4 educational activities for kids in DeSoto County

Are you on the lookout for exciting and enriching activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained during summer break? Here in DeSoto County, Mississippi, learning is fun and feels like play. We’ve gathered a few hands-on education experiences children will love.

Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery
Head to Olive Branch to visit Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery – America’s largest importer and grower of bonsai trees. The custom facility boasts 175,000 square feet of space to explore. Kiddos can learn about nature and discover a variety of bonsai trees from small plants to majestic trees. Bonsai means “tray planting” in Japanese and is a widely respected art form worldwide. A trip to Brussel’s exposes your child to this horticultural practice’s rich history that spans centuries and is celebrated in their own backyard.

Mississippi Blues Trail
Is your little one a budding musician? To honor the talented artists who spent significant time in the Magnolia State, the Mississippi Blues Commission created the Mississippi Blues Trail trail in 2006. It features a sprawling collection of markers with a synopsis of the musicians’ contributions to the blues. Kids can explore the origins of the iconic blues music genre and its influence on American culture, as well as learn about blues legends who inspired generations across various music categories. DeSoto County is home to five markers honoring Big Walter Horton (Horn Lake), The Dickinson Family (Hernando), Memphis Minnie (Walls), Mississippi Joe Callicott (Nesbit), and Beale Town Bound, the group consisting of Jim Jackson, Gus Cannon and Robert “Tim” Wilkins (Hernando.)

DeSoto County Museum
Take an educational trip down memory lane at the DeSoto County Museum in Hernando. Preserving the history of the entire county, the museum operates out of an 1870s church building. Artifacts and memorabilia in the main building and a restored log cabin built in the 1840s are used for educational opportunities. Workshops, storytelling sessions, craft activities and guided tours are offered. And the best part – admission is free, making the museum an affordable activity for the whole family.

Hernando DeSoto River Park
The 41-acre Hernando DeSoto Park is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and is DeSoto County’s only public access to the waterway. The park features fishing spots, areas to grill and picnic, and an overlook perfect for enjoying views of the Mighty Mississippi. There are also pathways marked with plaques that provide historical information on how and when the fastest-growing county in the state was discovered.

An educational adventure awaits you and your family! We hope to see you soon here in DeSoto County, Mississippi.