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
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
Not surprisingly one of our favorite Savannah summer camps is filling up quickly. We love y’all’s enthusiasm for this years Junior Ranger Camps! Two weeks have sold out.
Junior Ranger Summer Camp @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah is for kids, ages 6 to 12, who love the great outdoors and want to learn more about the environment, history, and wildlife surrounding us.
Led by experienced park rangers, your child will have the opportunity to go on nature hikes, learn about conservation efforts, and participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and games that teach them the importance of protecting our cultural and natural resources…all while making new friends and having FUN!
Included are four days of fun at Skidaway Island State Park, a special living history day at Wormsloe State Historic Site, a junior ranger vest and hat.
Cost is $275 per child and pre-registration is required.
To register, call Skidaway Island State Park at 912.598.2300.
________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Children ages 6-12 are invited to join park rangers for a fun week focused on natural and cultural heritage of Georgia. Included is a special living history day at Wormsloe, a junior ranger vest, and hat.
Led by experienced park rangers, your child will have the opportunity to go on nature hikes, learn about conservation efforts, and participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and games that teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources…all while making new friends and having FUN!
Cost: $275 per child. Pre-registration required.
Seven weeks of one-week Junior Ranger camps will be offered for Summer 2024 from June 3 to July 26.
To register, call Skidaway Island State Park at 912.598.2300.
________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Come to Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah on Sat. Feb. 3 2-3PM in the Interpretive Center to listen to local author Phyllis Tildes read her charming books for children inspired by nature. You’ll also have the opportunity to color some of the author’s beautiful illustrations.
Phyllis Limbacher Tildes is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books for children ages 0-8. Her love of nature and wildlife is evident in many of her titles. Her latest book, Bunny’s Big Surprise, was released in 2020 and features a variety of low-country wildlife. She has published 24 books, including Counting on Calico in 1995. Her 25th book, a board book version of her popular Eye Guess, will be released in January 2024.
The new building features a shaded porch, gift shop and exhibits. Visitors will be able to rent bikes to pedal down Wormsloe’s well-known 1.5 mile-long Avenue of Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Families and pets are invited for a hike on New Year’s Day Mon. Jan. 1 2024 10-11AM @ Wormsloe State HIstoric Site on Wormsloe’s historic Live Oak Avenue (1.5 miles). $2.50 – $11.25, Program fee: $2. 912-353-3023.
Start new year with a hike at Wormsloe on the Battery Trail (Orange Trail – 2.3 miles). $2.50 – $11.25, Program fee: $2.00 912-353-3023.
__________________________
Posted in Georgia State Park Events, Holidays 2023 | Comments Off on (Savannah Holidays 2023) Kid-friendly first-day hikes @ Wormsloe State Historic Site
Explore more than 100 sites in person and online during Super Museum Sunday 2023 on Feb. 5.
Enjoy free admission to participating historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest throughout Georgia open their doors for an exceptional opportunity to experience the history in our own backyard.
Participating sites include SCAD Museum of Art, Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Wormsloe State Historic Site and more.
Georgia’s State Historic Sites are offering free admission on Sun. Feb. 5 as part of Super Museum Sunday.
That includes:
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site, Brunswick: A forgotten empire comes alive at this scenic rice plantation set among live oaks near the Altamaha River. Tour the antebellum home furnished with antiques and the museum showcasing fine silver.
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill: Nestled among giant live oaks, this is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy and the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas: Pickett’s Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks, and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during Gen. Sherman’s Georgia campaign.
Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen: During the Civil War, this site was called Camp Lawton and served as “the world’s largest prison.” Today, little remains of the prison stockade; however, the earthen breastworks which guarded it may still be seen. The park’s Camp Lawton Museum tells this gripping story.
Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien: From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort, and tabby ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail.
Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway: This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury; a nature trail and picnic sites are available.
Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah: A breathtaking avenue lined with Live Oaks leads to the tabby ruins of this colonial estate. A museum houses artifacts excavated at Wormsloe and a film about the founding of the 13th colony.
Come to Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah for some historical Christmas cheer @ the annual Colonial Christmas on Sat. Dec. 10, 2022. Festivities will begin at 10AM at the Colonial Life Area.
Will you be selected the Lord of Misrule as we search the woods for the perfect Yule Log? During this program, you will get a chance to learn about how the Christmas season was celebrated 300 years ago.
Join in and go a ‘wassailing with rangers as we sing jolly songs accompanied by our hammered dulcimer musician. Music and caroling has long been connected to the holiday as people would have traditionally gone to their neighbors, singing to receive food and drink in return.
Visitors can make a holiday ornament to take home and pen a letter to Santa using our quills and handmade ink. Festivities will run from 10AM-4PM and the search for the Yule Log will be at 11AM and 2PM. Admission ranges from $10 for adults to $2 for children 6 and younger.
Wormsloe State Historic Site is 9 miles southeast of downtown Savannah at 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406. For more information, visit GaStateParks.org/Wormsloe or call 912-353-3023. Georgia’s State Historic Sites are operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Experience Fort McAllister State Park’s premiere event of the year: the annual Candle Lantern Tour, happening Sat. Oct. 22 2022, 6:40-10PM.
This popular event features a 30-minute guided candlelit tour with stops at the blacksmith shop, hospital, powder magazine, barracks jail & more. There may just be a sneak attack by Union ships in the river.
This event typically sells out. Pre-register beginning Sept. 15 2022 by calling 912.727.2339. Children ages 2 and younger are free. Tickets are non-refundable.
Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill has kid-friendly events happening throughout the year including themed hikes, workshops, crabbing and shrimping classes, re-enactments and more. See the park’s event schedule here.
Monsters of all ages are invited to Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah on Sat. Oct. 29 2022, 11AM-6PM for Marsh Monster Masquerade, featuring a spooky mask decorating contest for children and adults, children’s pumpkin decorating, a dog costume contest, fair-style games, prizes, and more.
Trunk-or-treat from 4-6PM will cap off the evening. Don your costume and bring the whole family to enjoy the marsh views, plenty of Halloween candy, and a haunting good time in the park!
Admission: $5 per vehicle.
Schedule:
11AM Open 1PM Dog Costume Contest 2PM Spooky Mask Decorating Contest (children) 3PM Spooky Mask Decorating Contest (adults) 4-6PM Trunk or Treat 6PM Close.
If you would like to sign up to give out candy for the Trunk-or-Treat, please call the visitor center at 912-598-2300.
Food truck vendors are invited to apply for the day. If interested, please email skidaway.park@dnr.ga.gov or call the visitor center at 912-598-2300 for a registration form.
Fall discount code for Friends of Georgia State Parks membership.
SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels. Use the code southernmama to get your discount.
Georgia has nearly 50 state parks, each with different attributes. Think mountains, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, gorges, swamps, and more. We want to make it easier for you to go to enjoy hiking trails, biking, boating, camping, disc golf, fishing, golfing, paddling, and leaf-peeping.
A Few of the Many State Park Events @ Nearby Parks include:
_____________________
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Archery, Sept. 17
Sat. Sept. 17 2022, 10-11AM and 2-3PM. Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on our archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided. $10 per person. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Please call the Visitors Center to sign up: 912-598-2300.Please arrive 10 minutes ahead to go to the Visitors Center first.
Marsh Monster Masquerade, Oct. 29
Monsters of all ages are invited to Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah on Sat. Oct. 29 2022, 11AM-6PM for Marsh Monster Masquerade, featuring a spooky mask decorating contest for children and adults, children’s pumpkin decorating, a dog costume contest, fair-style games, prizes, and more. Details here.
_____________________
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Candle Lantern Tour, Oct. 22
Pre-registration opens Sept. 15 2022 for the popular annual Candle Lantern Tour @ Fort McAllister State Park on Oct. 22 2022. Details here.
Think free access to Georgia State Parks for a year – a year’s worth of access to mountains, hiking, leaf peeping, swimming, lakes, beaches, trails, biking, waterfalls, exploring, sight-seeing, rivers and more.
Winners will also each receive a Friends of Georgia State Park backpack and waterbottle.
To enter to win, visit this giveaway post on our SouthernMamas.com Facebook page. Comment on the FB giveway post, telling us what you are most looking forward to doing outdoors this Fall 2022. Entry will be open until Aug. 11 2022. Then we’ll pick two names at random and announce the winners.
Thanks Friends of Georgia State Parks for giving our readers this special late summer/fall discount!
_____________________________
LateSummer State Park Events @ Nearby Parks
Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah
Aug. 27 2022: Tools & skills that built a colony, 10AM-4PM. What did those first colonists do to survive when they arrived in 1733? Find out if you have what it took to build a colony. See craft demonstrations such as blacksmithing, spinning, cooking, and more. $2 – $10. 912-353-3023.
_____________________
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Aug. 12 2022: Campfire Night, 6-7PM. Gather round the campfire with us and unwind. We will have free marshmallows and sticks to toast them. Meet at the firepit behind the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Sat. Aug. 20 2022: Archery. 9-10AM, 10:30-11:30AM, 2:30-3:30PM. Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on our archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Please call the Visitors Center to sign up. Please arrive 10 minutes ahead to go to the Visitors Center first. $10 plus $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Sat.Aug. 27 2022: Sand Art. 2-3PM. Make summertime-themed pictures using sand and glue. This will be fun for both children and those that are kids at heart. Materials will be provided. Location: Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
_____________________
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Sun. Aug. 28 2022: Shrimping class, 3-5PM. Limited space available, please RSVP. Have you ever wanted to learn how to shrimp? Learn the basics of how to throw a cast net. Short shuttle by boat to a sand bar across river so you can spread out and practice or casting skills. Must have own cast net! $5 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Sun. Sept. 4 2022: Labor Day Festivities 10AM-1PM & The Great Ogeechee Water Fight 1-2PM. Civil War interpreters will fire muskets throughout the day 10AM-1PM. $9. For the water fight 1-2PM, bring your water blaster, super soaker, or entire H20 arsenal to this water fight extravaganza. Play games like fortress destruction, and soak a ranger, and end with free play. Pre-register by calling park office. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Sun. Sept 4, 2022 (1-2PM) Summertime is almost over why not go out with a bang? Bring your water blaster, super soaker, or entire H20 arsenal to a water fight extravaganza. Play games like fortress destruction, and soak a ranger, and end with free play. Pre-register by calling park office: 912-727-2339
* free aerial show featuring performances by Cirque Divina Fri. Sept. 2 & Sat. Sept. 3, 8:30PM in Montgomery Park.
* Movies in the Park series concludes with a free screening of Grease in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Sun. Sept. 4, 7PM. Lawn chair seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Popcorn, snow cones & beverages will also be available for purchase at a concession stand on-site
Labor Day Festivities @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill, Fort McAllister State Park 3894 Fort McAllister Road Richmond Hill, GA Tel: 912-727-2339.
Bring your water blaster, super soaker, or entire H20 arsenal to our water fight extravaganza. Play games like fortress destruction, and soak a ranger, and end with free play. Pre-register by calling park office. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
______________________________
Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway
Labor Day Commemoration @ Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway, Ga. Saturday, Sep 3, 2022 10AM-4 PM Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA Blacksmithing, woodworking, and other early trade skills will be demonstrated; along with musket and cannon firing demonstrations on the hour. $3- $4.50 912-884-5999. Details here.
It is 1742 and the Spanish are coming! Learn about the War of Jenkins’ Ear and Georgia’s role in the 1739-1748 war between Britain and Spain.
The War of Jenkins Ear annual event will be Sat. May 21, 2022, 10AM-4PM @ Wormsloe State Historic Site.
Build your own box fort next to the fortified home.
Join Wormsloe Historic State Park rangers for a presentation about the conflict at the Visitors Center. Military drills and black powder weapons demonstration throughout the day.
Sunday, May 15, 2022 – May 16, 2022 (9:30 PM-1:30AM) This year the public will be able to get a spectacular look at a total lunar eclipse at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah.
The Oglethorpe Astronomical Association will be setting up telescopes in front of the visitors center for everyone to watch the total eclipse of the full moon for the month of May, sometimes called a “blood moon” for the color the moon turns when eclipsed. Weather permitting, the following stages of the eclipse will be visible:
10:27 PM Partial Eclipse Begins 11:29 PM Full Eclipse Begins 12:11 AM Maximum Eclipse 12:53 AM Full Eclipse Ends 1:55 AM Partial Eclipse Ends
Feel free to bring a chair and watch nature’s show.
Parking fee: $5 Event Phone: 912-598-2300
Posted in Georgia State Park Events | Comments Off on Total Lunar Eclipse Observation @ Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah
Visitors may participate from March 15 – April 24 2022 on Tuesdays – Sunday from 10AM – 4PM daily.
Guests will be given an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt map with instructions. Just follow the simple instructions, using the map for clues, to answer the secret phrase. After completing the hunt repeat the phrase to the Ranger at the museum and receive a prize bag with toy filled Easter Eggs & more.
Participants can receive an EXTRA PRIZE for taking a selfie at one of the clue locations.
This event is for the ENTIRE FAMILY and all ages. Come out and enjoy the open spaces, have fun & tour the plantation.
Cost
$8 adults
$7.50 seniors (62 and over)
$5 youth (ages 6 to 17)
Children ages 5 & younger are free
912-264-7333
Follow the clues and find the eggs along the trails for Skidaway Island State Park’s Easter Egg Hunt. Each egg will have a clue to help find the next egg. Children who find the golden egg at the end will receive a small prize. Please note that participants will not be collecting the eggs.
Calling all green thumbs and those who wish to cultivate to the Spring Seed Exchange & Garden Day @ Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah on Sat. March 5 2022 . The first summer season at the Wormsloe Heritage Garden was a success, and Wormsloe staff would like to share their knowledge and hard work.
Bring seeds to exchange with Wormsloe and the growing gardening community @ the Seed Exchange & Garden Day on Sat. March 5, featuring garden workshops, kids crafts, and garden stories.
9:30AM – Compost and Vermiculture with Benji Adams of Bammm Farms (Location – Heritage Garden)
11AM – Honey Bees of Wormsloe with Ranger Gretchen (Location – Heritage Garden)
12PM – Garden Stories for all ages with Ranger Kim (Location – Heritage Garden)
1PM – 3 Sisters Garden Games with Ranger Sean (Location – Heritage Garden)
2PM Origins of Southern Food Crops with Sarah Ross of UGA Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe (Location – VC Theatre)
Crafts, activities, and seed exchanging throughout the day (9:30AM-4PM). (Location – Heritage Garden)
___________________________________
New Women Take Over Wormsloe event, Sat. April 23 2022
This event explores the experiences of colonial women and their important yet frequently omitted, contributions to the success of Georgia.
Watch demonstrations of women’s skills such as blacksmithing, cooking, spinning, 18th century midwifery and the use of healing using herbs. Also, in collaboration with of Re:purpose, come witness timber framing. This family friendly event takes place from 10AM to 4PM on Sat. April 23, 2022 @ Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah.
_______________________________________
Both events are included with admission. Admission: $2 (ages 2-5), $4.50 (ages 6 – 17), $10 (ages 18+), and $9 (ages 62+). Group rates of $4 per youth and $6 per adult can apply to any group of 15 or more people paying in one transaction.
Wormsloe Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Road
Savannah, GA 31406
Explore Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah during this popular annual event as audiences of all ages enjoy special living-history programs and demonstrations in an historic outdoor setting. Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, sutlers’ row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available.
Free & open to the public
Colonial Faire & Muster
Sat. Feb 5, 2022, 9AM-4 PM)
Sun. Feb 6, 2022, 9AM-4PM)
Admission: Free admission.
Come and learn about early Georgia and Colonial Savannah at this annual Colonial Faire and Muster School Day. Experience the 18th century military encampment, military demonstrations, shopping in Sutler’s row, craft demonstrations, music, dancing, and more.
Groups of 15 or more paying in one transaction are eligible for a group rate. Call the Wormsloe office for details and reservations.
For Fort King George Historic Site’s special Tricentennial anniversary, the annual Autumn Encampment will include reenactors from the three nations: England, France, and Spain. Join us for activities, demonstrations, and historical crafts. Festival includes a ceremonial parade procession and musket firing salute to honor the soldiers whose graves are marked at our historic cemetery.
Cost is standard admission.
Adults: $7.50
Seniors (62+): $7.00
Youths (6-17): $4.50
Under age 6 is free entry.
For 18th century reenactors and vendors looking to participate as a volunteer/camper, please call and register at 912-437-4770.