Bring your toddler or preschooler to FREE dance classes at Lake Mayer Community Center, 1850 E Montgomery Cross Rd, Savannah, 31406.

Classes are every Thursday from 9:30A-10:15A & 10:30A-11:15A. Every child from age 3-5 is welcome.

For more FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ EVENTS, visit our FREEBIES page by clicking here.

Expect a whole different storytime experience at the Islands & Garden City Live Oak Public libraries.

That’s because the Islands & Garden City each will have brand new, $5 million libraries this month!

Two new Live Oak Public libraries opened Tues. Oct. 14

Garden City Library: 104 Sunshine Avenue, Garden City, GA 31405
(Dean Forrest & Sunshine Avenue)

Islands Library: 50 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, GA 31410
(Whitemarsh Island Rd. & Johnny Mercer Blvd.)

Each library is 16,000 square feet. Features include:

More than 40 computers for adults and children
More than 30,000 items (books, CDs, DVDs) added to the overall collection
Extended hours of operation
—Mondays & Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
—Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Large meeting room that can accommodate 50 lecture‐style, 30 with seminar seating
Three meeting/study rooms – one for up to 10, two for up to 6
Large dedicated children’s area
—Transportation theme (trains, planes, boats, trucks) for Garden City Library
—Ocean theme for Islands Library
—Storytime room with seating space for more than 100 children on risers for optimum viewing
—Dedicated arts & crafts and activity space to foster active learning
Exterior book drop
Self‐check in & out
“Behind the Scenes” window for a glimpse into library operations
Silver LEED Designation
—Unique, energy‐saving lighting options ‐ sleek LED blade lights
—Ceilings in the central reading room are more than 20 feet high with abundant natural light
—Fully landscaped with native plantings for ease of maintenance
Covered entrance
Hands‐free restrooms

WHEN STORYTIMES & OTHER FREE KIDS EVENTS START AT THESE NEW FACILITIES, WE’LL INCLUDE THEM ON OUR EVENTS CALENDAR HERE & ON OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

Join Kindermusik in Savannah  on Mondays for parent & me classes for ages 0-3.

Free trial classes are available to all new interested families. Babies 0’s and 1’s meet Mondays at 9:20am; toddlers ages 2 and 3 meet Mondays at 10:15am. For more info call 912.988.KEYS (5397) or email music@88keysga.com.

Also, join Kindermusik in Savannah on Tuesday Oct.21 at 10 AM for their monthly musical play date: “Classic toys for girls and boys!” Open to ages 0-7.

Enroll online today at www.88keysga.com.

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends.”

Kindermusik Savannah, email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397), www.88keysga.com then click on Kindermusik link. Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re Invited to Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival at New Covenant Church and Preschool in Savannah

6:30-8:30 PM Friday, Oct. 31, 2014

2201 Bull Street, Savannah, 31401

Costumes are welcomed! Come enjoy crafts, games, food, fun & candy galore at this FREE family event.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For more information, call 912-232-7012

FOR MORE FALL FESTIVALS & HALLOWEEN EVENTS, VISIT OUR FALL FUN GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE. 

The Bryan County Bark Park announces its first annual Fall Festival on November 8 2014, which will take place at the soon to be opened facility in De Vaul Henderson Park

The community is invited to join this dog and family friendly fun day which kicks off at 10am with a 3K run and half mile walk to raise money for the Bark Park. Race registration costs $25 before October 15th, $30 after this date and is available online at www.bryancountybarkpark.com or via a registration pack at PawParazzi at Parker’s Square in Richmond Hill.

Festival includes hourly displays and competitions including a Fall Fever Costume Contest, Tricks for Treats Talent Contest and Owner Look Alike Contest for dogs and their owners to compete for great prizes.

Displays will include agility and police dog demonstrations and canine and human refreshment will be available for purchase throughout the day. Cedar Animal Hospital will offer on site micro-chipping between noon-3pm for $55 to include the registration fee. PawParazzi will offer nail clipping and ear cleaning for only $5 each with proceeds from both businesses donated to the Bark Park.

Raffles and pet friendly shopping as well as children’s activities will run from 10am – 3pm.

Proceeds benefit the fundraising campaign of the Bryan County Bark Park which is now registered as a non-profit organization. Donations may be tax deductible. Media inquiries to lesley@francis.com or (912) 429 3950

FOR MORE FALL FESTIVALS & HALLOWEEN EVENTS, VISIT OUR FALL FUN GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE. 

FREE Halloween fun for kids at various Live Oak Public Library branches in Savannah, Pooler & beyond.

Campfire Spooktacular
Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Saturday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m.
Bring your pillows and flashlights and enjoy spooky stores around the “campfire.” Ages 5 and up.

Family Read Party
Bull Street Library, 652-3630
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.
Slightly frightening storytime and craft for the whole family. All ages.

Tree Tots Costume Party!
Pooler Library, 748-0471
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Children ages 0 to 5 are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to this storytime.

FOR MORE HALLOWEEN KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Telfair Art Fair 2014

Saturday, November 15 | 10am-5pm (FREE Family Activities from 10am-2pm)
Sunday, November 16| 12-4pm

The 20th Annual Telfair Art Fair will be November 15 and 16 2014 in the heart of historic downtown Savannah @ Telfair Square directly across from Telfair Academy at 121 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401.

Includes: FREE children’s activities Sat. Nov. 15 10 AM-2 PM.

This popular southern open air art fair attracts thousands of high-end art collectors, tourists, area residents and families, and is open to artists displaying and selling works in various artistic disciplines including painting, printmaking, drawing/pastel, digital media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics/pottery, photography, furniture, glass, textiles/fiber, and mixed media.

Telfair Square, 121 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401, www.telfair.org 

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

The 4th Annual Savannah Food Day Festival will be in Daffin Park on Sunday, Nov. 2 2014, 11 AM-5 PM.

Join Well FED Magazine and hundreds of local organizations and businesses as they come together to celebrate a national movement in support of local, affordable, sustainable food.

The event is the largest Food Day event in America and is FREE to the public.

It includes dozens of workshops and classes with topics such as organic gardening, cooking classes, healthy living and more.

There will be art and educational activities for kids of all ages, as well as fun entertainment that includes puppet shows, face-painting, and making art with food. Bring your blankets and tents because this is an all day festival with live performances by some of Savannah’s top musical acts.

There will also be farmers and vendors to shop from, local healthy food vendors selling ready to eat goods, and hundreds of exhibitors to browse.

This is sure to be a fun filled healthy learning event for the entire family!

To view the schedule of events, musical guests, workshop and class descriptions, map, and more please click here. 

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Get into the fall spirit and come to Bright Life Chiropractic’s fun-filled, family, FREE Cowboy Carnival, noon-4 PM Saturday, October 18 2014.

Admission is FREE with a canned food donation.

Bounce houses, games, vendor booths, pumpkin & cookie decorating, music, petting zoo, FREE FOOD, prizes, a chili cook-off and more!

Bright Life Chiropractic is blessed to be partnering with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal GA to assist them in their mission to erase hunger in our community, especially as we approach the holiday season.

Please bring a canned food donation for admission to help end hunger in the Coastal Empire.

2 Park of Commerce Blvd. Suite D., Savannah, Ga 31405. ​Located off Chatham Pkwy and I-16 next to Kia. ​

For any questions or more information, contact Dr. Samantha Brown at ​912.777.3717 or drsamanthajbrown@gmail.com.

At Bright Life Chiropractic, their mission is to set people free from their current health conditions or enhance their current quality of life so they may live their lives to their fullest potential. Bright Life Chiropractic assists families in gaining victory in their health, naturally.

Bright Life Chiropractic, 2 Park of Commerce Blvd. Suite D, Savannah 31405, 912.777.3717, email drsamanthajbrown@gmail.com , www.BrightLifeChiropractic.com Bright Life Chiropractic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Enjoy a day of family fun at the SCAD Museum of Art

Oct. 25 2014, 1-4 p.m.
Join SCAD Museum of Art for their second annual Family Day. The SCAD Museum of Art offers free admission and hands-on activities for the whole family. Enjoy music in the museum courtyard and a special appearance by SCAD mascot Art the Bee.

This event is generously supported by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and is free and open to the public.

Email Rachel Evans, coordinator of visitation and outreach at revans@scad.edu or call 912.525.5118 for more information.

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

SCAD Museum of Art,  On Facebook here, 601 Turner Blvd, Savannah 31401, www.scadmoa.org

The Carnegie Hall & Savannah Musical Festival program – Musical Explorers  – is coming to The Jewel Conservatory Theatre in Rincon.

KINDERMUSIK Playdates @ The Jewel Conservatory Theatre, Rincon

Want to a new, fun way to meet other parents of pre-schoolers? Want your child to learn about music in an exciting new way? Come to the FREE monthly KINDERMUSIK Playdates @ The Jewel Conservatory Theatre. It is the perfect introduction to music and theatre for your 1-4 year old.

JCT Friday Playdate Oct. 24 2014 @ 10 AM

The Jewel Conservatory Theatre, 6014 HWY 21 Suite E Rincon, Ga 31326, (912) 257-0671 email jewelconservatorytheatre@gmail.com,  www.jewelconservatory.com  The Jewel Conservatory Theatre is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Skidaway Marine Science Day in Savannah on October 25 2014 will feature a new sea turtle display.

A young loggerhead sea turtle named Rider will make its public debut at the University of Georgia Aquarium on Skidaway Is. on Saturday, Oct. 25, as part of Skidaway Marine Science Day.

This FREE annual campus-wide open house will be noon to 4 PM Sat. Oct. 25 on the campus of the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography on the north end of Skidaway Island.

Rider was hatched in August  2013 on Wassaw Island. Rider was a straggler, meaning he did not successfully get out of his nest when he was hatched.

He was brought to the aquarium by the Caretta Research Project after being approved by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The staff at the aquarium has been caring for Rider for the past year, allowing him to grow large enough for public display.

FREE Educational Activities on Marine Science Day

Free kids’ activities on Marine Science Day include:

*Rider’s debut
*unveiling of a new gray whale exhibit and an expanded touch-tank activity.
*science talks, a reptile show, touch tanks and behind-the-scene tours of the aquarium.
*Tours of the 92-ft UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography’s Research Vessel Savannah & its science displays, including a display on the developing field of underwater robots.
* marine science exhibits
* hands-on science activities.
* displays & info on Georgia Coast marine life @ The UGA Shellfish Laboratory
* displays, demos & activities from a wide range of science, environmental and education groups, such as The Dolphin Project, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center & The Nature Conservancy

Children also will have an opportunity to help protect the marine environment by bagging oyster shells used for oyster reef restoration projects. Kids can also operate a remotely-operated-vehicle in a swimming pool and pick up objects from the bottom.

All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day 2014 are free.

For additional information, call 912-598-2325, or click here.

UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, On Facebook here, 10 Ocean Science Dr., Skidaway Is.,Savannah, GA 31411, (912) 598-2400,  http://www.skio.usg.edu

You’re invited to Free Family Day: Nov. 1, 1–4 pm, Jepson Center, 207 W. York. St., Savannah

This program is free and open to the public. Funded by Georgia Power and AGL Resources.
*Major funding by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.

November Family Day:
Nov. 1
Deep River
Jepson Center
Families are invited to explore Whitfield Lovell’s earthy installations, participate in storytelling, create drawings on objects in the museum studios, and see demonstrations by local artists who incorporate historical themes in their work.

December Family Day
Dec. 6
Make Your Mark
Jepson Center
This program includes art-making activities for families and a demonstration by longtime I Have Marks to Make artist and teacher Kenneth Martin.

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

Home to shows such as Jukebox!, Broadway on Bull Street, and Savannah Live, The Historic Savannah Theatre has remained an iconic landmark in downtown Savannah since it’s beginning in 1818.

City Church Savannah is now hosting their popular, energetic Sunday morning services at this historic downtown theater at 11:30 AM.

If you’re searching for a friendly, welcoming church that offers heartfelt, powerful worship & Bible-based teaching, then City Church of Savannah is for you. City Church of Savannah welcomes all kids infant through 5th grade in their nursery, pre-k, and school age programs at City Kids. Kids may be checked in as early as 30 minutes before service begins. Learn more about the church’s City Kids program here.

The theater is at 222 Bull St. Savannah, 31401.

City Church Pooler

City Church is also coming to Pooler at Highway 80 & I-95

Their Pooler location, opening Sunday September 7, will be at 200 Governor Treutlen Road Pooler, 31322

City Church services are open to the public. You don’t have to be members to attend.

For more information about City Church Savannah & City Church Pooler, click here.

City Church, 912-663-1520, email info@citychurchsavannah.com, http://citychurchsavannah.com/  City Church is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Live Oak Public Libraries storytimesare a wonderful FREE way to expose your child to storybooks read aloud by a librarian as well as songs and fingerplays.

Plus, attending storytimes regularly helps your child to become accustomed to visiting the library regularly.

Free storytimes are offered for different age groups at the local branches – including Wilmington Island, Bull Street, Pooler, Thunderbolt, Oglethorpe Mall branch & Tybee Is. – at various times on weekday mornings. You can find a storytime happening at at least one branch Mondays through Thursdays.

There’s even a new afternoon, after-school storytime now that’s offered for ages 5 to 11 at 4 PM Tuesdays at the Oglethorpe Mall branch library.

Each library branch storytime brings something a little different – Bull Street library storytime unfolds inside a cottage playhouse that looks like it’s right out of a Golden Book while storytime at Southwest Library next to Savannah Mall is in a new, sunlit auditorium.

Enjoy energetic choruses of “Hurry Up, Hurry Up, Drive that Fire Truck,” “Little Red Wagon” and standards like “Wheels on the Bus” plus fun stories, crafts and more.

Click here for the breakdown of regular storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries.

PLEASE NOTE: STORYTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DURING SUMMER & HOLIDAYS. PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM STORYTIMES. MORE INFO HERE. 

The 10th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest is Columbus Day weekend entertainment for all ages.

New kids’ activities this year include a petting zoo and Ferris wheel. 

Daytime entertainment includes live music, pirate performers, street performers, magicians, puppeteers, weaponry demonstrations. The littlest pirates enjoy an entire area devoted to quality family entertainment. Activities include The Pirate Victory Parade, Scallywags Costume Contest, Little Matey’s Cove, Thieves Market, the Yuengling Pirate Pub with live music . (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322 www.tybeepiratefest.com

Tickets and weekend passes are available online at www.tybeepiratefest.com.

Friday, October 10

Tickets:

• General Admission – $12
• Weekend Pass Advanced $22 at gate – $24
• Kids under 12 – Free

– See more at: http://tybeepiratefest.com/festival-info/schedule/#sthash.RYpOoMDg.dpuf

Festival Open from 5pm-11pm
Little Matey’s Cove presented by Coke Zero
5 – 7pm – Carnival – Ferris Wheel, Sea Ray, Funnel Cakes and more!

5 – 7pm – Petting Zoo with Exotic Animals 6 – 11pm – Pirate Encampment by Tybee Arts Association –
Thieves’ Market
5-11 p.m. – Market Open
Main Stage presented by Bud Light
Lynn Ave.
Damon & the Shit Kickers
Chuck Courtenay
Fireworks at Dark30

Saturday, October 11th

• General Admin – $15
• Weekend Pass Advanced $22 at gate – $24
• Kids under 12 – Free

Festival open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Little Matey’s Cove presented by Coke Zero
10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Petting Zoo, Pirate Ship, Activities, Games and Ferris Wheel
Thieves’ Market
10 a.m.-11 p.m. – Market Open
Pirate Victory Parade
3-5 p.m.
This parade is a must for families! Parade participants will pass out treasure along the route.
Main Stage presented by Bud Light
Voodoo Soup
Liquid Ginger
Mother’s Finest
Many more local bands to be announced!

Sunday, October 12
Festival open from 11a.m.-4 p.m.

Festival Open from 11am – 4pm Tickets: FREE
Little Matey’s Cove presented by Coke Zero
NOON-4 p.m. – Petting Zoo, Pirate Ship, Activities, Games and Ferris Wheel
Main Stage
11 a.m. – Tybee Church

For additional information about the 2014 Tybee Island Pirate Fest, please call 912.713.2321 or visit www.tybeepiratefest.com.

Bring the family to the FREE Talahi Island 2014 Fall Festival in Savannah, 11- 4 PM Sun. Oct. 19. FREE & Open to the public.

Vendors, crafts, bounce house, music, carnival games, silent auction & more. Details here. 

2014 Savannah Children’s Book Festival

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs present the 11th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park.

The festival celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.

Authors and Illustrators 

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs are proud to announce a stellar lineup for this year’s book festival.

The 2014 lineup of renowned and award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators includes Lois Lowry (“The Giver”), Tedd Arnold (“Fly Guy”), Rosemary Wells (“Max and Ruby”), Bob Staake (“The First Pup: The Real Story of How Bo Got to the White House”), David Ezra Stein (“Interrupting Chicken”), Bruce Degen (“Magic School Bus”), Bob Shea (“Dinosaur vs. Bedtime), Kevin O’Malley (“Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates”), Carin Berger (“A Perfect Day”), Ted Dunagan (“A Yellow Watermelon”), Meaghan Fisher (“I Love Ladybugs”), and Kelly Starling Lyons (“Tea Cakes for Tosh”).

This free day-long event in Forsyth Park in Savannah brings families together to meet their favorite authors and illustrators and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities throughout the day.

The festival will also include more than 50 authors and illustrators from throughout the Lowcountry and Southeast region, arts and crafts, an International Tent, costumed characters, a graphic/comics area, and a variety of food and entertainment. In addition, a book walk will be staged among the trees so families may enjoy a story together reading from one page to the next throughout the park.

Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center. For more information, call (912)652-3600. For updates, keep checking www.liveoakpl.org and follow Live Oak Public Libraries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Bring your kids to the FREE Savannah Dog Show 2014 Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

Free. Including parking.

Pets are not allowed, only dogs entered in the show are allowed.

If you have a mixed breed you want to enter, they can participate in obedience, rally, barn hunts, lure coursing and several other title programs. Details here.

Reminder: you can take the free ferry ride from River Street to The Savannah International Trade Center & the Westin on Hutchinson Is. across the Savannah River  & then take it back. Kids love the boat ride.

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Dog days

Got a shy beginner reader?

In this popular library program, children are encouraged to practice their reading skills with the most patient of listeners: therapy dogs. For readers ages 5 and up. (Note: Some of the dogs at this special library program are “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” from Therapy Dogs International.)

Rincon Library, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 4:30 p.m., 826-2222
Southwest Chatham Library, Saturday, Oct. 11, 12 p.m., 925-8305
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Saturday, Oct. 18, 12 p.m., 925-5432
Pooler Library, Monday, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m., 748-0471
Southwest Chatham Library, Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m., 925-8305
Bull Street Library, Monday, Oct. 27, 4:30 p.m., 652-3630

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

Hilton Head Island gets a bad rap for being pricey. But there are free ways to entertain the kids on this overwhelmingly family-friendly island.

Hilton Head Island’s beaches are the No. 1 way to entertain kids. You can bike on this beach. You can play in the tidal pools at low-tide. Swim. Sand castles. Ride the waves.

Here are our top picks for other free ways to entertain the kids on this island:

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

1. Bicycling on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island offers over 50 scenic miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.

2. 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 every night during summer (weather permitting) except Saturdays, 8-9:30 p.m. During Summer 2014, Gregg Russell will perform June 1-August 22 (every night except Saturdays) & August 28-31. 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 $6 gate fee per auto.

3. Free petting farm at Lawton Stables in Sea Pines

The free animal farm includes a deer named Callie, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, turtles, cows and rabbits.  Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Harley, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. The animal farm is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928

4. Hike trails in the free 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. 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 $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.

5. Ride the free Sea Pines Trolley

Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to all your favorite Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a great way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines while giving you a scenic tour of a favorite family vacation resort. Schedule info here.  Trolley rides are free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

6. Go to the beach at the newly redone Sea Pines Beach Club. 

Convenient access to the 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 $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. 

7. Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town, Sea Pines

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 $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.  Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928

8. Explore 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 $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

Congratulations Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge nearby in South Carolina which was spotlighted in the July 2014 issue of Parents Magazine, available now.

The article ’50 Free Attractions Across America’ found a fabulous free attraction in every state that won’t cost you a dime any day of the year. In South Carolina, the destination featured is nearby Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and in Georgia, the destination is BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Ga.

Pinckney is a great daytrip from Savannah, located 1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278. Details here. Bikes are welcome. Pinckney is perfect spot to see white ibis, herons, and egrets, maybe some alligators and deer. Bathrooms and picnic spots available. Free parking.

Parents Magazine, we couldn’t agree more. Pinckney Is. is an amazing free family-friendly attraction. Check out the Land of the Free feature on page 44 in the July issue.

There are 10 miles (16.1 km) of hiking trails on the refuge and nine recommended hikes:
Ibis Pond – 1.2 miles (1.9 km), round trip; one and a half hours walking at a leisurely pace
Shell Point – 4.6 miles (7.4 km), round trip; four hours and 15 minutes
Wood Stork Pond – 2.7 miles (4.3 km), round trip; two and a half hours
Osprey Pond – 3.0 miles (4.8 km), round trip; three hours
Nini Chapin Pond – 3.6 miles (5.8 km), round trip; three and a half hours
Bull Point – 5.0 miles (8.0 km), round trip; five hours
Dick Point – 7.4 miles (11.9 km), round trip; six and a half hours
Clubhouse Pond – 6.2 miles (10.0 km), round trip; five and a half hours
White Point – 7.8 miles (12.6 km), round trip; seven hours

Get more out of your visits to state parks & national monuments.

This summer kids can get a limited edition Civil War badge from Georgia State Parks. Georgia State Parks and Historic sites are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with this limited addition Junior Ranger badge.

Children are required to complete a certain number of activities such as visiting certain state parks, attend special events, find historic markers et. For ages 7 and older. Details here.

FREE Junior Ranger booklets at National Parks

This state park program is similar to the Junior Ranger program available at National Parks & Historic sites like Fort Pulaski in Savannah, Cumberland Island, Ga. and Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. For more information about the Junior Ranger program click here.