Summer’s here, school’s out, and your little ones are now home … counting on you to occupy and entertain them. Never fear — the experts at The Gulf Coast Mom have some great ideas for keeping boredom at bay:
1. TINKER TUESDAY AT LYNN MEADOWS DISCOVERY CENTER
Head over to LMDC for their Tinker Tuesdays (Wednesdays 2-4 p.m.). It’s a pop-up makerspace! This creative and interactive environment is designed to inspire and encourage young minds to explore, experiment and learn through hands-on activities. Equipped with a variety of materials and resources, Tinker Tuesday will empower children to engage in activities related to S.T.E.A.M. in a playful, imaginative manner.
2. TRAINTASTIC HOMESCHOOL WEDNESDAYS
Homeschool families can visit the TrainTastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum, located in Gulfport, every Wednesday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the discounted rate: $8 for children and $10 for adults!
3. LOCAL SPLASH PADS
What better way to keep cool than the splash pads located throughout the Coast? You can’t beat them for quick, easy and free fun in the water.
4. CINEMA BY THE SHORE
Cinema by the Shore consists of free, fun-filled family movie nights in Gulfport’s Jones Park. Follow the Facebook page for dates!
5. TINY TOTS TIME
Every Thursday in D’Iberville, you can find Tiny Tots Time at Riches Music Studio. This is a free weekly event for toddlers and their mamas. Join in on the music and story-time fun!
6. SHIP ISLAND EXCURSIONS
Grab your family and take a cruise out to Ship Island, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, wildlife, shell collecting and Fort Massachusetts. You also can take advantage of concessions and rentables on the island.
7. LOCAL PARKS
We love to visit the local parks across the Coast! From Little Children’s Park in Ocean Springs to Jones Park in Gulfport to War Memorial Park in Pass Christian and so many others, you are sure to have a fun outing with the little ones.
8. OCEAN ADVENTURES MARINE PARK AT THE INSTITUTE FOR MARINE MAMMAL STUDIES
This is the perfect outing for kids of all ages. From touch pools to dolphin shows to playing with the parakeets and visiting the playground, Ocean Adventures always offers a great time.
9. LOCAL LIBRARY STORY TIMES
There are so many free local story times across the Coast. You can follow The Gulf Coast Mom’s Facebook or Instagram for updates on dates and times. Our local library systems offer everything from baby-and-me time to after-school teen clubs.
10. TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME
The Shuckers Stadium is always a great family outing. With a new splash pad and plenty of treats, kids of all ages are sure to have a great time!
View The Gulf Coast Mom Summer Camp Guide here.
