If you are like me, you are always looking for something to do, especially if you are a mom of a young child. When I first moved to Hattiesburg (back in 2023), I had a hard time finding places to take my 3 month old son to that was geared towards younger kids. With lots of connecting with local resources here in Hattiesburg, I ended up finding some really cool things and I wanted to share them with you.
- R&R Center – My most favorite spot is the MECIC or widely known as the R&R center. It is ran through the University of Southern Mississippi and is a FREE play space to take your kids. It is geared more towards the ages of a couple of months old to about 6 years old, but there have been instances where older siblings have had a good time there. It is located at 132 Mayfair Rd in Hattiesburg. (I will have to find the time to take a picture of this place and share, but here is the website if you want to check it out —->https://www.usm.edu/education-human-sciences/early-childhood-inclusion.php). At this center, you can play for however long you want, and then take home some rental toys…how cool is that! No charge to borrow up to 5 books and 3 toys. This is one of my favorite places to hangout. Its open from 8:30-4p Monday – Friday.
2. Libraries – All of the local libraries in the area do a free library time reading program. Hattiesburg Public Library does there on Wednesdays from 10-11a, Petal Public Library does there’s on Thursdays from 10-11a. I know that Oak Grove with Lamar County libraries also have a free reading program but I am not sure of the days/times.
3. MS Lift Resource and Referral (MSU R&R) – This is another free play space, located near Forrest General Hospital. The address is 6068 US Hwy 49. This one is ran through Mississippi State University but is very similar to the other location. There is a lending library for books and toys the can also be checked out with no charge. This location does open on one Saturday each month for some type of themed play.
4. Mommy and Me – This is ran through Forrest General Hospital by Amanda Sharp here in Hattiesburg. This is a lovely resource (although not free, but well worth the $30/6 sessions) that helps women connect with others who have babies around the same age group. Immediately the week I moved here, I signed up and it helped me connect with some other moms in the area who were able to help me find the other resources here in this guide. There are multiple sessions: The first year, Just movin’ and the toddler years. There are also classes for pregnancy. Here is the website for more information —-> https://www.forresthealth.org/services/womens-childrens/madalenes-moms/.
5. Hattiesburg Zoo – Also not free, but well worth the season pass. If you go to the zoo more than 5 times a year, I would buy the season pass. Although it’s not huge, it is a great size for little kids. And who doesn’t love going to the zoo? The zoo has a splash pad, a train, a small play area, and a carousel. It is stroller friendly and perfect for moms who want to get outdoors (when its not 110 degrees with the heat index).
