Family-Friendly Natchez

A great family fun holiday is exactly what you’ll find in Natchez. From exciting festivals and events, luxury shopping and spas, biking, fishing and other outdoor activities, Natchez offers an adventure for every member of your family!

Anyone who has young children knows that time is of the essence – and when you want to bring your kids along on vacation, scheduling events throughout the day can often be stressful. At times, you may even feel forced to choose between activities so your little ones stick to their bedtimes and don’t get too tired with miles of walking. We have put together an example itinerary of some family-friendly things to do in Mississippi to help make planning your stay a little easier.

1. Traveling with family can sometimes be difficult, and traveling with children can be downright exhausting, so for your first day in Natchez we recommend taking it easy. Take a stroll along the bluff and catch a sunset before heading to one of our delicious restaurants for dinner. Then, it’s off to bed, you’ve got a busy day ahead of you.

2. We recommend beginning your Natchez experience at the Natchez Visitor Center. Here you will be greeted by a warm and knowledgeable staff, dedicated to help you make the most of your visit. Enjoy paneled exhibits depicting the development of the area. Step behind the life-size paddle wheel, feel real cotton, and play the interactive game that allows you to take a journey down the Mississippi River. Then venture over to the ticket counters and purchase for any of your ticketed attractions, all under one roof. Additionally, if you have questions about kid-friendly restaurants, our helpful tour guides can make suggestions for dining alternatives that are suitable for your whole family.

3. Tickets in hand, head out to tour Concord Quarters. The 1794-built main house of Concord was lost to fire more than a century ago, but Concord Quarters, a circa-1820 two-story brick building that once housed enslaved people on the property, has been lovingly restored so you may learn what life was like “behind the big house.”

4. Taking in all that history sure can leave you hungry! For lunch, head to Fat Mama’s Tamales, where you can enjoy delicious food on a shaded outside porch. Their signature entrée is obviously the great tamales, but feel free to toss in a link of boudin (pronounced boo-dan) or some fire and ice pickles to spice up your Fat Mama’s dining experience just a tad more. The adults won’t want to miss their famous “knock you naked” margaritas!

5. Put your carriage tour tickets to use and take the 45-minute narrated, horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic district while your lunch settles. Our convenient, family-friendly guided carriage tours allow you to see the sights with your kids without the fuss or hassle of driving in traffic, finding parking or navigating through an unfamiliar area. If you happen to have elderly members in your party, our carriage tours are also a great option for those who need to take breaks in between our daily tours.

6. Take the short drive out to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and stroll the hallowed ground of the home of the city’s original inhabitants. There are ceremonial mounds at the site, along with a replica of an Indian dwelling, and nature trails. The Grand Village is very kid-friendly with plenty of space to run around and play. It’s one of many unique and historically rich things to do in Mississippi.

7. Head back downtown to grab some lunch at Natchez Coffee Company. From chicken salad and wraps to desserts and the daily special, there is something to please every member of your family here. And don’t forget to stop by again for your specialty coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up!

8. Homochitto National Forest offers a diverse collection of activities that will keep all entertained, perfect for a family camping vacation. Spend hours hiking along the many creeks and trails that thread this enchanting woodland. The Clear Springs Recreational Area consists of a man-made lake, campground, picnic grounds, swim area, and two hiking trails. The longer of the two trails in the Recreation Area, Clear Springs Trail, is developing a reputation as one of the top three mountain bike trails in Mississippi.

9. End your days at Duncan Park for fun on swing sets and climbing equipment. The park is a great place to unwind and get some fresh air!

10. Bluff City Bowl is the perfect setting for a relaxing evening of fun. With 16 lanes, their mission is to provide quality entertainment and great customer service to those visiting our wonderful community. Kids bowl for $2.50 if you show up before 5:00pm. Facebook is the best way to see what specials they are offering when you and the kids are in town.