Hattiesburg – Things to do with your Team
Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 and developed as a railroad terminus to support the lumber industry. Today it is known as the Hub City because of its proximity to New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Jackson, Mississippi. Due to its prime location, low living costs, amenities, and natural landscapes, Hattiesburg has been named as one of the best places to live in the Southeast, in numerous publications. While visiting Hattiesburg, enjoy a team dinner at the local restaurants and try New Orleans-style seafood and infamous barbeque. After tasting the local cuisine, venture into the wilderness, and explore the preserved forests that were discovered centuries ago.
The Hattiesburg Zoo
The Hattiesburg Zoo, a beloved Hattiesburg attraction, is home to more than 80 species of animals from around the world. The zoo offers numerous opportunities to learn about and get up close to the animals through keeper talks and feedings, petting zoos, personal encounters, and special events spaced throughout the year. Animal lovers can help support the livelihood of these creatures by joining the “adopt an animal” program, where all donations go to food, toys, and enrichment activities. The zoo has also added the High Ropes Adventure Course that rises four stories above ground, giving zoo goers the opportunity to see the animals from a different perspective. 107 S 17th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401-6128
UpDown Trampoline Park
UpDown Trampoline Park is the Pine Belt’s newest active entertainment destination with fun for all ages. With over 45,000 square feet of trampoline space, a ninja warrior course, a giant foam pit, and multiple party rooms, this is the place for the team to have some serious fun! To kick things off, jump and flip around on 12,000 feet of connected trampolines, followed by some friendly competition on the dodgeball court. Afterwards, fly through the air on the trapeze and make a soft landing in the foam pit. Once you’ve conquered the trapeze, check out UpDown’s ninja warrior course and see if you have the strength to be the next Ultimate Ninja Warrior. If the team gets hungry after all that physical activity, grab a bite to eat at the concession stand and wind down at the arcade. 101 S 41st Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Game
Become a Golden Eagle and join thousands of USM fans in the stands at one of Southern Miss’s sports complexes. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles represent the University of Southern Mississippi in NCAA Division athletics and the teams compete in Conference USA. USM’s teams include baseball, football, basketball, golf, tennis, track & field, softball, volleyball, and soccer. Before attending any of these sporting events, remember to dress in black and gold-which have been Southern Miss’s colors since the very beginning, chosen because of the Black-Eyed Susan’s that cover the pine forests floor. Also, don’t forget to wave to Seymour D’Campus, the school’s beloved mascot. 118 College Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
De Soto National Forest
De Soto National Forest named after the 16th-century explorer Hernando de Soto encompasses 518,587 acres of pine forest in southern Mississippi. It’s a nationally important site for the protection of longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine forests. The expansive forest offers year-round recreational opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, campers, canoers, horse-back riders, and fisherman. In addition to recreational activities, De Soto contains a variety of ecosystems, like dry, sandy longleaf pine/scrub oak ridges, flooded tupelo/bald cypress swamps, steep upland hardwood forests of Ragland Hills, and vast fields of pitcher plants. Regardless of the season, any nature enthusiast is bound to find the sights and terrain breathtaking. Brooklyn, MS 39425
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Painting with a Twist
For a new kind of adventure and team building experience, take the team to Painting with a Twist. Unlike other painting workshops, Painting with a Twist does not require any experience using a brush, instead it’s all about trying your hand at painting while hanging out with friends and having a great time. All that is needed is a positive attitude and willingness to try something new. Local artists will lead the class, guiding the team through a project that they can bring home. Paint parties are great for any occasion, and who knows? You may have the next Picasso on the team! 6555 US Hwy 98 West, Ste 4, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Extreme Skate Zone
Tie up your laces, tighten the buckles, and see who can make it around the rink the fastest at Extreme Skate Zone, located in West Hattiesburg. From open skate, to birthday parties, Extreme Skate Zone is inexpensive fun for kids and adults alike. Step back in time on a Friday night during their 80’s and 90’s night, or take the young ones out for a few hours on Saturday morning for Tiny Tots Skate. Zoom around the room and create some memorable moments at Extreme Skate Zone. 5272 Old Hwy 11, Hattiesburg, MS, 39402
Grand Paradise Water Park
After running on the track or field for hours under the hot Mississippi sun, cool down at Grand Paradise Waterpark’s seven acre lot of wet and wild fun. Experience zero gravity sensations while moving more than 40 feet per second on the FreeFALL slide, or slide down three stories in total darkness on the Blue Typhoon. For some more excitement, race your teammate down four stories on the Grand Falls Racer, while lying down on a mat. If it’s relaxation you are looking for, take a relaxing float down the Paradise River or lay by the Grand Paradise Pool. Whatever you choose, Grand Paradise has the facilities designed to serve the needs of any size group, all under the watch of trained and certified lifeguards. 50 Grandview Drive, Collins, MS 39428
Gattitown
Dating back in 1969, Gattitown opened its first restaurant in Stephenville, Texas with one mission: master the elements that make people crave pizza. It wasn’t long before Gatti’s spread all over Texas and eventually opened locations throughout the Southeast. They use hand-rolled dough made fresh daily, real provolone smoked cheese, and a signature sauce composed of 16 secret herbs and spices. For an added twist, in 1994 they unveiled GattiLand, a game room featuring state-of-the-art arcade games and they recently added a laser tag course. With fresh, savory pizza and games all in one location, Gatti’s is a perfect place for a post-game celebration. 4600 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
With acres upon acres of protected national forests, to free-style painting classes, to thousands of feet of trampolines and foam pits, Hattiesburg has a little bit of everything. To rally some team spirit, check out a game at Southern Miss and feel the drum beat pulse through the stands as the marching band makes their way through the stadium. For some wet and wild fun, race down the slides at the Grand Paradise Water Park and satisfy any empty stomachs with some homemade pizza or New Orleans style cuisine before making the trip back home.