Page 72 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2023

Playing at your local park, taking a walk on the beach, or making art with nature items you find around your yard are easy (and free) ways to spend time outdoors. And, the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Aquarium, nature centers, and museums are all great places to learn more about nature’s wonders and build a deeper connection to the outdoors. Here are a few idea ideas:
Sign up for an outdoor camp. The Gulf Coast has plenty of places that will get your kid learning and enjoying the Gulf hands-on. A few options include the USM Marine Education Center’s Sea Camp in Ocean Springs, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum’s Sea and Sail Adventure Camp in Biloxi, and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport.
Go for a hike. The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Moss Point, Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gautier, Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, and Tuxachanie National Hiking Trail in Saucier are a few places to try.
Take a boat to Ship Island. A day at the beach is great, but a ferry ride to an island that has a fort to explore? Even better!
Check out the outdoor activity areas at one of our local nature centers. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport both have specially designed outdoor spaces for kids.
72 | April 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Fostering a Heart for the Environment at an Early Age
story by Amanda Nalley and Christina Mohrman
photo courtesy of
Ship Island Excursions
photo courtesy of
Pascagoula River Audubon Center