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Mississippi makes a shocking seashore trip spot for households. It’s inexpensive, enjoyable, and delightful. So why is that this vacation spot usually neglected? Because vacationers merely don’t consider Coastal Mississippi when planning their seashore holidays! That means fewer crowds and higher offers alongside the Secret Coast for these of us within the know. Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian, Long Beach, and different Mississippi seashore cities present loads of points of interest and allure. Take a have a look at these 25 enjoyable issues to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with children!
This story is dropped at you in partnership with Coastal Mississippi, the official regional tourism entity representing Mississippi’s three coastal counties: Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock.
1. Visit the seashore.
Let’s begin on the sandy shores of Mississippi! This southern state affords 62 miles of shoreline alongside the Gulf of Mexico, overlooking the Mississippi Sound. That contains 26 miles of white sand seashores, a lot of which you will discover alongside Beach Blvd.
The waters are usually heat and shallow, making Mississippi an particularly alluring seashore vacation spot for households with younger youngsters. Below are just a few of the very best seashores alongside the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Henderson Point Beach
Henderson Point is a fairly seashore positioned in Pass Christian. It affords over a mile of shoreline and loads of issues to do. You can play sand volleyball, acquire seashells, or discover an onsite playground. Camping on the seashore is even obtainable.
Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach affords pristine waters and mushy white sands. Enjoy varied water sports activities together with parasailing, waterboarding, jet snowboarding, and aqua biking. Rent seashore loungers and water recreation tools onsite from Life’s A Beach.
In addition, Biloxi Beach is an outstanding vacation spot for fishing with the choice of having fun with a fishing constitution. Take a have a look at the finest fishing constitution choices in Biloxi.
Ship Island
Situated 11 miles from Mississippi Gulf Coast, this barrier island makes a enjoyable day journey. Take a Ship Island Excursions ferry from Gulfport to succeed in the longest stretch of seashore within the National Park System. You will possible 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 numerous marine life makes Ship Island Beach the proper spot for snorkeling. Bring alongside sturdy sneakers, too, to discover the island’s climbing trails.
2. Meet alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Tours.
Families like to feed alligators, go on an airboat trip, and even cuddle a child gator at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Tours in Moss Point. 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, in fact.) For a enjoyable picture op, courageous youngsters and oldsters can take a flip holding a child alligator, whose jaws are securely shut.
We noticed a few wild alligators throughout our airboat tour. Meanwhile, our airboat information, Captain Frog, defined a bit to us about native wildlife and crops.
The most thrilling half, although, was our speedy tour across the bayou. Hold on to your youngsters for zippy 180 and 360 turns! Children have to be at the very least 4 years previous to embark on a swamp boat tour, however I would maintain off till at the very least 6 or so. Note: pregnant girls are usually not permitted to trip for security causes.
3. Catch shellfish on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip.
Get out on the Gulf throughout a Biloxi Shrimping Trip throughout your Coastal Mississippi trip. Not solely are you able to soak up attractive water views, but additionally your children can see how shrimp are caught utilizing a web dragged behind the boat. Then get an opportunity to carry the recent catch, whether or not it is a pile of shrimp or a blue crab snared within the web.
Best 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 watch for T.J. to climb the steps, loaded up with cans of chilly drinks to dole out to passengers.
4. Eat recent Mississippi Gulf Coast fish and seafood.
For seafood lovers, Mississippi Gulf Coast is heaven! You’ll discover actually JUMBO shrimp at extraordinarily affordable costs.
During the shrimping season in summer season, you should buy recent shrimp immediately off boats within the harbor for just some {dollars} per pound. Crab legs are bountiful and affordably priced, too.
Fresh seafood eating places are straightforward to seek out, too. Below are three high choices the complete household will love.
Shaggy’s
For informal but scrumptious seafood, Shaggy’s affords thee areas in Mississippi Gulf Coast. In addition to indoor seating, all supply outside eating with fabulous water views.
Think seafood tacos, fried fish platters, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Cool off with mocktails, tropical cocktails, or craft beers, too. The youngsters’s menu serves up popcorn shrimp and land-based child favorites.
McElroy’s
McElroy’s is a neighborhood favourite, notably for weekend brunches. This native chain has two areas, one in Ocean Springs and one other in Biloxi. McElroy’s Harbor House affords nice views of the Gulf and makes a good selection earlier than or after your Biloxi Shrimping Trip since they share a car parking zone.
Half Shell Oyster House
My son, Leo, and I completely beloved Half Shell Oyster House in downtown Gulfport. There are three different Coastal Mississippi areas, too.
Expect southern and Cajun specialties like shrimp & grits, blackened redfish, and poor boy sandwiches. Of course, there are many oyster choices as properly, together with on the half-shell, charbroiled, fried, and extra. Steaks listed below 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, then you definately’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 maintain 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 ft of twists and turns plus 45-degree drops.
6. Enjoy 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 City Park incorporates a ship playground and splash pad to please the children. On Sunday mornings, wander by way of the city’s farmer’s market to peruse homegrown and handmade goodies. Art 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 kinds of boutique shops and native eating places in downtown Ocean Springs. A spotlight is the Miner’s Doll & Toy Store, which is as cute on the skin because the old style and new-fangled toys are inside.
Be certain to cease by Pop Brothers for a gourmand popsicle. Choose from such flavors as Cherry Coke Float or Oreo Cheesecake.
The Candy Cottage is a should with or with out children. All ages are tempted by favorites at this sweets store like malted milk balls, pecan logs, and pralines.
7. Eat BBQ and hearken to the blues at The Shed.
Barbecue is required throughout a trip within the South, even alongside the coast. You’ll should drive to succeed in The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, however you will be glad you probably did. On weekend nights, get pleasure from free reside blues music right here.
Not certain what to order? Get the ShedHed Sampler for a little bit of all the pieces! It options all seven of their slow-cooked meats, plus a selection of three sides like Momma Mia’s Mac Salad or Collard Greens with smoked pork renderings.
While you are ready on your grub, play a spherical or two of cornhole or take a stroll alongside the bayou. Just remember to maintain watch of younger youngsters and your eyes open for gators!
8. Play at Paradise Pier Fun Park.
Opened in 2023, Paradise Pier Fun Park is wildly widespread with households. This amusement park is positioned on the Margaritaville Hotel in Biloxi and is open to the general public.
It affords 15 rides from the mellow Whirlwind Balloons for little children to the Rolling Thunder curler coaster for thrill-seekers. Enjoy reside music acts, roaming characters, and truthful meals like New Orleans beignets and fried cheese curds, too.
The 180-foot-tall Biloxi Tide-Turner remark wheel is a should. This Ferris wheel’s enclosed gondolas supply air con so it is also an amazing place to chill off.
For an extra payment to the theme park day go, parkgoers can order cocktails, beers, and sodas to sip whereas aboard the Aerobar. This “bar in the sky” rises and spins to offer 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 children to Big Play Entertainment Center.
Kids of all ages will thanks after an tour to Big Play Entertainment Center 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 children eat free!
10. Race and zipline at Finishline.
Need much more amusements? Next door to Big Play you will discover Finishline Performance Karting. This Mississippi Gulf Coast attraction affords a 40-foot-tall thrilling zipline, a free-fall expertise, and arcade video games.
Finishline’s main draw, although, is its race tracks and a number of the quickest go-karts within the state of Mississippi. Teens have to be 14+ to trip the Adult 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 several habitats. In addition to fishies of all kinds, search for massive sea turtles, scaly American alligators and crocodiles, playful North American river otters, and clever dolphins.
For an extra payment, Mississippi Aquarium’s Dolphin Encounter permits guests to the touch and feed Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The focus of this 15-minute program is schooling.
12. Watch reveals and work together with animals at Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
The main points of interest at Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport are reveals starring sensible sea lions, dolphins, and birds. Also get pleasure from fish-filled aquariums, contact swimming pools, and a walk-through aviary. They supply academic camps for youths in the summertime, too.
For a memorable expertise, guests can buy an animal encounter expertise. You can feed and contact a dolphin within the water throughout the Dolphin Interaction. Or, swim with stingrays throughout the Stingray Encounter. Perhaps you’d want to offer hand indicators and get a kiss from a sea lion throughout the Sea Lion Encounter! All proceeds assist the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Located inside the Ocean Adventures Marine Park, the Institute for Marine Mammals Studies is a non-profit charitable group devoted to schooling, 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 might be extra Southern than a flakey, freshly baked biscuit? Get your biscuit repair at Greenhouse on Porter Ave. Located in Ocean Springs, this distinctive eatery is a enjoyable exercise for households.
Choose from their every day biscuit choices, together with a gluten-free model for delicate eaters like me. If you are in search of 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. They additionally serve all kinds of tasty drinks together with coffees, teas, craft sodas, and scorching chocolate.
This place is called Greenhouse for a cause. You’ll actually eat your biscuits inside a greenhouse shed. Alternatively, you’ll be able to pull up a chair at a desk exterior and make pals with the resident extra-toed cat, Marigold. Board video games and bug spray are free to borrow.
14. Enjoy outside actions at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Head to Gulf Islands National Seashore at Davis Bayou in Coastal Mississippi to fulfill your nature cravings. Be certain to maintain little ones shut when exploring the marsh space as a result of alligators do inhabit the waters.
Enjoy quite a lot of actions together with climbing trails, picnic areas, and chook watching. Anglers may also buy a license to go fishing and there is a boat launch right here for seafarers.
The William M. Colmer Visitor Center affords indoor reveals concerning the shore and islands. Free Junior Ranger booklets and awards can be found at Fort Pickens Discovery Center, Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, and Davis Bayou Visitor Center.
According to the National Park Service, “Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches for 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Mississippi and Florida, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat.”
15. Learn at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
Not certain what to do on a wet day when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast with children? Head to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport!
Families find out about science, historical past, and nature by way of play in 15,000 sq. ft of hands-on reveals. Children will get pleasure from indoor academic artwork initiatives, a kid-sized grocery retailer, and a make-believe veterinarian middle with stuffed animal “patients.” Outdoor reveals present alternatives to find out about 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 way 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 Famous Olde Tyme Root Beer was created by Edward Barq in Biloxi in 1871. Sales of this candy drink went by way of the roof throughout the prohibition period.
Now bottled by the Coca-Cola firm, Barq’s remains to be a neighborhood favourite. Look for the unique blue and white glass bottles in eateries and retailers. Keep in thoughts that, in contrast to most root beers, Barq’s root beer does comprise some caffeine.
17. Eat at a Waffle House.
One of the primary issues we seen whereas driving by way of Coastal Mississippi was the abundance of Waffle Houses. It’s exhausting to overlook them. It appears there is a Waffle House on each nook! In truth, this state is dwelling to 88 of this southern chain’s almost 2,000 eating places.
Service is quick, costs are low, and the meals is sweet and greasy. These eating places are open 24 hours a day, serving up consolation meals like grits, eggs, burgers, and, in fact, waffles. Since waffles are one among my son’s all-time favourite meals, in fact, 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 children. It simply may assist maintain their eyes targeted on the surroundings reasonably than on their smartphones. We noticed 12 Waffle Houses in at some point 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 positioned inside a powerful Neoclassical mansion, which was the house of a rich physician and his household within the early 1900s.
It later grew to become a well-liked superb eating restaurant within the Seventies and 80s earlier than it sat empty for almost 30 years. Chef Owner Austin Sumrall and his spouse have restored the constructing to its former Gone with the Wind-esque glory.
Splurge on date evening 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 among the finest he is ever tasted!
19. Visit the Biloxi Visitors Center.
Free to the general public, the Biloxi Visitors Center is price a quick go to. Wander by way of shows that present perception into Biloxi’s previous. You may also choose up attraction brochures and ask employees for suggestions for exploring Coastal Mississippi with children.
The better part is the theater upstairs, which reveals a 10-minute film known as “We Are Biloxi” on a loop. Another temporary movie, particularly about Hurricane Katrina’s influence on the world, is proven at choose posted occasions.
20. Climb aboard the Biloxi Tour Train.
If touring with older children or teenagers, then your loved ones may benefit from the Biloxi Train Tour. This 90-minute tour chugs by way of Biloxi’s streets and the world’s historical past.
Take within the sights from the seat of the fake practice trip. You’ll see Main Street 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 Fair.
When visiting Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters throughout the summer season, plan to attend the Annual South Mississippi Summer Fair. This seaside truthful takes place throughout the first two weeks of June on the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi. Expect carnival rides and video games, enjoyable homes, a petting zoo, pig races, truthful meals, and reside leisure.
22. Experience the Maritime and Seafood Industry 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. ft of reveals convey the maritime world to life. This informative attraction might be finest for older children who can learn the various shows.
Two Biloxi Schooners are docked on the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. These are genuine replicas of oyster schooners used throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. You may even constitution the schooners for a memorable crusing expertise. When obtainable, board the schooners for a extra inexpensive expertise throughout a Walk-On Sail (for at least six passengers).
23. Explore the Infinity Science Center.
The state-of-the-art Infinity Science Center shows 35,000 sq. ft of hands-on reveals. It’s positioned about half-hour west of Pass Christian on the Mississippi/Louisiana border, making it an satisfying addition to a Mississippi Gulf Coast trip with children.
Most thrilling for budding astronauts is the Space Gallery the place the complete household will acquire information about rockets and satellites. NASA’s huge 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 find out about our planet’s extreme climate and discover the deep ocean within the Earth Gallery. Just for youthful youngsters (aged beginning to five years), the Little Learner’s Lab supplies all kinds of alternatives to research and problem-solve by way of play. Before you permit, remember to choose up a science-related memento on the onsite reward store.
24. Connect with nature at Pascagoula River Audubon Center.
The non-profit Pascagoula River Audubon Center provides the entire household an opportunity to expertise native birds, animals, and native crops of their pure habitats. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Tours, this nature protect makes a pleasant addition to your trip. This is a well-liked place for varsity subject journeys, too.
Discover the outside on the character trails throughout a guided or impartial hike. Take within the bayou pier, chook feeders, critter tanks, and artwork gallery throughout your go to. For much more journey, lease a kayak or pedal boat to soak up the fantastic thing about the Pascagoula River.
25. Stay on the proper lodge in Mississippi Gulf Coast with children.
From inexpensive kid-friendly motels to darling boutiques and sprawling resorts with a lot of cool issues to do, you’re certain to seek out the appropriate 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. Located proper throughout the road from the seashore and inside strolling distance of some family-friendly eating places, this midrange lodge makes a great base for exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast with youngsters. A big palm tree-lined pool is the proper place to chill off after a day on the go.
Although there isn’t any full-service restaurant within the lodge, you’ll be able to seize breakfast gadgets 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 Family Entertainment Center
A 450-foot lazy river, swim-up pool bar, and rooftop waterpark lure households to Margaritaville Resort. Kids may even swim with “mermaids” right here! An enormous sport arcade will maintain youngsters content material, too.
Even in case you’re not staying right here, cease by Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for his or her well-known Cheeseburger in Paradise, reside music, and tropical frozen drinks (with or with out alcohol).
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
If glitz and glam are what you search, then reserve a room at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Located proper on the water in Biloxi, households love this MGM resort’s gorgeous 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’ll e-book a keep at The Inn at Ocean Springs. It’s bought simply two sumptuously embellished rooms, positioned within the coronary heart of Ocean Springs’ quaint downtown. Families may e-book each rooms for additional house.
The Inn’s sister property, The Roost, would make a wonderful selection as properly. Also in Ocean Springs, this home has been remodeled right into a boutique lodge that includes 11 suites. Some supply separate dwelling/sleeping areas plus kitchenettes — excellent for households!
More Coastal Mississippi Tips
Are you stunned by all there may be to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with children? I do know I used to be. If you’re looking for a enjoyable and inexpensive household seashore trip, then you definately’ll love exploring the Secret Coast!
Get extra suggestions from CoastalMississippi.com or name Coastal Mississippi toll-free at 1.888.467.4853.
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A Note from The Travel Mama: My son and I had been hosted by Coastal Mississippi, Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront, and a number of the eating places and points of interest listed on this story. I acquired financial compensation associated to this weblog publish as properly. 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 all the time.
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