Gulfport, Mississippi: Beaches, Aquariums & Family-Friendly Fun

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an organization devoted to research, conservation, and education in the sphere of marine mammal biology and ecology along the Gulf Coast. Behind the scenes, the institute conducts important research on animals from this region and cares for and rehabilitates sick and injured animals.

The group also runs the Center for Marine Education and Research, which creates educational displays based on the animals with which the institute works. The center is very hands on, featuring touch pools and a fossil dig. Guests can also participate in encounters with dolphins and other marine mammals and view related presentations.

10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503, Phone: 228-896-9182

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi's first children's museum, promotes learning and development through fun, interactive exhibits. The center has 15,000 square feet of indoor displays, plus six outdoor spaces where kids and parents can laugh, play, and explore together. The areas of the museum each have a cohesive theme such as art, animals, cooking, the nearby port, history, and science.

The facility also includes a tiny outdoor library booth from which children can borrow books. In addition to regular visits to Lynn Meadows, families can participate in cooking and performance classes as well as camps with various areas of focus.

246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507, Phone: 228-897-6039

Gulf Islands Water Park, a seasonal waterpark and recreation center, has miles of water slides and an exciting program of shows to keep the whole family having fun out in the sun. Thrill seekers can get an adrenaline rush on rides with towering drops and lightning speeds, while the littlest of little ones can splash around in the Ship Island Wreck and Spray St. Louis play areas.

Gulf Islands also has a lazy river and a wave pool that parents and kids can take advantage of together. Performances often feature famous characters from Disney and Nickelodeon programs. The park has several different eating establishments on the premises, and cabanas, pavilions, and lockers are available for rent.

13100 16th St., Gulfport, MS 39503, Phone: 228-328-1266

North Star Sailing Charters is a private charter sailing company situated at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. Its two sailboats, the 40-foot Kashmir and the 31-foot Polaris, take guests out on private charter trips along the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.

Each charter can take up to six passengers, and many packages are offered, including daytime, sunset, and moonlight cruises, trips for dolphin and pelican watching, and private dinner cruises catered by a local Gulfport restaurant. North Star allows for flexible start times, and they let clients customize their charter to their needs. The company also offers sailing lessons.

Phone: 228-617-8057

TrainTastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum, which is supported by the region's model railroad club, keeps an honored tradition alive in its railroad track and car displays and exhibits. The club has three HO, O, and N table layouts for model railroads and trains as well as five raised G trains for kids.

There is even a LEGO train set complete with its own model town. Patrons can come for regular museum visits or utilize the space for birthday parties. At these events, both the young and the young at heart can ride the museum's electric carnival riding train or one of its six Thomas the Tank Engine riding trains.

522 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507, Phone: 228-284-5731

Set Sail Away-Day Cruises takes the charter experience up a notch with its luxury yachts and cruise packages. The company operates three yachts, two of which are large enough to include space for private cabins and room to roam around and enjoy onboard amenities such as couches and television entertainment systems.

Set Sail Away cruises can accommodate up to six passengers, and trips can last from a short two hours to the entire day. The boats are equipped with a full crew who make the experience especially high end and comfortable. Different dining options are available, depending on the length of the cruise and the time of day.

1133 20th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501, Phone: 228-596-1670

According to Ship Island Excursions, the best beaches in Mississippi are found on West Ship Island, which is located 11 miles south of Gulfport and is one of five barrier islands in the state. In addition to clear waters and clean sands, West Ship Island is home to Fort Massachusetts, a historic brick fortification from the nineteenth century.

Ship Island Excursions runs a convenient ferry service that takes visitors to the island so they can enjoy its tranquil natural splendor. The ride lasts 50 minutes, and riders can often see Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins swimming in the transparent waters of the gulf along the way. In addition, for those seeking a more luxurious experience, Ship Island Excursion also has a range of private charter packages for large groups.

Ship Island Excursions , 1040 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501, Phone: 228-864-1014

NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center is a facility where flight certification and rocket propulsion systems testing are carried out. The complex was initially built in the 1960s in preparation for the major Apollo space project, and since then, Stennis has served as a key testing center in the United States' vast space program.

NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center has a dedicated visitors area known as the INFINITY Science Center. Here, guests can dive into interactive exhibits that focus on the history of space exploration, STEM topics, and other interesting themes. From INFINITY, guests can take a bus tour of the part of Stennis Space Center that is open to visitors.

One Discovery Circle, Pearlington, MS 39572, Phone: 228-533-9025