If you are looking for fun family activities in Gulfport this weekend, then you’ve come to the right place. From the zip lines at the Gulfport Zip’N Fun Adventure Park to the dolphin shows at IMMS, there is no shortage of things to do in Gulfport, MS this weekend. You can also enjoy an arts and crafts festival at Point Cadet, the Children’s museum at Gulf Islands Water Park, or even go for a sunset cruise on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Arts and crafts festival at Point Cadet
The annual Arts and Crafts Festival at Point Cadet is a fun event that features a variety of vendors, a 5k run, a kids zone, a raffle, and live music. This annual event has something for everyone, whether you want to spend the day shopping or participating in a brew competition. In addition, the event will include a free concert featuring the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and classic cars. There are also many activities for children, including inflatable rides and a giant slide.
Art Walk Mississippi is a multi-day event featuring local artists and local businesses. Each year, the festival is held on the Labor Day holiday weekend and features live music, crafts, kids’ activities, and more. In addition to the artwork and crafts, there are several performances by local musicians and songwriters, carnival rides, and plenty of outdoor entertainment. If you’re looking for a more traditional fair experience, check out the Mississippi Blues Festival during Labor Day weekend.
Art and craft vendors are plentiful at this Mississippi event, which attracts 10,000 visitors from Baton Rouge to Pensacola. The Mississippi Children’s Museum has partnered with local businesses to create a festival full of activities for the little ones. There are also food vendors and a 60-mile yard sale. The event is sure to be a blast. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
Children’s museum at Gulf Islands Water Park
For families, the Gulf Islands Water Park is a fun, indoor water park that’s ideal for fun-loving family members. This water park features a lazy river, thrilling slides, and rafting adventure. You can also spend the day at the water park’s Children’s Museum. Gulf Islands Water Park has fun for all ages, from toddlers to adults. It’s open May through September.
Kids can learn about natural science, learn about dinosaurs, and get hands-on experiences in the Mississippi River Heritage Park. You’ll also be able to meet dolphins at the park’s Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, which offers educational programs and activities. Admission to the Museum of Mississippi is free on the last Friday of each month, and kids are welcome to explore it for free. There are concessions available for snacks and sodas, as well.
There are four water slides for toddlers to tweens. The museum also features an area for younger kids with a spray area. All equipment is provided, including life jackets and tubes. The museum provides water toys and cabanas for rent. You can also rent a picnic pavilion at the park for a relaxed afternoon with the family. And if you’d like to get away from it all, there’s also a toddler area.
Gulf Islands Water Park is open from May to late August. The park is seasonal and opens on weekends and early evenings until 7 pm. It closes in mid-August and Labor Day, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly. It is highly recommended to buy tickets early, as the park can get crowded. For younger children, the museum is best visited an hour before closing. And don’t forget to bring some snacks, as there are concessions available.
Dolphin shows at IMMS
The Institute For Marine Mammals Studies (IMMS) in New Orleans offers the rare opportunity to interact with dolphins. These playful creatures are a favorite of many people and are protected and conserved. In addition to providing educational tours, IMMS hosts dolphin shows every week. The Institute was instrumental in saving the lives of two dolphins, Apollo and Turner, when they were stranded in the wild at young ages.
During one of the live dolphin shows, CJ the Dolphin played a part in a proposed marriage. The couple, from Ocean Springs, attended the IMMS’s Gulfport branch to get engaged. Kyle Simpson wanted to propose to Carli Gustafson in an unusual way, so he reached out to the institute for help. During the proposal, Kyle Simpson worked with a trainer and dolphin for three months to personalize it for the happy couple.
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is currently treating a baby dolphin. This dolphin was discovered in shallow water by local residents. Residents in the area contacted IMMS and the staff responded immediately. They loaded the dolphin into a truck and transported it to the institute. The dolphin is still in critical condition and under guard. IMMS hopes to rehabilitate the dolphin in the near future. There are other ways to support the dolphins.
Sunset cruise at IMMS
The sunset cruise at IMMS in Gulfport, Mississippi this weekend is the ultimate in relaxation, with live music, full bar, light snacks, and dolphin watching. Onboard the 100-foot Capt. Pete, the sunset cruise is complete with an outdoor deck, climate-controlled cabins, restrooms, and a full bar. Guests can purchase advance tickets to guarantee a spot.
The sunset cruise on the Mississippi Sound is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, and this tour features views of the bay, the Mississippi Sound, and the Gulf. The captain will entertain you while sharing local facts. You’ll likely see dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife. Onboard, there’s also live entertainment and snacks to help you unwind after a day of work.
The city is also home to the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, where you can see a wide variety of model train layouts. The museum even has a 7-1/2 inch riding train! Those who want to spend the day with their family will enjoy the Busted Wrench Garage Museum, where resident artist Kelly Derouen teaches art classes. Bananas Mini-Golf & Arcade is another family-friendly activity. Its cast-iron structure provides a perfect setting for the kids.
IMMS is an educational and research center in Gulfport, MS. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music and riverboat tours. The IMMS is closed on Sundays, but there are often special events. While visiting IMMS this weekend, be sure to call ahead to check on hours and special activities. You may need to reserve ahead of time to ensure a spot.
In addition to live music and a water park, Gulfport Island Brewery is a fun spot for children. The brewery is located on Highway 49 near 14th St. It has a water slide, splash pad, and lazy river. If you have kids, don’t forget to check out the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Wildlife Refuge. These two are among the most popular in the area.
