Worth the Drive :: Family-Friendly Fun at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson, MS
Louisiana has some amazing cities, but it’s not the best place for dinosaur enthusiasts like my son, so I started looking into natural history museums near our home, and that’s when I discovered the museum in Jackson, MS. This past winter, my family and I took a weekend trip to Jackson (a little under a 3-hour drive). We all had a great time and plan to go back sometime soon.
The Museum
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is located within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson. Admission cost is only $8 per adult and $6 for kids. Admittedly, it is a small museum, but worth it – especially when you consider Jackson’s other fun activities. We started in the fossil room with a large exhibit including a Giant Sloth! From the fossil room, we made our way outside to the dinosaur trail. On the trail, you will spot several popular dinosaurs such as triceratops and T-Rex. Most displays are just for looking and taking photos, but there is one where climbing is allowed. My dino-obsessed son was incredibly happy to spot some of his favorites and often asks about returning to “the dinosaur park.”
As we were finishing up the dino trail, we noticed other hiking trails, but we were not up for extra hiking that day (There are 2.5 miles of nature trails and there’s a nice trail map that can be downloaded on their website). We headed back indoors to explore the 100,000-gallon aquarium network. Across from the aquarium, you will find Mississippi habitat displays including many taxidermied animals. Be sure to check out the calendar of events before you go. We just so happened to run into a museum educator who allowed my children to pet a snake! They have other live animals as well that they will bring out during special classes and events.
The Impressive Playground
After the museum, my children played on the largest playground I have ever seen. LeFleur’s Bluff playground includes 30,000 square feet of playground space that has something for everyone between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old. There is plenty of shade and lots of benches which makes it enjoyable for parents as well.
Food and Drinks
For a delicious meal, check out the Pig and Pint – their BBQ is incredible! We were delighted with Cups in the Quarter for an afternoon coffee.
Click here for a complete list of restaurants.
Next Time
Right next to the Natural Science Museum is the Mississippi Children’s Museum which looks really fun!
From June 8, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025, the Natural Science Museum will have a temporary exhibit called Dinosaurs Around the World that will include 11 animatronic dinosaurs.
Missing the Babycakes? Check out Jackson’s minor league team: The Mississippi Braves
Trip Advisor lists The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum as the #1 attraction in Jackson.
About Misty
Misty is a Louisiana native and a graduate of LSU, where she studied Elementary Education. After graduating in 2008, she promptly began her teaching career in Baton Rouge. Misty is married to her college sweetheart, and they reside in Kenner with their two children, Heidi and Maddux. After sixteen years of teaching in both public and private settings, she is making the transition to homeschooling. Education, social-emotional learning, and being in nature are her passions in life. When she’s not parenting and teaching, Misty enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
