Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
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
Engineering is Elementary units present fun, engaging engineering challenges that allow students to apply science knowledge in meaningful ways. Kat Hamiter, a retired Science teacher with 30 years of teaching experience, will be leading our program sessions.
Kids Cooking Classes
Our Kids Cooking Classes provide an entertaining outing for parents or caregivers and their children. Introduce your kids to new foods while having fun!
Bear Cub Club
Bear Cub Club is a weekly play date for little ones and their grown-ups. Newborns to five-year-olds and their parents, grandparents or caregivers are invited to play. Storytelling, singing, dancing and interacting are guided by the program’s dedicated director, Ms. Kathy. Music, books, puppets, teddy bears and art projects are among the tools used as we “play to learn” and “play with purpose.”
Summer Camps
Camps are for children ages 3-10. Our 3 week theatre camp ranges from grade 1-8. Sign up for morning or afternoon sessions or register for one of each and build a full day’s schedule, which includes FREE lunch bunch supervision.
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
Parking: Free, on-site
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: Noon – 5:00pm
Open Mondays: 10:00am – 5:00pm, during the summer and certain holidays (see below).
Holiday Mondays, Special Open Days:
Memorial Day: May 27, 2019
Columbus Day: October 14, 2019
Thanksgiving break: November 28, 2019
New Years Eve: December 31, 2019
Martin Luther King Day: January 20, 2020
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 courtesy of Allan Innman