Photo: Mississippi Aquarium
Photo: martin hooey
Photo: Mark Steele
Mississippi Aquarium
★4.2(4,757 reviews)$$Aquarium
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers are mesmerized by the colorful fish and gentle touch tank experiences, while elementary-aged children engage deeply with the educational programs and interactive exhibits. Even teens interested in marine biology will appreciate the conservation messaging and diverse species.🧡 Saved by 25 families
About
The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport offers an immersive journey through the Gulf Coast's diverse marine ecosystems with hands-on touch tanks, native species exhibits, and engaging educational programs. Kids can get up close with stingrays, explore interactive displays featuring Mississippi River wildlife, and learn about coastal conservation through fun, age-appropriate activities that make marine biology come alive.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive touch tanks where kids can gently touch stingrays and other marine creatures
- ✓Native Mississippi River fish exhibits showcasing catfish, gar, and paddlefish
- ✓Hands-on educational programs and keeper talks throughout the day
- ✓Gulf Coast habitat displays featuring seahorses, jellyfish, and tropical species
- ✓Conservation-focused exhibits teaching kids about protecting local waterways
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at 10:00 AM opening time to experience the touch tanks before they get crowded and when the animals are most active
- 2.Pack a change of clothes for younger kids,they often get wet at the interactive touch tanks and splash zones
- 3.Check the daily schedule for animal feeding times and keeper talks upon arrival; these presentations are included with admission and kids love them
- 4.Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) for the smallest crowds and most personalized attention from staff
- 5.Bring a sweater or light jacket as the indoor temperature is kept cool for the marine life comfort
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10:00 AM-12:00 PM offer the most relaxed experience with smaller crowds. Avoid summer weekends and school holiday periods when the aquarium is busiest with visiting families.
What to Know
Admission prices are family-friendly for a non-profit organization, and ample parking is available at the Beach Boulevard location. The facility is fully accessible with stroller-friendly pathways, and while there's a small café on-site, many families pack snacks or plan lunch at nearby beachfront restaurants.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months (June-August) are busiest with tourists visiting the Gulf Coast. The aquarium hosts special events during spring break and winter holidays, making these festive but crowded times to visit.
Nearby Eats
The Chimney Café offers casual family dining with kid-friendly burgers and seafood just minutes away, while Half Shell Oyster House provides a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a dedicated children's menu and Gulf Coast favorites that adventurous eaters will enjoy.
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