What if your backyard was more than just grass, flowers, and the occasional squirrel? What if it was a playground for science, a place full of surprises waiting to be discovered?

That’s the idea behind Backyard Adventures, the newest exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson. Running from May 24, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the interactive experience invites visitors to explore the science of the outdoors—without ever leaving town.

Created by Scitech in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions in Atlanta, the exhibit brings everyday outdoor experiences to life in unexpected ways. Visitors can test their night vision, see the world through the eyes of a bee, or challenge friends to a round of garden golf. You’ll even encounter giant vegetables, digital garden beds, and a skipping rope big enough to rival your childhood memories.

“We want people to see the outdoors through a new lens—one full of science, surprises, and everyday wonder,” says Angel Rohnke, Museum Director. “Backyard Adventures shows that you don’t have to go far to discover something amazing.”

And while the exhibit is especially fun for kids, it’s designed to engage visitors of all ages. Along the way, you'll pick up science lessons in biology, math, and engineering—learning how insects interact with plants, how pavers are laid out with precision, and what it takes to grow giant pumpkins.

This exhibit is included with general admission or free for Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation members. The Foundation, supported by generous donors, helps bring exhibits like this to life for families across Mississippi.

Want to plan your visit or learn more about membership? Head over to the museum’s official page or check out the Foundation’s offerings at mmnsfoundation.com.

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is located at 2148 Riverside Drive at the LeFleur’s Bluff Education and Tourism Complex. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for youth (ages 3–18), and $8 for seniors. For more information, call 601-576-6000.