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Experience the Best of Mississippi: 30 Fun Family Activities with Teens

Looking for exciting, active, and educational family activities and vacation ideas for your teens? Look no further than Mississippi. From visiting state parks to exploring local historical sites, there are so many things to do in Mississippi to interest everyone in the family.

While vacationing with teenagers is a bit easier than traveling with toddlers or babies, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to plan ahead. On the bright side, teens are independent and like to get involved in planning family vacations. After all, they want to make sure there are at least a few attractions they’ll enjoy.

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Let us inspire your visit to Mississippi with these five family activity ideas or themes to make the most of your trip. 

Things to Do in Mississippi with Teens

The Magnolia State is known for its stunning natural beauty, live music, delicious food, and rich history (among others). Whether you are looking for things to do this weekend with your family or planning an extended road trip in Mississippi, there are plenty of ideas to choose from.

heron standing on rail in Gulfport
Heron standing on a railing in Gulfport along the Gulf of Mexico

Enjoy a Break from Technology and Get Outdoors

Given the jaw-dropping scenery of the Mississippian outdoors, it would be a shame not to reserve a few days for a camping trip. This will give you the perfect opportunity to start the trip with a break from technology, away from screens and the internet.

Sure, the kids may protest at first, but they’ll appreciate the many benefits of such a break. Not to mention that Mississippi offers a wide range of camping locations, so you can let them choose their favorite spot. 

3 Family Friendly Mississippi State Parks to Explore

Here are 3 Mississippi State Parks with family-friendly camping options:

Paul B. Johnson State Park in Hattiesburg – Surrounded by deep forests, this park located in the pine belt region has it all! Plus if you are doing college visits with your teen, the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is just a 20-minute drive north. There is an abundance of activities for the whole family to enjoy such as swimming, fishing, and boating on a 225-acre lake, nature trails, and disc golf.  

Drone footage of Paul B. Johnson State Park from Thomas Hansen

While in Hattiesburg take time to explore the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile long, multi-use rail-to-trail path that runs from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. The paved pathway takes you through forests, wetlands, and pastures allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of Mississippi.

For those looking to spend a night in the great outdoors, Paul B. Johnson State Park offers an array of camping options from primitive tent sites to cabins and cottages to RV sites with full hookups.

LeFleur's Bluff State Park
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park – Courtesy Visit Mississippi

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson – This state park is an urban park inside the city limits. It offers the perfect location for weekend trips or staycations combining camping, outdoor recreation, and kid-friendly museums. 

The Mississippi Children’s Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science are located on the park grounds. For younger children, the park is also home to the largest playground in the state. Teens will enjoy lounging on the beach at Maye’s Lake, fishing for bass or bream, playing golf, or spending the night in a canvas glamping tent available via Tentrr..

Tishomingo State Park in Tishimingo – Ideally situated along the Natchez Trace Parkway in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This park is a great option for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure. Here you will find several hiking trails to explore, rock climbing,  canoe float trips, disc golf, swimming, and an array of camping options.  

The park also offers a variety of educational programs, including the Nature Center and guided hikes. Guests can also explore one of the state’s largest natural bridges and learn about the history and culture of the area at its museum. This is definitely a must-see for outdoor adventurers!

Biloxi Lighthouse
Biloxi Lighthouse

The state offers numerous forests and national parks, hiking trails, and stargazing locations. The Gulf Islands National Seashore and the DeSoto National Forest are two must-see destinations for any nature enthusiast. Make sure to check out one of the local festivals or beach events in nearby Gulfport, Biloxi, and Bay St. Louis to truly experience southern Mississippi culture! 

Also, there are lakes and rivers where you can swim and fish. And, if you want a more luxurious camping experience, there are various cabin rentals and furnished platform tent locations you can rent. 

Quick tip: If you think the kids will get bored and start complaining, make sure to stock up on trivia questions, road trip games, books, and playing cards. 

guitar metal art on West Main Street, Tupelo, MS
Art on West Main Street, Tupelo, MS – Photo Credit Ron Cogswell

Check Out the Mississippi Music Scene

If your kids like to listen to rock and roll, jazz, or blues, they’ll be thrilled by the idea of a Mississippi Music Trail tour of the top music destinations in Mississippi. The Magnolia State’s history is intertwined with music, and some of the most famous singers were born here. 

First on the list of attractions is the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, where visitors can see exhibits on his early life and career, including his childhood home. Tupelo has 18 live music venues that host local and regional acts, with genres ranging from country to alternative rock. For national music acts, the Cadence Bank Arena is a great place to catch a show. See the Tupelo events calendar to see who is performing during your visit. 

ARCY Elvis Mural in Downtown Tupelo
ARCY Elvis Mural in Downtown Tupelo – Photo Courtesy Visit Tupelo – You’ll find colorful murals in cities and towns all around Mississippi.

You can’t ignore the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, where you can learn more about the legendary blues musician and the history of the Delta blues. Those who want to explore the state’s blues roots can visit the Delta Blues Museum near Clarksdale, which offers a guided tour of some of the most iconic sites associated with legendary blues singers like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. 

BB King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center
BB King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center – Courtesy Visit Mississippi

Note: If you’re looking for something a bit more active, there are several blues-themed biking trails that wind through some of Mississippi’s most historic sites related to the genre.

There’s also the Mississippi Blues Trail, which includes over 200 markers throughout the state, highlighting the sites and stories of the blues musicians who helped shape the genre. 

Visiting these sites not only provides insight into the history of blues music in Mississippi but gives visitors an opportunity to experience it in a unique way. For those wanting to learn more about the state’s blues culture, Mississippi also offers a variety of music festivals that feature some of the genre’s biggest stars. 

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things to do in Mississippi with teens with pictures of building and boat marina

Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane

Mississippi is one of the most interesting states in the country for history buffs because it went through a series of important events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, where it played a key role, or the American Civil War, during which its territory was a key battleground.

Civil Rights Movement History

From the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which is located in Montgomery, Alabama to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, visitors will be able to learn more about one of America’s most important social movements. There are several museums and sites families can visit in Mississippi to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement. 

Families can visit the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, located in Jackson, Mississippi. Explore the home, designated a National Historic Landmark and managed by the National Park Service, where civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated in 1963. You may visit the home and neighborhood on your own or schedule a tour of the interior on Wednesdays (by reservation).

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum interior
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum – Courtesy Visit Mississippi

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, located in downtown Jackson, provides an immersive experience of the civil rights movement that took place in the state of Mississippi. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits about the history of Mississippi activists, and learn about the complexities of segregation in the state.

The Mississippi Freedom Trail is a collection of sites that were significant to the civil rights movement in Mississippi. It includes places like historic churches, schools, courthouses, homes, and more. 

American Civil War – War of Northern Aggression

The American Civil War was a conflict that played out in many parts of Mississippi. There are several sites and attractions families can visit to get a deeper understanding of the war, such as Vicksburg National Military Park, located along the Mississippi River. Here visitors can explore the battlefields, cemeteries, and monuments from this key battle in the war.

While in Vicksburg, get tickets for a Haunted Vicksburg walking and driving tour. The tour is a fun way to visit the city’s most haunted spots while hearing stories from locals. Don’t forget to take pictures – there are many opportunities for paranormal encounters.

Additionally, families can visit Beauvoir in Biloxi, which was the home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis at the end of the Civil War. Other significant sites related to this period are Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island. At these locations, visitors get a better understanding of Union and Confederate strategies, as well as the impact of the war on everyday life.

Mississippi also bears the marks of its former agricultural and industrial importance from cotton and tobacco farming to lumber production and manufacturing.  Today, you can find several abandoned plantations and their mansions (in ruin) all throughout the state. Plus, some of these mansions have been transformed into restaurants and inns, so you can enjoy an authentic Southern experience.

Visit Unique Locations

For visitors seeking a more unique adventure, Mississippi has some interesting locations filled with fun things to do. Here are a few ideas that are extremely popular with tourists:

Natchez Trace Parkway
Landscape along the Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway 

This scenic road stretches over 440 miles through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. The parkway follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans, traders, and travelers for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. 

Today, it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Some of the most popular stops along the parkway include the historic city of Natchez, the town of Tupelo, and Mount Locust.

Mississippi Petrified Forest 

Located in Flora, this 36-acre park features a stunning collection of petrified wood that dates back over 36 million years. It is one of the most photographed sites in Mississippi and offers a variety of activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs.

Windsor Ruins 

Once one of the largest homes in the state, with over 25 rooms and a total of 17,000 square feet, the grand antebellum mansion (or its ruins) is still a popular attraction point for tourists. Visitors can explore the ruins at their own pace, or join a tour to learn more about the history of the mansion.

Windsor Ruins
Windsor Ruins

Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum 

Dedicated to the art of model railroading, this museum features an impressive collection of model trains and railroad memorabilia, including a number of interactive exhibits and displays.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

This museum located in Biloxi celebrates the culture and history of Mississippi’s seafood industry. It houses a wide variety of exhibits and interactive experiences, as well as an outdoor park with live animals and educational programs.

Fort Massachusetts, Ship Island Mississippi
Fort Massachusetts, Ship Island Mississippi

Excursion to Ship Island Excursions

Take a ferry to Ship Island, part of Gulf Island National Seashore and one of Mississippi’s four barrier islands. Here visitors can explore the island’s historic fortifications, view a variety of wildlife, and nature lovers can take part in guided hikes, sea kayak tours, and bird watching.

Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum

The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum in Vicksburg is a great place to learn all about the history of Coca-Cola! The museum features artifacts, memorabilia, and rare bottles from around the world. There are exhibits that explain the bottling process, a replica of the original soda fountain, and much more. If you have soda drinkers in the family, this is a fun stop to learn about the history of this iconic beverage!

Vicksburg MS selfie spot
Find selfie spots around the state including Vicksburg – Image courtesy Visit Vicksburg

Attractions Teens Will Love

To create fond memories of Mississippi with your teenagers, include these attractions your itinerary to ensure a great trip!

Tupelo Automobile Museum 

The museum features a collection of over 100 antique and classic cars, including rare and one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Jackson Zoological Park

The Jackson Zoo features over 250 species of animals worldwide (such as elephants, tigers, and primates), this zoo is a big hit with kids, teens, and adults.

sloth hanging from a branch

Sloth Encounter at the Hattiesburg Zoo

This interactive exhibit allows visitors to meet a sloth up close and personal, with the opportunity to feed them or watch as they play in their natural habitat.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

This museum in Jackson features exhibits on Mississippi’s natural history, including live animals and interactive displays. Located in Le Fleur’s Bluff State Park mentioned earlier.

Infinity Science Center

This interactive museum and education center in Pearlington, Mississippi explores space and earth science, with robotics, and more. INFINITY also is host to the NASA Stennis Visitor Center, offering educational programming and hands-on activities that make STEM come alive. With more than 70,000 square feet of interactive space, INFINITY provides an immersive experience into the world of exploration and science.

The GRAMMY Museum

This Recording Academy GRAMMY Museum Mississippi celebrates the history and impact of American music, with exhibits on Mississippi’s musical heritage and interactive displays. Located in Cleveland, MS, the museum celebrates Mississippi’s many contributions to music, from blues and jazz to gospel and soul.

Wrap Up

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do near me in Mississippi for both adults and teenagers (smaller kids will love this state as well). So, whether you’re outdoorsy and looking for adventure or simply want to learn more about the history of music and the country, you’ll definitely have a good time. 

30 family activities in Mississippi with teens

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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