Hattiesburg Zoo
About
Hattiesburg Zoo offers an intimate, family-friendly wildlife experience perfect for young explorers. With its manageable size, diverse animal collection, and well-maintained walking paths, parents will appreciate being able to see the entire zoo without exhausting little legs, while kids delight in getting up-close views of exotic and native animals.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive animal encounters and feeding opportunities during special programs
- ✓Shaded walking paths that wind through well-designed animal habitats
- ✓Spacious picnic areas perfect for family lunches
- ✓Seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Wild Wonderland that transform the zoo experience
- ✓Compact layout that's easy for families with young children to navigate completely
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) when animals are most active and before afternoon heat sets in, especially during summer months
- 2.Bring a wagon or stroller even for older kids,the shaded walking paths are easy to navigate and little ones tire quickly
- 3.Pack snacks and drinks, but take advantage of the picnic areas for a budget-friendly lunch break midway through your visit
- 4.Visit on weekday mornings for the smallest crowds and best photo opportunities with animals
- 5.Check the zoo's event calendar before visiting for special seasonal activities like Zoo Boo (Halloween) and Wild Wonderland (Christmas)
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) from 10 AM-noon for the best experience. Animals are most active in cooler morning hours, crowds are minimal, and you'll have plenty of time to explore before naptime. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable weather for walking the grounds.
What to Know
The zoo is closed Mondays, and admission is affordably priced for families. Ample free parking is available on-site, and while there are concession options, bringing your own picnic is allowed and recommended for picky eaters.
Seasonal Notes
The zoo hosts popular seasonal events including Zoo Boo in October (Halloween-themed activities) and Wild Wonderland during the holiday season with festive lights and decorations. Summer months can be hot and humid, so morning visits are especially recommended June-August. The zoo is open year-round except Mondays.
Nearby Eats
Crescent City Grill (about 2 miles away) offers Southern cuisine with kid-friendly options in a casual atmosphere, or head to Chick-fil-A on Hardy Street for quick, reliable family dining that kids love.
More Activities Near Hattiesburg
Longleaf Trace
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.
Dewitt Sullivan Park
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.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
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.
Mississippi Children's Museum
The Mississippi Children's Museum in Jackson brings world-class interactive learning experiences to life with hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 1,200 families, this museum offers rotating exhibits that keep each visit fresh and exciting, making it a top educational destination for families in the Hattiesburg and Jackson areas.