Zoos & Aquariums

Hattiesburg Zoo - Hattiesburg

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: Closed
Tuesday:10 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday:10 AM - 4 PM
Thursday:10 AM - 4 PM
Friday:10 AM - 4 PM
Saturday:10 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

MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM - Gulfport

“Mississippi Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience that supports animal research and conservation. The Aquarium is committed to animal welfare and the majesty of the gulf and beyond. The Aquarium sits on 5.8-acres and contains over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plants that represent all the physiographic regions of Mississippi.

Our mission revolves around three pillars– education, conservation and community. These three values are applied to every aspect of Mississippi Aquarium.”

Hours: Everyday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, subject to change.
Last ticket sold for entry is 1 hour prior to closing.

Admission:
Adult Admission (Ages 13 & older)
Regular Price: $29.95

Child Admission (Ages 3 - 12)
Regular Price: $24.95
Children 2 and younger are free.

Address: 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501

Phone: (228) 241-1300

photo courtesy of Mississippi Aquarium

Safari Wild Animal Park & Preserve - Como

Safari Wild is a 450 Acre Authentic African Drive Through Safari Park and Wild Animal Preserve located in Historic Como, MS just 40 miles south of Memphis, TN. From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drive through miles of Safari Roads as you view hundreds of rare and endangered animals. At Safari Wild you will have opportunities to get up close and personal with animals, interact, feed, and photograph.

Admission: Adults: $16
Children (2-12): $12

Paid Extras: Camel Rides - $8 a ride: children must be at least 3 years old to ride. Weekends only.
Giraffe Feeding - $5

Hours: Open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM, with last vehicle entering at 4 PM.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas eve Day, Christmas Day.

Address: 1549 Rooks Rd, Como, MS 38619

Phone: (662) 526-0001

photo courtesy of Safari Wild Animal Park & Preserve - SEE MORE PHOTOS

OCEAN ADVENTURES MARINE PARK - GULFPORT

Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits: Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, Bird Show, Reptile Presentations, Walk-through Aviary, Touch Pools, Discovery Room, Aquariums, Museum

Kid-friendly Features: Stroller-friendly, playground, museum, train, concessions, gift shop, picnic tables, changing tables in bathrooms

Special Paid Programs: Dolphin Interaction, Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Meet & Greet, Stingray & Shark Swim, Stingray & Shark Encounter, Sea Lion Kiss, Job Shadow…Learn more about Special paid programs

Kid-friendly Programs: Summer camps, student mini-camps, birthday parties, field trips, Dozing with Dolphins…Learn more about their programs

General Admission:
$15 for adults
$13 for children ages 3-12
$14 for active duty military and seniors ages 55 and up
Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.

Hours: Everyday: 9:30AM–4:30PM

Address: 10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503

Phone: (228) 896-9182

Photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi

TUPELO BUFFALO PARK & ZOO - Tupelo

The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is dedicated to preserving each individual animal in our care, in both health and enrichment, and educating the public through access to species scarcely found or non-existent elsewhere in Mississippi. The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is home to over 260 animals.

Admission: $11
Seniors (65+): $9
Children under 1 year: Free
Military: 10% off Admission Year Round & Free Admission on Veterans' Day

Paid Extras:
Bison Tour Ride: $3
Zipline: $2
Pillow Jumper: $5

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
Friday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday 11 am - 4 pm

Address: 2272 North Coley Road, Tupelo, MS 38803

Phone: (662) 844-8709

Photo courtesy of Tupelo Buffalo Park

Jackson Zoo - Jackson

(KFM’s note: It’s no secret The Jackson Zoo has fallen on hard times. The quality of the zoo has gone downhill significantly. The surrounding neighborhood and roads leading to the zoo can be dangerous. Be cautious!)

Admission:
Adults: $8
Children 2-12 years: $5
Children UNDER 2 years: free
Single Stroller Rental: $5.00
Double Stroller Rental: $8.00
Wheelchair Rental: $9.00
Carousel: $2.00
Buy Tickets here

Membership:
Family $65
Membership for two named adults an four (4) children under the age of 18 of the same household
Additional children only $10

Hours: Saturday: 10AM–4PM
Sunday: 11AM–4PM

Address: 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson MS 39209

Phone: 601-352-2580

Photo by Kid-Friendly Mississippi

Blue Springs Safari - Blue Springs

“At Blue Springs Safari you will see and interact with a wide variety of animals. From exotic animals to domestic farm animals, you are sure to see something exciting! We provide a family friendly atmosphere that welcomes all ages!”

Admission: $15 per person (2 & under are free)

Paid Extras: Baby Room $15 per person
Come into the baby room to be up close and personal with Red Ruffed Lemurs, Ring Tailed Lemurs, and Coatimundis

Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday
Wednesday: 12PM-5PM
Thursday: 12PM-5PM
Friday: 12PM-5PM
Saturday: 9AM-6PM
Sunday: 1PM-6PM

Address: 135 CR 275, Blue Springs, MS 38828

Phone: (662) 401-2738

photo courtesy of Blue Springs Safari