Please contact Ext. 308 at 228-897-6039 for all media requests.

At the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi’s first children’s museum, visitors can crank a crane, touch a tornado, sort seafood, cross a creek, understand a pulley fully, tromp in treehouses, take tea for two, star in a show and much more.

The Discovery Center, located in the former Mississippi City Elementary School, constructed in 1915 and an architectural exhibition itself, offers 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and 6 acres of outdoor play space with picnic tables.

Our child/adult-friendly interactive exhibits include:

• an amazing two-story indoor Super, Colossal, Climbing Sculpture simulating the sea
• an international travel exhibit, Celebrate the World We Share – Mexico, offering children an introduction to the culture of another country
• a History Hotel full of the treasures and secrets of Mississippi City in 1898
• a true Mississippi grocery, Winn-Dixie Morning Market, where visitors can find a little bit of everything
• young Investi-Gators can report environmental news in Wonder-full Wetlands, a television studio
• What It’s Like To Be Me where visitors take the challenge and walk in another child’s shoes
• board a turn-of-the century steam engine train, the Outback Express,  at the Dolan Avenue Depot
• the Porthole  where bananas come in and chickens go out
• Bear Camp Bayou for children  under four
• A Matter of Science where science is not only hands-on, but FUN! 
• The Pelican Porch Café and Bayou Bait Shop, an outdoor restaurant exhibit where you never gain an ounce
• Bear Creek, an outdoor, “woodsy” cabin with a running stream to explore and a wooden child-size train
• Bubblemania, a summer exhibit about the science and art of bubble making
• The Tree House Village
• and our pride and joy, AND just opened Kids Street, just for play!

Opened in April 2009, a 15,000 sq. foot addition was added to the Discovery Center to provide administrative office space, a large foyer that can be used for rental space, and a ticket booth.  The WINGS Performing Arts and Education Center at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center also offers a state of the art Viking demonstration and teaching kitchen.

The WINGS Performing Arts Program involves young people in programs and productions throughout the year. The program was selected as one of twelve recipients for the nationally prestigious Coming Up Taller Award that was presented by Former First Lady Laura Bush. On the state level, the WINGS program was also chosen to receive the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.    The WINGS winter production is “Hairspray" in Feb. 2011at Biloxi Jr. High Auditorium.

Tuesday-Friday from 10:00am until noon during the school year, Bear Cub Club, a program for children under five, stimulates children’s creativity and imagination with stories, music, puppets, and special visitors.

Saturday Surprises offer unique activities and programs designed to enhance the museum exhibits. Children may fashion a clay pinch pot, enjoy a special WINGS’ show, dabble with sand painting, create a unique collage using torn paper, or learn a new painting technique with plate rubbings.

Special theme events are planned throughout the year to offer activities and programs in addition to the museum.

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is located at 246 Dolan Avenue in Gulfport, 1 ½ blocks off US Hwy. 90. The Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00-5:00. Admission is $8.00 per person. Military, senior and group rates are available. Free Friday Nights are the last Friday of each month hosted by Coast Coca-Cola. Family memberships for four people at $150 include free admissions for one year to the Discovery Center and to over 150 other children’s museums in the US. For more information call 228-897-6039.

Please contact Ext. 308 at 228-897-6039 for all media requests.