Gulfport/Biloxi with Children?

[JustCallMeMommy]

I love the MS Gulf Coast. I grew up in Gulfport, and DD(13) and I visit often. Most of the hotels are clean and neat. Anything beachfront has been redone in the past 10 years since Katrina didn't leave much in tact. I noticed several brand new hotels when I was in Biloxi last month. The casino hotels are fine and kid friendly. Some have nice pools and fun dining. I find them to be a little of a pain because you have to deal with parking garages that sometimes get very busy (or you can valet).

A friend did a dolphin encounter at http://www.imms.org/ recently - that looked neat, and we plan to try it soon.

We love a day at Ship Island. You can take the boat out in the morning and you will have a choice of return times. The island has Fort Massachusetts to explore, and the far side of the island has beaches where you can do beachy stuff - be lazy, swim, snorkel, etc. Ship Island gets you into the Gulf - the barrier islands trap much in the Mississippi Sound, so they don't have the prettiest water. Still, you will see plenty of beach-goers and people out enjoying the breeze.

DD loved Lynn Meadows when she was little - she and her cousin wanted to go every trip, so my mom maintained a membership for years. She also loves when we go to shows at the Beau Rivage - check your dates and see if there is something kid friendly playing. She enjoys eating at the Hard Rock then going to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for dessert (just down the hall).

ETA: One more thing - while you hear a lot different town names - Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis - they are all pretty close to each other. There isn't space between the towns. From Gulfport, I can be almost anywhere else on the Coast in 30 minutes.

 

[Southernmiss]

Yay! So glad to see so many come on today and give some love to my home place! Op, I hope you will come visit and have a great time with your family. Keep asking questions! Another thought I had today is that Mobile, AL is an hour to the east of Gulfport. There are many family friendly things there, too. I think you might find that you'll want to meet your FIL here in the middle again and again!

 

[Sydney2977]

We visited him in Houston a few years ago.

It was very expensive to fly the three of us, and now we have a fourth one in our family, so flights would be expensive. We would also have to rent a car and stay in a hotel. If we don't fly we have to drive, and it seems like a lot to drive that long for a four night stay. Plus, I really dislike driving. That is by far the worst part of our Disney trips- the driving- and it is only 7 hours. We have never had both kids in the car for more than 7 hours. I think I would rather say in a tent on a muddy creek and have nothing to do than drive 12 hours.

Seems like there is plenty to do in Biloxi, and since we have never been, it would be an adventure.

That's funny, we're the opposite- hate to fly, but have to when time is a factor. It sure wasn't cheap when we flew to San Antonio, had to rent a car, and even stayed on base for DS's basic training graduation, but we were only going for four days, so driving didn't make sense. I hear ya on that one!

I think there's plenty to do for a four day visit. And like you said, it's a new place so you can find adventures! Have fun planning.

Thought I'd post this pic since it was such a pretty sunset our last evening there.

 

[haydensteacup]

Is the marine life center still open? We have always wanted to try it but never make the time.

We definitely love the coast, always plenty to see & do (and eat!!)

I do like to warn people about the water there though, most expect pretty, clear water at the beach and you don't get that here!

 

[WVMomof3]

We visited him in Houston a few years ago.

It was very expensive to fly the three of us, and now we have a fourth one in our family, so flights would be expensive. We would also have to rent a car and stay in a hotel. If we don't fly we have to drive, and it seems like a lot to drive that long for a four night stay. Plus, I really dislike driving. That is by far the worst part of our Disney trips- the driving- and it is only 7 hours. We have never had both kids in the car for more than 7 hours. I think I would rather say in a tent on a muddy creek and have nothing to do than drive 12 hours.

Seems like there is plenty to do in Biloxi, and since we have never been, it would be an adventure.

We drive almost 18 hours to get there, every year. It is a loooooong drive, but it doesn't make sense for us to fly as my parents live 3 hours from his so we hit them both. Sometimes we stop halfway, but other times we make the whole drive in 1 day. Kids have been doing it since they were babies, so they are used to it.

 

[firecracker725]

We just got this fantastic news. I really think there's a huge market for this kind of thing on the coast, and I can't wait to take my kids this summer.

Margaritaville returning to Biloxi with a tropical fun resort

http://www.sunherald.com/living/travel/article69691027.html

 

[Southernmiss]

I thought of this thread when I read it today. How timely!

We just got this fantastic news. I really think there's a huge market for this kind of thing on the coast, and I can't wait to take my kids this summer.

Margaritaville returning to Biloxi with a tropical fun resort

http://www.sunherald.com/living/travel/article69691027.html

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We just got this fantastic news. I really think there's a huge market for this kind of thing on the coast, and I can't wait to take my kids this summer.

Margaritaville returning to Biloxi with a tropical fun resort

http://www.sunherald.com/living/travel/article69691027.html

That looks awesome. I just visited the website. It is definitely my taste in resorts. Unfortunately, I just found out that my FIL's wife insists on bringing her dog. I love dogs and hers is particularly adorable, but bringing her seriously limits our lodging choices.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Update: My FIL called and said he decided that he would prefer to go to the Destin, FL area as there appeared to be more to do there and the beaches are nicer. After reading about them, the beaches in Biloxi and Gulfport reminded him too much of the beaches near Galveston where they live, and he said he does not like those beaches.

I was surprised that he suggested it, but very happy. We have rented a house near Crystal Beach and are really looking forward to it.

Thanks so much for the info, everyone.