It’s no secret that there are a ton of fun activities to enjoy in New Orleans with kids. Whether you are visiting New Orleans for a few days or you live in the area full-time, New Orleans Mom loves to provide families with fun ideas for keeping kids busy and cool throughout summer (hello, New Orleans splash pads!). Sometimes it’s fun to hop in the car and take a day trip from New Orleans, and we can’t recommend this sunflower farm enough! Other favorite day trips from New Orleans include Mississippi area beaches, White Sands Beach, Fontainebleau State Park and this awesome indoor water park. Happy adventures!
Worth the Drive from New Orleans :: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Summer break is here!
The weather is warming up and kids are out of school; this time of year is perfect for exploration and day trips. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, it’s a great time to make the drive. Set on seven and a half acres and located directly across the street from the beach, Lynn Meadows is a great family attraction and unlike most children’s museums, the fun happens both inside and outside.
Perfect for ages 2-10
The center is great for all ages but ideal for ages 2-10. There is a variety of activities for imaginative play, such as the grocery store, veterinarian’s office, bed and breakfast, and mini television studio. There is also a hands-on STEM area that kept my kids occupied for nearly an hour, a large art studio, and a fun climbing attraction right in the center of the space. They also included a toddler-specific area to keep the smallest patrons entertained and safe.
Once the kids get their fill inside the center, there is still more to explore outside like the row of mini houses, the outdoor music area, and the wide-open space where kids are free to run around and tire themselves out before climbing in the car and heading home.
Very affordable and accessible
The best part of our visit to Lynn Meadows was the price; as you add to your summer bucket list cost definitely becomes a factor. The museum was $10 per person, and they also offered various discounts for military personnel ($8 per person) and EBT cardholders ($3 per person) making the center accessible for all. The visitors center also had very affordable snacks for under $2 each.
The center is also ADA accessible with ramps to all the attractions making this trip easy for anyone ages 0-100 to enjoy. Sensory Sunday is also available on the second Sunday morning of each month for those who would enjoy the museum with fewer sounds and lower lighting.
In conclusion, a trip to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is definitely worth the drive, and if you want to make a weekend out of it you can add the Mississippi Aquarium to your list as well!
