A Fun and educational day at the zoo-Come see how and what the animals do while they are at “Zool”. Also, come meet the zoo docents and educational staff and learn what animal education is really like.

Project WILD capitalizes on the natural interest that children and adults have in wildlife by providing hands-on activities that enhance student learning in all subject and skill levels. There is a $15 pre registration fee. If you are interested in attending, contact Angel Rohnke at 601-354-7303 or angel.rohnke@mmns.state.ms.us for more information. Don’t forget to bring a bag lunch!

Project WILD Aquatic is an aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecosystems focused conservation education program for K-12 educators and their students. Project WILD Aquatic capitalizes on the natural interest that children and adults have in aquatic wildlife by providing hands-on activities that enhance student learning in all subject and skill areas. There is a $15 per registration fee. Contact Angel Rohnke at 601-354-7303 or Angel.Rohnke@mmns.state.ms.us if you are interested in attending.

Flying WILD introduces students to bird conservation through standards-based classroom activities and environmental stewardship projects. Flying WILD encourages Schools to work closely with conservation organizations, community groups, and businesses involved with birds to implement school bird festivals and bird conservation projects. There is a $15.00 pre registration fee required. Contact Angel Rohnke, Project WILD/Education Coordinator at 601-354-7303 or angel.rohnke@mmns.state.ms.us

You sent the kids to camp; now it’s your turn! Try your hand at different fine crafts taught by Master Craftsmen – the perfect Labor Day staycation for you and a loved one! Classes held on the 3-day Labor Day weekend Saturday-Monday at the Mississippi Craft Center. Call Sheri Cox, Education Cooridnator, for more details at 601-856-7546. Class size is limited. Sign up today! www.mscrafts.org

Plan a day in the sun at The Township for Water Day! Inflatable water slides and much more! Sponsored by Highland Chapel Church. Visit The Township restaurants or bring a picnic lunch! This event is free to the public.

Team Sandtastic started sculpting sand 22 years ago, competing in Sand-Blast, a sand sculpture contest in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Team Sandtastic is based out of Sarasota, Florida and averages 50 to 60 display events a year for shopping centers, festivals, conventions, and attractions across the globe. 
Professional sand sculpture is a purely positive, family oriented, ecologically sound promotion. It has the high impact & crowd draw of a performance art, yet also has lasting power to keep individuals coming back to see the finished product. 
Northpark Mall in Ridgeland, MS is proud to have Team Sandtastic on location July 6-12 to sculpt 50 tons of sand inside the mall at center court.  The public is invited to see live sculpting from July 6-12 and the finished sculpture will be on display through August 15, 2010. 
Visit Team Sandtastic at www.TeamSandtastic.com for more information about their offerings. 

Featuring over 25 balloons, a fireworks extravaganza, colorful balloons of all shapes and sizes, entertainments, concessions, and lots of fun.  You’re guaranteed a good time as your experience the mirage of colors decorating the summer sky.  Our Independence Day heritage is highlighted by fun family activities that will treat the family to an old-fashioned weekend of togetherness.  There is a vast array of competitive events for pilots to test their balloon savvy in pursuit of valuable cash prizes.  There is also the ever popular Balloon Glows at sunset to delight children and adults of all ages.  Come watch the balloons flicker and dance!

This family friendly Fourth of July celebration offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for all ages.  Each year thousands gather near Northpark Mall and enjoy good food, wonderful music from regional and national acts, hot air balloons that paint the horizon at dusk as they light up the night sky, and a breath taking fireworks display that leaves everyone with a patriotic feeling unlike any other celebration.  Food vendors serve up Southern favorites such as fried turkey legs, funnel cake, bar-b-q; and they wash it all down with homemade lemonade and sweet tea.  Musical acts get the crowd in a fevered pitch as we lead up to the balloon glow and the fireworks.  After the sun starts to go down, and when darness sets in, the balloons inflate and glow to provide a beautiful skyline dotted by the varied colors of the balloons.  When the balloons are packed away, the crow is excited with anticipation of the night’s main feature.  Everyone’s eyes are fixed on the sky as they marvel over the fireworks!