Summer is coming up quickly, so you may be wondering about some budget-friendly activities to do with the kids. Luckily, there are plenty along the Mississippi Gulf Coast! These activities will help keep the kids busy and active, as well as keep you within your budget since they are free.
1. Visit the Beach
There are a lot of beaches to visit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You may want to consider the top 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches. Grab some towels, chairs, and some drinks, and enjoy!
2. Visit a Splash Pad
Want to stay cool? Make a visit to one of these awesome splash pads: Fun Splashpads on the Coast. There are some amazing benefits of splash pads for children, as they provide a good sensory experience, but there are also some safety tips to keep in mind. For example, be sure that the splash pad water is treated in order to avoid potential illness.
3. Grab a Book at a local Library
Take the kids to the library and pick out a good book! For information on Biloxi’s library, take a look at the website. They list their hours as 9-5 pm Monday through Saturday. Gulfport’s library has varying operating hours, but you can find more information on their library at their website.
4. Camp in Your Own Backyard
If you may not be able to go anywhere to camp, you can always camp in your own backyard if you already have a tent. If you need some inspiration and ideas, see the ultimate guide to backyard camping. There are some great ideas for games and entertainment!
5. Play in a Sprinkler
If you have a yard, set up a sprinkler for the kids to run around in. There are also a lot of sprinkler games to make it even more exciting!
6. Visit a Museum
There is a free museum in Waveland, which is called the Ground Zero Hurricane Museum. The museum is housed in an old historic building that was the only building left standing on their main street after Hurricane Katrina. There is a part of the museum known as Discovery Alley that was built as an enrichment space for children, as there are several learning and experiential activities for kids to explore. Admission is free, and it is open from 10 am-3 pm from Tuesday-Saturday. Their website is here if you’d like more information.
7. Do a Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt can be a great way to spend time with your kids this summer! In addition, spending time in nature has been shown in long-term studies to be beneficial to one’s mental health. Need ideas or inspiration? They are lots of ideas on Green Child Magazine’s website.
8. Go on a Hike
An excellent place to hike is Fontainebleau Nature Trail in Ocean Springs, MS. This trail is an extension of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. The trail takes you around various habitats such as a bayou, swamp, and marsh.
9. Visit the Biloxi Bay Bridge
This bridge goes over Biloxi Bay and connects Biloxi with Ocean Springs. There is a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bicyclists on the Gulf side of the bridge. You can take in a beautiful sunset and sightsee on your way over the bridge!