Gulf Coast
FEATURED - AQUARIUMS - MUSEUMS - LOCAL PARKS & NATURE - state parks - SIGHTS & LANDMARKS - WATER FUN - Indoor Fun - Outdoor fun - LIBRARIES - Toys & books - CLOTHING - SWEETS - RESTAURANTS - EVENTS
Featured
LYNN MEADOWS DISCOVERY CENTER - GULFPORT
Located in a 1915 schoolhouse, under the large live oaks, just blocks from the beach in Gulfport, MS, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a special place for children and their grown-ups. Inside, 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits encourage fun, learning and creativity. Discover different cultures at Celebrate the World We Share, board the train at Dolan Avenue Depot, and create a mini masterpiece at our art studio, Art Knows Anything Goes. Outside, oak-covered acres provide more space to let the imagination run wild. Play house in the trees, tap a tune in the outdoor musical garden, and explore the tiny town of Kids Street. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is honored to be a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the community.
Kid-friendly Features: Stroller-friendly, elevator, changing tables in bathrooms, nursing room located on second floor, outdoor patio area, picnic benches, large grounds, close to the beach
Indoor Exhibits: Super Colossal Climbing Structure, Art Studio, Bear Camp Bayou, Dolan Avenue Train Depot, The Little Pet Vet, The Port, History Hotel, Science Room, Grocery Store, WLMDC-TV News Station,
Outdoor Exhibits: Bear Creek, Kids Street, Pelican Porch & Bayou Bait Shop, Solar Sunflowers, Tree House Village, Little Free Library
Kid-friendly Programs: Engineering is Elementary, Kids Cooking Classes, Bear Cub Club, Summer Camps, (Click here to learn more)
Admission: Members – Free
0 to 12 months – Free
Children & Adults – $10
Military & Seniors 65+ – $8
Weekdays After 3pm – $3
Sundays – $6 for everyone
FREE FRIDAYS – Last Friday of Every Month, 5pm to 8pm
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Monday: Closed
The museum is closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Address: 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: (228) 897-6039
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Traintastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum
(Formerly: MISSISSIPPI COAST MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM) - Gulfport
Traintastic is the world's largest and most interactive model railroad museum. It features over 50,000 square feet of model railroad exhibits, including a 15-foot-tall mountain range, a working airport, and a bustling cityscape. Visitors can control the trains, operate the switches, and even build their own model railroads.
Admission:
Adults: $15
Children (ages 2-17): $12
Seniors (ages 65+): $12
Active military: $10
Members: Free
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 1-5pm
Also open Mondays Memorial Day-Labor Day
Address: 1000 Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone number: (228) 868-7966
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
OCEAN ADVENTURES MARINE PARK - GULFPORT
Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits: Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, Bird Show, Reptile Presentations, Walk-through Aviary, Touch Pools, Discovery Room, Aquariums, Museum
Kid-friendly Features: Stroller-friendly, playground, train, concessions, gift shop, picnic tables, changing tables in bathrooms
Special Paid Programs: Dolphin Interaction, Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Meet & Greet, Stingray & Shark Swim, Stingray & Shark Encounter, Sea Lion Kiss, Job Shadow…Learn more about Special paid programs
Kid-friendly Programs: Summer camps, student mini-camps, birthday parties, field trips, Dozing with Dolphins…Learn more about their programs
General Admission:
$15 for adults
$13 for children ages 3-12
$14 for active duty military and seniors ages 55 and up
Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.
Address: 10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503
Hours: Everyday: 9:30AM–4:30PM
Phone: (228) 896-9182
photo courtesy of Ocean Adventures
MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM - GULFPORT
“Mississippi Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience that supports animal research and conservation. The Aquarium is committed to animal welfare and the majesty of the gulf and beyond. The Aquarium sits on 5.8-acres and contains over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plants that represent all the physiographic regions of Mississippi.
Our mission revolves around three pillars– education, conservation and community. These three values are applied to every aspect of Mississippi Aquarium.”
Hours: Everyday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, subject to change.
Last ticket sold for entry is 1 hour prior to closing.
Admission:
Adult Admission (Ages 13 & older)
Regular Price: $29.95
Member Price: $26.95
Child Admission (Ages 3 - 12)
Regular Price: $24.95
Member Price: $22.45
Children 2 and younger are free.
Address: 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 241-1300
photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi