Photo: Spring Booth
Photo: Michael Irby
Photo: Spring Booth
Bonita Lakes Park
★4.6(1,445 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the playgrounds and easy lakeside paths, while school-age kids love fishing, longer trail hikes, and wildlife spotting. Teens appreciate the scenic trails for walking or jogging.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Bonita Lakes Park offers 305 acres of natural beauty perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures in Hattiesburg. With its scenic walking trails winding around picturesque lakes, well-equipped playgrounds, and excellent fishing spots, this highly-rated park provides endless opportunities for kids to explore nature, burn energy, and create lasting family memories.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park for different age groups
- ✓Scenic walking and biking trails with beautiful lake views and wildlife watching
- ✓Excellent fishing opportunities that are perfect for teaching kids
- ✓Spacious picnic areas ideal for family gatherings and birthday celebrations
- ✓Peaceful natural setting with opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (right when gates open at 5 AM) for the best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures, especially in summer months
- 2.Bring fishing gear and a Mississippi fishing license if you plan to fish,the lakes are well-stocked and great for teaching kids
- 3.Pack a cooler and claim a shaded picnic area early on weekends, as the best spots fill up quickly with local families
- 4.Don't forget bug spray and sunscreen,the lakeside areas can have mosquitoes, especially near dusk
- 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be uneven in spots, and bring a stroller with good wheels for younger kids
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and the best chance to see wildlife. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while early mornings in summer help families avoid the Mississippi heat.
What to Know
The park is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM with free admission. No food concessions are available on-site, so pack snacks and plenty of water, and be prepared to carry out all trash as you practice leave-no-trace principles.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though summer months (June-August) can be very hot and humid,plan morning or evening visits. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers along trails, while fall features stunning foliage. Trails may be muddy after heavy rain.
Nearby Eats
Head to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers or Chick-fil-A on Hardy Street (about 10 minutes away) for quick, kid-friendly meals after your park adventure.
More Activities Near Hattiesburg
Park
Paul B Johnson State Park
★4.5Free❤️185
Paul B Johnson State Park is a 225-acre outdoor paradise surrounding the beautiful Geiger Lake, offering families an affordable escape into nature just minutes from Hattiesburg. With its sandy swimming beach, kid-friendly hiking trails, excellent fishing spots, and well-maintained campgrounds, this park provides the perfect setting for families to unplug and reconnect through outdoor adventure.
Playground
Dewitt Sullivan Park
Free❤️8
Dewitt Sullivan Park offers a fantastic interactive splash pad that's a summertime lifesaver for Hattiesburg families. The water play area features multiple jets, sprays, and water features specifically designed for young children to run, jump, and cool off during those hot Mississippi summers. It's the perfect free outdoor activity for toddlers and elementary-aged kids to burn energy while staying refreshed.
Adventure
Longleaf Trace
Free❤️17
The Longleaf Trace offers 40 miles of paved, car-free trail perfect for family biking adventures through Mississippi's beautiful pine forests. This former railroad corridor provides a safe, scenic environment where kids can ride bikes, scooter, or walk while spotting wildlife and enjoying the shade of towering trees. Multiple access points and trailheads make it easy to choose a distance that works for your family's skill level.
Museum
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
★4.9$❤️180
The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is a delightful interactive children's museum in downtown Hattiesburg that brings learning to life through hands-on exhibits and imaginative play spaces. With an impressive 4.9-star rating from nearly 600 families, this engaging destination offers educational activities perfectly tailored for young learners, making it an ideal rainy-day activity or weekend adventure.