Water Fun
Water Parks - Splash Pads - Pools - Nature
Water Parks
YOGI ON THE LAKE, YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK - PELAHATCHIE
“Located in Pelahatchie, MS, just about 30 miles east of the state capital, Jackson, Yogi on the Lake is the perfect family vacation destination in Mississippi. The friendly, clean and active atmosphere will greet you and make your stay with us one of your most memorable camping vacation experiences of the year.”
Amenities: Splash Pad, Pool, Beach, Fishing, Basketball, Tennis Court, Ball Pit, Playground, Jumping Pillow, Mini Golf, Cabins
Hours: The Hours of Operation above are seasonal and will change depending on the time of year you visit. You should always call before your arrival at the park to make sure the hours are correct, especially for outdoor attractions such as the water slides which can close due to inclement weather without notice.
Monday – Sunday
9:00am – 5:00pm
Address: 143 Campground Rd., Pelahatchie, MS 39145
Phone: 601-878-1049
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Grand Paradise Water Park - Collins
“Grand Paradise Water park is a 7- acre blast of wet and wild fun. Attractions like the Tropical Splash, Blue Typhoon, Waddleland Splashpad, Grand Falls Racer and Wipe Out will thrill any waterslide enthusiast. Our newest additions, AquaTWIST and FreeFALL are sure to delight any thrill seeker.”
Admission:
Individual
48'‘ and taller: $30
Children under 48”: $26
Military: $22
Seniors: $21
Children under 42'‘: Free
Passes are also available
Hours: Check their website for updated hours
Address: 50 Grandview Dr, Collins, MS 39428
Phone: (601) 765-8118
photo courtesy of Grand Paradise Water Park
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park - Philadelphia
Huge water park with tropical island theme offering myriad slides & rides, wave pool & food options.
Admission: Sunday – Friday | $36.99 + tax
Saturday | $44.99 + tax
Junior Admission (Under 48″ Tall)
Sunday – Friday | $26.99 + tax
Saturday | $34.99 + tax
Kids 3 and Under: FREE!
Hours: Check their website for updated hours
Address: 7746, 209 Black Jack Rd, Philadelphia, MS 39350
Phone: (601) 389-3100
photo courtesy of Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
Gulf Islands Waterpark - Gulfport
“Gulf Islands Waterpark features wild rides, miles of slides and cool summer fun for all ages.
You’ll love the Water Attractions and Special Events like Celebrity Meet & Greets with Stars from Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. Some of the past performances include the live bands of DreamFest, Sea Lion Shows, Frisbee Dog Shows and more. Check out the list of Special Events to see who is appearing next.”
Admission: Check their website for prices
Hours: Check their website for updated hours
Address: 17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone: (228) 328-1266
photo courtesy of Gulf Islands Waterpark
BUCcANEER BAY WATERPARK - WAVELAND
This 4.5 acre waterpark overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. The park is open daily throughout the summer season from 10am-6pm through Labor Day (see pamphlet). This Wave Pool can generate up to eight different wave patterns. Simulated deep ocean swales, body surfing and beach crashing waves are just a few. Grab an innertube and ride a 6 foot waves in Pirate's Lagoon wave pool. Speed down one of two giant waterslides, play with the little ones in Lil' Smuggler's Cove kiddie pool, or just relax by the pools in a lounge chair. It's a great way to spend a day at Buccaneer Bay. It's Splashing good fun for the entire family! Season Passes are available. Waterpark attractions include:
Pirate's Plank (375 ft. completely enclosed waterslide)
Pirate's Plunge (425 ft. twisting and turning body slide)
Lil' Smuggler's Cove (water playground with bubbler and tipping buckets)
Pirate's Lagoon Wave Pool, 460,000 gallon, 17,400 sq ft surf pool
Sea Dog Galley (concessions & food court, lots of shade to enjoy a snack)
Pizza, Burgers, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, BBQ, get a souvenir mug
Treasure Island (10,000 sq foot sun deck and lounge area)
Castaway Cove (campground activity pool)
Admission:
REGULAR ADMISSION
48” & taller–$19.00
Under 48” tall–$13.00
TWILIGHT
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
48” & taller–$11.00
Under 48” tall–$9.00
GROUP
By Reservation Only
(Minimum 50 / Monday through Friday ONLY)
48” & taller–$16.00
Under 48” tall–$11.00
SEASON PASSES
Individual–$60.00
Family of 4–$200.00
(Immediate family only)
Hours:
Summer of 2021
Open Daily May 29 - August 8
Open Weekends Only August 9 - September 6
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address: 1150 South Beach Boulevard, Waveland, MS 39576
Phone: (228) 467-3822
photo courtesy of MDWFP
Splash Pads
SHILOH SPLASH PARK - BRANDON
Shiloh Splash Park is a zero depth spray park featuring a 50 gallon dump bucket, a mushroom, spray rings, ground geysers, butterfly falls, palm trees, water cannons and the froggy slide located at Shiloh Park on Shiloh Road.
-Cash and credit cards accepted (visa, MC) -3% convenience fee for credit card usage. Alcohol and any form of smoking products are prohibited. Proper swimwear is required, no exceptions. Patrons entering the water must take a rinsing shower at the shower heads prior to entering the water. Outside food, drinks, & coolers are prohibited. Bags are subject to search. Snack and drink vending machines will be available. Children in diapers are required to wear swim diapers, no exceptions. Outside toys are prohibited.
Admission: $5
Hours: Check Brandon website for current hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm
Address: 324 Shiloh Rd Brandon, MS 39042
Phone: (601) 825-3047
photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Splash pad at PAUL B. JOHNSON STATE PARK - HATTIESBURG
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 & Activities: 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
Splash Pad at the Hattiesburg Zoo - Hattiesburg
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
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
Photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Rob Leake City Park - Tupelo
Address: 1107 Joyner Ave, Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: 662-841-6440
photo courtesy of Tupelo Parks & Rec
Theron Nichols Park - Tupelo
Address: 1743 Mitchell Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801
Splash pad at The Mississippi Children’s Museum - Jackson
Admission: Free
Hours: OPENING MAY 15TH
Monday–Saturday: 9AM–5PM
Sunday: 1PM–5PM
Address: 2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 981-5469
photo courtesy of Mississippi Children’s Museum
Splash pad at CATFISH ROW CHILDREN’S ART PARK - Vicksburg
A creative adventure into the history of the Mississippi River and the fabulous paddlewheel steamboats that once traveled its mighty waters. Enjoy all the sights and sounds within the park and imagine the Mississippi River life that once flourished along these waterways. Explore playful areas, garden area walks, the splash fountain, children’s art, murals and unique exhibits. Handicapped accessible.
Hours: Open everyday from 9 AM - sunset
Address: 1200 Levee St, Vicksburg, MS
Phone: (601) 634-4514
photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
SPLASH PAD AT THE JACKSON ZOO - JACKSON
Address: 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson MS 39209
Phone: 601-352-2580
photo courtesy of the Jackson Zoo
Pools
Tupelo Aquatic Center - Tupelo
“The Tupelo Aquatic Center is proud to offer the community of Tupelo and surrounding area a state of the art aquatics facility. Our goal is to promote health to our community through fun and fitness programs. The facilities contain a variety of exciting activities including recreational swimming, diving boards, climbing wall, and obstacle course when space allows. We also provide swim lessons, safety classes, sport activities, and organized fitness programming for all age groups and experience levels. Finally, the center offers opportunities for rentals including a multipurpose room for hosting birthday parties, celebrations, or meetings.
The Tupelo Aquatics Center provides several highly recognized competitive swimming programs for local residents to become a part of. These programs provide physical, interpersonal, and team building skills for individuals of different ages in the community. It is also home to Tupelo Shockwave, Tupelo High School Swim Team, and Tupelo Christian Preparatory School Swim Team (TCPS).
We are also excited to announce with it’s 43,665 total square feet and seating for 1,000 spectators, the Tupelo Aquatic Center has been named the host city of the 2014 MS Swimming Inc. Short Course Championship, 2014 MS Swimming Inc. Long Course Championship, 2014 Dixie Zone Masters Long Course Championship, and the 2015 Southern Zone Age Group Championship.”
Hours: FUN & FAMILY RECREATIONAL SWIM HOURS: Saturdays @ 12-5 pm and Sundays @ 1-5 pm.
Admission: $3.00/person
Address: 692 North Veterans Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: 662-840-3768
photo courtesy of Tupelo Aquatic Center
Nature
Okatoma Outdoor Post - Seminary
“The Okatoma Outdoor Post is a family owned and operated outfitter offering Canoeing, Kayaking, Camping and Lodging along the Okatoma Creek. It is owned by husband and wife Ronnie and Lisa Robinson. Ronnie and Lisa began renting canoes on the Okatoma in 1977 with a fleet of only 15 canoes. In 1982 they Purchased The Okatoma Outdoor Post located in Sanford, MS. They grew their business and later in 1992 they purchased a conjoining 388 acres now known as Okatoma Creek Farms. Ronnie and Lisa introduced Kayaks into their thriving business in the year 2000, and kayaks have since become our most popular rental. Today, after more than 35 years of business, The Okatoma Outdoor Post operates a fleet of more than 260 canoes, over 300 single kayaks, and 150 double kayaks. Though our facilities changed back in 2009, and the business has grown exponentially, one thing has stayed the same: Ronnie and Lisa’s continued effort to run a christian based business in a fun, family friendly atmosphere we call “Almost heaven.””
Admission:
CANOE: $40.00 One-Day Rental
Overnight Rental $60.00
KAYAK: $30.00 Single Kayaks
Overnight $50.00
Double Kayaks: $50.00
Overnight $70.00
PRIMITIVE CAMPING: $5.00 Per Person
You get the use of our bathhouses and spacious wooded areas within easy walking distance of the Okatoma Creek. It’s great for canoeists, walkers and people who just want to get away for a few days!
Special Weekday Rate:
6 or more Canoes $35.00 per day
6 or more Single Kayaks $25.00 per day
6 or more Double Kayaks $45.00 per dayHours:
Address: Okatoma Creek 550 Walter Lott Road Seminary, MS 39479
Phone: 1-888-OKATOMA
photo courtesy of Okatoma Outdoor Post
D’Lo Water Park
Admission/Rates:
*Complete Canoe Outfitting and Shuttle per two people, additional riders are $5.00 extra:
$30 to Merit
$35 to Chapel
$40 to Hwy 28
*Complete Kayak Outfitting and Shuttle per person:
$28.00 (These are single person Kayaks)
$50.00(These are two person Kayaks)
*Shuttle Only.... All Upstream Access Points and Merit - $20.00. All others $25. PER BOAT
*Tubing - $10 per person (includes shuttle from pickup point)
*Boat Launch or Recovery at D'Lo Water Park....$5.00.
Primitive Camping....$10.00 nightly, per tent up to 4 people. $4 extra per person for more than 4. A clean up deposit of $10 (refundable) is required.
**Reservations are required for RV/Camper pads and for tent camping of 15 or more tents
Hours: Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Office closed on Tuesday
Address: 135 D'Lo Park Rd, Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-4310
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE: DAVIS BAYOU AREA - OCEAN SPRINGS
Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Cat Island in Mississippi to the Okaloosa Area in Florida, and includes maritime forests, bayous, and marine habitat.
The Mississippi areas are home of a historic fort and the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States. Relax, enjoy the scenery, hike a trail, or explore the fort. Whether you visiting for a day or a week there are many places to explore.
There are a variety of activities while visiting the seashore’s Mississippi areas including swimming, bicycling, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, and camping.
Davis Bayou offers many recreational opportunities for visitors year-round such as fishing, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking and attending ranger-led programs. Visitors may also enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous, with an opportunity to see alligators and other reptiles. The campground offers easy access, a 1/2 mile, to the park's boat launch, as well as the scenic Davis Bayou Trail. The fishing pier, located near the Visitor Center, may be used by visitors who possess a Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License.
Amenities:
William M. Colmer Visitor Center: Explore indoor exhibits about the shore and the islands.
Visitor Center Fishing Pier: An excellent site to cast a line. (The pier is currently closed due to hurricane damage.)
Hiking Trails: There are several short hiking trails throughout the area.
Campground: Visit our Developed Campgrounds page to learn more about camping in the area.
Boat Launch: For a small fee, launch your boat and park your vehicle for a day on the water.
Picnic Area: There is a large area for picnicing including five picnic shelters.
Admission: No Entrance Fee
Hours: Year-round 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Visitor Center, Fishing Pier, and Bookstore: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Robert McGhee Road (Davis Bayou Boat Launch & Picnic Area): 6:00 a.m. to sunset.
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: 228-230-4100
photo courtesy of Carol T.