As a parent, sometimes finding the time and money to plan a family vacation can be a task. Between work and extracurricular activities, and just life in general, packing up the family and traveling out of town can be overwhelming. A great alternative is to have a summer staycation! Living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast there are a ton of options for family fun, some only a short drive away. I’ve put together a list of some fun idea and places to enjoy a summer staycation with the family without the hassle.
Explore the local area
INFINITY Science Center is a non-profit science museum offering a blend of space, Earth science, engineering and technology content. It also serves as the official NASA visitor center for Stennis Space Center.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 9:00am – 4pm
Cost: $15: Adults (Age 14-54) $13: Senior Adult (Age 55+), Military, and First Responders $9: Senior Adult Special (Every Thursday) $10: Children (4-13) Free: Children (Age 3 and under)
The largest Waterpark on the coast, featuring miles of slides and an island theme. The attraction names incorporate landmarks within South Mississippi and the chain of islands just off the coast know as the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Hours: Check here for dates and times
Cost: At the gate ticket prices are $46.99 for 42” and taller and $29.99 for under 42”.
Mississippi Aquarium is Coastal Mississippi's newest state-of-the-art aquatic family fun center. Located in beautiful Downtown Gulfport and overlooking Jones Park and the Mississippi Sound, Mississippi Aquarium is the home to more than 200 species of animals and 300 species of fish. Our well-curated exhibits include both native species and some that our guests may be seeing for the first time.
Hours: Open daily from 10:00am until 5:00 pm
Cost: Adults: 13-64 - $22.95 to $29.95 (*Select Days), Child: 3-12 - $19.95 to $24.95 (*Select Days) (2 & under free) ; Senior: 65+ - $20.95 to $26.95 (*Select Days)
*Pricing is dependent on the day of your visit.
You can even see the below the surface lives of animals through the underwater viewing area. Stop by our 12’ deep ray pool, where you can touch our resident stingrays. See a macaw & parrot show, then visit the Tweeter Post, a walk-through aviary, where you can experience and feed our resident parakeets.
Hours: Daily 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: General Admission for Adults $16.50, Children (ages 3 - 12) $14.50, Military and Seniors $15.50
Ship Island offers visitors history, relaxation, and the opportunity to explore miles of quiet, high quality, natural sand beaches for hiking and surf bathing. The unspoiled island is surrounded by deep, emerald green waters not found on the mainland beaches. If you are a beach person you will love Ship Island.
Hours: Seasonal, times and days vary. Check the schedule here
Cost: Adult: $44, Child (ages 3-12) $38, Senior (65 & older): $42, Military (Active with ID) $42, Infants: $0 (Caution – Prepare for extreme heat – Not recommended for infants)
Paradise Pier Fun Park is the premier destination for adventure-seekers in Biloxi, Mississippi!
The park features an exciting lineup of rides, attractions, and fun for the whole family! It also offers the most stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico!
Hours: Check out the calendar of activities and events!
Cost: Weekday pass - $39.95 | Weekend pass - $59.95 | Observation pass (non-rider with one ride on Observation Wheel) - $15.00
Escape Family Entertainment Center
Fun is the name of the game at Escape, Margaritaville Resort Biloxi’s 55,000-square-foot arcade. Open to everyone, this is the perfect place to escape a rainy day, enjoy a day off from school, or get away for a long weekend. Not to mention, it’s the perfect place to watch the game. Just imagine catching every single play while your kids play, too.
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00am to 9:00pm | Friday, 10:00am to 11:00pm | Saturday 9:00am to 11:00pm | Sunday 9:00am to 9:00pm
Cost: Purchase an Escape Card for game play. Pricing information here
Take a day trip!
It’s always fun to explore a different city. There are a ton of options nearby that are a short drive away. Check out some options here!
Remember, the goal of a staycation is to relax and recharge, so choose activities that make you happy and allow you to take a break from your daily routine!
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