Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian

Imagine a space where childhood curiosity meets cutting-edge educational technology — that is exactly what the Mississippi Children's Museum – Meridian is all about. This modern interactive center, which opened in the spring of 2021 in the city of Meridian, became the first branch of the famous museum in Jackson. The complex covers an impressive area and offers young explorers in the USA a unique environment for learning through play.

Mississippi Children's Museum – Meridian. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum stands out for its focus on the STEAM concept (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), while actively integrating elements of East Mississippi culture. One of the institution's most important features is its inclusivity: it is the first museum in the state to receive sensory inclusion certification from KultureCity, making it comfortable for children with special needs.

In its first year of operation, the site saw over 67,000 visitors, and experts named it the Travel Attraction of the Year. Situated on a 25,000-square-foot site, the museum includes not only indoor exhibits but also a massive outdoor area, becoming a vital economic and cultural hub for the region.

To plan your visit to the Mississippi Children's Museum – Meridian, it's helpful to have current contact information at hand. You can always check for details on special events or group bookings by phone or on the official website.

In this museum, the "do not touch" rule does not apply — active interaction with every exhibit is encouraged here. Be sure to check out the two-story Brainiac Climber, which challenges physical agility, or head to the water table inspired by local natural beauty — Dunn’s Falls and the Chunky River. Fans of storybooks will find the nation's first permanent exhibit based on the famous book "Goodnight Moon".

For young engineers and artists, there are STEAM zones where science and technology basics are introduced through experimentation and creativity. The indoor galleries also focus on health, nutrition, and literacy, with many elements designed in a theatrical style mimicking the famous Riley Center.

Don't limit yourself to the building's walls — the 25,000-square-foot outdoor zone offers plenty of opportunities for active recreation and fresh-air discovery. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and parent programs, making every visit unique.

The attraction is conveniently located at 403 22nd Ave, serving as a "gateway" to the city center. If you are traveling by car, the museum is easily accessible via major highways, such as Interstate 20 (I-20) (the drive from Jackson takes about 2.5 hours). On-site parking is available for visitors.

Public transport in this region is not very extensive, so taxis or services like Uber/Lyft are the most comfortable ways for tourists to get around. If you are flying into the region, it is most convenient to rent a car at Key Field airport, which is located very close by.

While a walk from the very center of the city is possible, families with small children are encouraged to use transport to save their energy for active play at the museum. The location serves as an excellent starting point for further exploration of regional attractions.

The story of this amazing place began in 2015 with an initiative by three local residents — Liz Wilson, Kimberly Denison, and Kim Bowers. These mothers dreamed of a space where the region's children could learn through play and turned to the main museum in Jackson for support. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that in just one month they managed to raise $50,000 in seed capital, doubling their initial goal.

Official construction began on October 28, 2019. Implementing the project required raising an impressive sum of $17 million. Significant contributions were made by organizations such as the Phil Hardin Foundation and the Riley Foundation. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, the museum officially opened its doors on March 27, 2021, immediately becoming a major milestone in the state's cultural life.

It is worth noting that the main MCM museum originated back in 1994 as a volunteer project to improve children's literacy and health. The Meridian branch became the organization's first "satellite" campus. In its design, architects and curators sought to reflect the culture of East Mississippi, creating a unique educational environment that is unparalleled in the country.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones, regular visitors are recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours. This is enough time to explore both the indoor galleries and the extensive outdoor play area at a leisurely pace. Families with preschool-aged children typically spend about 2.5 hours here.

If you plan to take part in educational workshops or special programs, it's worth budgeting half a day. The museum is designed to hold a child's attention for a long time, so it's best not to plan your visit in a hurry.

When planning your visit, please note the following schedule: Monday — closed; Tuesday through Saturday, the museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00; on Sunday, visits are possible from 13:00 to 17:00.

Since the schedule may change on holidays or during special events, it is recommended to check the current opening hours on the museum's official website immediately before your trip.

Exploring the surroundings of the Mississippi Children's Museum will allow you and your family to make your day even more fulfilling. The location near the city center provides access to historic landmarks and cozy dining spots where you can relax after active play.