MERIDIAN
Featured
mississippi children’s museum Meridian
“The mission of MCM is to create unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. We accomplish this mission through hands-on, engaging exhibits and programs focusing on literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and health and nutrition–the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners.”
Admission: $10 per person
Children Under 1 Year: Free
Members: Unlimited visits per year!
Learn more about becoming a member
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Saturday: 9AM–12PM & 1PM–5PM
Sunday: 1PM–6PM
Address: 403 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone: (601) 512-0278
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
See MCM Meridian Events >
THE DENTZEL CAROUSEL
The carousel was manufactured in 1896 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition and later sold to the City of Meridian. A cabinetmaker by trade, Dentzel was a young German immigrant to the United States. In 1860, he established the Dentzel Factory. His family had manufactured carousels in Germany and offered great support to Gustav's American venture. The Dentzel Factory manufactured two or three carousels per year and supplied parks throughout the East and South. All of the animals were hand-carved out of poplar or basswood. The carousels often had original oil paintings as well. The arrival of the Great Depression spelled the end to the factory in 1929. The Dentzel Carousel arrived in Meridian in 1909 and has occupied its same location in Highland Park ever since. Its house is the only remaining original carousel building built from a Dentzel blueprint.
In 1977, Meridian's Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House along with Highland Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In October 1986, the Department of the Interior designated the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House as National Historic Landmarks. This honor was given to 11 carousels nationwide, with Meridian's being the only one located in the South.
Admission:
RIDES: $0.50 per ride
TOURS: $1 per person
Hours:
SATURDAY ONLY: November - March, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: August - October, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; April - May, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
DAILY: June - July, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 39th Avenue, Highland Park, Meridian, MS 39302
Phone: 601-485-1904
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
PLANET PLAYGROUND AT NORTHEAST PARK
Planet Playground, a 10,000-square-foot playground built totally by volunteers, is also located at Northeast Park. Admission is free, and it is fun for the whole family.
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: 7300 Newell Rd # B, Meridian, MS 39305
Phone: 601-483-3526
photo courtesy of City of Meridian Parks & Recreation