Zoos & Aquariums

HATTIESBURG ZOO

The Hattiesburg Zoo opened its gates on Easter Sunday 1950. Legend has it that the park that houses the zoo, Kamper Park, was a popular place to bring animals of all sorts in the early 1900s. This became a known tradition in the area, so a local women’s club raised money to build a real zoo on the site. When the gates opened on that Easter Sunday, guests were greeted by exotic animals and the spirit of learning that still exists today.

The Zoo has seen a wonderful cast of characters in its day, including the famous elephant, Miss Hattie. Miss Hattie’s personality charmed all who visited. Many visitors recall that she would sway to the music of the carousel. Miss Hattie passed away in 1974 when her dear companion, a one-horned goat, was washed away in a flood. Broken hearted, Hattie laid down, never to get up again. Today, you can find memorial sculptures of Miss Hattie and her little goat just inside the Zoo’s gates.

Like Hattie in her time, today’s beloved Zoo animal is Chewy the Sloth and his family, Mo and Baby Maple. Chewy’s charming personality and his comical slowness delights visitors from all over the world. From Hoffman’s Two Toed Sloths to Howler Monkeys and a Jaguar, the Zoo houses a multitude of animals, all with their own special gifts and personalities. Everyone can find a favorite animal pal at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

Today the Hattiesburg Zoo is constantly growing. Named Best Travel Attraction of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2017, the Zoo is also listed as the #1 thing to do in Hattiesburg by TripAdvisor. So what are you waiting for?

Kid-friendly features: Family Bathrooms, Splash pad, Covered pavilions, Picnic tables, Cabana rental at splash pad, Concessions, Train, Carousel, Gift shop

Admission:
Children under 2: FREE
Adults and Children: $5
Military/Seniors (62+): $4 (only on Tuesdays)
Annual passes available

Mining Sluice: Bags start at $5
High Ropes Adventure Course: $6-$13 (height requirements apply-closed on Tuesdays)
Train: $2
Carousel: $2
Stroller Rental: $5
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas & Christmas Eve, New Year's Day

Parking: Free, on-site

Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Phone: (601) 545-4576

Photo courtesy of Allan Innman

Ocean Adventures Marine Park - Gulfport

Kid-friendly features: Dolphin show, Sea Lion show, Dolphin encounters, Sting-ray encounters, Walk-through aviary, Touch pools, Discovery room, Train, Cafe, Gift shop, Stroller-friendly

Kid-friendly programs:

Dolphin encounters:
Meet and greet one of our resident dolphins from the dock of our pool! Participants will be able to touch, feed, and receive a photo opportunity with one of our dolphins. This program lasts approximately 10 minutes, including an information session and five minutes on the dock interacting with our dolphin. This experience is available year around. Cost is $55.

Summer camps:
The Dolphin and Stingray Adventure Camp is our ultimate job shadow at IMMS and Ocean Adventures Marine Park. It is an immersive week-long day camp, in which your child can step into the rubber boots of a marine scientist – and experience the world of our dolphins, sea lions, rays, sharks, and other animals who live here at IMMS and Ocean Adventures.

Your child will participate in hands-on learning opportunities designed to teach them about marine mammal, tropical bird, sharks, sting rays, and sea turtle biology and conservation. Students will even meet our resident dolphins, sea lions, birds, and rays! Camp Cost: $300.00

Student Mini-camps:
Student Mini-Camps are available to field trip groups for one-, two-, or three-day hands-on exploration of coastal wetlands, beach and barrier islands, pollution, fisheries, and climate change and include encounters with exotic birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Student groups learn firsthand about the plants, animals and habitats of the northern Gulf of Mexico beaches, salt marshes, nearshore islands, estuarine and Gulf waters.
Cost: $100 non-refundable fee due at the time of booking. $35 per person per day

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 Allan Innman