Kid-Friendly Activities in JXN
There's a lot to do in Mississippi's capital city, even if you are accompanied by finicky kids.
Public spaces like parks and museums are kid-friendly and educational and can be fun for everyone. LeFleur's Bluff Playground, the Jackson Zoo, Museum of Natural Science and trails, the Children's Museum and the Agriculture Museum will provide entertainment for the whole family. Read on.
LeFleur’s Bluff Playground - Riverside Park Circle
The LeFleur’s Bluff Playground is 30,000 square feet of fun for kids up to 12 years old, the majority of it ADA accessible.
For little kids, the Weedra is the first of its kind in the world. The Hedra for older kids is one of five in the world. How about that?
On a hot summer's day, 75% of the playground is shaded, so this is an excellent spot for rest and play.
The playground is located on Museum Drive at the Mississippi Children's and Natural Science Museums entrance and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.
To find out more, visit mschildrensmuseum.org/museum-updates/lefleurs-bluff-complex.
Jackson Zoo - 2918 West Capitol Street
The Jackson Zoo calls itself a living classroom and has programs that provide teachers with exciting curriculum-based lessons for their students.
It's also an interactive family outing, with 90% of visitors being families with children under 12. There are more than 200 animals in the zoo, including 11 endangered species.
The zoo has hardworking volunteers and staff of more than 30 people, and a membership program that exceeds 2,000 members. There is plenty of room to roam, with 110 acres of land.
The zoo is open from 10 am to 4 pm but is closed on Monday and Wednesday.
Learn more about exhibits and events at jacksonzoo.org.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - 2148 Riverside Drive
The Museum of Natural Science and the surrounding walking trails are another family-friendly location and can be found in the 300-acre LeFleur's Bluff State Park. It includes an open-air theater and over two miles of walking trails. The museum also has a 100,000-gallon aquarium with 200 species and 73,000 square feet of exhibition space that explores the wildlife of Mississippi, endangered species and fossils. Other exhibits include the "Swamp," a 1700 square feet greenhouse, a gift shop, classroom space and a 200-seat theater.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.
For more information and tickets, visit mdwfp.com/museum.
Mississippi Children's Museum - 2145 Museum Boulevard
The Mississippi Children's Museum strives to "create an unparalleled experience to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning."
The experience includes hands-on exhibits that are engaging and focused on literacy, science, health, technology, engineering, art and math. This museum is perfect for curious little ones, older kids with specific interests and even adult chaperones.
With traveling exhibitions (Dinosaur Train arrives in May), there's always something new to experience.
The museum hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday and Sunday 1 to 6 pm.
Find out more at mschildrensmuseum.org.
Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum - 1150 Lakeland Drive
The Agriculture Museum covers the 500 years of Mississippi agriculture history, from the Choctaws to modern catfish farming and forest conversation. The Heritage Center has three model railroad layouts representing railroading in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Children's Barnyard is the newest addition to the grounds.
The museum also has an old-time general store with products including Coca-Cola, rock candy and moon pies, toys like yo-yos, pick-up sticks and other Mississippi-made products, plus smoked meats prepared on the grounds.
The National Agricultural Aviation Museum is on-site and has recently been refreshed and reimagined.
Next time you are ready for a family outing, check out one of these great spots. Bring a picnic lunch or stop by one of Jackson's excellent restaurants or cafes for lunch.
Learn more at msagmuseum.org.
