US Army Rangers lead the way.

And US Army Rangers are going to lead Mighty 8 Boot Camp on July 11-15 2016 @ National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler.

For the first time ever, campers will be taught by the elite 1/75 Army Rangers from Hunter AAF. So much fun!

Spaces are still available.

9AM-4PM July 11-15 2016. For ages 7-12. Lunch and snacks included. $250. Discounts available.

Email rlamb@mightyeighth.org for details or to sign up.

(Army Ranger participation subject to deployment, etc.)

Call 912-988-1832 for more information.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Ave. Pooler, Ga, www.mightyeighth.org/education/, On Facebook here. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Don’t dive into the back-to-school shopping list yet. Wait for….

Georgia & South Carolina Tax-Free Weekends 2016

Georgia’s 2016 Sales Tax Holiday July 30-31 (2 days)

During the July 30-31 sales tax holiday, the following items will be tax-free:
Clothing (including footwear) with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item. The exemption excludes clothing accessories such as jewelry, handbags, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, and watchbands.
Computers including computer components, and prewritten software purchased for noncommercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1000 or less per item.
School Supplies purchased for noncommercial use with a sales price of $20.00 or less per item.

Learn more & see a list of examples of tax-free items here. 

(Georgia will have a tax-free weekend on energy star/WaterSense products Sept. 30-Oct. 2 2016)

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South Carolina 2016 Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 5-7 (3 days)

South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend applies to the following items:
Clothing, Accessories, Footwear, School supplies, Computers, Computer equipment.

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Looking for even more ways to save? See our SAVANNAH & LOWCOUNTRY FREE EVENTS PAGE 

Make music as a family: Join a Kindermusik Savannah  family class for ages 0-7 this July, Tuesdays at 10AM!

The theme is “Make Believe!”

To request a free demo class, please visit kindermusikwith88keys.com and click on “Free Class.”

Kindermusik…music now, skills for life.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,   email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Youth sports at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia teach more than just the game- YMCA players learn teamwork, good sportsmanship and develop confidence all season long!

Be a part of so much more- registration opens July 1st for fall soccer, flag football and cheerleading.

Opportunities vary by location. Check your local branch for more details and start dates.

Learn more here. 

YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

If your kids are going to do one soccer camp this summer – make it Elite Soccer Camp with Savannah United.

With a high caliber coaching staff that would rank among the top college camps in the country, the 12th annual SSA Chelsea FC Elite Camp is designed for players of all ages and levels to work hard on improving their soccer skills while having a great time. The professional coaching staff is chosen carefully to enable different coaching methods and skills to be taught for the development and enjoyment of every player.

Soccer Camp Details

July 11-15, 2016
9AM-1PM
Guy Minick Complex (corner of Eisenhower Drive & Sallie Mood Drive)
Cost: $200 (Cost increases to $235 after June 24)
For ages 8-18

Registration

Online registration for this camp is not available. The registration form can be accessed here.

Camp Director

Gary Wright, Camp Director, email g.wright@savannahunited.com

Savannah United, www.savannahunited.com, 702 Mall Blvd Suite C, Savannah, 31406, tel 912-691-2472, email info@savannahunited.com. On Facebook here. Savannah United is a SouthernMamas advertiser. 

Almost time for I Pledge season @ Leopold’s Ice Cream in downtown Savannah

The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project kicks off July 1 from 4-7pm at Leopold’s Ice Cream with a free child’s scoop of their choice in a cup, cake or sugar cone for any child (12 & younger, accompanied by an adult) who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance from memory.

It’s Leopold’s way to say “Thanks for Your Patriotism!”

After the kick-off, Leopold’s Ice Cream will hold additional I Pledge for Ice Cream events each Monday in July from 4-7PM. The dates are as follows: July 4, 11, 18 & 25.

July 4th will be a special event with I Pledge festivities taking place outside and surprise treats (while they last) for all of the young participants.

Find other participating stores nationwide by clicking here. Don’t see your favorite ice-cream store on this list? Nominate them by clicking here.

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 East Broughton St., www.leopoldsicecream.com, 912-234-4442

During July 2016, enjoy FREE 30-minute golf clinics at The Club at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island next to Westin Savannah. Open to the public.

What a fun, fit way to spend time outdoors with the family.

You are also invited to take advantage of free golf on the club’s 9-hole, family-friendly golf course during July. Kids 18 & younger play for free. Parents play for $15 each. Free Callaway rental clubs available.

Contact Paul Killgallon for more information at 912.201.2240, email paul.killgallon@westin.com or click here.

The Club at Savannah Harbor, Hutchinson Is., 2 Resort Drive, Savannah, 31421, 912.201.2240, email Golf.savannah@westin.com  On Facebook here , www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com The Club at Savannah Harbor is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

In honor of the 240th anniversary of the American Revolution, Coastal Heritage Society sites will offer special Revolutionary War programs and enhanced member benefits, including an increased 20% discount in all CHS museum gift shops, throughout July for CHS members.

Century of Sentries interactive program @ Old Fort Jackson

Learn about the many individuals and units of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War that are part of the story of a Century of Sentries at Old Fort Jackson, July 2-4.

Throughout the weekend, participate in a variety of hands on activities appropriate for all ages to learn about the daily life of the soldiers stationed at Fort Jackson, including marching, battle reenactments, heavy artillery drill, and musket and cannon demonstrations.

Museum admission is free for CHS members.

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Want more Revolution?

Loyalists and Liberty Battlefield Tours every Friday and Saturday at 10:30AM, 12:30PM and 2:30PM, beginning at Savannah History Museum.

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Fourth of July weekend

Go to Tricentennial Park for some family fun this 4th of July weekend.

Costumed interpreters at Savannah History Museum will debut new American Revolution-themed programming, complete with visitor battle reenactments, musket firing demonstrations, and live music with special guests, Three Fold Chord.

Go to Georgia State Railroad Museum for Summer Steam Days and see the 1913 coal-fired steam locomotive in action. Take a site tour by rail and learn about how this historic site helped shape Georgia’s history.

At Savannah Children’s Museum, families are welcome to participate in 4th of July-themed crafts and activities all weekend. Special July 4th activities with a Centrifugal Celebration, fireworks spin art, festive noisemakers and more.

All Family Fourth activities are included with museum admissions and are FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members.

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Membership deal

In honor of the 240th anniversary of the American Revolution, Coastal Heritage Society is offering enhanced benefits to their membership program throughout July 2016:

* New and renewing members will receive an additional 2 months added to their membership during the month of July.

* For only $20 per month for 12 months, new and renewing members may join at the Sustaining ($240) level (valid credit card required).

* New and renewing Sustaining ($240) members will receive an additional admission pass to share with a friend.

* All members will receive 20% off all gift shop purchases during the month of July.

For more information click here.

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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The British Occupation @ Wormsloe State Historic Site

Wormsloe State Historic State in Savannah (which is separate from the Coastal Heritage Society) also has an upcoming Revolutionary War program: The British Occupation of Savannah.

Come and celebrate the Revolution @ this historical, interactive program for kids.

The British Occupation of Savannah program
@ Wormsloe State Historic State, Savannah
July 2-4
10AM-4PM
Admission: $4.50-$10
912-353-3023
7601 Skidaway Rd
Savannah, Ga 31406

Details here.

There’s one last chance for your kids to take part in TD BANK Hilton Head Island KIDS Triathlons 2016 @ Island Recreation Center, Hilton Head Island, SC

July 30, 2016
9AM Start

Race day registration permitted. Different distances by age group. Swimming aids – kickboards etc. – allowed.

Distances
Ages 4-6
Swim 25 Yds | Bike 0.5 Mi | Run 0.33 Mi

Ages 7-10
Swim 75 Yds | Bike 2 Mi | Run 1 Mi

Ages 11-14
Swim 125 Yds | Bike 3 Mi | Run 1.5 Mi

Register here.

Harry Potter fans are invited for a party before the midnight release of the new Harry Potter book this summer.

Join in to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II. All Muggles, witches, and wizards are welcome.

Sat. July 30-31 at 7 PM-1AM
Barnes & Noble (Savannah, GA)
7804 Abercorn Ext
Savannah, Georgia 31406

Mark your calendar and hold on to your Remembrall: the eighth Harry Potter story arrives July 31! Come count down to the midnight release and wish Harry (and J.K. Rowling) a happy birthday.

Fourth of July 2016 is almost here.

Are you ready? Click here to find out where & when to watch Independence Day Fireworks this year in Savannah, Tybee Is., Richmond Hill & Hilton Head Is.

We also have lots of family programs to enjoy throughout the day including special museum events & bike parades on Monday July 4th here. 

Come see Elsa, Ana & Olaf Wed. June 29 @ Sweet Southern Sass in Savannah.

Elsa & crew will be at the Savannah Mall location of Sweet Southern Sass @ 11AM Wed. June 29 & at the Oglethorpe Mall location of Sweet Southern Sass @ 1PM.

Enjoy treats & Elsa reading a book. Pictures available before and after reading time.

FIND MORE FREE SAVANNAH-AREA FAMILY EVENTS HERE. 

Join Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. to play in fake show during Christmas in July Wed. July 20 10AM-2PM.

Snow is in the forecast for frolic and fun at the 6th Annual “Christmas in July” party. Festivities include indoor and outdoor holiday games and activities, including playing in the SNOW! Visit with Santa (who just happens to be enjoying a summer vacation on the island) or decorate holiday cookies. Don’t miss out on the “coolest” day of summer.

A light picnic lunch is also included so don’t miss out on the “coolest” day of the summer!

COST: $10/person or $5/person for members

Military and senior discounts are available with proper ID
First come, first serve. (Space and activities limited in the event of inclement weather)

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More Summer 2016 Events @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum

Parents Night Out
June 22 – Aug. 4 – Parent’s Night Out
Wednesday & Thursday Evenings | 6:00 – 9:00PM
Treat yourself to a parents night out while your kid’s (imaginations) run wild! Children ages 3-9 years will enjoy playing in our hands-on exhibits and activity areas. A staff-supervised arts and crafts activity and a pizza dinner will also be provided.
COST: $30/child or $20/child for siblings & members
A late pick-up fee of $1/minute per child
24-hour advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Details here. 
Call 843-842-7645 to sign up
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August 3-Big Summer Blowout
10AM-2PM
School is just around the corner so why not join us for an end-of-summer celebration! Have your picture taken with our special visitor – “Olaf” – between 11AM and 1PM. Send summer out in style with cool face paint or jump around in our Bounce House. Don’t miss out on the final dog days of summer at The Sandbox.
COST: $10/person or $5/person for members
Military and senior discounts are available with proper ID
First come, first serve! (Space and activities limited in the event of inclement weather)

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August 11 – FREE Countdown to Kindergarten
5-7PM

The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum invites all rising kindergartners and their families to the annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration. The celebration will provide parents with a helpful school readiness checklist of things children need to know before starting kindergarten. Families can connect with representatives from a variety of community organizations to learn about educational, health and local resources available to them. Children of all ages will enjoy fun games and activities, free admission to the museum and receive fun take home items to help them start the school year off right!
COST: FREE.

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Summer Camps 2016 @ The Sandbox.
July 5 – 29 – SUMMER CAMP
Weekly | 8:30 – 11:30AM
For ages 3-10.
Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum for their special summer camp series for children ages 3-10 years. Attendees will enjoy supervised playtime in the museum and theme focused fun and crafts. Click here to view specific dates, weekly themes and pricing. Weekly and daily rates are available.

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE LOCAL PARENT & ME ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR PRESCHOOLER, CLICK HERE. 

Photo credit: Copyright Girl Scouts of the USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission

We love that we’re hearing from many SouthernMamas.com readers who are taking Savannah staycations this summer.

One place to put on your Savannah staycation places to visit: The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.

New experiences at The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace help visitors get to know Savannah’s own Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts.

Juliette was not only Girl Scouts’ founder, she was also a writer, adventurer, painter, sculptor – even a metal worker. She thrived on exploring her own capabilities and self-expression, not exactly the norm for women, when she founded the organization in 1912 with the mission to build “girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” Who could have imagined that she would create a vision so timeless that it is just as applicable today as it was over 100 years ago?

The first space that visitors can participate in the new experience is the library. Previously interpreted as “a southern gentleman’s library,” with artifacts such as a humidor, ashtray, spittoon, and a gentleman’s collection of books, the library was a mix of artifacts and props that held little sense of Juliette’s passion for learning or her inventiveness of mind and spirit.

Recently completed, the new library is now a light, playful, interactive space with historic objects, digital devices, and interpretative art installations, through which girls can connect with Juliette and other female leadership models.

It features an interactive table with audio and video content celebrating women and the spoken word through speeches, poetry, storytelling, and song. Word games on the table allow visitors to write their own inspirational messages using scrabble and word tiles.

There is an artistic installation of a “Poe-tree,” which represents Juliette’s favorite literary genre via an historic symbol of her home town – and where girls can write and read their own poem under the tree.

Another installation has a typewriter on a desk with pages of typed text that flow out and up the wall in a cascade of letters that were written to Juliette Low.

One of the bookcases reveals Juliette’s love of literature and its role in early Girl Scouting with fiction and nonfiction publications for Girl Scouts and writings by Juliette, her mother and grandmother. The collection of 19th century books previously on exhibit in the bookcases is now installed with invisible supports on the chimney breast above the mantle in a dynamic, fresh and engaging display.

Directly seeing and experiencing Juliette’s world helps visitors not only to feel that Juliette’s home is theirs, but that their dreams, just like Juliette’s, are within reach. What a great way for moms and girls to rediscover their own dreams together.

Visit the Birthplace

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
10 East Oglethorpe Ave.
Savannah, GA 31401
Walk-in visitors welcome for tours Monday through Saturday, 10:15AM-4:15PM based on availability. On days when Girl Scout troops are visiting, the first tour begins at 12:15PM. Girl Scout programs take place in the morning.
Store Hours: 10AM-5PM (Mon-Sat)
juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
(912) 233-4501

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FIND MORE PLACES TO VISIT WITH KIDS IN SAVANNAH HERE. 

During July 2016, steam train rides at Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah will be Wednesday-Sunday.

Train rides will be at 11AM, 11:30AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM Wednesday through Saturday.

Sunday train rides will be at 1PM and 2PM.

Learn more here. 

Georgia State Railroad Museum
655 Louisville Road
Savannah, GA 31401
912.651.6823
www.chsgeorgia.org

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Make this your family’s most musical summer!

Join a Kindermusik Savannah class with your newborn, baby, toddler, or preschooler. Kindermusik is starting brand new themes in July & your family is invited to a FREE CLASS if you’re new to Kindermusik.

Contact us (music@88keysga.com or 912-988-KEYS) or visit kindermusikwith88keys.com for more information.

Kindermusik…music now, skills for life.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,   email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Tybee Post Theater has added yet another fun regular family summer event.

Not only is the theater showing family movies during June (See the schedule here), the theater will host Gray’s Reef Tuesdays in July & early August.

This weekly summer film series – presented by Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary & the Tybee Post Theater – will highlight the wonders of the ocean and our Georgia coast.

Enjoy award-winning films about the undersea world that promise to be fun and entertaining for the whole family. A Gray’s Reef representative will be on hand to provide a brief overview of the national marine sanctuary and the evening’s film as well as provide an opportunity for audience Q & A following the film.

This 7-week series kicks-off July 5 and continues each Tuesday night at 7PM through Aug. 16.

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Schedule

July 19: “Winter, the Dolphin That Can”

July 26: “Guy Harvey Expeditions: Sharks and Lionfish”

Aug. 2: “True Tales of Pirates” and “Lighthouses of the Southeast”

Aug. 9: “Lost & Found” & “The Current,”

Aug. 16: “Ocean Frontiers”

All include talks with experts, and in some cases, the filmmakers themselves.

Suggested donation: $5 with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit Tybee Post Theater and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

The Tybee Post Theater concession stand will sell beer, wine, soft drinks, hot popcorn, candy. Doors will open 30 minutes before each show.

For complete film listings, visit tybeeposttheater.org or call 912-472-4790.

LOCATION

The Tybee Post Theater
10 Van Horne Ave.
Tybee Island, GA 31328

Make special memories @ Mother-Daughter Date Night @ The Melting Pot of Savannah on July 10.

The Melting Pot of Savannah is also hosting Charity Night for One Love Animal Rescue on July 6.

JULY 6, 2016
One Love Animal Rescue Charity Night

Join The Melting Pot of Savannah in supporting One Love Animal Rescue. The Melting Pot will donate 10% of sales to this wonderful charity in addition to collecting pet food and raffling off some great Melting Pot prizes.

JULY 10, 2016
Mother-Daughter Date Night

This night will be a fabulous double event..Ladies Night Out & Mother-Daughter Date Night. The Melting Pot will be featuring their Crave Combo for $19.99pp plus fun shopping with LuLaRoe.

Make a reservation by calling The Melting Pot of Savannah at (912) 349-5676 or clicking here. 

The Melting Pot, 232 E. Broughton St. Savannah, Ga 31401 tel: 912-349-5676 for reservations, www.meltingpot.com/savannah The Melting Pot of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah’s Clay Spot has openings in all kids pottery camps running through July & August for ages 6-11.

Weekly camps, Monday-Friday, 9AM-Noon.

Get a glimpse of what the kids are making on the Savannah’s Clay Spot Facebook page here.

Register for camp at www.savannahsclayspot.com

Call with questions at 912-509-4647.

Click here to register

“Like” Savannah’s Clay Spot on Facebook here to stay connected & to see the adorable creations kids make at this studio.

Savannah’s Clay Spot is at 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401. The studio sits on the SW corner of Barnard and Henry Street with the front door facing Henry St. There is parking right in front of the studio facing Henry Street. Look for the fun red fence.

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com, 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401, tel. 912-509-4647 or e-mail lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

Join Mathnasium of Savannah Islands for their first FREE Summer games night this Friday June 24, 5-7PM

Come play the giant chess set, giant Connect Four and other fun games!

Drop the kids off and enjoy dinner in peace and quiet.

RSVP to 912-898-3700 or savannahislands@mathnasium.com by Thursday evening June 23.

Mathnasium of Savannah Islands 
912-898-3700
(Whitemarsh Isl next to Polka Dots)

Mathnasium is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Give your child the best start possible – introduce him to music at the earliest stage, while brain development is optimal!

Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys offers Kindermusik classes for ages 0-7. Learn and move together through the powerful tool of music & the magical experience of Kindermusik.

Join Kindermusik Savannah for a FREE demo for ages 0-7 on Tuesday, June 28 at 10AM

For more info, visit our website and click on FREE CLASS – kindermusikwith88keys.com, ~ 912.988.KEYS

Kindermusik…music now, skills for life.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,   email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Are you dreaming of a Walt Disney World vacation next year? 2017 packages are now available and the Disney travel gurus at Two Sisters Travel have all the details.

Get a no-obligation quote now or if you’re unsure about when to travel, they can even review crowd calendars helping you choose the best time of year for your visit!

Booking early with Two Sisters Travel ensures the very best availability and you never have to worry about getting the best deal! They closely watch promotions and discounts, and if something becomes available that will lower your price, they automatically adjust your package, no worries!

And booking early also gives more time to pay-off your vacation, AND brag to your friends that your family is going to Disney.

Start planning your 2017 Disney vacation now! Get a quote online or call 843-284-3241! And remember, it’s the same price to book with Two Sisters Travel as it is to book direct with Disney…. all of their concierge travel planning services including dining reservations, FastPass selections, and more are all 100% FREE!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

A special July 4th weekend screening of the summer blockbuster, “Jaws,” directed by Steven Spielberg @ Tybee Post Theater.

Two screenings: 3PM and 7PM on Sat. July 2

When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and a grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

Don’t miss this encore presentation on Tybee’s big screen.

Sat. July 2.
3PM and 7PM
Tickets $7 adults; $5 children 12 & younger

Ferdinand the Bull’s Flamenco Dancing @ Live Oak Public Library branches June 20-25

Renowned flamenco dancer Julie Galle Baggenstoss will read “The Story of Ferdinand” & teach basic flamenco dance steps, rhythms, choreography.

For ages 5 & older. Free & open to the public.

Details here. 

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH-AREA KIDS EVENTS, CLICK HERE.