Experience · Meridian
Family Fun at Meridian's Children's Museum
Spend an active afternoon exploring the interactive exhibits at the Mississippi Children's Museum. Afterwards, refuel with a family-friendly meal at Harvest Grill, and then end the day with a fun, active stop at Bonita Lakes Park.
A 4-hour Meridian afternoon plan for families — Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian, Harvest Grill, Bonita Lakes Park.
- Duration
- 3h 45m
- Cost
- $35–$75
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 2.5-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian(2 hrs)→
- 2Harvest Grill(1 hr)→
- 3Bonita Lakes Park(30 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 2.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Meridian instead of crossing town between them. Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Bonita Lakes Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and solo who want a planned Meridian outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Spend an active afternoon exploring the interactive exhibits at the Mississippi Children's Museum. Afterwards, refuel with a family-friendly meal at Harvest Grill, and then end the day with a fun, active stop at Bonita Lakes Park.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrsMississippi Children's Museum - Meridian
Arts & Culture
What to do — Let the kids explore the various interactive exhibits, from science to art, for a stimulating afternoon.
Scout Side QuestFind the most colorful thing in the museum and take turns inventing a silly superhero backstory for it.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A very short drive will take you to Harvest Grill for lunch.
21 hrHarvest GrillFood & Drink
Casual, family-friendly grill serving American standards plus a bar with cocktails, wine & beer.
What to do — Gather the family for a relaxed lunch, choosing from a menu that appeals to all tastes.
2 mi · 7 min drive
Then Short hop over to Bonita Lakes Park.
3Optional 30 minBonita Lakes ParkOutdoors
Three lakes anchor this scenic 3,300-acre park, which offers fishing, hiking & horseback riding.
What to do — Finish at Bonita Lakes Park for the view — one photo, then home.
Scout Side QuestSpot three distinct shades of green around the park and give each one a ridiculous crayon name.
Scout Stories
People who did this
Be the first to leave a Moment.
Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Meridian itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and solo and runs about 3 hr 45 min across 3 stops, starting at Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 45 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Meridian itinerary cost?
- Roughly $35–$75 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 2.5 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in Meridian
Different moods, same city.
Date NightMeridianDate Night at Temple Theater in MeridianBegin your evening with a quiet drink at Brickhaus Brewtique, setting a relaxed mood before heading to the historic Temple Theater for a captivating performance. Conclude your date with a romantic dinner at The Rustler, enjoying classic Southern steakhouse fare.
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Cost
- $75–$150
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends