Starkville offers numerous activities for families with children. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or engage in educational and entertaining experiences, there’s something for everyone.
#1 Keep it rollin’ at Skate Odyssey
Take your kids out roller skating at Skate Odyssey. The indoor facility hosts themed events, glow nights, birthday parties, summer camps, and after-school programs. The arena will keep your kids entertained and moving with a disco ball-lit rink and arcade.
#2 Have farm-to-table fun at the Starkville Community Market
Hosted seasonally, the Starkville Community Market at Fire Station Park includes local vendors from around the area that bring produce, flowers, and various crafts that are sure to entertain. Additionally, select market dates have free events like painting classes and book readings that will inspire bright minds.
#3 Inspire future artists at the Starkville Community Theater
Catch your new favorite play at the Starkville Community Theater. Allow your kids to watch or participate in various shows spanning throughout the year. The theater is also home to Project P.L.A.Y, a summer program allowing children to learn how to create and perform a show from the ground up.
#4 Attend a Mississippi State Athletics Game
You’re never too young to own a cowbell. MSU athletic games are the perfect way to introduce your little bulldog to the world of sports. With a friendly atmosphere, memories are sure to be made at an MSU football, basketball, softball or baseball game. MSU athletics also offers programs like kids summer camps and Bully’s Kids Club for children to take part in.
#5 Get Creepy Crawly at the Entomological Museum
Explore the world of insects at the Mississippi State University Entomological Museum, with over 1.6 million insect specimens. View the insects on display and learn about entomological subjects in the foyer of the Clay Lyle Entomology Building.
#6 Explore wildlife at The Refuge
Spanning across three counties, the Sam D. Hamilton National Wildlife Refuge is sure to allow your little one to explore. Take a hike along nature trails, go bird watching, or sightsee for alligators. The Refuge hosts tons of outdoor activities and fun.
#7 Play all day at a park
With over 5 parks across the city, there are unlimited opportunities to play all day in Starkville. McKee Park, Moncrief Park, and Patriot’s Park all include outdoor playground equipment, and several other parks have outdoor seating and designated picnic areas. There’s no better place to play than at one of our many parks.
#8 Join a recreational sports league
Starkville Parks and Recreation is home to baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, flag football, track, and kickball leagues. Additionally, the opening of Cornerstone Park will allow even more opportunities for youth to be involved and active in the community. Introduce your child to their new favorite sport today.
#9 Watch wiener dogs run at the Dachshund Derby
Watch wiener dogs, and non-wiener dogs dressed as hotdogs, take the stage at the largest wiener dog race in the country. With over 150 puppy participants in 2023, your child is sure to have furry fun.
#10 Watch stories come to life at the library
The Starkville Public Library is home to a vibrant children’s collection and interactive and exciting programs to keep kids learning. Summer reading programs, toddler story times, art classes, escape rooms, and LEGO play times are only a few of the wonderful programs the library offers.
#11 Make a craft that will last forever at Pail of Paint
Located on Highway 12, Pail of Paint lets you unleash your inner artist through pottery and painting. Attend a class, host a birthday party, or simply walk in to begin your journey to spark creativity in your child.
#12 Plan a picnic party
In Starkville, there are a plethora of outdoor spaces perfect for your next picnic. North Farm is located inside MSU’s R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center and hosts wide acres of wildflowers. Fire Station Park is often lit up with sparkling lights and a beautiful fountain display. The Refuge offers a wildlife extravaganza, and the MSU Drill Field allows you to explore campus while letting your little ones roam.
#13 Go mural-hopping around the city
With over 20 bright murals along the sides of buildings, your child will surely enjoy all of the picture-perfect photo spots. Use our map to take a look at all of the art our city has to offer.
#14 Take a lap around Chadwick Lake
Located next to the MSU Joe Frank Sanderson Center, Chadwick Lake has lots of grassy space for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of campus. The lake includes a one-mile walking trail, disc golf course, and outdoor gym.
#15 Watch puppies play at the Starkville Dog Park
Starkville Dog Park, located in Moncrief Park, allows your pets to roam freely inside of a fenced-in area. The Starkville Dog Park is also the host site of the annual Dog Paddle Party, allowing pups to take a lap in the pool before it is drained for the season.
