. Signature drinks embrace the Southern S’mash with bourbon, peach schnapps, ginger, and mint or the Wave Runner boozy tropical punch.
9. Take youngsters to Massive Play Leisure Heart.
Children of all ages will thanks after an tour to Massive Play Leisure Heart in Biloxi. Amusements abound with miniature golf, go-karts, bowling, laser tag, bumper automobiles, and arcade video games with prize tickets.
A full-service restaurant (full with grown-up drinkies) is out there. Go on Sunday when youngsters eat free!
10. Race and zipline at Finishline.
Want much more amusements? Subsequent door to Massive Play you will discover Finishline Efficiency Karting. This Mississippi Gulf Coast attraction gives a 40-foot-tall thrilling zipline, a free-fall expertise, and arcade video games.
Finishline’s major draw, although, is its race tracks and among the quickest go-karts within the state of Mississippi. Teenagers have to be 14+ to experience the Grownup karts however there are junior karts for youths as younger as 8. There are even mini karts for kids aged 4 to 7.
11. View marine life on the Mississippi Aquarium.
Opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport homes greater than 200 species of animals and 50+ native plant species in numerous habitats. Along with fishies of all types, search for massive sea turtles, scaly American alligators and crocodiles, playful North American river otters, and clever dolphins.
For a further charge, Mississippi Aquarium’s Dolphin Encounter allows guests to the touch and feed Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The main focus of this 15-minute program is training.
12. Watch exhibits and work together with animals at Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
The first points of interest at Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport are exhibits starring good sea lions, dolphins, and birds. Additionally take pleasure in fish-filled aquariums, contact swimming pools, and a walk-through aviary. They provide instructional camps for youths in the summertime, too.
For a memorable expertise, guests can buy an animal encounter expertise. You’ll be able to feed and contact a dolphin within the water throughout the Dolphin Interplay. Or, swim with stingrays throughout the Stingray Encounter. Maybe you’d favor to present hand alerts and get a kiss from a sea lion throughout the Sea Lion Encounter! All proceeds help the Institute for Marine Mammal Research.
Institute for Marine Mammal Research
Positioned inside the Ocean Adventures Marine Park, the Institute for Marine Mammals Research is a non-profit charitable group devoted to training, conservation, analysis, and animal rescues and rehabilitation. This charity has rescued over 24,000 mammals because it opened in 1975!
13. Get a biscuit and set a spell at Greenhouse on Porter Ave.
What may very well be extra Southern than a flakey, freshly baked biscuit? Get your biscuit repair at Greenhouse on Porter Ave. Positioned in Ocean Springs, this distinctive eatery is a enjoyable exercise for households.
Select from their day by day biscuit choices, together with a gluten-free model for delicate eaters like me. When you’re on the lookout for one thing extra substantial, then you’ll be able to order yours topped with such additions as fried egg and cheese or lox and all of the fixings. In addition they serve all kinds of tasty drinks together with coffees, teas, craft sodas, and scorching chocolate.
This place is known as Greenhouse for a motive. You will actually eat your biscuits inside a greenhouse shed. Alternatively, you’ll be able to pull up a chair at a desk outdoors and make buddies with the resident extra-toed cat, Marigold. Board video games and bug spray are free to borrow.
14. Get pleasure from out of doors actions at Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore.
Head to Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore at Davis Bayou in Coastal Mississippi to fulfill your nature cravings. Remember to preserve little ones shut when exploring the marsh space as a result of alligators do inhabit the waters.
Get pleasure from a wide range of actions together with mountaineering trails, picnic areas, and chicken watching. Anglers also can buy a license to go fishing and there is a boat launch right here for seafarers.
The William M. Colmer Customer Heart gives indoor displays concerning the shore and islands. Free Junior Ranger booklets and awards can be found at Fort Pickens Discovery Heart, Fort Barrancas Customer Heart, and Davis Bayou Customer Heart.
Based on the Nationwide Park Service, “Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore stretches for 160 miles alongside the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Mississippi and Florida, and contains barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat.”
15. Be taught at Lynn Meadows Discovery Heart.
Unsure what to do on a wet day when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters? Head to Lynn Meadows Discovery Heart in Gulfport!
Households study science, historical past, and nature by means of play in 15,000 sq. toes of hands-on displays. Youngsters will take pleasure in indoor instructional artwork initiatives, a kid-sized grocery retailer, and a make-believe veterinarian middle with stuffed animal “sufferers.” Outside displays present alternatives to study solar energy, music, and extra.
The museum is designed for kids aged 10 and youthful, with the Bear Camp Bayou exhibit particularly for newborns by means of age 4. Entry is free from 5 to eight pm on the final Friday of each month.
16. Drink a Barq’s Root Beer.
Barq’s Well-known Olde Tyme Root Beer was created by Edward Barq in Biloxi in 1871. Gross sales of this candy drink went by means of the roof throughout the prohibition period.
Now bottled by the Coca-Cola firm, Barq’s remains to be an area favourite. Search for the unique blue and white glass bottles in eateries and retailers. Remember the fact that, in contrast to most root beers, Barq’s root beer does include some caffeine.
17. Eat at a Waffle Home.
One of many first issues we observed whereas driving by means of Coastal Mississippi was the abundance of Waffle Homes. It is arduous to overlook them. It appears there is a Waffle Home on each nook! The truth is, this state is dwelling to 88 of this southern chain’s practically 2,000 eating places.
Service is quick, costs are low, and the meals is nice and greasy. These eating places are open 24 hours a day, serving up consolation meals like grits, eggs, burgers, and, after all, waffles. Since waffles are considered one of my son’s all-time favourite meals, after all, we needed to come right here for breakfast a few occasions throughout our go to.
Make a sport of counting waffle homes when in Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters. It simply would possibly assist preserve their eyes centered on the surroundings fairly than on their smartphones. We noticed 12 Waffle Homes in in the future alone!
18. Splurge on a meal at White Pillars Restaurant.
For a extra refined eating expertise, make reservations at White Pillars Restaurant. The restaurant is situated inside a formidable Neoclassical mansion, which was the house of a rich physician and his household within the early 1900s.
It later turned a preferred wonderful eating restaurant within the Seventies and 80s earlier than it sat empty for practically 30 years. Chef Proprietor Austin Sumrall and his spouse have restored the constructing to its former Gone with the Wind-esque glory.
Splurge on date night time right here or take the children to a particular weekend lunch or Sunday jazz brunch. My hamburger fanatic son declared White Pillar’s Bone Marrow & Steak Burger top-of-the-line he is ever tasted!
19. Go to the Biloxi Guests Heart.
Free to the general public, the Biloxi Guests Heart is value a quick go to. Wander by means of shows that present perception into Biloxi’s previous. You can even decide up attraction brochures and ask employees for suggestions for exploring Coastal Mississippi with youngsters.
The most effective half is the theater upstairs, which exhibits a 10-minute film referred to as “We Are Biloxi” on a loop. One other temporary movie, particularly about Hurricane Katrina’s influence on the world, is proven at choose posted occasions.
20. Climb aboard the Biloxi Tour Prepare.
If touring with older youngsters or teenagers, then your loved ones would possibly benefit from the Biloxi Prepare Tour. This 90-minute tour chugs by means of Biloxi’s streets and the world’s historical past.
Take within the sights from the seat of the fake prepare experience. You will see Primary Avenue Biloxi, the Biloxi Lighthouse, and the constructing the place Barq’s root beer was initially made and bought.
The guided tour makes only one cease — on the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. It commemorates the 170 Mississippi Gulf Coast victims who misplaced their lives throughout the 2006 storm.
21. Attend the Annual South Mississippi Summer time Truthful.
When visiting Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters throughout the summer season, plan to attend the Annual South Mississippi Summer time Truthful. This seaside honest takes place throughout the first two weeks of June on the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Conference Heart in Biloxi. Anticipate carnival rides and video games, enjoyable homes, a petting zoo, pig races, honest meals, and stay leisure.
22. Expertise the Maritime and Seafood Trade Museum.
This stunning museum in Biloxi teaches guests concerning the historical past and significance of seafaring jobs and fishing industries within the coastal communities of Mississippi. A high-tech theater and 1,400 sq. toes of displays deliver the maritime world to life. This informative attraction might be finest for older youngsters who can learn the various shows.
Two Biloxi Schooners are docked on the Maritime and Seafood Trade Museum. These are genuine replicas of oyster schooners used throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. You’ll be able to even constitution the schooners for a memorable crusing expertise. When obtainable, board the schooners for a extra inexpensive expertise throughout a Stroll-On Sail (for no less than six passengers).
23. Discover the Infinity Science Heart.
The state-of-the-art Infinity Science Heart shows 35,000 sq. toes of hands-on displays. It is situated about half-hour west of Go Christian on the Mississippi/Louisiana border, making it an pleasing addition to a Mississippi Gulf Coast trip with youngsters.
Most enjoyable for budding astronauts is the House Gallery the place the whole household will acquire information about rockets and satellites. NASA’s large Apollo 19 Saturn V booster is even on show at this science museum.
View fascinating (and hungry!) carnivorous crops and extra within the Natrium. Then study our planet’s extreme climate and discover the deep ocean within the Earth Gallery. Only for youthful youngsters (aged delivery to five years), the Little Learner’s Lab gives all types of alternatives to research and problem-solve by means of play. Earlier than you allow, be sure you decide up a science-related memento on the onsite present store.
24. Join with nature at Pascagoula River Audubon Heart.
The non-profit Pascagoula River Audubon Heart offers the entire household an opportunity to expertise native birds, animals, and native crops of their pure habitats. Simply minutes from the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Excursions, this nature protect makes a pleasant addition to your trip. This can be a common place for college area journeys, too.
Uncover the outside on the character trails throughout a guided or impartial hike. Take within the bayou pier, chicken feeders, critter tanks, and artwork gallery throughout your go to. For much more journey, hire a kayak or pedal boat to absorb the fantastic thing about the Pascagoula River.
25. Keep on the proper lodge in Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters.
From inexpensive kid-friendly lodges to darling boutiques and sprawling resorts with a number of cool issues to do, you’re positive to seek out the fitting lodge for your loved ones in Coastal Mississippi.
Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront
My son and I stayed at Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront throughout our trip. Positioned proper throughout the road from the seaside and inside strolling distance of some family-friendly eating places, this midrange lodge makes a superb base for exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters. A big palm tree-lined pool is the right place to chill off after a day on the go.
Though there is not any full-service restaurant within the lodge, you’ll be able to seize breakfast objects and lightweight bites within the lounge. A handy 24-hour on-site market carries snacks, drinks, and requirements. Tip: seize free bottled water within the onsite health middle.
Margaritaville Resort and Household Leisure Heart
A 450-foot lazy river, swim-up pool bar, and rooftop waterpark lure households to Margaritaville Resort. Children may even swim with “mermaids” right here! An enormous sport arcade will preserve youngsters content material, too.
Even for those who’re not staying right here, cease by Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for his or her well-known Cheeseburger in Paradise, stay music, and tropical frozen drinks (with or with out alcohol).
Beau Rivage Resort and On line casino
If glitz and glam are what you search, then reserve a room at Beau Rivage Resort & On line casino. Positioned proper on the water in Biloxi, households love this MGM resort’s beautiful pool and onsite online game arcade. A spa, 5 eating places, a Haagen Dazs ice cream store, and round the clock room service add to the attract of a keep right here.
The Inn at Ocean Springs and The Roost
If I ever come again to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a romantic getaway (and I hope I do!), then I will ebook a keep at The Inn at Ocean Springs. It is received simply two sumptuously embellished rooms, situated within the coronary heart of Ocean Springs’ quaint downtown. Households may ebook each rooms for additional area.
The Inn’s sister property, The Roost, would make a wonderful alternative as nicely. Additionally in Ocean Springs, this home has been reworked right into a boutique lodge that includes 11 suites. Some provide separate dwelling/sleeping areas plus kitchenettes — good for households!
Extra Coastal Mississippi Ideas
Are you shocked by all there may be to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters? I do know I used to be. When you’re looking for a enjoyable and inexpensive household seaside trip, you then’ll love exploring the Secret Coast!
Get extra suggestions from CoastalMississippi.com or name Coastal Mississippi toll-free at 1.888.467.4853.
Uncover Extra Household Trip Concepts
For an additional nice vacation spot for households within the American South, examine all of the thrilling issues to do in New Orleans with youngsters.
Dreaming of a seaside trip for the entire household? Check out this listing of the finest seaside lodges for youths.
Children love Myrtle Seaside! Discover out why on this story about family-friendly Myrtle Seaside points of interest.
When you preferred this story, then I wager you will love the following tips for exploring Alabama Gulf Shores with youngsters.
Save These Issues to Do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with Children
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Have you ever ever visited Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters or with out? Share your suggestions or questions within the feedback beneath!
A Notice from The Journey Mama: My son and I have been hosted by Coastal Mississippi, Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront, and among the eating places and points of interest listed on this story. I obtained financial compensation associated to this weblog submit as nicely. This story was up to date in 2023 to mirror present choices in Mississippi Gulf Coast for youths and households. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
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