Gulfport, Mississippi’s second-largest city, was founded by William Hardy and supported by the money gained by Civil War soldier Joseph Jones. The government of Harrison County is located here.
That means you and the kids are guaranteed a fantastic day there, thanks to the abundance of fascinating attractions, relaxing parks, educational museums, and delicious food.
We’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly activities in Gulfport to help you start making preparations for your trip.
- The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
In 1984, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) was founded as a think tank committed to studying and protecting marine mammals.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
When you visit the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, you may help sick and injured marine mammals get better while enjoying engaging displays, activities, and shows.
Recommended Ages
Among the most fantastic Gulfport attractions for families with kids, visits to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies are consistently rated highly by parents and teachers.
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- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center first welcomed visitors in 1998. It has since provided a safe and fun environment for children to explore across its six outdoor acres and 15,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
If you’re a parent visiting Gulfport and have no idea what to do with your kids, your best bet is Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
Witness the youngsters as they go on a cultural exploration of the world, ride a miniature train, make a masterpiece in the art studio, tap a melody in the musical garden, and investigate a small town.
Recommended Ages
Kids from one to twelve can join in on the action at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
- Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
As one of the city’s most popular family destinations, the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum showcases an impressive collection spanning over two centuries of railroading.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visit the state’s most giant LEGO(R) railroad display, scale model train layouts, interactive layouts for youngsters to operate and enjoy, outdoor garden displays, and real trains at this world-famous museum.
Recommended Ages
Want to know the best Gulfport attractions for young children?
Children of all ages, especially those over three, will enjoy the museum’s model railroad and the opportunity to operate some miniature trains.
- Jones Park
Jones Park is an expansive green space and coastal area that spans sixty acres and is perfect for families.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
In search of kid-friendly activities that won’t break the bank?
Jones Park is home to a kid-friendly sandy beach and splash pad, perfect for whiling away the hours.
In addition, there is a playground, a promenade, and occasional community activities.
Recommended Ages
Bring your young (or not-so-young) ones along. There’s something fun for everyone at Jones Park.
- Gulfport Premium Outlets
Gulfport Premium Outlets features over 70 outlet retailers and is in a prime location between New Orleans and Mobile.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Gulfport Premium Outlets are widely regarded as the best outdoor shopping center in the area, and for a good reason.
Relax while watching the kids run off some steam on the playground.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages are encouraged to visit Gulfport Premium Outlets for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Gulf Islands Water Park
If you’re looking for the best locations to take the kids in Gulfport, you can’t leave out the largest water park on the coast: Gulf Island Water Park.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
With its island-themed attractions and expansive slides, Gulf Islands Water Park also hosts celebrity appearances, exciting events, and delicious treats.
Recommended Ages
When visiting Gulfport with kids of any age, visiting Gulf Islands Water Park is a must.
- North Star Sailing Charters
Your family will have a wonderful day sailing with North Star Sailing Charters on the scenic Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Isn’t it great that you can get away this weekend to the ocean?
Take a cruise with North Star Sailing Charters and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Mississippi coast, barrier islands, and marine life.
Pack a picnic to enjoy while you watch the waves roll in.
Recommended Ages
If you’re taking your family on a cruise, ensure your kids are at least four years old.
- Zip’N Fun Adventure Park
Instead of visiting the beach, visitors to Gulfport can experience the city from a new perspective at Zip’N Fun Adventure Park.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Nature enthusiasts can pump their adrenaline at Zip’N Fun Adventure Park with a guided or unguided, self-paced obstacle course.
Conquer obstacles in the woods by climbing, swinging, and crawling through tight ropes, swinging logs, shaky rope bridges, and zip lines!
Recommended Ages
The thrill-seeking aerial obstacles at Zip’N Fun Adventure Park are enjoyable for kids of all ages.
- Altitude Trampoline Gulfport
One of the best places to take active kids, teenagers, and adults on rainy days is Altitude Trampoline Gulfport.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Altitude Trampoline Gulfport is home to fun things to do with kids in the neighborhood, including dodgeball, trampoline basketball, a rock wall, a trapeze, a toddler section, foam pits, and free jump areas.
Recommended Ages
Altitude Trampoline Gulfport is the place for kids aged two and up to enjoy some of the most thrilling attractions in Gulfport, Mississippi.
- World’s Largest Rocker
One of the world’s largest rocking rockers, this 35-foot-tall structure was built in 1995 and has since become a tourist attraction.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Looking for easy, low-cost ways to have fun with the family right now?
Take a trip along Canal Road and stop to take a picture in front of the giant rocking chair in the world.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages can enjoy this quick-free attraction.
- Ship Island Excursions
For nearly a century, the Skrmetta family has run Ship Island Excursions, a tour company that takes customers to the islands off the coast of Mississippi.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Ship Island is one of the best islands in Mississippi because it is historically significant and untouched, yet it still has excellent beaches, a boardwalk, and a little snack bar.
Recommended Ages
Children aged three and up will benefit from this island excursion.
- Half Shell Oyster House
The charbroiled oysters at Half Shell Oyster House are legendary in Gulfport; they are cooked over an open flame with barbeque, special herbs, and other secret seasonings.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Stop by Half Shell Oyster House for delicious deals when you and the kids have finished enjoying everything Gulfport offers in family-friendly entertainment.
While the decor and ambiance are reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the restaurant’s menu, which also includes traditional American fare, features fresh seafood and oysters from the Gulfport region.
Recommended Ages
Half Shell Oyster House serves tasty dishes appropriate for children ages five and up.
