‘Ocean of Opportunity’ offers Coast kids free entry to Mississippi Aquarium
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – A new partnership is making it possible for children across South Mississippi to experience the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
The Mississippi Aquarium partnered with Hancock Whitney Bank to create ‘Ocean of Opportunity.’

Over the next three months, free admission to the aquarium will be available for children 12 and younger.
“It’s an opportunity for about 50,000 children to come to the aquarium,” said Kurt Allen, the Mississippi Aquarium CEO and President.
“We’re always looking for ways to engage our local community and bolster that with an education opportunity, and with this, we get to do both.”
Harrison County School District Superintendent William Bentz said the partnership will provide students with a learning opportunity outside of the classroom.
“We’re mixing science, conservation, and financial literacy. So all of those things are key to all of us, and that’s something we can all carry with us,” said Bentz.
Free entry will be available on select weekends.
- September 20 and 21 – Hancock & Pearl River County Kids Free
- October 18 and 19 – Harrison & Stone County Kids Free
- November 1 and 2 – Jackson & George County Kids Free
Superintendents of South Mississippi schools will pass out the tickets.
The school with the largest percentage of participants will receive a special visit from one of the Mississippi Aquarium’s animal ambassadors.
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