Explore history, arts, and culture in communities throughout Georgia as over 100 museums and historic sites across the state open their doors free of charge for this popular annual event, organized as part of the Georgia History Festival. Attendees can experience our state’s rich history and cultural life as historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest welcome the public, providing an exceptional opportunity to discover the stories and heritage in our own backyard.
Unless otherwise noted, programs are free. $5 for parking.
An * indicates pre-registration is required.
Call the Visitor Center at 912.598.2300 to register for programs with an asterisk *.
Archery*: Hour-long slots available during the hours listed. Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on the range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. $10 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your hour in advance. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in at the archery range.
Build a Birdfeeder*: Birdfeeders provide an energeƟc boost to the diets of local and migraƟng birds looking for a hearty meal. Make your own hanging birdfeeder. Meet behind the Visitor Center at the picnic tables. Materials provided. $3 per person.
Cozy Creatures*: Everyone knows crafts are a great way to stay busy, especially when it’s chilly outside! Come make an adorable felt animal such as a raccoon or fox, and learn about the animals that live at the park. $5 per crafter.
First Day Hike: Dawn of the 250th: Step into history as we welcome the new year and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us at sunrise over the Skidaway marsh, where the golden light will illuminate the same breathtaking coastal views seen in 1776. Together, we’ll reflect on how this coast has changed since the nation’s founding and look forward to the future, one sunrise at a time. Celebrate this monumental moment with your limited-edition First Day Hike sticker, and a mini American flag to wave as the sun rises, symbolizing a new dawn for both our nation and the year ahead. Meet at the Visitor Center at 6:30 AM. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight, bug spray, and plenty of water.
Jewels of the Marsh: Diamondback Terrapins: The diamondback terrapin is the only turtle that lives specifically in brackish water. It is a keystone species in the saltmarsh ecosystem. Come join us for a closer look at this jewel of the marsh. Meet in the Interpretive Center for a 30-minute program and see our two live diamondback terrapins.
History Hike – How to Build an Island: Natural history buffs will enjoy this exciting hike all about the formation of the barrier islands in our area, including information about the mega fauna that once lived here. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead for a 1.5 mile hike.
Kids Care: Cleanup Challenge: On this National Day of Service, here’s an opportunity to give back! As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Stop by the Visitor Center to receive instructions and materials. Junior Rangers will receive credit towards a Kids Care service patch.
Paint a Passerine*: Fly on over to the Interpretive Center and paint a picture of one of the many perching birds that can be found at the park! Materials provided. Beginners and all ages welcome. $4 per painter.
Plant ID Hike: Join a ranger for a 1-mile hike to view, identify, and learn about the native plants that grow in our park and the surrounding area. Meet at the Sandpiper Trail.
Read with a Ranger: Young children and their families 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.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the trails to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more.
Snakes of Skidaway: Come by the Interpretive Center to learn all about one of our ambassador snakes. You will have the opportunity to meet and touch the snake while you learn about its behavior, habitat, and more!
Stills of Skidaway Hike: Uncover the history and science behind the abandoned moonshine stills on Skidaway Island State Park. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike highlighting some of the area’s most fascinating stories.
Unboxing the Box Turtle: Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
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Get ready for an action-packed Kids’ Night Out featuring Laser Tag! We’ll also be serving up delicious waffles with fun and tasty toppings to top off the night.
JEA Savannah is a full-service community center similar to a YMCA, offering programs such as a preschool, summer camp, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. While rooted in Jewish culture, the JEA is open and welcoming to the entire community.
Explore African movement, rhythm, stories and songs with your child in this engaging 6-session class!
Bring your child aged 2-3 and connect, move, and play together while building creativity and coordination.
This class takes place on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:15am at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center. January 6 – February 10. Deadline to register: 5:00pm Friday, January 2
In 2026, The Jam UAC is bringing even MORE fun to Savannah!
When you become an active member (enrolled in a class), you’ll unlock incredible benefits:
*20% off all camps
*Priority enrollment for new sessions
*UNLIMITED Open Jam during your enrollment
And so much more!
The Jam UAC is more than just a fitness center for kids – they’re a tight-knit community where kids learn to support each other, cheer for their friends, and progress together.
Check their schedule for Ninjas and Gymnastics Programs as well as for Mini-Jam Sessions.
Georgia’s history is made up of thousands of stories that shape us all.
Each day is a chance to discover, learn, and share amazing stories.
The Georgia Historical Society and Georgia Public Broadcasting have teamed up to re-launch Today in Georgia History to commemorate the US250.
This Emmy award-winning series highlights a person or historical event each day of the year, bringing the past to life for students, educators, and history enthusiasts across Georgia.
Let’s ring in the new year! This January, Kindermusik with 88 Keys is offering a whole free month of weekly classes to one random winner!
Anyone may enter with a child aged 0-7 years! Limit of 1 child per family; only 1 entry permitted.
Winner must be available to attend on at least one of these days we offer classes. You choose the class of your choice and attend it once per week. Included in the prize is the digital online home materials that correspond with the month of classes. See our January 2026 class schedule below!
All classes will be held at our studio at 183 Deerfield Road West, Bloomingdale, GA 31302. Prize is for the month of January 2026 only, and cannot be redeemed for any other month.
One winner will be randomly drawn and notified by text and/or email on December 31, 2025
Come to Savannah Children’s Museum on New Year’s Eve Day Wed. Dec. 31 2025 for a Kids’ Noon Year’s Countdown Celebration. There will be a countdown to noon with shaker crafts, bubble wrap fireworks and a dance party. Come celebrate with us!
Savannah Children’s Museum will have special open days Mon. Dec. 29th & Tues. Dec. 30th, 9AM-3PM in addition to the museum’s regular Wednesday-Sunday, 9AM-3PM hours.
Georgia State Railroad Museum next door to Savannah Children’s Museum will have hourly train rides 10AM-3PM Fri. Dec. 26 through Tues. Dec. 30. Schedule and locomotives subject to change. Please call ahead at (912) 651-6823.
Savannah Children’s Museum including the new indoor STEAM Center and Georgia State Railroad Museum will be closed New Year’s Day Thurs. Jan. 1.
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Looking for a fun holiday activity for your child? The Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center is offering a variety of fun and holiday themed camps and workshops in November and December. View the full catalog below and register your child today!
British Swim School of Savannah is offering a holiday special in the Savannah area: 50 percent off tuition applied evenly across your first two months.
Offer valid for new families that enroll between now and Dec. 15th 2025.
Not at British Swim School of Savannah, which offers programs for children as young as 3 months old with two specialized tracks:
Younger than 3 years old
Older than 3 years old
Through songs, fun activities, and playful splashing, British Swim School of Savannah can help your little one feel comfortable and confident—setting the stage for a lifelong love of swimming!
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Here are some amazing opportunities for Savannah teens and pre-teens to explore all that SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah has to offer. Dinner included! All skill levels welcome.
To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Construct custom charms for the holidays with SCAD alum Derek Larson (M.F.A., sequential art, 2011) using various techniques with polymer clay. Design a brilliant bauble for yourself or a loved one after a revelatory stroll through the galleries among our latest exhibitions.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today.
Source tasteful inspiration from the museum’s innovative exhibitions as you blend cookie-making and creativity! Design edible decorative elements on holiday treats as SCAD MOA associate curator Brittany Richmond leads you through a celebration of charismatic confections and contemporary art at TAD café.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today
Second Sunday: Enjoy free admission for Savannah locals – Dec. 14
SCAD MOA welcomes our Savannah community to enjoy free admission on the second Sunday of every month. Residents of Savannah or any of its surrounding counties (Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, and Jasper) are invited to visit free of charge.
Teen Night: Tinker with tintinnabulations (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) – Dec. 18
Do you hear what we hear? Bells are ringing! Join SCAD alum Suzanne Nelson (B.F.A., furniture design, 2014) as she leads a design workshop creating holiday bells from found objects. Work with fellow emerging creatives while immersed in Davina Semo’s interactive exhibition A Gathering of Bells.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today.
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Sign up for Kindermusik December playdate: Winter Wonderlandon Saturday Dec 13th 2025 @ 10AM
Parents and children together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more musical activities in this exciting one-time Kindermusik class. Limited spaces! Claim your child’s spot before it fills!
Every enrolled child will get…
A 40-minute class packed with learning, love, and laughter
Create your very own soft, chunky knit blanket @ a special blanket workshop @ Painting with a Twist in Savannah, 6:30PM Thursday Dec. 11. Sign up here.
The studio is located in Savannah’s Historic District, 513 East Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, 31401
Friendly step-by-step guidance makes it easy for beginners and fun for seasoned knitters, and you’ll have a variety of gorgeous yarn colors to choose from. Whether you’re crafting a special keepsake for yourself or a heartfelt gift for someone you love, this event is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the simple joy of making something by hand.
Your finished blanket will range from a snug lap throw to a comfy twin size. The base price includes 4 skeins of yarn (mix and match up to 4 colors!), with the option to add more for an even bigger blanket. Everyone age 14 and up is welcome—just bring yourself, your creativity, and get ready for a warm and relaxing time.
ARE YOU A CANDLE-LOVER? Try something NEW and create your own long-lasting, all-natural scented soy candle before you paint! Look for our DIY CANDLE add-on option (only $20!) during your event registration. Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your event if you choose to make a candle.
School’s out, but the fun doesn’t stop! While you finish up work or holiday shopping, let your kids enjoy an unforgettable day at Red Gate Farms Equine Holiday Camp in Savannah—packed with:
Horseback riding
Holiday-themed crafts
Carriage rides
Fun games & more!
Ages 6- 12 years old
Camp Dates:
Nov 24, 25, 26, 28
Dec 22, 23, 29, 30
Jan 2, 5
Flexible Packages (choose any dates from the 10 offered):
$125/day
$350 for 3 days ($25 savings)
$675 for 6 days ($75 savings)
$1000 for 9 days ($125 savings)
Spots fill fast—secure your child’s holiday adventure today!
Experts from UGA Marine Education and Aquarium on Skidaway Island will visit Savannah Children’s Museum and present a special ocean animals outreach program.
Included with admission. Free for members.
Become a member here.(one family membership price $125 for unlimited year-long admission to six sites)
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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Come to Savannah Children’s Museum this Thursday, November 6th at 10:30AM for the return of a special storytime with popular librarian and children’s book author John Light – aka Mister John – from Live Oak Public Libraries Bull Street Library.
Two neighboring places in Savannah to explore Thanksgiving Week when the kids are out of school.
1. Savannah Children’s Museum will have special open days Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th. Savannah Children’s Museum will be closed Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving.
The museum will be open Friday November 27th-Sunday November 29th. Come play to learn at Georgia’s only outdoor children’s museum. 9AM-3PM. (Hours are depending on the weather. Please check social media for weather-related closure updates)
2. The new indoor STEAM Center(pictured) next to the Savannah Children’s Museum will be open daily 9AM-3PM. (Closed Thanksgiving). Come see the indoor Numbers in Nature exhibit and mirror maze. Learn more here.
(Located next door to both these locations is Georgia State Railroad Museum which will have train rides on Friday November 27th-Sunday November 29th.)
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You are invited to a special Savannah holiday event, A Very Maritime Holiday, taking place on Thursday December 11 from 5-8pm at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
A Very Maritime Holiday featuring: • Photos with Santa (pets welcome!) • Festive treats and a candy station • Glowing winter gardens and holiday décor • A live holiday concert featuring Trae Gurley and his Merry Men • Tickets: $35 per person ($20 per child)
This beloved annual favorite holiday family event returns on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 9am to 3pm at Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum.
Activities run all day, so arrive any time BEFORE your scheduled train ride time! Enjoy the activities, crafts, and performances throughout the day!
Festive activities include: photos with Santa, the chance to operate a model train, the Grinch, food trucks, holiday crafts, Christmas tree activities, carving demos of hand-crafted spinning tops, which are available for purchase.
Oh Crepe, Royal Tasty Avenue,Tom’s Traveling Coffee, and Leopold’s will be on-site to meet all your dining needs.
Savannah Santa Train is hosted each year by Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah. Both sites are operated by Coastal Heritage Society.
Everyone 18 months and older needs a ticket to enjoy Savannah Santa Train.
Tickets are available now at $18 for Coastal Heritage Society members and $20 for nonmembers. Become a member here ($125 for year-long family membership which includes unlimited admission all six CHS museums and historic sites)
Tickets include all scheduled activities and experiences. A train ride is included in the price of admission.
Tickets typically sell out every year. Purchase tickets here.
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Artful Afternoon (Wednesday from 1-4pm) – Nov 12, Dec 10
Calling all homeschooling families! Amplify your student’s artist journey with an enriching workshop at the SCAD Museum of Art. In this immersive experience, education and creativity collide to offer a field study for homeschooled students.
This event presents a unique opportunity for your students to acclimate into the art world as observers and creators. While they feed their creative minds among the exhibitions, they’ll meet other students and foster lasting community connections.
All ages are welcome. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To RSVP or send inquiries, email Hannah Thompson at hthompso@scad.edu. This event is free and open to the public.
Drawing Club (Wednesdays 4 p.m.) – Nov 5, Nov 12
Let your imagination run wild at this weekly drawing workshop for aspiring creatives focusing on the basic principles of art and design. Seek inspiration in the galleries, meet new friends, and begin preparing a portfolio of your work as museum educators offer tutorials to perfect your drawing skills.
This workshop for middle school and high school students is free and open to the public.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Mini Masters (Monday 11am-12pm) – Nov 17, Dec 15
Calling all little creatives! Embark on a journey of artistic expression, discovery, and exploration with SCAD MOA educators. Join us every third Monday for imaginative activities designed especially for children and inspired by our latest exhibitions. While enjoying art projects, gallery visits, and snack time, your budding geniuses (and you) can form new friendships.
Mini Masters Monday is programmed for children ages 1–4. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission is $5 per child. Mini Masters memberships are also available to families at $25 for 12 months (a savings of $45) and include complimentary admission to Mini Masters Mondays in addition to individual museum membership benefits.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Seeking a sweet way to spice up Thanksgiving break? Skip the shopping and get creative with confections! The SCAD Museum of Art welcomes you to decorate cookies at TAD café. First, explore the galleries to inspire your confectionary creations. Then, learn cookie crafting techniques from associate curator and edible art extraordinaire Brittany Richmond. Enjoy holiday treats as you create your own baked goods to take home or gift to that special (hungry) someone. This workshop is intended for middle school-aged students. Drop off begins at 8:45 a.m. A museum educator will be stationed at the Turner Blvd. entrance under the glass tower from 8:45 to 9 a.m. for your convenience.
All skill levels are welcome. Admission is $20. Materials included and snack provided. For questions, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
