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Mississippi makes a surprising beach vacation spot for families. It’s affordable, fun, and beautiful. So why is this destination often overlooked? Because travelers simply don’t think of Coastal Mississippi when planning their beach vacations! That means fewer crowds and better deals along the Secret Coast for those of us in the know. Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian, Long Beach, and other Mississippi beach towns provide plenty of attractions and charm. Take a look at these 25 fun things to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids!
This story is brought to you in partnership with Coastal Mississippi, the official regional tourism entity representing Mississippi’s three coastal counties: Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock.
1. Visit the beach.
Let’s start on the sandy shores of Mississippi! This southern state offers 62 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, overlooking the Mississippi Sound. That includes 26 miles of white sand beaches, many of which you’ll find along Beach Blvd.
The waters are typically warm and shallow, making Mississippi an especially alluring beach destination for families with young children. Below are a few of the best beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Henderson Point Beach
Henderson Point is a pretty beach located in Pass Christian. It offers over a mile of coastline and plenty of things to do. You can play sand volleyball, collect seashells, or explore an onsite playground. Camping on the beach is even available.
Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach offers pristine waters and soft white sands. Enjoy various water sports including parasailing, waterboarding, jet skiing, and aqua cycling. Rent beach loungers and water recreation equipment onsite from Life’s A Beach.
In addition, Biloxi Beach is a superb destination for fishing with the option of enjoying a fishing charter. Take a look at the best fishing charter options in Biloxi.
Ship Island
Situated 11 miles from Mississippi Gulf Coast, this barrier island makes a fun day trip. Take a Ship Island Excursions ferry from Gulfport to reach the longest stretch of seashore in the National Park System. You will likely see diving dolphins along the way!
Ship Island is also home to beaches with the clearest water in the state. An array of diverse marine life makes Ship Island Beach the perfect spot for snorkeling. Bring along sturdy shoes, too, to explore the island’s hiking trails.
2. Meet alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Tours.
Families love to feed alligators, go on an airboat ride, and even cuddle a baby gator at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Tours in Moss Point. This was my 11-year-old son, Leo’s absolute favorite thing that we did during our mother-son Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation.
What kid wouldn’t want to toss treats to a bunch of snapping gators?! (From behind the safety of a secured fence, of course.) For a fun photo op, brave children and parents can take a turn holding a baby alligator, whose jaws are securely shut.
We saw a couple of wild alligators during our airboat tour. Meanwhile, our airboat guide, Captain Frog, explained a bit to us about local wildlife and plants.
The most thrilling part, though, was our speedy tour around the bayou. Hold on to your children for zippy 180 and 360 turns! Children must be at least 4 years old to embark on a swamp boat tour, but I might hold off until at least 6 or so. Note: pregnant women are not permitted to ride for safety reasons.
3. Catch shellfish on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip.
Get out on the Gulf during a Biloxi Shrimping Trip during your Coastal Mississippi vacation. Not only can you take in gorgeous water views, but also your kids can see how shrimp are caught using a net dragged behind the boat. Then get a chance to hold the fresh catch, whether it’s a pile of shrimp or a blue crab snared in the net.
Best of all may be T.J. the beer and soda delivery dog! If the heat isn’t too bad, head up to the roof of the boat and wait for T.J. to climb the stairs, loaded up with cans of cold beverages to dole out to passengers.
4. Eat fresh Mississippi Gulf Coast fish and seafood.
For seafood lovers, Mississippi Gulf Coast is heaven! You’ll find truly JUMBO shrimp at extremely reasonable prices.
During the shrimping season in summer, you can buy fresh shrimp directly off boats in the harbor for just a few dollars per pound. Crab legs are bountiful and affordably priced, too.
Fresh seafood restaurants are easy to find, too. Below are three top options the entire family will love.
Shaggy’s
For casual yet delicious seafood, Shaggy’s offers thee locations in Mississippi Gulf Coast. In addition to indoor seating, all offer outdoor dining 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 children’s menu serves up popcorn shrimp and land-based kid favorites.
McElroy’s
McElroy’s is a local favorite, particularly for weekend brunches. This local chain has two locations, one in Ocean Springs and another in Biloxi. McElroy’s Harbor House offers great views of the Gulf and makes a good choice before or after your Biloxi Shrimping Trip since they share a parking lot.
Half Shell Oyster House
My son, Leo, and I absolutely loved Half Shell Oyster House in downtown Gulfport. There are three other Coastal Mississippi locations, too.
Expect southern and Cajun specialties like shrimp & grits, blackened redfish, and poor boy sandwiches. Of course, there are lots of oyster options as well, including on the half-shell, charbroiled, fried, and more. Steaks here are also delicious, especially when topped with lump crab meat or jumbo shrimp!
5. Cool Off at Gulf Islands Waterpark.
If your family enjoys waterparks as much as mine does, then you’re in for a treat at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport. A wave pool, lazy river, net pool crossing, splash play areas, and plenty of water slides will keep all ages content and cool for hours. For thrill-seekers, the Horn Island Blaster water roller coaster is the star attraction with more than 500 feet of twists and turns plus 45-degree drops.
6. Enjoy the small-town feel in Ocean Springs.
Ocean Springs charms visitors with its southern hospitality and walkable small-town USA feel. The beachfront Fort Maurepas City Park features a ship playground and splash pad to please the kids. On Sunday mornings, wander through the town’s farmer’s market to peruse homegrown and handmade goodies. Art lovers will also want to stop at The Walter Anderson Museum to view paintings, drawings, murals, and sculptures by renowned local artist, Walter Anderson.
Plus, you’ll find all sorts of boutique stores and local restaurants in downtown Ocean Springs. A highlight is the Miner’s Doll & Toy Store, which is as cute on the outside as the old-fashioned and new-fangled toys are within.
Be sure to stop by Pop Brothers for a gourmet popsicle. Choose from such flavors as Cherry Coke Float or Oreo Cheesecake.
The Candy Cottage is a must with or without kids. All ages are tempted by favorites at this sweets shop like malted milk balls, pecan logs, and pralines.
7. Eat BBQ and listen to the blues at The Shed.
Barbecue is required during a vacation in the South, even along the coast. You’ll have to drive to reach The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, but you’ll be glad you did. On weekend nights, enjoy free live blues music here.
Not sure what to order? Get the ShedHed Sampler for a bit of everything! It features all seven of their slow-cooked meats, plus a choice of three sides like Momma Mia’s Mac Salad or Collard Greens with smoked pork renderings.
While you’re waiting for your grub, play a round or two of cornhole or take a walk along the bayou. Just be sure to keep watch of young children and your eyes open for gators!
8. Play at Paradise Pier Fun Park.
Opened in 2023, Paradise Pier Fun Park is wildly popular with families. This amusement park is located at the Margaritaville Hotel in Biloxi and is open to the public.
It offers 15 rides from the mellow Whirlwind Balloons for little kids to the Rolling Thunder roller coaster for thrill-seekers. Enjoy live music acts, roaming characters, and fair food like New Orleans beignets and fried cheese curds, too.
The 180-foot-tall Biloxi Tide-Turner observation wheel is a must. This Ferris wheel’s enclosed gondolas offer air conditioning so it’s also a great place to cool off.
For an additional fee to the theme park day pass, parkgoers can order cocktails, beers, and sodas to sip while aboard the Aerobar. This “bar in the sky” rises and spins to give riders 360-degree views of the Mississippi Sound. Signature drinks include the Southern S’mash with bourbon, peach schnapps, ginger, and mint or the Wave Runner boozy tropical punch.
9. Take kids to Big Play Entertainment Center.
Kids of all ages will thank you after an excursion to Big Play Entertainment Center in Biloxi. Amusements abound with miniature golf, go-karts, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games with prize tickets.
A full-service restaurant (complete with grown-up drinkies) is available. Go on Sunday when kids eat free!
10. Race and zipline at Finishline.
Need even more amusements? Next door to Big Play you’ll find Finishline Performance Karting. This Mississippi Gulf Coast attraction offers a 40-foot-tall thrilling zipline, a free-fall experience, and arcade games.
Finishline’s primary draw, though, is its race tracks and some of the fastest go-karts in the state of Mississippi. Teens must be 14+ to ride the Adult karts but there are junior karts for kids as young as 8. There are even mini karts for children aged 4 to 7.
11. View marine life at the Mississippi Aquarium.
Opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport houses more than 200 species of animals and 50+ native plant species in different habitats. In addition to fishies of all sorts, look for large sea turtles, scaly American alligators and crocodiles, playful North American river otters, and intelligent dolphins.
For an additional fee, Mississippi Aquarium’s Dolphin Encounter enables visitors to touch and feed Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The focus of this 15-minute program is education.
12. Watch shows and interact with animals at Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
The primary attractions at Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport are shows starring smart sea lions, dolphins, and birds. Also enjoy fish-filled aquariums, touch pools, and a walk-through aviary. They offer educational camps for kids in the summer, too.
For a memorable experience, visitors can purchase an animal encounter experience. You can feed and touch a dolphin in the water during the Dolphin Interaction. Or, swim with stingrays during the Stingray Encounter. Perhaps you’d prefer to give hand signals and get a kiss from a sea lion during the Sea Lion Encounter! All proceeds support the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Located within the Ocean Adventures Marine Park, the Institute for Marine Mammals Studies is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to education, conservation, research, and animal rescues and rehabilitation. This charity has rescued over 24,000 mammals since it opened in 1975!
13. Get a biscuit and set a spell at Greenhouse on Porter Ave.
What could be more Southern than a flakey, freshly baked biscuit? Get your biscuit fix at Greenhouse on Porter Ave. Located in Ocean Springs, this unique eatery is a fun activity for families.
Choose from their daily biscuit offerings, including a gluten-free version for sensitive eaters like me. If you’re looking for something more substantial, then you can order yours topped with such additions as fried egg and cheese or lox and all the fixings. They also serve a wide variety of tasty beverages including coffees, teas, craft sodas, and hot chocolate.
This place is named Greenhouse for a reason. You’ll literally eat your biscuits inside a greenhouse shed. Alternatively, you can pull up a chair at a table outside and make friends with the resident extra-toed cat, Marigold. Board games and bug spray are free to borrow.
14. Enjoy outdoor activities at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Head to Gulf Islands National Seashore at Davis Bayou in Coastal Mississippi to satisfy your nature cravings. Be sure to keep little ones close when exploring the marsh area because alligators do inhabit the waters.
Enjoy a variety of activities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and bird watching. Anglers can also purchase a license to go fishing and there’s a boat launch here for seafarers.
The William M. Colmer Visitor Center offers indoor exhibits about the shore and islands. Free Junior Ranger booklets and awards are available 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 sure what to do on a rainy day when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids? Head to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport!
Families learn about science, history, and nature through play in 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits. Children will enjoy indoor educational art projects, a kid-sized grocery store, and a make-believe veterinarian center with stuffed animal “patients.” Outdoor exhibits provide opportunities to learn about solar power, music, and more.
The museum is designed for children aged 10 and younger, with the Bear Camp Bayou exhibit specifically for newborns through age 4. Entry is free from 5 to 8 pm on the last Friday of every 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 sweet drink went through the roof during the prohibition era.
Now bottled by the Coca-Cola company, Barq’s is still a local favorite. Look for the original blue and white glass bottles in eateries and shops. Keep in mind that, unlike most root beers, Barq’s root beer does contain some caffeine.
17. Eat at a Waffle House.
One of the first things we noticed while driving through Coastal Mississippi was the abundance of Waffle Houses. It’s hard to miss them. It seems there’s a Waffle House on every corner! In fact, this state is home to 88 of this southern chain’s nearly 2,000 restaurants.
Service is fast, prices are low, and the food is good and greasy. These restaurants are open 24 hours a day, serving up comfort foods like grits, eggs, burgers, and, of course, waffles. Since waffles are one of my son’s all-time favorite foods, of course, we had to come here for breakfast a couple of times during our visit.
Make a game of counting waffle houses when in Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids. It just might help keep their eyes focused on the scenery rather than on their smartphones. We spotted 12 Waffle Houses in one day alone!
18. Splurge on a meal at White Pillars Restaurant.
For a more refined dining experience, make reservations at White Pillars Restaurant. The restaurant is located within an impressive Neoclassical mansion, which was the home of a wealthy doctor and his family in the early 1900s.
It later became a popular fine dining restaurant in the 1970s and 80s before it sat empty for nearly 30 years. Chef Owner Austin Sumrall and his wife have restored the building to its former Gone with the Wind-esque glory.
Splurge on date night here or take the kids to a special weekend lunch or Sunday jazz brunch. My hamburger enthusiast son declared White Pillar’s Bone Marrow & Steak Burger one of the best he’s ever tasted!
19. Visit the Biloxi Visitors Center.
Free to the public, the Biloxi Visitors Center is worth a brief visit. Wander through displays that provide insight into Biloxi’s past. You can also pick up attraction brochures and ask staff for recommendations for exploring Coastal Mississippi with kids.
The best part is the theater upstairs, which shows a 10-minute movie called “We Are Biloxi” on a loop. Another brief film, specifically about Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the area, is shown at select posted times.
20. Climb aboard the Biloxi Tour Train.
If traveling with older kids or teens, then your family might enjoy the Biloxi Train Tour. This 90-minute tour chugs through Biloxi’s streets and the area’s history.
Take in the sights from the seat of the faux train ride. You’ll see Main Street Biloxi, the Biloxi Lighthouse, and the building where Barq’s root beer was initially made and sold.
The guided tour makes just one stop — at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. It commemorates the 170 Mississippi Gulf Coast victims who lost their lives during the 2006 storm.
21. Attend the Annual South Mississippi Summer Fair.
When visiting Mississippi Gulf Coast with children during the summer, plan to attend the Annual South Mississippi Summer Fair. This seaside fair takes place during the first two weeks of June at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi. Expect carnival rides and games, fun houses, a petting zoo, pig races, fair food, and live entertainment.
22. Experience the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.
This beautiful museum in Biloxi teaches visitors about the history and importance of seafaring jobs and fishing industries in the coastal communities of Mississippi. A high-tech theater and 1,400 square feet of exhibits bring the maritime world to life. This informative attraction is probably best for older kids who can read the many displays.
Two Biloxi Schooners are docked at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. These are authentic replicas of oyster schooners used during the 1800s and early 1900s. You can even charter the schooners for a memorable sailing experience. When available, board the schooners for a more affordable experience during a Walk-On Sail (for a minimum of six passengers).
23. Explore the Infinity Science Center.
The state-of-the-art Infinity Science Center displays 35,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits. It’s located about 30 minutes west of Pass Christian at the Mississippi/Louisiana border, making it an enjoyable addition to a Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation with kids.
Most exciting for budding astronauts is the Space Gallery where the entire family will gain knowledge about rockets and satellites. NASA’s massive Apollo 19 Saturn V booster is even on display at this science museum.
View fascinating (and hungry!) carnivorous plants and more in the Natrium. Then learn about our planet’s severe weather and explore the deep ocean in the Earth Gallery. Just for younger children (aged birth to 5 years), the Little Learner’s Lab provides all sorts of opportunities to investigate and problem-solve through play. Before you leave, be sure to pick up a science-related souvenir at the onsite gift shop.
24. Connect with nature at Pascagoula River Audubon Center.
The non-profit Pascagoula River Audubon Center gives the whole family a chance to experience native birds, animals, and native plants in their natural habitats. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Tours, this nature preserve makes a nice addition to your vacation. This is a popular place for school field trips, too.
Discover the outdoors on the nature trails during a guided or independent hike. Take in the bayou pier, bird feeders, critter tanks, and art gallery during your visit. For even more adventure, rent a kayak or pedal boat to take in the beauty of the Pascagoula River.
25. Stay at the right hotel in Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids.
From affordable kid-friendly hotels to darling boutiques and sprawling resorts with lots of cool things to do, you are sure to find the right hotel for your family in Coastal Mississippi.
Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront
My son and I stayed at Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront during our vacation. Located right across the street from the beach and within walking distance of a few family-friendly restaurants, this midrange hotel makes a good base for exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast with children. A large palm tree-lined pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day on the go.
Although there’s no full-service restaurant in the hotel, you can grab breakfast items and light bites in the lounge. A convenient 24-hour on-site market carries snacks, drinks, and necessities. Tip: grab free bottled water in the onsite fitness center.
Margaritaville Resort and Family Entertainment Center
A 450-foot lazy river, swim-up pool bar, and rooftop waterpark lure families to Margaritaville Resort. Kids can even swim with “mermaids” here! A huge game arcade will keep children content, too.
Even if you’re not staying here, stop by Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for their famous Cheeseburger in Paradise, live music, and tropical frozen drinks (with or without alcohol).
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
If glitz and glam are what you seek, then reserve a room at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Located right on the water in Biloxi, families love this MGM resort’s stunning pool and onsite video game arcade. A spa, five restaurants, a Haagen Dazs ice cream shop, and round-the-clock room service add to the allure of a stay here.
The Inn at Ocean Springs and The Roost
If I ever come back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a romantic getaway (and I hope I do!), then I’ll book a stay at The Inn at Ocean Springs. It’s got just two sumptuously decorated rooms, located in the heart of Ocean Springs’ quaint downtown. Families could book both rooms for extra space.
The Inn’s sister property, The Roost, would make a fabulous choice as well. Also in Ocean Springs, this house has been transformed into a boutique hotel featuring 11 suites. Some offer separate living/sleeping spaces plus kitchenettes — perfect for families!
More Coastal Mississippi Tips
Are you surprised by all there is to do in Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids? I know I was. If you’re seeking a fun and affordable family beach vacation, then you’ll love exploring the Secret Coast!
Get more tips from CoastalMississippi.com or call Coastal Mississippi toll-free at 1.888.467.4853.
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If you liked this story, then I bet you’ll love these tips for exploring Alabama Gulf Shores with kids.
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Have you ever visited Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids or without? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: My son and I were hosted by Coastal Mississippi, Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront, and some of the restaurants and attractions listed in this story. I received monetary compensation related to this blog post as well. This story was updated in 2023 to reflect current offerings in Mississippi Gulf Coast for kids and families. All opinions are mine, as always.
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