Whether you’re stationed at Keesler AFB or the Seabee Base, there doesn’t seem like much to do in the Biloxi/Gulfport area, however you don’t have to spend your weekends in New Orleans or Mobile to have a good time because there is plenty to do with your kids in the local area if you know where to look.
Family Friendly Activities near Keesler Base
1. Kangarooz Family Fun Center & Monkey Joe’s If you have children ages 2-12 and they like to jump then Kangarooz in D’Iberville or Monkey Joe’s in Ocean Springs is the place for you!
Kangarooz in D'Iberville has a large selection of jumping castles and slides, a decent size toddler area (with an inflatable.), a small stage, dance floor, café and gift shop. The cost is $12.50 for children, $9.50 for toddlers, and adults are free. Also, there is a military discount! On Friday and Saturday nights you can drop your children off in their care from 6-1030pm for $25 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Your children will do activities, eat pizza, and play!
Monkey Joe’s in Ocean Springs is a smaller venue, but has some awesome inflatables, it’s toddler area is quite small and has just a few toys, but they also have some arcade games and even an air hockey table for the older kids. You can use tickets from the arcade games to buy prizes. The prices are $9.34 Monday-Friday and $10.28 on Weekends. Toddlers are $5.61 if they play and you can purchase 10 visits for $70 or $40 for 2 and under. They also have daily specials.
2. Lazer Craze in D'Iberville is great if you enjoy laser tag and like playing with your kids, but be careful it’s addictive :) . Even a 3 year old can get in on the action! They have a military discount and daily specials: including unlimited games for $20 late weekend nights and a family package on Mondays & Tuesdays. Prices are about $6 per person per game with military discount, but $4 on Wednesdays.
3. Big Play Family Fun Center in Biloxi is the closest thing to a 'Incredible Pizza'. I have to be honest and say the outside looks a little disappointing, there is even a trailer on the grounds, but if you want bumper cars, mini golf, and go-karts, this is the place! You can even have a water balloon fight! The prices vary per activity, but plan on spending around $20 per kid for a decent time. There is a military discount on golfing. Also it's located behind Hog Heaven, but no matter what coupon they offer you or how hungry you are, don't eat there because your teeth will regret it.
4. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Looking for an educational but fun hang out for your kids? The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center features just that. It features many indoor and outdoor exhibits, too many to name, but if your children ever wanted to work or interact at a news station, train station, grocery store, restaurant or take a trip to Mexico then they’ll love it here. They have an impressive toddler area and the cost is $8, $6 with military discount, they have $5 Sundays and the last Friday of every month is free admission. Family memberships start at $55 but expect to pay $100+ if you have 2 or more children.
5. Bowling Alleys: There are some nice bowling alleys in the area, read this post for more info!
6. Gulf Islands Water Park If you enjoy a good swim, the closest water park is Gulf Islands Water park. It features many water slides and a few pools. Tickets start at $19.99 for the shorties and $28.99 for those over 42”, Children under 2 are free. ITT sell the tickets cheaper, season passes are $54.99
7. Ohr-O'Keefe Museum features exhibits, tours, and classes. Prices are free for kids under 5, $5 for students up to 17 and $10 for adults. Memberships are available for students $35, individuals $50, and families $75. There is also a café you can hang out at, no admission required
8. Freebies There are a few free venues in the area!
Biloxi Visitor Center and Lighthouse It’s sort of a museum and features a gift shop. I recommend you head there shortly after you get settled because it features a wealth of information on venues, shopping, and dining. They give a tour of the lighthouse Mon-Sat at 9am, 9:15am, and 9:30am for $5, $2 for students.
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs, is my kids favorite spot! It is like going into a time machine, I told my kid the scenery reminded me of the 80s, and my mother told them it reminded her of the 50s, but no matter what time period you grew up in, you’ll appreciate the clean fresh air and the trees. The Visitors Center is free, but it does accept donations and is like a little museum inside. They have programs for children 2-19, free of charge, and even have events from time to time. On our last trip, there were boat rides on the bayou and they offer an alligator walk every weekday at 5pm. You can also enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching and camping.
When you get new orders for Keesler AFB in the Biloxi/Gulfport Area, don't panic because these activities will keep your family having fun!
