Wondering what Soccer Shots Savannah is all about?

Check out their upcoming FREE Soccer Day in Forsyth Park, Sat. Sept. 12, 9-10:30AM.

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development for ages 2-8.

This is a great opportunity for children to try a Soccer Shots program for the first time and for parents to meet some Soccer Shots coaches.

They will run abbreviated 15 minute sessions and have more information about the Soccer Shots program available. Event will take place on the Whitaker Street side of the park, on the south end by the tennis courts and Farmer’s Market.

Please preregister for this free event so organizers know how many children to expect and can plan with their coaches.

Enroll at savannah.soccershots.com, just search “free” to see a complete list of all free events near you.

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Soccer Shots is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There’s a new multi-use public trail to explore in Savannah.

A portion of Savannah’s Truman Linear Bike Path is now usable, although the entire park trail – including usable portions – is not complete so please use caution. 

A roughly three-mile section of the proposed six-mile public Truman Linear Park Trail is close to completion. The nearly complete section between Lake Mayer and East DeRenne Avenue parallels the Truman Parkway and Casey Canal, as detailed in the image above.

Part of the boardwalk that runs through a woodsy section of Magnolia Park neighborhood still has gaps that require bike riders to dismount but the majority of that three-mile Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue section is usable. The section from the boardwalk to East DeRenne Avenue is not finished, but users can follow Woodland Drive to DeRenne until completed.

Here’s the route from Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue: Trail travels from Lake Mayer north along Sallie Mood Drive to Eisenhower; cross over Eisenhower; turn right onto trail; trail travels along north side of Eisenhower; follow trail under Truman Parkway; follow trail left, traveling parallel to Truman Parkway; follow trail as it travels behind Hester & Zipperer parallel to Truman Parkway; trail travels past ball fields at the Scarborough Sports Complex (on your right); travel along Lovett Drive and follow the trail as it turns left onto Bacon Park Drive. Follow the trail along Bacon Park Drive. The trail then becomes a boardwalk through wooded area and (temporarily) spills out onto Woodland Drive. Turn left onto Woodland Drive to East DeRenne Avenue.

The proposed Truman Linear public path will eventually link Daffin Park on Victory Drive to Lake Mayer Park on Montgomery Cross Road.

The multi-use trail eventually will connect 18 neighborhoods and 13 schools. Learn more here. 

Savannah Music Festival is currently accepting applications for a new free youth SMF Jazz Academy Program that starts Sept. 14 2020.

Savannah Music Festival, a leading nonprofit performing arts organization, will officially launch SMF Jazz Academy as a free virtual music education program designed specifically for Savannah-Chatham County Public School students.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCCPSS recently transitioned to online learning for the start of 2020-2021 school year. Taking the district’s lead, SMF Jazz Academy will start online on Sept. 14 and continue exclusively online for the Fall 2020 semester.

The program is now open to any SCCPSS student in fifth grade through twelfth grade who does not have a jazz band offered at his or her school. SMF Jazz Academy is currently accepting beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Previous musical experience is not required.

SMF Jazz Academy has added several new staff members and, with the transition to online learning, will offer students special masterclasses and workshops led by talented artists from across the United States.

The online SMF Jazz Academy program includes free instrument rental, if needed, as well as weekly private lessons via video, composition and music technology classes, virtual practice rooms, online masterclasses with guest artists and much more. Thanks to founding sponsors Ron and Susan Whitaker, the program is free to all participating students. The Hodge Foundation, Junior Jazz Foundation and Widespread Panic’s Tunes for Tots provide support for free instrument rentals to participants.

Applications are currently being accepted for SMF Jazz Academy.

To apply, visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org/jazzacademy.

Registration closes Sept. 4, 2020. Limited space is available. After open spaces are filled, additional submissions will be added to our wait list. Families will be notified about their student’s enrollment by Sept. 4.

Questions? Contact Jessica Messere at jessica@savannahmusicfestival.org or 912.234.3378 x107.

Come to Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah this Sat. Aug. 22 2020 for some social distancing, pollinator counting, and other fun activities.

Free admission 9AM-1PM.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
2 Canebrake Road
Savannah, GA 31419

Learn more here. 

Archery class @ Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah

Come learn the basics of archery and test your skills on Skidaway Is. State Park archery range in Savannah.

This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided but not shared. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Advance registration by phone at (912) 598-2300 is required as space will be limited to 4 participants, and social distancing will be required.

Please plan on arriving 10 minutes early to allow time to make your way to the program location.
9-9:30AM Sat. Aug. 29
10-10:30AM Sat. Aug. 29

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Scavenger Hunt @ Skidaway Island State Park

Snag the swag in this picture scavenger hunt throughout Skidaway Is. State Park. All you need is a way to take pictures and to be ready to explore our park.

Come to the office to get the list and complete your hunt between 9am and 4pm! When you’re finished, swing by the office and show us your pictures. Those who find 10 out of 16 will win prizes!

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your group – stay cool!

9AM Sun. Aug. 16
9AM Sun. Aug. 30

Make Your Own Slime – RSVP Required
Port Royal Sound Foundation
310 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie, SC 29909
Saturdays in August 2020, 9-10AM

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, YOU MUST CALL 843-645-7774 to TO REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM – LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.
$5 per participant; age 5 & younger FREE
Learn how to make slime during Saturdays in August 2020, 9-10AM @ Port Royal Sound Foundation
Bring your own container to take your slime home. All ages are welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.
COVID-19 Precautions:
– A cloth mask or other face covering is required while on our campus (ages 3+). All PRSF staff will also be wearing a mask.
– The number of participants will be limited in all programs in order to maintain social distancing, so please RSVP!
– All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more here or call 843-645-7774.

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Exploring Insects, RSVP required
Port Royal Sound Foundation
310 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie, SC 29909
Tuesday Aug. 4 & 18 in August 2020, 10-11AM

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, YOU MUST CALL 843-645-7774 TO REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM – LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.
$5 per participant; age 5 & under FREE
Explore the life of insects by seeing what we can catch! All ages welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult. This is an outside activity so please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
COVID-19 Precautions:
– A cloth mask or other face covering is required while on our campus (ages 3+). All PRSF staff will also be wearing a mask.
– The number of participants will be limited in all programs in order to maintain social distancing, so please RSVP!
– All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult

Learn more here or call 843-645-7774.

While Savannah Cultural Arts Center isn’t open, the staff there want to share some creative fun for kids to do at home.

Tape Resistant Art to make at home

A fun art activity for all ages to indulge their creative side. Tape Resist Art is a simple craft with endless possibilities.

Find instructions online here from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. Watch their how-to video here, and make your own!

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Savannah Families Weekend
July 17–July 19 2020
Jepson Center in Savannah

Explore Juneteenth connections and current exhibitions at the Jepson Center with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. In lieu of the museum’s Free Family Day, the museum will expand free admission to the Jepson Center over a three-day weekend to allow for smaller numbers and social distancing. Family Art Activity Packets with suggested activities for the museum visit and at-home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Please note: This program applies to the Jepson Center only.

The museum may have limited capacity at peak hours due to social distancing measures. Presented thanks to investment provided by the City of Savannah.

Learn more here.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Savannah Families Free Weekend @ Telfair Museums Jepson Center
July 17–19 2020
Free and open to residents of Chatham County

Explore Juneteenth connections at the Jepson Center  in Savannah with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. Art Activity Packets with family activities for the museum visit and at home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

I Pledge July tradition  is still happening for 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream in downtown Savannah.

During The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream, any child (age 12 and under, 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.

Come to Leopold’s @ 212 East Broughton St. on Mondays in July 2020 from 4-7PM for the I Pledge for Ice Cream. The 2020 dates are: July 6, 13, 20 & 27.

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

J.F. Gregory Park Playground Grand Re-Opening
Fri. June 26, 2020 @ 10:30AM

The City of Richmond Hill invites you to the grand re-opening of the playground in J.F. Gregory Park on Friday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m.

At the end of 2019, Mayor and Council approved upgrades to the playground area in J.F. Gregory Park and they have been completed.

The playground received several upgrades including new sunshades, benches and an updated swing set. Two new pieces of playground equipment have been installed, including an inclusive orbit for children with disabilities.

This project was funded by SPLOST VII revenue.

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta remains closed due to COVID-19, but the historic venue is opening its doors virtually to fans through a new digital Behind the Scenes series, set to debut by the end of June.

The biweekly series will explore areas of the not often seen by guests – from the Hospital Room and backstage to its Archives and Projector Room. Fans can look forward to a peek at some rarely seen parts of the 90-year old Atlanta landmark.

Find the free Fox Theatre Digital Behind the Scenes Series online here biweekly on Fridays.

Live Oak Public Libraries will open with limited services starting Monday, June 15, 2020.

Limited Opening
All library locations will be open to the public, with the exception of Forest City Library, Port City Library, Tybee Library, W.W. Law Library, and West Broad Library, all of which are undergoing renovations.

Library hours are:
– Monday, 10 AM – 7 PM
– Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM
– Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM

Express Services
At this time, available library services include:
Pick up / drop off materials: Customers may check out and return materials using self-checks and bookdrops. Front-door express pickup service is still available by appointment. Call your library location for assistance.
Public computers and internet: Customers may use a limited number of public computers for up to one hour per person per day. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wireless internet is also available both inside and outside of library buildings.
Print, copy, fax: Services are available by request. Fees apply.

Safety as Priority
The safety of customers and staff is the highest priority. As the library increases access to the community, adjustments to library operations are necessary due to concerns for public health.
There will be a limited number of people allowed in buildings at a time.
Signage will remind customers about symptoms, social distancing, and proper hygiene.
Services will involve little or no person-to-person contact at this time. Plexiglass shields are installed at service desks.

Library visitors are asked to follow these guidelines, in order to protect themselves and others:
Wear a face covering.
Limit visits to 1 hour per person per day.
Maintain a minimum 6 feet in physical distancing.
Stay home if you are feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.

Meeting room use, group gatherings, in-person programs, outreach services, and book donations are still suspended.

Library Accounts
While libraries are providing limited services, the library is offering greater flexibility with user accounts:
Overdue fees are waived and due dates are extended.
Library cards are renewed until September 30, 2020.
Digital-only accounts and new library cards are available.

Please be reminded that the quarantine of returned materials will result in a delay of items being removed from your account. You will not be fined for additional days that returned items are quarantined.

Virtual Programs
Live Oak Public Libraries provides virtual programs and services that all ages can enjoy at home. We invite you to visit our website and social media for the latest updates on activities this summer.
Summer Reading Program: Everyone can enjoy fun reading activities and prizes.
Grab & Go Meals: Free food service is at specific library locations in partnership with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
Take & Make Craft Projects: Available at participating libraries while supplies last.
Ready Resources: Assistance for jobseekers, small businesses, and lifelong learning.

Learn more on all of the above virtual programs here. 

The UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island in Savannah will offer these free, virtual programs during July 2020. Register online via the links below.

The UGA Aquarium is CLOSED until further notice; however the Jay Wolf Nature Trail, salt marsh boardwalk, Skidaway Learning Garden, picnic area and pavilion are all open daily during daylight hours. Please use social distancing guidelines while onsite. Questions, please call 912-598-3474.

Afternoons at the Aquarium:
The Flying Debris
July 2, 2 – 2:30 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Exploring the Coast
July 7, 11 a.m. – Noon

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Afternoons at the Aquarium:
Turtle Takeover
July 9, 2 – 2:30 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Sharks and Rays 101
July 10, Noon – 1 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Skull Puzzles
July 14, 11 a.m. – Noon

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Afternoons at the Aquarium:
Feeling Crabby
July 16, 2 – 2:30 p.m

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Meet our Fleet
July 21, 11 a.m. – Noon

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Afternoons at the Aquarium:
Horseshoe Crabs
July 23, 2 – 2:30 p.m

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Barnacles, Sea Squirts and Algae
Oh My!
July 28, 11 a.m. – Noon

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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Afternoons at the Aquarium:
Shark Sketches
July 30, 2 – 2:30 p.m

REGISTER ONLINE HERE. 

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J.K. Rowling’s new children’s chapter book – The Ickabog – will be published for free online here, in installments, over the next seven weeks, a chapter (or two, or three), at a time.

Rowling writes “It isn’t Harry Potter and it doesn’t include magic. This is an entirely different story.” The first two chapters, which went online on Tues. May 26, introduced King Fred the Fearless, ruler of Cornucopia, and five-year-old Bert Beamish.

Read it here.

The Ickabog book will be published in November 2020. Rowling writes: “I’m going to donate all my royalties to help people who have been affected by the coronavirus.”

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Illustration Competition

J.K. Rowling is inviting children ages 7-12 to help illustrate The Ickabog. Every day when chapters of the story are uploaded, she will offer suggestions for what to draw or paint to illustrate the story, then kids can enter drawings or paintings into the official competition being run by J.K. Rowling’s publishers, for a once in a lifetime chance to be featured in The Ickabog book, which is published in November.

Find details on how to enter here. 

While Savannah Cultural Arts Center isn’t open, the staff there want to share some creative fun for kids to do at home.

Create a 3D Card to make at home

Learn how to turn paper hearts into a one-of-a-kind gift or work of art! This instruction sheet from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center will help you learn the basics, then you can let your imagination take it from there.

Learn how to make the 3D card with these online instructions here.

Candle making can be another great DIY craft activity, have a look at this post to find the best candle making kits.
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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Social-distancing family, (almost) free fun: Amazon is launching its original thriller The Vast of the Night (PG-13) at select drive-ins across the country including Hwy. 21 Drive In in Beaufort, S.C. this Friday and Saturday May 15 and 16 2020 ahead of the movie’s Prime Video debut May 29.

The drive-in will charge $0.50 admission for anyone 4 years and older in celebration of Vast of the Night’s 1950s theme.

For directions & showties, follow the Drive In on Facebook here.

Hwy 21 Drive In, 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906, tel (843) 846-4500, Email hwy21drivein@embarqmail.com, hwy21drivein.com

Daniel Radcliffe, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning and more will read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first of J.K. Rowling’s classic series, out loud from home in quarantine.

Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter in all eight films, kicked off the readings with Chapter One, “The Boy Who Lived.” Listen & watch Radcliffe read it here.

All 17 chapters of The Sorcerer’s Stone — known as The Philosopher’s Stone outside the U.S. — will be released weekly until the middle of summer, and will be available on Spotify and the Harry Potter at Home website.

Other readers from the Harry Potter universe include Fantastic Beasts‘ Eddie Redmayne, Stephen Fry, Claudia Kim and Noma Dumezweni. More narrators will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more here .

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FIND MORE FREE THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO ONLINE HERE. 

The popular companion in-school program known as EduHam is being made available digitally through August, free of charge, to teachers, parents and pupils everywhere.

The launch of EduHam at Home was announced this week by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and his partners in the venture: producer Jeffrey Seller, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, which developed the curriculum.

The program uses a love of the musical to spark students’ interests in creative pursuits and tie them to historical research.

EduHam was born as an offshoot of “Hamilton” and 250,000 students nationwide have participated.

Kids can register for this free online program here.

Question? Please email eduhamhome@gilderlehrman.org.

SouthernMamas.com weekly e-letter is out & featuring Low Country Counseling, newly hatched osprey you can watch via Landings Bird Cam Savannah, Coastal Pediatrics, Savannah summer camps & more.

Read it here.

Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books, and PBS KIDS are collaborating with former First Lady Michelle Obama, in support of the recently announced “Read Together, Be Together” Penguin Random House literacy initiative and PBS KIDS’ “Read-Along” effort on Facebook and YouTube.

On Mondays at 12 noon (ET), “Mondays with Michelle Obama” will host a four-week series of videos that will feature Mrs. Obama reading aloud from beloved children’s books (one book every Monday through May 11).

“Mondays with Michelle Obama” (#PBSKIDSRead, #ReadTogetherBeTogether) will be livestreamed simultaneously on PBS KIDS’ Facebook page and YouTube channel, and on Penguin Random House’s Facebook page, and will remain available for viewing on demand on all of those platforms immediately thereafter.

The four books Mrs. Obama will read are:

April 20, 12 noon ET: THE GRUFFALO
Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

April 27, 12 noon ET: THERE’S A DRAGON IN YOUR BOOK
Written by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott

May 4, 12 noon ET: MISS MAPLE’S SEEDS
Story and pictures by Eliza Wheeler

May 11, 12 noon ET: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
By Eric Carle

We’re living through an historic era.

And The Georgia Historical Society is launching a project to help document our lives during this pandemic.

The organization is collecting stories of Georgians, and how the coronavirus has changed their lives, to add to their permanent collection.

This is an opportunity to share with future generations what living during COVID-19 was like.

You are invited to contribute any pictures, videos, artwork, journals and other materials related to this time in our history.

The COVID-19 Collection will be a permanent collection and be made available to researchers once processed and cataloged. Some items may be used now and in the future for online exhibits and social media campaigns.

Submit your contributions online here. 

New York Sings Along to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” via Facebook Live on Thurs. April 16, 2020, @ 7PM.

See it here.

At about 6:45PM, a Facebook Live feed will launch from the New York Sings Along FB page and coordinate the “Clap Because We Care” participation and sing-along.

New Yorkers have done the “Clap Because We Care,” tribute, applauding and cheering from their windows, terraces, and rooftops to boost morale and honor New Yorkers on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic and helping maintain essential services.

In future weeks, organizers of New York Sings Along may do different songs.

New York Sings Along is a project of The Peace of Heart Choir.

The organizers of Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights and Gingerbread Village bring you the Lowcountry online “Stay at Home” Show every Wednesday at 6PM during COVID-19 quarantine. Special guests, interactive games and more.

Play with on Zoom to win PRIZES like Amazon gift cards and dinners delivered to you door.

More details at www.HarborShow.com. Or  visit PlayHarborShow.com to play along on Zoom.