The MS Gulf Coast, Where Families Make The Best Memories
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to visit with kids of all ages. Just ask my nieces and nephews from New Jersey, who have stayed with us. Their ages ranged from 6 to 29 years old. Each of them loved something different about the coast. My husband, Tony, and I loved that they never ran out of things to do!
Our Family’s Recommendations
Since we don’t have children, Tony and I make it a point to be their best Aunt and Uncle. That means a non-stop, fun-filled vacation for each of the kids. There are many family-friendly activities and attractions to choose from, including:
- White Sandy Beaches: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Kids will love swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles and exploring the tide pools.
- Waterparks: There are several waterparks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Gulf Islands Waterpark, Centennial Plaza and Splash Galaxy. These have something for everyone, from slides and pools to lazy rivers and wave pools.
- More Family Fun: Zip’N Fun Adventure Park offers a ropes course & zipline in one great adventure. Watch or join the fun at Sky Zone with a game on the air court or the ultimate dodgeball. The kids will love the slide, ninja warrior course, and freestyle jump. A” Kid Zone” also exists for kids not quite old enough for all activities.
- Museums: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has several museums perfect for kids, including the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and the Ocean Adventures Marine Park. These museums offer interactive exhibits and activities to teach kids about science, history, and art.
- Nature trails: There are also several nature trails on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including the Pascagoula River Audubon Center and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. These trails offer kids a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Family-Friendly Restaurants In The Best Coastal Towns
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to various family-friendly restaurants that offer something for everyone. Here are a few of the kid’s favorites:
- Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach: This waterfront seafood restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a kids’ menu with all the favorites, like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
- The Reef: This casual restaurant has a large outdoor patio with views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features fresh seafood, burgers, and salads.
- Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: This iconic restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and a menu that features burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.
- Woody’s Roadside: This family-owned restaurant has served classic American comfort food for more than 30 years. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood.
- Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach: This sister restaurant to Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach is located on the Gulfport beachfront. The menu features the same great food as the Biloxi location, plus a kids’ menu with all the favorites.
These are just a few hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that are perfect for families with kids. With our world-class golf courses, you may want to find a spot where the family can have fun while you take in 18 holes.
Explore New Orleans
When the kids visit, we take one day to spend in New Orleans, about an hour’s drive from our house. Here are some of the things they like to do in the Big Easy:
- Explore the French Quarter: The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and Cafe du Monde. Kids will love exploring the narrow streets, listening to live music, and trying the local cuisine.
- Visit the Audubon Zoo: The Audubon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world. Kids will love seeing lions, tigers, bears, and other animals up close.
- Take a swamp tour: New Orleans is on the edge of the Mississippi Delta, home to various swampland. Many companies offer swamp tours, a great way to see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Ride the streetcar: The New Orleans streetcar system is a great way to get around the city and see some of the most popular sights. Kids will love riding the streetcars, a fun and unique way to experience the city.
- Visit the Children’s Museum of New Orleans: The Children’s Museum of New Orleans is “a cool place” for kids of all ages to learn and play. Many interactive exhibits teach kids about science, history, and culture.
- Take a boat ride on the Mississippi River: The Mississippi River is a significant part of New Orleans’ history and culture. Taking a boat ride is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Kids will love seeing the riverboats, bridges, and other landmarks from the water.
- Visit the National WWII Museum: The National WWII Museum is a great place to learn about the history of World War II. Kids learn about brave veterans through exhibits, watching films, and participating in interactive activities.
No matter your family’s interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy on the beautiful Gulf Coast. Don’t be surprised to find many of us residents who came for a vacation, fell in love with the area and now call it home. After all, it’s where you can live your best life for less. ™
