Igniting Family Fun in Jackson Mississippi

Rain or shine, Jackson, Mississippi has something for families of all ages to see, explore and experience.

LeFleur Museum District

Embark on discovery, exploration, and imagination at the LeFleur Museum District, home to four distinct museums: MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. The LMD includes two museums on Lakeland Drive and two museums on Museum Boulevard, which intersect one block east of Interstate 55 on Lakeland Drive. Discounted day passes to visit all four museums are available for purchase.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Mississippi Museum of Natural Science provides an immersive experience to connect with Mississippi’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. With a 73,000-square-foot facility set against a 300-acre natural area, it features lifelike exhibits and live species, showcasing everything from white-tailed deer to 200 native species of fish and aquatic life. You can also explore over two and a half miles of outdoor trails that take you through various habitats, offering a firsthand look at the state’s ecological diversity, from the bluff to the swamp and the Pearl River.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum

The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum’s 40-acre complex celebrated 40 years in 2023, bringing to life Mississippi’s rich agricultural and forestry heritage. The Heritage Center, spanning 40,000 square feet, showcases lifelike exhibits and artifacts. The Fitzgerald Collection exhibit houses a museum-quality assortment of antiques, while the Fortenberry-Parkman Farm restoration and Bisland Cotton Gin, both dating back to 1860, provide insight into early farm life. Explore “Small Town, Mississippi” circa 1920, and step into the lives of those who lived and worked in the period’s buildings, including a General Store offering a range of old-fashioned treats, toys, jarred goods, and casseroles.

Mississippi Children’s Museum

The Mississippi Children’s Museumis an award-winning, interactive wonderland designed for children aged 1 and up. Families can enjoy a day of play and learning, with activities ranging from the state-of-the-art maker space in Wonderbox to outdoor adventures in the Pollinator’s Playground. Inside the 50,000-square-foot facility, kids can express themselves through art and music, explore various careers, and even journey through the digestive system. The museum also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for kids and adults alike.

LeFleur’s Bluff Education & Tourism Complex

The LeFleur’s Bluff Complex is an innovative shared campus between theMississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. The first phase of its construction unveiled the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot playground that has welcomed over 60,000 guests. The master plan encompasses Otter Creek Parkand numerous outdoor amenities, aiming to establish one of the country’s premier urban parks, uniting four award-winning museums and a vast array of outdoor experiences for all ages. The playground, designed for children aged 6 months to 12 years, promotes physical activities and inclusivity, with accessibility needs, unique play and shade structures, Spotter’s Adventure Trail, and The Den, an open-air amphitheater. The playground is open seven days a week to the public and closed on select holidays. Admission to the park is free and open to the public. MCM and MMNS welcome you to visit both museums during your visit to the park (admission fees apply).

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, open since 1996, has an award-winning collection of memorabilia covering a wide range of sports. The museum honors over 300 athletes, coaches, and influential sports figures with connections to Mississippi in various sports. It also hosts annual awards and events, including the C-Spire Conerly Trophy and the Kent Hull Trophy. Visitors can explore Mississippi’s sports history through archival footage, interviews, and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging experience for children aged five and up, with opportunities to play sports and even try their hand at sportscasting.

Fabulous Family Dining

Family-friendly dining options can be found across Jackson, with something for every tastebud. In the Historic Fondren District, step back in time at Brent’s Drugs & Soda Fountain, which has served up breakfast, burgers, and milkshakes in Jackson since 1946 and has made cameos in the award-winning movie, “The Help,” and Vogue and Southern Living magazines. Down the street, eat, bowl, and catch a movie at the connected Highball Lanes and restored Capri Movie Theatre, and grab a woodfired slice at The Station pizzeria next door. At The District at Eastover, Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is a great spot for grabbing something savory or sweet while the kids enjoy the green space and fountain features. For handmade, small-batch candy, confections, chocolate, and more, check out Nandy’s Candy, located near Highland Village Shopping Center at Maywood Shopping Mart.

Come experience everything Jackson, the City With Soul, has to offer for the whole family. Learn more at LetitShineJXN.com

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