The Magical World of Toys in Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood off Waters Avenue continues to host fun & free kids’ programs during October 2024. Those include the following:
Sun. Oct. 13: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
Wed. Oct. 16: FREE Homeschooling Game Day, 11AM-3PM
Sun. Oct. 20: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
Sun. Oct. 27: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
___________________
If you haven’t visited this Savannah toy store yet, one (or ALL) of these events will be a fun chance to do so. Toy store owner Dante Pierson regularly hosts popular, community kids’ events at the store.
All About Bats: Come to a bat watch and talk as the sun sets in the sky and the bats begin to fly. Meet at Picnic Shelter 5.: 6:15PM Fri. Oct. 25 2024
Archery*: Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on the archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. $10 per person. Please call the Visitor Center to register in advance: 912-598-2300. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in at the Visitor Center: 10AM Sat. Oct. 262024, $10
Campsite Decorating Contest: Campers are invited to adorn their campsites with family-friendly, earthfriendly decor. Judging begins at 5 pm and ends by 7 pm. Winners will receive a prize: 5-7PM Sat Oct. 262024
FALL into Crafting: Stop into the Visitor Center to purchase your fall craft kit for just $2. Several seasonal crafts will be available to choose from. Available throughout the day: Sun Oct. 27 2024. $2.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. Tuesdays Oct. 22, Oct. 29 2024, 10AM
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! Wednesdays Oct. 23, 30 2024, 3PM
Turt’ or Treat: Meet our turtles and enjoy a sweet treat. No costume? No problem – Make your own turtle shell to wear home! Meet behind the Visitor Center. Thurs. Halloween Oct. 31 2024, 1-4:30PM
__________________________
__________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Museum is arranged for self-guided tours. Please expect to spend at least one hour on site to explore the galleries and gardens.
The Museum is located in historic downtown Savannah at 41 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, between the Holiday Inn and The Grey restaurant. Ships of the Sea is only one block west of City Market and a few blocks north of the Visitor Center. Free parking is available for guests in the Museum’s parking lot located on the south side of the building.
ADULT: $15.00.
STUDENT: $12.50 (THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL, OR COLLEGE WITH ID).
DISCOUNT: $12.50 (SENIOR – 65 OR OVER, PAST OR PRESENT MILITARY).
CHILD: FREE (5 AND UNDER).
FAMILY: $40.00 (UP TO 2 ADULTS AND THREE CHILDREN UNDER 18).
GROUP: $10.00/PERSON (FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE WHO MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME).
Get ready for a magical evening under the stars as the Town of Thunderbolt presents a FREE Family Movie Night on 5-9PM Sat. Nov. 9, 2024 at Cesaroni Park, 2817 3rd St.
Enjoy an outdoor screening of family film, ELF.
Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Complimentary popcorn. Bring your picnic blankets, mats, or folding chairs The movie starts at 6PM.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for safety.
Free parking will be available at designated areas around the park. Questions?Emailevents@thunderboltga.orgor call 912.713.7406.
Residents of Savannah and surrounding areas are invited to enjoy free admission to the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah for a day of engaging artist demonstrations and art projects!
In celebration of the exhibition, ‘Norman Rockwell and Peers,’ families are encouraged to come witness the talents of local children’s book illustrators and discover their own inner artists with creative studio activities.
Free admission for locals is made possible thanks to investment by the City of Savannah, The Georgia Council for the Arts, Colonial Group, Inc., and the National Endowment for the Arts.
$5 per child. Adults: Members free, Non-members $12
Start your day with art. Once a month, Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson in downtown Savannah for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here.
Space is limited. Pre-register to secure your spot.
Let your little ones’ imaginations soar during the new Artful Tales Story Time every Friday at 10:30AM in the Telfair Children’s Art Museum located at the Jepson Center.
This enchanting program is perfect for young art lovers and curious minds, combining the joy of storytelling with the wonder of art. Each week, Telfair Museums’ skilled storytellers will bring captivating tales to life, encouraging creativity and imagination in a vibrant, art-filled setting.
This event is free for Telfair members and included with general museum admission.
Make plans to join the fun on Saturday, October 12, for the 2024 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, hosted by Plant Riverside District in Savannah and organized by Savannah’s Waterfront.
Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront.
Apart from the fastest run awards in all categories and weights, there will be exciting contests such as best dressed dog, best dressed dog owner and more.
You’re invited to LOCAL*FEST, hosted by Local Church, 4-6PM Sat. OCt. 26 2024.
This will be a Trunk-or-Treat with lots of inflatables, games and a video game truck. The festival is October 26 from 4-6 PM at Jenkins Athletic Club at 6408 Waters Ave.
Savannah Tree Foundation is giving away two free trees per household, while supplies last, at the 2024 Savannah Trick or Trees Community Giveaway in Daffin Park on Sat. Oct. 26 2024, starting at 9AM until they run out.
The Foundation will also host an International Tree Climbing Competition on the same day.
Free Savannah Girls’ Flag Football Clinic, Tues. Sept. 24; No experience necessary
Want to learn to play one of the fastest growing sports in the country?
Hornets Flag Football coaches Candice English and Kristin Mulzer will lead a clinic focused on technique and fundamentals for girls of any skill level. This clinic 5:30-7PM Tues. Sept. 24 @ Savannah Country Day School will focus on flag pulling, throwing, catching, rushing, and speed and agility.
No experience is needed: just a good attitude, willingness to learn, and determined effort. Participants should wear cleats and bring a water bottle.
Students do not need to attend SCDS to attend. Open to all 4th-8th grade girls.
This time of year is an ideal time to visit. Here’s a look at free kids’ programs to check out including a special free Diamond Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell @ 11AM-Noon Fri. Sept. 21. $5 parking. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Lots of kid-friendly happenings during September 2024 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. $5 parking fee. Events with an * require registration.
Backyard Birding: Join a ranger in the park’s bird watching area behind the Interpretive Center. The group will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. 10AM Fri. Sept. 20 & 10AM Thurs. Sept. 26
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell: Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Come to the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. 11AM Sat. Sept. 21. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Fungi Friday Hike: A wide variety of mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what mushrooms we can find and identify. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 10AM Fri. Sept. 27
*Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day Hike: Girl Scouts are invited to join us for a hike developed to highlight trees and their special place in our park. Event is limited to 30 Girl Scouts. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register. Self-led activity sheets and prize stickers will be available for Girl Scouts Troops who visit the park on their own. 2PM Sat. Sept. 14
Animal of the Day: Drop by the Interpretive Center to say hi and learn about the animal of the day. There will be a different animal out each day for visitors to see and touch. 2PM Fri. Sept. 20, & Sept. 27.
Gnarly Neighbors: The good, the bad and the ugly! Learn about what plants are critical to the health of our local ecosystem and environment, and what invasive flora pose a threat to native wildlife. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 9AM Monday Sept. 16 & Sept. 23.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. 10AM Tues. Sept. 24.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! 3PM Wed. Sept. 25.
Trivia: Let’s Get Quizzical: Relax at the fire pit behind the Interpretive Center with trivia, featuring questions about local flora and fauna, Skidaway Island facts, and Georgia history. There will be four rounds, four questions per round, and each round will increase in difficulty. Round 1 is one point per question, round 2 is two points and so on to the fourth round. At the end, there will be a bonus question for an additional 10 points to whomever answers correctly. First, second, and third place will go home with nifty Skidaway Island State Park swag. Individuals only – no teams. NO PHONES. Good luck! 7PM Thursdays Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26 & 7PM Monday Sept. 30
Your State Parks Day: Volunteers blaze a trail. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead. Parking fee waived. Snacks will be provided. 11AM Sat. Sept. 28.
______________________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest includes carnival rides starting at 5PM Friday and Saturday nights (Oct. 11 & 12) and more evening kids’ events in the Little Matey’s Cove including a bounce house (free) and facepainting (free). There are also kids’ activities and carnival rides Sunday Oct. 12 starting at noon. Carnival rides and some kids’ activities are not free.
The free Tybee Pirate parade is 3PM Sat. Oct. 12, starting @ 6th Street and traveling along Butler Avenue.
This music and arts festival for peace is an intentional peacebuilding event designed with music and arts to bring all sectors of our community together. This is the third annual event supporting the Peace and Unity for members of our Community.
~Music! live on stage, bring your chairs and enjoy ~Arts to engage with for adults and children ~Vendors and Community Service Providers ~Peacebuilder Award ~Peace parade around the entrance of Daffin Park ~Mental Health and Wellness Area ~Youth Art Corner ~Living room style courageous conversations ~Local food trucks ~And more!
Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights and SCAD SERVE will partner to benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center as they prepare for the 2024 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights on the Savannah River on Saturday, November 30, 2024 (Thanksgiving holiday weekend).
SCAD students have submitted multiple designs for the 2024 Boat Parade of Lights T-shirt Design Contest. These designs will be available for viewing, and voting on, beginning September 14, 2024. The public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite T shirt design for only $1.00 per vote, at http://gogophotocontest.com/2024BoatParadeTShirtContest. T-shirts with the winning design printed on them will be available for purchase on the parade website at www.savannahboatparadeoflights.com. Proceeds from both the voting and T-shirt purchases will benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center.
The Savannah Boat Parade of Lights will be Saturday, November 30th from 7-9 pm. The parade, traditionally held on Thanksgiving weekend, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Savannah. The Parade of Lights, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, will begin its voyage from the dock at Eastern Wharf in front of the Thompson Savannah hotel. The parade will cross the river, pass the Convention Center, and head to the Talmadge Bridge, before circling back past the Plant Riverside District, along River Street and slowly proceed past the dock at Eastern Wharf where the decorated boats will be announced and judged for prizes. The route will be repeated, ending at the dock at Eastern Wharf. Additional events are planned before and during the parade at the park at Eastern Wharf. In addition, Thompson Savannah Hotel will be hosting their first official Boat Parade Afterparty following the parade.
The Boat Parade is free and open to the public and is staged entirely by volunteers. Boat captains, crews, judges, and volunteers donate their time and talents to make this event accessible to everyone. Although the parade is free to the public, funds from sponsorships and contributions are given to Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit in Savannah which provides one of only two emergency shelters in the area for children ages 11-18 who are abused, neglected, abandoned or homeless. Greenbriar also operates three quality rated, affordable infant and early centers, for children who are from primarily low-income families. Additionally, Greenbriar provides supportive services to families in their homes, including counseling, parenting education, and life-skills training.
The Boat Parade is grateful for contributions and sponsorships to help make the parade possible and raise funds for Greenbriar Children’s Center. Deadline for sponsor recognition on t-shirts and banners is October 15. For more information on ways to help, please email SavBoatParade@gmail.com or visit www.SavannahBoatParadeofLights.com.
Greenbriar Children’s Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the healthy development of children and the strengthening of families through a multitude of services. These services include affordable and accessible infant and early childhood education programs; free family, individual counseling and support services, and an emergency shelter for children ages 11-18 who are abused, abandoned or neglected or who are runways. For more information, please visit greenbriarchildrenscenter.org or call 912-234-3431.
The Magical World of Toys in Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood off Waters Avenue continues to host fun & free kids’ programs during September 2024. Those include the following:
Sun. Sept. 8: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School September Theme Metamorphosis and Migration of Monarchs, 11AM-1PM
Sat. Sept. 14: FREE Game Day/ Kids Karaoke, 11AM-3PM
Sun. Sept 15: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School September Theme Metamorphosis and Migration of Monarchs, 11AM-1PM
Wed. Sept. 18: FREE Homeschooling Game Day, 11AM-3PM
If you haven’t visited this Savannah toy store yet, one (or ALL) of these events will be a fun chance to do so. Toy store owner Dante Pierson regularly hosts popular, community kids’ events at the store.
You are invited to explore the natural world seeking artistic inspiration @ an Art Contest Event on Sun. Sept. 8, 10-11AM @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah. The theme is Patterns in Nature: From Science to Art.
Take a short, ranger-led hike to the iconic observation tower, providing a wide view of the flourishing marsh habitat at Skidaway Island State Park. An artist mentor will join the group to provide guidance and input.
Art supplies will be provided or bring your own.
Event is limited to 20 students. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register.
Georgia resident high school students are invited to take part in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest for an opportunity to have your art displayed in the State Capitol during the next legislative session. Participation in this event is not necessary to enter the contest. Visit gastateparks.org/ArtContest for contest details.
_______________________________________
More Kids’ Events @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Lots of kid-friendly happenings during September 2024 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. $5 parking fee. Events with an * require registration.
Backyard Birding: Join a ranger in the park’s bird watching area behind the Interpretive Center. The group will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. 10AM Fri. Sept. 20 & 10AM Thurs. Sept. 26
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell: Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Come to the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. 11AM Sat. Sept. 21Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be 11AM-Noon
Fungi Friday Hike: A wide variety of mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what mushrooms we can find and identify. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 10AM Fri. Sept. 6 & Fri. Sept. 27
*Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day Hike: Girl Scouts are invited to join us for a hike developed to highlight trees and their special place in our park. Event is limited to 30 Girl Scouts. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register. Self-led activity sheets and prize stickers will be available for Girl Scouts Troops who visit the park on their own. 2PM Sat. Sept. 14
Animal of the Day: Drop by the Interpretive Center to say hi and learn about the animal of the day. There will be a different animal out each day for visitors to see and touch. 2PM Fri. Sept. 6, Sept. 20, & Sept. 27.
Gnarly Neighbors: The good, the bad and the ugly! Learn about what plants are critical to the health of our local ecosystem and environment, and what invasive flora pose a threat to native wildlife. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 9AM Monday Sept. 2, Sept. 9, Sept. 16 & Sept. 23.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. 10AM Tues. Sept. 3, Tues. Sept. 10 & Tues. Sept. 24.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! 3PM Wed. Sept. 4 & Wed. Sept. 25.
Trivia: Let’s Get Quizzical: Relax at the fire pit behind the Interpretive Center with trivia, featuring questions about local flora and fauna, Skidaway Island facts, and Georgia history. There will be four rounds, four questions per round, and each round will increase in difficulty. Round 1 is one point per question, round 2 is two points and so on to the fourth round. At the end, there will be a bonus question for an additional 10 points to whomever answers correctly. First, second, and third place will go home with nifty Skidaway Island State Park swag. Individuals only – no teams. NO PHONES. Good luck! 7PM Thursdays Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26 & 7PM Monday Sept. 30
Your State Parks Day: Volunteers blaze a trail. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead. Parking fee waived. Snacks will be provided. 11AM Sat. Sept. 28.
______________________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The campus-wide open house will be presented by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
As part of Skidaway Marine Science Day, the UGA Aquarium will be open to visitors with no admission fee. Aquarium educators will offer an afternoon full of activities, including a hands-on reptile exhibit, behind-the-scenes peeks of the aquarium and lab studies on the dock behind the facility.
Visitors will also be able to explore the aquarium’s newest exhibit, an immersive, 3D display focused on living shorelines, which are created using natural materials like oysters and plants to help stabilize shorelines. Learn about the environmental benefits of living shorelines and the variety of animals they attract.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Shellfish Research Lab will provide hands-on activities and educational information about sustainable aquaculture and oyster restoration!
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s 52-foot Research Vessel Gannet will be available for tours.
Environmental organizations and coastal researchers will present a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities for people of all ages on the bluff adjacent to the aquarium. The Jay Wolf Nature Trail will be open for hiking and nature observation.
All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day are free. Don’t miss out on this exciting event celebrating Georgia’s unique coastal environment! Food will be available for purchase.
Questions? Contact Cindy Lingebach at calingeb@uga.edu
You’re invited to a free show & tell about Diamond Terrapin hatchlings @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah.
The program will be Sat. Sept 21, 11AM @ the Interpretive Center. See hatchlings & hear about the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project Learn more about the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project here.
Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be 11AM-Noon
Free & open the public. Parking: $5.
____________________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Savannah’s 19th Annual Buddy Walk will be in Forsyth Park in Savannah on Sat. Oct 5, 2024. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10AM, and then the Buddy Walk starts at 10:30AM. The Family Fun event will be from 11AM.-2PM.
Participants will walk a mile around Forsyth Park. This event is a time of celebration and community, raising support and awareness for those with Down syndrome.
The money raised at the Buddy Walk goes towards Camp Buddy, two summer camps in Effingham and Chatham to help students retain their skills over the summer break. It also goes towards LDSS’s monthly Family Support meetings, new parent packets and educational opportunities for local families and advocates.
Registration for Buddy Walk 2024 is $15. Those who register will also receive a Buddy Walk T-shirt. When registering, you can either join a team or create your own. Register online here.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event in all aspects. Please inquire with John and Candy Bogardus for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteering at ldssgabuddywalk@gmail.com or 912-663-8573.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education, and advocacy. LDSS holds a monthly support meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 at 1525 Dean Forest Road in Savannah, GA. There is an informational speaker and light refreshments. The event is also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
