Mississippi, a state renowned for its rich history, soulful music, and warm hospitality, may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering destinations for thrill-seeking amusement park adventures. While the Magnolia State doesn’t boast sprawling theme parks with towering roller coasters, it does offer a selection of water parks and family entertainment centers that provide refreshing fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into the aquatic and recreational offerings that Mississippi has to offer.
Unfortunately, Mississippi does not currently host any major amusement parks or theme parks. The landscape of recreational attractions shifted in 2006 when Biloxi Beach Amusement Park, a smaller park that offered traditional rides and entertainment, was forced to close its doors after sustaining damage from a hurricane. This closure left a void in the state’s amusement park scene, and as of now, there haven’t been any replacements to fill that gap. For those yearning for the adrenaline rush of roller coasters and the immersive experiences of themed environments, a trip to neighboring states may be necessary.
However, Mississippi isn’t entirely devoid of recreational opportunities. Several family entertainment centers provide a mix of activities, including arcades, mini-golf, and other engaging attractions. Furthermore, a handful of water parks offer a refreshing escape from the Mississippi heat, providing thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and interactive water play areas.
Below, we’ll explore some of the notable Mississippi parks and attractions, presented in alphabetical order, to help you plan your next family adventure or a cool escape from the summer heat.
Big Play Family Fun Center in Biloxi
Located in the vibrant coastal city of Biloxi, Big Play Family Fun Center offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and age groups. This entertainment hub is designed to provide a fun-filled experience for the whole family, combining indoor and outdoor attractions for year-round enjoyment.
During the warmer months, Big Play’s outdoor adventure park comes alive with inflatable water slides, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. These inflatable slides provide a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike, adding a splash of excitement to your visit.
Beyond the water slides, Big Play boasts an array of other attractions. Bumper cars provide classic amusement park fun, allowing you to bump and spin your way to victory. Mini-golf offers a more relaxed and strategic activity, challenging you to navigate the course with skill and precision. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, bungee jumpers provide a thrilling experience as you bounce and soar through the air.
Big Play also caters to younger children with a mining activity, where they can uncover hidden treasures and learn about the world of geology. When hunger strikes, the on-site restaurant offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings. And for those who love gaming, the indoor arcade is packed with a wide selection of games, from classic favorites to the latest releases.
Geyser Falls in Choctaw
Nestled within the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Geyser Falls stands out as a unique outdoor water park that blends thrilling attractions with immersive theming. This water park offers a comprehensive experience, complete with a full-service restaurant and live entertainment, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Geyser Falls features an impressive assortment of attractions designed to cater to different thrill levels. The Half-Pipe is a thrilling ride that simulates the experience of skateboarding or snowboarding on a massive wave. The Wave Pool generates artificial waves, allowing you to experience the sensation of swimming in the ocean. The Lazy River provides a relaxing way to float along a gentle current, soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery.
For younger children, Geyser Falls offers dedicated activities and play areas, ensuring that everyone in the family has a memorable experience. The interactive water play complex features a variety of sprayers, fountains, and other water features, culminating in a giant tipping bucket that drenches unsuspecting guests.
Thrill-seekers will be drawn to the trio of speed slides, ingeniously built into the natural terrain of a 60-foot hill. These slides offer a high-speed plunge that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, private cabanas are available for rental, providing a secluded space to relax and unwind. Visitors looking for overnight accommodations can take advantage of the nearby hotels.
The Pearl River Resort, where Geyser Falls is located, offers a wide range of amenities and activities. The casino features a variety of slots and table games, providing entertainment for those who enjoy gambling. The resort also hosts live entertainment events, offers diverse dining options, and boasts a championship golf course.
Grand Paradise Waterpark in Collins
Grand Paradise Waterpark, located in Collins, is a medium-sized outdoor water park that offers a variety of thrilling and relaxing attractions. This water park is designed to provide a fun-filled day for the whole family, with features that cater to different age groups and thrill levels.
Thrill-seekers will be drawn to the FreeFall speed slide, which offers a near-vertical drop for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The WipeOut bowl ride sends you spinning around a giant bowl before plunging you into a pool below. The Grand Falls Racer is a mat-racing attraction that allows you to compete against your friends and family as you race down the slides. The Tropical Splash and Blue Typhoon tube slides offer a more leisurely but still exciting ride.
Perhaps the most unique attraction at Grand Paradise is the AquaTwist, advertised as a "looping slide." While it doesn’t feature a true vertical loop, the AquaTwist sends you twisting sideways through a series of turns, creating a disorienting and exhilarating experience.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Paradise Lazy River provides a gentle float along a winding current. The Grand Paradise Pool offers a place to stay cool and features smaller slides and activities for younger children.
Waddleland is a dedicated water play area for smaller children, featuring splash pads, fountains, and other interactive water features. The Water Fort is an interactive water play structure with sprayers, water curtains, and a large tipping bucket, providing endless fun for kids of all ages.
Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport
Located in Gulfport, Gulf Islands Waterpark offers a comprehensive collection of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. This outdoor water park features thrilling rides, relaxing pools, and interactive play areas, making it a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Gulf Islands Waterpark boasts two uphill water coasters, which use water jets to propel you uphill, creating a unique and exhilarating experience. The park also features a variety of tube slides and body slides, offering different levels of thrill and excitement.
The Wave Pool generates artificial waves, allowing you to experience the sensation of swimming in the ocean. The Mat-Racing Slide allows you to compete against your friends and family as you race down the slides on mats.
For younger children, Gulf Islands Waterpark offers dedicated areas and activities, ensuring that everyone in the family has a memorable experience. The interactive water play structure features a variety of sprayers, fountains, and other water features. The Lazy River provides a relaxing way to float along a gentle current.
Margaritaville Resort and Family Entertainment Center in Biloxi
The Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi offers a unique experience with its small rooftop waterpark, available exclusively to resort guests. This waterpark provides a refreshing escape with a variety of attractions designed for relaxation and fun.
The rooftop waterpark features a lazy river, where you can float along a gentle current and soak up the sun. Water slides offer a thrilling ride, while the pool provides a place to relax and cool off. A splash pad is available for younger children, and a water ropes course challenges your agility and balance.
One of the unique features of the waterpark is the agility walk across the water, which replaces traditional lily pads with giant flip flops, adding a touch of whimsy to the experience.
In addition to the waterpark, Margaritaville also offers Escape, a 55,000-square-foot family entertainment center. Escape features a climbing wall, a MaxFlight motion simulator experience, a ropes course, a virtual reality arena, bowling, and arcade games. The center also has food stands and the Sweet Shack ice cream parlor.
While Mississippi may not be the epicenter of large-scale theme park adventures, the state offers a selection of water parks and family entertainment centers that provide refreshing fun and engaging activities. From the thrilling slides of Grand Paradise Waterpark to the diverse attractions of Big Play Family Fun Center, there are options for families and individuals seeking a memorable recreational experience. When planning your Mississippi vacation, consider these attractions to add a splash of excitement and create lasting memories.
