Hattiesburg

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THE HATTIESBURG ZOO

The Hattiesburg Zoo opened its gates on Easter Sunday 1950. Legend has it that the park that houses the zoo, Kamper Park, was a popular place to bring animals of all sorts in the early 1900s. This became a known tradition in the area, so a local women’s club raised money to build a real zoo on the site. When the gates opened on that Easter Sunday, guests were greeted by exotic animals and the spirit of learning that still exists today.

The Zoo has seen a wonderful cast of characters in its day, including the famous elephant, Miss Hattie. Miss Hattie’s personality charmed all who visited. Many visitors recall that she would sway to the music of the carousel. Miss Hattie passed away in 1974 when her dear companion, a one-horned goat, was washed away in a flood. Broken hearted, Hattie laid down, never to get up again. Today, you can find memorial sculptures of Miss Hattie and her little goat just inside the Zoo’s gates.

Like Hattie in her time, today’s beloved Zoo animal is Chewy the Sloth and his family, Mo and Baby Maple. Chewy’s charming personality and his comical slowness delights visitors from all over the world. From Hoffman’s Two Toed Sloths to Howler Monkeys and a Jaguar, the Zoo houses a multitude of animals, all with their own special gifts and personalities. Everyone can find a favorite animal pal at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

Today the Hattiesburg Zoo is constantly growing. Named Best Travel Attraction of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2017, the Zoo is also listed as the #1 thing to do in Hattiesburg by TripAdvisor. So what are you waiting for?

Kid-friendly features: Changing tables in bathrooms, stroller-rental, Bug Hub Playground, Mining Sluice, High Ropes Adventure Course, snow cone caboose, popsicle stand, splash pad, covered pavilions, picnic tables, cabana rental at splash pad, concessions (Safari Grill), train, carousel, gift shop. Outside food & drink is not permitted.

Admission:
Children Under 2 | Free
Children (Ages 2-12) | $6
Adults (Ages 13-64) | $8
Seniors (65+) & Military | $7
College Student | $7
Groups (20+ Guests Tuesday-Friday) | $5 Children/$7 Adults
Parking | Free

Paid Extras:
Mining Sluice: Bags $5-$20
High Ropes Adventure Course: $6-$13 (Height requirements apply. Closed on Tuesdays)
Train: $3
Carousel: $2
Stroller Rental: $5

Hours: Monday–Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Saturday:1 0 AM - 4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Closed: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas & Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day

Address: 107 S 17th Ave Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Phone: (601) 545-4576

Photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi

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PAUL B. JOHNSON STATE PARK

Located in the heart of Mississippi's pine belt region, Paul B. Johnson State Park is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods, and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson provides a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is just a 20-minute drive to the north.

A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Paul B. Johnson State Park. Facilities for use include: visitor center and game room, picnic tables and grills, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, splash pad, disc golf, swimming, and nature trails. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are available on Geiger Lake, a 225 acre fresh water lake.

Amenities: Visitor Center, Game Room, and Meeting Room, Picnic Area, Pavilions, Playgrounds, Nature Trails, Beach, and Swimming, Splash Pad, Fishing and Boating, Disc Golf

Admission: A day-use entry fee is charged on a per vehicle basis. Entrance $4 and $.50 per person over 6 people.

Hours: Everyday - 8 AM-5 PM

Address: 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Phone: (601) 582-7721

photo courtesy of Hattiesburg Parks & Rec

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