When the temperature’s rising, staying cool is on top of everyone’s priority list. Just in case you’re looking for ways to get that list started, here are 11 perfect things to do on a hot summer day in Mississippi.

  1. First and foremost, you need to complain about the heat and humidity.

Heather Blakeslee/Flickr Even though we Mississippians are used to the immense summer heat, it still needs to be mentioned at least once a day.

  1. Cool off with a sno-ball.

katherine stickland/Flickr While winter season doesn’t necessarily bring snowballs to the state, summer is a different story. The sweet treat is a local favorite and, of course, a great way to stay cool.

  1. Head to a state park.

Sharon Currie/Facebook From beaches to lakes to water slides, Mississippi state parks are ideal destinations when looking for places to cool off on a hot summer day, and since there are over 20 scattered throughout the state, one is never too far away. Find the park nearest you here.

  1. Sail away to a tropical paradise.

Vinnie Ruddy/Flickr There are several islands located off the state’s coast, most of which are easily accessible thanks to local companies that offer excursions. Get the low down on the state’s islands here.

  1. Spend the day tubing, kayaking, or canoeing.

Layne Logue/Flickr Between the numerous lakes, rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water that fill the state, the options for these types of water activities are virtually endless. Find the perfect place to tube, canoe, or kayak here.

  1. Go for a dip in an old-fashioned swimming hole.

Janice McAlpin Wallace‎/Facebook When the temperature is rising, a great swimming spot is practically a necessity. Luckily, the state is filled with amazing locations to take a dip, such as the spring-fed swimming hole at Merit Water Park. Looking for more swimming holes in the state? Click here.

  1. Charter your very own adventure.

maritimemuseum.org Whether you’re looking to explore some islands, experience great fishing, or catch some rays, chartering your very own cruise is the way to do it. There are several companies on the Gulf Coast, such as Biloxi Schooners, that offer charter services. Click here for a complete listing.

  1. Relax on the beach.

Brian Wright/Facebook At 26 miles long and 200’ wide, the beach along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is actually the largest man-made beach in the entire world, which means there’s plenty of room for some fun in the sun.

  1. Have some fun at a water park.

Dawn Crespo McQueen via Buccaneer State Park/Facebook From action-packed slides to relaxing lazy rivers, the state’s water parks have something for everyone, regardless of age. Click here for more information.

  1. Lounge by the pool.

Golden Nugget Hotel Casino Biloxi/Facebook Accessible by non-hotel guests, Biloxi’s Golden Nugget H2O Pool and Bar offers an experience like no other. The outdoor pool and lounge area feature contemporary seating, fire pits, hot tubs, poolside blackjack, and private cabanas and daybeds, which can be rented from 10 am - 6 pm. Click here for more information.

  1. Unwind with an ice cold glass of sweet tea, preferably on a front porch.

Cassia Noelle/Flickr Is there any other way to end a hot summer day?

How do you stay cool during the summer?

Heather Blakeslee/Flickr

Even though we Mississippians are used to the immense summer heat, it still needs to be mentioned at least once a day.

katherine stickland/Flickr

While winter season doesn’t necessarily bring snowballs to the state, summer is a different story. The sweet treat is a local favorite and, of course, a great way to stay cool.

Sharon Currie/Facebook

From beaches to lakes to water slides, Mississippi state parks are ideal destinations when looking for places to cool off on a hot summer day, and since there are over 20 scattered throughout the state, one is never too far away. Find the park nearest you here.

Vinnie Ruddy/Flickr

There are several islands located off the state’s coast, most of which are easily accessible thanks to local companies that offer excursions. Get the low down on the state’s islands here.

Layne Logue/Flickr

Between the numerous lakes, rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water that fill the state, the options for these types of water activities are virtually endless. Find the perfect place to tube, canoe, or kayak here.

Janice McAlpin Wallace‎/Facebook

When the temperature is rising, a great swimming spot is practically a necessity. Luckily, the state is filled with amazing locations to take a dip, such as the spring-fed swimming hole at Merit Water Park. Looking for more swimming holes in the state? Click here.

maritimemuseum.org

Whether you’re looking to explore some islands, experience great fishing, or catch some rays, chartering your very own cruise is the way to do it. There are several companies on the Gulf Coast, such as Biloxi Schooners, that offer charter services. Click here for a complete listing.

Brian Wright/Facebook

At 26 miles long and 200’ wide, the beach along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is actually the largest man-made beach in the entire world, which means there’s plenty of room for some fun in the sun.

Dawn Crespo McQueen via Buccaneer State Park/Facebook

From action-packed slides to relaxing lazy rivers, the state’s water parks have something for everyone, regardless of age. Click here for more information.

Golden Nugget Hotel Casino Biloxi/Facebook

Accessible by non-hotel guests, Biloxi’s Golden Nugget H2O Pool and Bar offers an experience like no other. The outdoor pool and lounge area feature contemporary seating, fire pits, hot tubs, poolside blackjack, and private cabanas and daybeds, which can be rented from 10 am - 6 pm. Click here for more information.

Cassia Noelle/Flickr

Is there any other way to end a hot summer day?

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