If you’re looking for a budget- and family-friendly trip this spring, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Baton Rouge (or 1.75 from New Orleans!), offering an assortment of attractions, food, and amenities to enjoy.

Here are a few must-dos that will have you packing your bags and loading up the car before the day is through!

Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Visit Mississippi’s tiniest museum to explore side streets, back alleys, dirt roads, and nooks and crannies of the city. While there, see a short film at the Pocket Theater, or take or leave a piece of art at the Art Gallery. It’s truly the most unique museum experience you’ll ever have.

Hattiesburg Zoo
Mine for gems, complete the high ropes adventure course, splash in the splash pad, and ride the electric train at the Zoo! Not to mention, you’ll get to see the animals, including holding a sloth or petting a wallaby!

Ed’s Burger Joint
Everyone’s gotta eat! Between visits to Hattiesburg attractions, pop in to Ed’s Burger Joint for a juicy burger and a sweet treat. Kiddos will love the Little Ed Burger, grilled cheese, and the chicken fingers before topping it all off with one of Ed’s outrageous shakes, frozen pops, or root beer floats.

Alley Cats Axe Throwing Co.
For the older kiddos in your bunch, visit Alley Cats Axe Throwing Co. near Fountain Park. Alley Cats offers axe and hatchet throwing in a safe environment. No previous axe-throwing skill is required to enjoy this unique experience. If you happen to visit while wearing flip flops or heels, they have shoes you can rent.

Longleaf Trace
Walk, run, bike, or skate the trail with your family. Free fun is the best fun at Longleaf. Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile linear park that extends from Hattiesburg through Sumrall, Bassfield, and Carson to Prentiss. This rails-to-trails conversion is 10 feet wide and paved.

Strick’s Barbecue
For the best barbecue in Hattiesburg, visit Strick’s Barbecue. Fill up on pulled pork nachos, smoked wings, or one of the delicious barbecue sandwiches. The kiddos have their choice of pork or brisket sandwiches, chicken tenders, catfish, and wings. Top it off with one of Trisha’s homemade cakes or the homemade banana pudding.