Mermaids, sharks, dolphins, and crustaceans are keeping events cool this fall at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
But it’s more than just an aquarium. It’s also dinosaurs, yoga classes, an 80s murder mystery, sleepovers, and Sea of the Stars annual community event. With several fanta-sea events at this marine attraction, it could take the remainder of the year just to see it all.
Enchanting Encounters
For two weeks only, jump aboard to discover the magical world above and below the ocean surface with Mermaids & Pirates in mid-October. Adventures include, mermaid diving performances, meet and greet with mermaids, and Mermaid Scales & Pirate Tales VIP experience. The dive performances and mermaid meet and greet appearances are included in general admission.
Dino-Tastic
Roar into the fall season with a prehistoric adventure Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors that features 10 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs. Participants can even learn about the ancient people of Mississippi and their modern-day counterparts and get hands-on with dino-themed crafts and activities. The dinosaurs will stomp around until Oct. 2.
Sleep & Greet
Spend the night under the sea with ZZZ’s by the Sea. Guests will sleep in one of three awe-inspiring habitats in Mississippi Aquarium’s Aquatic Wonders. Enjoy educational activities, crafts, games, storytime, and camp-styled snacks. Wake up to a continental breakfast, enjoy an animal spotlight with the animal care team, and participate in a meet and greet with an animal ambassador.
Totally Radical
Throw on your best 80s duds, tease your hair, grab your neon accessories and see how smooth a criminal you actually are with the I Love the 80s to Death interactive mystery show. Guests should be prepared to interact with the actors and use clues to solve the murder or be selected to be the murder victim of the evening. But, wait, there’s more for a killer good time, including a concert-themed dinner and dessert buffet.
Flow Like A Fish
Discover new ways to stretch and move with Fin & Zen Yoga at the captivating and serene Aquatic Wonders. Take in sights of sharks, stingrays, reef fishes, and other sea life while you dive into body and mind alignment. Yoga Instructor Brittany Simmons will lead participants through Vinyasa yoga, a creative style that links breath and movement together in a flowing sequence.
Under the Stars
Drones launched into the darkness above the beautiful Gulf Coast waters will create and illuminate three-dimensional shapes and characters, such as alligators, dolphins, and turtles. This unique light show is choreographed to a soundtrack of classic and modern favorites and, of course, there are fireworks during the Sea of Stars on Sept. 30.
And there’s much, much more at the Mississippi Aquarium, which first opened its doors in August 2020. It’s still the newest marine attraction within the Magnolia State and features about 200 different species of animals along with 50 various species of plants so there’s a little something for everyone.
Click here to visit the aquarium’s Facebook page.