Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

THE
ISSUE
& GULF COAST DAYS
PAWS, PLAYGROUNDS,
Where Four-Legged FamiLy members and bareFoot Kids maKe memories
story by Cherie Ward
If you’ve got a dog and a diaper bag—or a leash and a juice smooth—and keeps the beaches welcoming for everyone.
box—the Gulf Coast is ready for you. Around here, pets aren’t an afterthought. They’re family. And if you’ve got kids? Even better. Load up the car, grab the sunscreen, toss in a tennis ball and a beach towel, and make a day of it. From sandy strolls to shaded parks, the Coast offers plenty of room for wagging tails and little feet to roam side by side.
Let’s start with the zoomies. Dog parks across the Coast are built for high-energy afternoons. In Biloxi, Popp’s Ferry Dog Park and Pixie’s Memorial Dog Park at Hiller Park give pups room to run while kids explore the nearby open green space. Gulfport’s Bark Park is another favorite—big enough for serious tail-chasing and friendly enough for humans to strike up conversations while they supervise the fun.
And in Ocean Springs, the city’s Dog Park has become a go-to for locals who like their puppy playtime with a side of charm. Tucked into a community that already feels like a Norman Rockwell painting by the water, it’s the kind of place where dogs make fast friends and kids quickly join pickup games in the grass. It’s casual. It’s friendly. It’s very Coast.
There’s something sweet about watching kids and dogs figure each other out in the grass—one learning responsibility, the other just thrilled to have a cheering section.
Then there’s the beach. Yes, you have to know where to go (and always check local rules), but parts of the Coast welcome leashed dogs on the sand—including stretches in Ocean Springs and areas in Hancock and Jackson counties. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially magical. Kids collect shells. Dogs investigate every scent like it’s breaking news. The breeze off the water makes everything feel a little freer. Just remember—leash up, clean up, and keep it respectful so everyone can enjoy it.
Not every stretch of shoreline allows pets, so do a quick check before you unload the beach gear. A little planning keeps the day
If your crew prefers shade and picnic tables, the Coast delivers there, too. Hiller Park, Popps Ferry Causeway Park and other waterfront green spaces offer walking paths, open lawns and spots to spread out a blanket. Pack sandwiches. Bring a Frisbee. Let the dog sniff every tree while the kids burn off that endless reserve of energy.
And when everyone’s worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of Coast restaurants and local businesses that happily welcome well-behaved pets on outdoor patios. From casual seafood spots to coffee shops and neighborhood cafés, it’s not unusual to see a dog stretched out under a table while kids color on paper menus. Many places even keep water bowls handy or offer the occasional treat. As always, a quick call or glance at posted signage is smart, but across the Coast, hospitality extends to four-legged guests, too.
Gulfport Bark Park
66 | April 2026
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