Families will have an opportunity to get scientific with their love of plants @ Plant Science Saturday Aug. 5 at Forsyth Park.
Designed for budding plant scientists of all ages, plant scientists will host discovery stations to inspire excitement and curiosity about plants and plant life.
Hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists, the event kicks off Plant Biology Week in Savannah, during which ASPB’s annual Plant Biology conference will welcome more than 1,000 plant biologists and scientists from around the world.
Plant Science Saturday originated out of the desire for Plant Biology conference attendees to give back to their host cities.
Attendees start their journey into plant science with picking up a field guide that guides them through a range of hands-on activities. Learn about the building blocks of plant behavior by dissecting a lima bean, discover what components plants need to survive while creating a seed cup necklace, help plant scientists solve the challenges of growing plants in space, and more! Attendees who have visited all stations receive a Junior Plant Scientist completion certificate.
Plant Science Saturday, Sat. Aug. 5, 9AM-1PM @ Forsyth Park at Forsyth Farmers’ Market
This year’s event is held in partnership with Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
Family Movie Night will screen a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.
The free screening @ the Cultural Arts Center includes a stellar collection of hand-picked short films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.
The free event kicks off on Sat. Aug. 5 @ 6PM, with a social hour and concessions. Guests can enjoy food trucks before the films begin at 7PM and are appropriate for the whole family.
Sat. Aug. 5, 2023 Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery Street Free Admission 6PM Happy Hour with food trucks 7PM Showtime
You don’t have to travel far from Savannah to find a prime family-friendly vacation. Hilton Head Island is teeming with fun ways to entertain the kids.
SEE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM LATEST HILTON HEAD REEL HERE.
Hilton Head Island’s beaches are the No. 1 way. You can bike on this beach. You can play in the tidal pools at low-tide. Swim. Sand castles. Ride the waves.
FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
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Bicycling on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island offers over 50 miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.
Also bike the self-guided Legacy Oak Program tour, which consists of 20 landmark Live Oak trees in Sea Pines Resort which range in age from 100 to 320 years in 15 locations. Each designated tree is on an easily accessible public property. Most are identified with a wooden bench engraved with the name of the tree, its estimated birth year and the program logo. Learn more here & download a pamphlet and trail map highlighting the history, location, size and age of each of the Sea Pines Legacy Oaks.
The park off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot and Coligny Beach Park features: *The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool/splash pad and more. The ship includes: cannons that spray a light mist, crow’s nests, swing bridges, port holes, rope nets, periscopes. *An open pavilion and lawn for events. *A perimeter walk *Two fitness stations *Wi-Fi *Public restrooms
Take a free, self-guided tour of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Established in 1862 on Hilton Head Island, Mitchelville is the first place in the United States where African Americans, out of slavery but not yet citizens, self-governed. This first self-governed town of freed slaves is commemorated in the historic site of Mitchelville Freedom Park on Beach City Road. Learn more here
A mere hour drive from Savannah, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easy getaway from Savannah to bike amid nature on 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. (Not located on Hilton Head Is. but between HHI and Bluffton)
The free animal farm includes goats, sheep, chickens, turtles, cows and alpacas. Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Woody, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee.
The animal farm is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928
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Free Skate Park
Free Skate Park @ Bristol Sports Arena. Free outdoor skate park. Ramps & rails for skaters of all abilities. Restrooms. Pads required. Details here. 4 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Is. SC 29926.
Educational natural history and animal programs at a venue that includes salt marsh board walks, open fields, gardens, trails and a 1200 square foot butterfly habitat that is home to some 13 species of native butterflies to the Lowcountry. Explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68 acre Honey Horn property. The Museum’s trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure and Marsh Tacky horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit. Mon. – Sat. 9-4:30 and Sun. 11-3. *Perfect rainy day activity. More info here. 70 Honey Horn Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
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Sea Pines Forest Preserve
The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom. The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.
The Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town is one of the top playgrounds in our area. Fenced, somewhat shaded playground that includes a treehouse; swings; numerous slides; lots of climbing bars, jungle gym bars, monkey bars. Just outside the fenced-playground is a water fountain; picnic tables; bathrooms; and plenty of spots for lunch, drinks or coffee and of course, the famous Harbour Town lighthouse which is open to climb for a fee plus $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928
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FREE historical Stoney-Baynard Ruins, Sea Pines
The ruins of the old Baynard estate, the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, are permanently preserved within six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. The home was raided during the Civil War and Union forces made it their headquarters. Details here. The ruins are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
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Seasonal
Spring & summer events
Free family-friendly outdoor Gregg Russell concerts at Harbour Town, Sea Pines
A classic on Hilton Head Is. for almost four decades, Gregg Russell Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town happen regularly during summer (weather permitting) & periodically during spring.
This family-oriented singer/storyteller performs sing-a-longs, ballads & silly songs with audience participation. Kids in the audience try to get Gregg to pick them to sing a song to the crowd, often using creative pick-me posters etc. Concerts are free; there’s a $9 gate fee per auto. Celebrating 40 years in 2016, Gregg has become a Sea Pines classic. Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town is where you’ll find Gregg Russell entertaining adults and children alike. His concerts are not to be missed. Find the concert schedule here.
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Free Sea Pines Trolley
Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines. Schedule info here. Trolley rides are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Good rainy day activity
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Beach access at Sea Pines Beach Club.
Sea Pines Beach Club has convenient access to the beach, Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks & cold beverages. Details here. 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The beach club is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
Located off Pope Avenue on the south end of Hilton Head Island (about a 60 min. drive from Savannah), this interactive museum provides a place for educational play between children and their caregivers.
For ages infant to eight. 18A Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-7645 Daily rates & membership rates here. 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
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FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project 2023 kicks off Mon. July 3 2023 from 4-7PM @ Leopold’s Ice Cream. During that time, any child (age 12 and younger, accompanied by an adult) who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance gets a free child’s scoop in a cake cone, cup or sugar cone.
After the kick-off, Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street will hold additional I Pledge for Ice Cream events each Monday in July 2023 from 4-7PM. The 2023 dates are: July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project started in Savannah on July 1, 2010 & now is in 40 U.S. states and 153 frozen dessert shops.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
This free weekly SouthernMamas.com e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
This free weekly SouthernMamas.com e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah will be temporarily closed the week of July 3-July 7 2023.
Military personnel (Active & Retired) and their families are welcomed to Oatland Island Wildlife Center for free – with ID or DD214- in honor of Independence Day – on two weekends before & and after July 4th.
Come out and enjoy the day exploring the beautiful grounds and watching the animals in the summer air. All visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.
Open 10AM-4PM
Proof of service must be provided when you check in at the Admissions Booth.
This free weekly SouthernMamas.com e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
Find free, family-friendly Fourth of July Weekend happenings @ Plant Riverside District in Savannah from Fri. June 30-Tues. July 4 2023 including free live music and kid-friendly activities along Savannah’s historic riverfront at 400 W. River St.
Plant Riverside District will sponsor the annual Savannah’s WaterfrontIndependence Day Fireworks Show over the Savannah River on Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15PM. A special Fourth of July Viewing Party at Electric Moon will feature live DJ Lil’ G, exciting giveaways and an ideal vantage point to watch the fireworks show. Admission is $20 per person at the door.
LIVE MILITARY BANDS
OnSat. July 1 at 1PM, the Parris Island Marine Band will perform at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Plant Riverside District.
The 116th United States Army Band, a unit of the Georgia National Guard from Marietta, Ga., will perform live on Sun. July 2 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park from 5 to 6:30PM. Savannah singer, speaker and author Stephanie Cherry will sing “The Star Spangled Banner” preceding the 116th United States Army Band’s performance.
A special Kids Corner will offer the opportunity to tie-dye t-shirts red, white and blue. Plant Riverside District will host the tie-dye Kids Corner at the Riverwalk Pavilions from Sat. July 1-Tues. July 4 from 1 to 5PM. Guests can bring their own 100% cotton T-shirt to tie dye free of charge or can purchase a T-shirt on-site for $10.
RED, WHITE & BLUE LIGHTING AND MORE
Throughout the holiday weekend, Plant Riverside District’s smokestacks, fountains and other familiar landmarks will be illuminated with red, white and blue lights after dark. Nightly America the Beautiful Fountain Shows will feature music in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. at 9PM and 10PM
For more information about the Fourth of July festivities at Plant Riverside District, please visit plantriverside.com.
This free weekly SouthernMamas.com e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
$2 Summer kids’ weekday movies will be back Tuesdays & Thursdays this Summer 2023 @ both Pooler movie theaters. In Bluffton SC, Cinemark will have $1.50 movies on Wednesdays for Summer 2023.
See the 2023 Savannah-area summer kids’ movies scheduleshere.
This free weekly SouthernMamas.com e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
July 4th Fireworks @ The Pier @ Tybee Island, Mon. July 4 2023 Tues. July 4, 2023, 9PM Tybee’s annual celebration of America’s birthday. Independence day fireworks start between 9PM and 9:30 pm. The show is staged on the pier but is easily viewed from any of Tybee Island’s eastern beaches.
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HILTON HEAD IS. FIREWORKS
Shelter Cove Harbour Fireworks, Tues. July 4 HarbourFest on July 4 at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is an expanded version of the activities at Shelter Cove on certain evenings during summer. Entertainment; children’s activities, food and more. Activities start at approximately 6PM., with fireworks around dark at 9PM. More information here.
Festivities in Harbour Town for a fireworks extravaganza over the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse and Calibogue Sound. Food, fun and live music. Fireworks will be at approximately 9PM. Details here.
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Fourth of July Activitiesin Savannah & Richmond Hill
(Savannah) FREE Watermelon Crawl run @ Lake Mayer. 7AM Tues. July 4. Details here.
(Savannah) Free Fourth of July Weekend activities July 1-4 @ Plant Riverside District, located on Savannah’s historic riverfront @ 400 W. River St. Details here.
(Savannah) Train rides @ Georgia State Railroad Museum. Details here.
(Savannah) Loyalists & Liberty Battlefield Tours @ Savannah History Museum. Details here.
(Savannah) Cannon Firings & Programs @ Old Fort Jackson. Details here.
(Richmond Hill) Independence Day Celebrations @ Fort McAllister State Park Sat. July 1 & Tues. July 4, 2022 10AM-3PM Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. An old-fashioned celebration with living history demonstrations and musket demonstrations. $9. 912-727-2339. Details here.
(Savannah) Free ice cream for kids 12 & younger for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 4-7PM Mondays in July 2023 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream. Details here.
(Hilton Head Is) 5K Race @ Coligny Beach, 7:30AM Tues. July 4. Details here.
(Hilton Head Is) FREE July 4th outdoor performances with beloved kids-entertainer Gregg Russell @ Harbour Town in Sea Pines Resort, 8-9:30PM ($9 per vehicle Sea Pines Resort gate fee). Remember to bring some “pick me to sing” signs. Details here.
(Hilton Head Is) Fourth of July parade in Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort, 8:30AM-10AM Tues. July 4 2023 Show off your red, white and blue spirit by decorating your bicycle, wagon, dog or kids for this parade around Harbour Town. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the newly remodeled Quarterdeck at 8:30AM to register and pick up decorating supplies. Parade lineup begins promptly at 9:30AM and entries will be judged on patriotism. Supplies limited to first 100 registered. Following the parade, there will be carnival games, inflatables and more. Call (843) 842-1979. ($9 per vehicle Sea Pines Resort gate fee). Details here
Join the running community on July 4th 2023 @ 7AM. Meet in Lake Mayer Park in Savannah for a NO REGISTRATION, UNTIMED, watermelon eating, fun running good time.
Hit the beach this July 4th for the USA 5K at Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island. This family-friendly July 4th celebration is open to runners and walkers of all ages and all skill levels.
The 2023 event is entirely on the hard, flat beach at low tide.
Registration requires a fee. Register online here.
Free summer programs @ Live Oak Public Library 16 library branches providing programs and services in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties include:
Special Performers. See the schedule of FREE special summer kid-friendly performances @ library branches here.
Summer Lunches: Free, healthy meals for children and youth at select library locations, in partnership with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Free Professor Universe science show on an exploration inside the human body. For all ages. Details here.
FreeManomet Shorebird Conservation. Learn about the shorebirds on Tybee and what you can do to ensure the survival of their species. All ages are welcome. Details here.
Free Front Porch Improv Teen Workshop. Highly-interactive workshop where tweens and teens learn improv games, play fun improv short-form games. Details here.
