As of this weekend, the Mississippi Children’s Museum and LeFleur’s Bluff have even more to offer children and families looking for some outdoor fun.

The Spotter’s Adventure Trail and The Den, which is an outdoor pavilion, are now open at the LeFleur’s Bluff Education and Tourism Complex. For families looking for a good way to spend some time in the fall air, or possibly teachers who want to take their classes somewhere to learn and have fun, the mixture of offerings connected to the new additions could be a great option.

Spotter’s Adventure Trail connects the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground. The 8-foot-wide trail features a fun and interactive outdoor experience with Spotter the Otter and his friends, designed and illustrated by MCM’s Senior Graphic Designer, Lori Nesbit. The characters were brought to life through stories and exhibit elements by MDWFP’s staff and MCM’s Education Team, which was led by William Moore, Assistant Director of Exhibits.

The Den, located west of the playground, includes tables and seating for up to fifty students. Both museums will use the facility for field trips, events, and programs, including the award-winning Mississippi Science Festival and Park After Dark. An adjacent sloped lawn allows the structure to be used as an open-air amphitheater for large assemblies.

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation funded the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, Outdoor Pavilion and Museum Trail. The Foundation’s generous $3.86 million made this innovative project possible, and the Foundation’s leadership team played a visionary role in developing the state-of-the-art playground and complex.