The annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration returns to Beaufort, SC this November 2014 to celebrate the history & legacy of the Gullah Geechee & the Lowcountry’s ties to West Africa.

The festival takes place Thurs. Nov. 6 through Sat. Nov. 8 on the historical campus of Penn Center, a museum & cultural center situated on the site of the first school for freed slaves established during the Civil War.

Heritage Days Celebration events will showcase Gullah cultural connections & immerse visitors in West African traditions through both educational & entertaining events, including:
An art exhibition featuring York W. Bailey
An old-fashioned prayer service
An opening ceremony and founders memorial
Friday center stage entertainment
A fish fry, oyster roast and blues night
A Saturday parade
Youth Day events & entertainment

The Penn Center was the first school established and is located on St. Helena Island.

For more information about Gullah culture or about the Heritage Days Celebration, visit www.PennCenter.com or call (843) 838-2432.

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.

Experience the thrill of black powder during daily cannon firing demonstrations at Old Fort Jackson, a must-see National Historic Landmark!

WHERE: Old Fort Jackson
WHEN: 11am & 2pm

OFJ is located at 1 fort Jackson Road, Savannah, GA. More info is available by clicking here or by calling 912-232-3945.

Coastal Heritage Society manages Old Fort Jackson, a historic fort located on the Savannah River three miles east of downtown Savannah, www.chsgeorgia.org/, Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE Telfair Museums Open House for Families who Homeschool

Telfair Museums invites all families who homeschool to an exclusive open house event!

Saturday, August 9

1-4 p.m.

Jepson Center, 207 W. York St.

Join us for an afternoon of fun, learning and art. We welcome all homeschooling families in the area to learn more about the education programs and resources that Telfair Museums offers. Art education is an essential part of any curriculum and we want to personally tell you about our classes, workshops, camps and more! Join us for:

Docent-guided tours for grades Pre-K through 12 that are age-appropriate
A studio art class where you and your children can explore your creative sides
ArtZeum, our innovative and interactive children’s museum space

Please RSVP to Jillian Luse at lusej@telfair.org. Attendees who RSVP in advance will be entered into a raffle to win FREE family passes to Telfair Museums!

Please visit telfair.org/homeschool for more information.

Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, 207 W. York St., Savannah, 31401 tel: 912-790-8800 Telfair Museums is SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Take part in the kid-friendly LABOR DAY PROGRAMMING at Old Fort Jackson in Savannah Aug. 30-31, 2014.

Celebrate Labor Day at Old Fort Jackson. Experience the lives of the soldiers stationed at Fort Jackson during the American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Special children’s activities included.

WHERE:Old Fort Jackson
WHEN: August 30-31, 2014

For hours & admission costs, click here.

Old Fort Jackson
1 Fort Jackson Road
Savannah, GA 31404

Coastal Heritage Society manages Old Fort Jackson, a historic fort located on the Savannah River three miles east of downtown Savannah, www.chsgeorgia.org/, Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENTS, VISIT OUR EVENT CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE. 

The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. presents the second annual Countdown to Kindergarten. This is a celebration for rising kindergartners and their families.

FREE ADMISSION FOR RISING SOUTH CAROLINA KINDERGARTENERS!

August 15, 2014, 5p-8p. Countdown to Kindergarten provides parents with an opportunity to connect with representatives from school districts, state agencies and community to learn about available educational, health and community resources. Let the countdown begin!

About The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum dedicated to the positive development of young children through educational play in an atmosphere that fosters family and community. Established in 2005, and located on the south end of Hilton Head Island, The Sandbox is the only non-profit play and learning center of its kind in the Low Country featuring region-related exhibits, crafts and programming specifically designed to stimulate curiosity, evoke creativity and motivate learning in children ages eight and under. For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645.

For more information, call The Sandbox at 843-842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org

Whether you live in Bluffton/Hilton Head Is. or are making a daytrip from the Greater Savannah area, Coastal Discovery Museum is a fun place for kids to visit – especially when there are educational kids’ programs happening.

Check out events happening at Coastal Discovery Museum by clicking here.
Explore Honey Horn, visit the Butterfly Enclosure, look for birds on the docks.

For additional information call 843-689-6767, ext 223

Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926, tel: (843) 689-6767, email info@coastaldiscovery.org, www.coastaldiscovery.org

You’re invited to Christmas in July, 10 AM-2 PM Wed. July 23 2014. Snow is in Santa’s forecast while you play at The Sandbox’s fourth annual “Christmas in July”.

Activities include:
· play in the snow
· jump in The Sandbox’s Bounce Castle
· see The Sandbox in Christmas décor
· Make a Christmas Tree ornament
· decorate (and eat) sugar cookies,
· enjoy fun arts & crafts,
· meet and chat with Santa!
· play in The Sandbox’s cool museum
· fill your tummy with hot dogs, chips, brownies, & lemonade.

COST: $10 per person, under 12 months free

$8 per person seniors, Sandbox members, active military

For more information, call The Sandbox at 843-842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR EVENT CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE. 

Guided Tours @ Fort Pulaski National Monument

Starting May 31, 2014

Fort Pulaski National Monument offers guided tours at the following times:
Sunday through Friday: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Through the tour, visitors will see one of the nation’s finest examples of a seacoast fortification, while learning about the construction and engineering of Fort Pulaski, Civil War technology, rifled cannons, general fort life, and the Battle for Fort Pulaski in 1862. Tours meet inside the fort and usually last 45 minutes to an hour.

More info here. 

Junior Park Rangers

When you take kids to tour national parks, you never know how much they are getting out of the visit. Especially for those of us moms who aren’t exactly history experts.

Which is why you need to pick up the Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor centers of national parks you visit. The Junior Ranger program kids engage more during the visits.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

Nearby national parks/monuments that have Junior Ranger programs include:
*Fort Pulaski National Monument, on U.S. 80 en route to Tybee Island. Info on the Fort Pulaski Junior Program here.
*Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.
*Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. Info on the Fort Frederica National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.
*Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon. Info on Ocmulgee’s National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.

You’re invited to Splash Fest 2014 at Savannah Children’s Museum , Saturday, July 26 2014, 9 AM-2 PM.

Join Savannah Children’s Museum for fun water-based programs & activities.

Last year this was Savannah Children’s Museum most highly attended special weekend.  This year they’re going all out again with fun ways to keep cool and beat the heat – art activities, science activities, and, of course, WATER activities.

All activities are included with membership or daily admission.

Featuring:
Water Wonders all day!
10:30 Story Time
11:30 Creative Crafts
12:30 Super Science
1:30 Story Time

Bathing suits may be worn under clothing. You many want to bring a change of clothing and a towel for your child. Since shoes are required, it’s highly recommend that kids don water-safe shoes to protect their feet.

Admission is $7.50 per person ages
1 and older and free for members. Summer Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM.

Savannah Children’s Museum is at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401.

It’s not too late to join in for July summer fun with Kindermusik in Savannah!

Enrollment is ongoing and you can join in at anytime. Babies ages 0’s and 1’s meet at 9:30am on Mondays for “Nighty Night”. Toddlers ages 2’s and 3’s meet at 10:20am on Mondays for “Beach Days”. Call 912.988.KEYS (5397) to schedule a free trial class.

Also, join Kindermusik for their July play date: “BUGS, BUGS, BUGS in my backyard!” Play dates are open to ages 0-7. Sibling discounts available. July’s class will meet Monday, July 21 at 11:10am.

To enroll online, visit www.88keysga.com and click on the Kindermusik link. 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

Aug. 31 2014 is Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s Birthday!

Bring the family to celebrate Oatland’s 40th Birthday, 10 AM-4 PM Aug. 31.

Admission will be 40% off.

There will be animal encounters, animal enrichment talks, birds of prey programs, birthday cake and more!

Call 912-395-1516 or click here for more information.

For more summer programs happening @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, click here. 

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, 31410 tel: (912) 395-1212
http://www.oatlandisland.org

Don’t miss the FREE late summer family stargazing event @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) in Savannah: Gazing in the Garden!

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in conjunction with the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association invite you to a night of stargazing in the Garden Saturday Aug. 30 8-10 PM. High-powered telescopes will be set up for observation, but you are welcome to bring your own. Free & open to the public.

Before the star-gazing, you’re also invited to a free showing of a classic science-fiction film “The Day of the Triffids” starting at 7:30 in the Annex educational building. Be prepared for less-than-ideal acting and effects in the movie, but know telescope views of the rising moon and stars await you on the Great Lawn.

Once the sun sets, join the group on the Great Lawn to gaze upward with the help of telescopes set up by the Association.  Feel free to bring food, lawn chairs. Alcoholic beverages, pets and tobacco products are prohibited

Free and open to the public. This is a great family event! More details here.

Here’s a list of children’s books on astronomy:

“Night Sky Atlas” by Robin Seagell
“Astronomy” by Kristen Lippincott
“Black Holes & Other Space Oddities” by Alex Barnett
“Space” by Simon Holland
“The Solar System: An A-Z Guide” by Christina Wilsdon
“Cosmic Light Shows” by Bobbie Kalman & April Fast
“Find the Constellations” by H.A. Rey
“The Stars: A New Way to See Them” by H.A. Rey

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Formerly The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens), 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please enter the gate on US Hwy. 17. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

(Note: “Night Skies – Telescopes at the Tybee Pier and Pavilion” are hosted on the second Friday of each month by the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association at sunset. View the night sky through high-powered telescopes, weather permitting. Free. (912) 401-8634 or e-mail oaadir@kwbell.net.)

Attention homeschool families in the Greater Savannah area

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) is happy to announce the addition of four new educational programs to their popular Roots & Shoots Environmental Education curriculum.

These wonderful new programs include lessons on the water cycle, pollinators, nature poetry and Odonatas (dragonflies!). Please click here for more information

These educational programs are based on Georgia state standards for science grades K-6. Some programs start in September and all programs fill up quickly.

Registration begins next week on Monday, July 7th. C ost is $5 to $8 per child per program. More information here. 

Live interactive butterfly display at Savannah Mall July 4-27 2014.

During July, you and your kids can watch the magic of butterflies come alive before your eyes at the center court of the Savannah Mall

The ‘Butterflies’ exhibit features over 200 live butterflies from a variety of species tucked away inside a beautiful conservatory. Open noon-8 PM Mon.-Sat. and noon-5 PM Sun.

You can enter into the conservatory and enjoy a hands-on experience with the butterflies. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will explain the life cycle of a butterfly to attendees and everyone will be able to interact with the butterflies one-on-one.

Savannah Mall will host the butterfly event July 4-27 2014.

The goal of Butterflies is to educate in a fun and safe environment. Butterflies’ strives to educate and engage youths as well as adults.

In addition to the experience of seeing, touching and interacting with an array of butterflies, you can take home one’s very own caterpillars.

Guided tours

There are also guided tours taking place every 10-30 minutes depending on traffic. One of the staff will take the group inside the conservatory and explain the stages of life between the caterpillar and butterfly. Once the guided tour is over, participants will be able to explore the conservatory on their own; interacting with up to 200 butterflies.

Cost

Admission: $3 per person and a child 8 and younger is free with the adult purchase. In addition to the conservatory, there is also a free craft activity where participants are welcome to create their very own flapping wing butterfly.

Field trips

If you’re a teacher or group who loves butterflies, there are field trip opportunities for students and other groups to experience the program in depth. With just $4 each student, or group member, gets to enjoy a 3 section field trip. The field trip is one hour and thirty minutes long with each section being a half hour. The first section consists of the wonderful experience inside the house interacting with the butterflies. The second section is a craft where everyone can learn about the parts of the butterfly, then get to make one’s own to take home. The last section is a presentation where we teach you all about the butterflies’ life cycle, parts, and some interesting fun facts. At the end of the presentation there is also an entertaining Jeopardy type game where students are engaged to answer questions about the presentation. For more information including how to make reservations, click here. 

Butterflies Gift & Educational Shop

“Butterflies!” is a one-stop-shop for everything butterfly-related. There is a retail section which encompasses a wide variety of items, from butterfly suckers to bug houses, clothing and everything in-between. In addition, everyone is welcome to Adopt-a-butterfly. For $9, you can take home the entire experience as you watch your very own caterpillars grow and hatch into beautiful butterflies.

More information on the live, interactive butterfly display here. 

Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31419, (912) 927-7467, www.savannahmall.com Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah has the secret to educating your kids about our history.

Tricentennial Park

Visit Savannah History Museum to learn the background of the Battle of Savannah and then head out to Battlefield Memorial Park to learn about the Revolutionary battle. Learn more about Tricentennial Park by clicking here.

Savannah History Museum is at 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Savannah, 31401

See the various Tricentennial Park sites including Georgia State Railroad Museum by clicking here.

Georgia State Railroad Museum is at 655 Louisville Road Savannah 31401

Old Fort Jackson

Old Fort Jackson in Savannah celebrated its bicentennial in May 2008, making it the oldest standing brick fortification in Georgia! A National Historic Landmark, the fort is one of only eight Second System fortifications (a series of forts built prior to the War of 1812) still standing in the United States.

Join thousands of visitors who enjoy the fort every year, and experience military exhibits, daily cannon firing demonstrations during the summer, and a serene environment with a great view of the Savannah River.

Learn more about Old Fort Jackson by clicking here. 

Old Fort Jackson is at 1 Fort Jackson Rd. Savannah,  31404

Attention parents of children ages 0-7:

Join Kindermusik in Savannah for a free trial visit on June 30! It’s a great time to try a class to see if you’d like to join the exciting July Kindermusik classes!

For ages 0 & 1: In July, babies ages 0 and 1 will be starting “Nighty Night!” It’s nighttime, but not quite bedtime yet! Babies will explore the night through music and movement…see the moon and twinkling stars, and say hello to Wee Willie Winkie and the man in the moon. Finally, it’s time to get ready for bed….with bath time, a little playtime, and then it’s time to say Nighty Night. This class meets Mondays at 9:30am and begins July 7 and will meet every Monday in July.

For toddlers: Toddlers ages 2 and 3 will begin “Beach Days”! Breathe in that salty water and take in the wide ocean rolling in and out. Crabs are scuttling, fish are swimming, toes are wiggling and bells are jingling…this unit is filled with sun, fun and musical play. This class meets Mondays at 10:20am and begins July 7 and will meet every Monday in July.

To enroll online, or sign up for a free trial class, visit the website at www.88keysga.com and click on the Kindermusik link. Or, call 912-988-KEYS (5397).

All class sizes are limited.

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

The Club at Savannah Harbor offers FREE 30-minute golf clinics for families during July 2014, which is family golf month.

Contact Paul Killgallon for more information at 912.201.2240, email paul.killgallon@westin.com or click here.

The Club at Savannah Harbor, Hutchinson Is., 2 Resort Drive, Savannah, 31421, 912.201.2240, email Golf.savannah@westin.com https://www.facebook.com/TheClubAtSavannahHarbor, www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com   The Club at Savannah Harbor is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

This is so worth the roadtrip to Port Poyal, near Beaufort, S.C.

The Shark Tooth Fairy, Mike Harris, invites kids to come to The Sands beach in Port Royal (a roughly 1 hr drive or less from Savannah) this Saturday June 28 2014 starting at 11 AM. Kids can look for shark teeth, Megalodon teeth and other fossilized finds and take what they find home with them. Over 200 pounds of sharks teeth and fossils donated from all over the world will be hidden on the beach for kids to find. 

Read more about Shark Tooth Fairy Mike Harris here.

FREE & open to the public.

Harris – an avid fossil and shark tooth collector (as well as an overall fun character)- will spread pounds of shark teeth and a bunch of cool bones on the beach just in time for the kids’ arrival at 11 AM.  Info on The Sands in Port Royal, S.C. near Beaufort here.

Stay updated and learn more about The Shark Tooth Fairy by friending Mike Harris on Facebook here. We attended previous shark tooth and fossil hunt and even though we didn’t find a shark tooth, we were so entertained & impressed by this guy’s enthusiasm.

Learn more here. 

SIDE TRIPS: Make a day of it and pair your visit with a trip to the lighthouse at Hunting Island near Beaufort or check out fun playgrounds in Beaufort by clicking here. Stay all day & catch a drive-in movie at the Hwy 21 Drive-In.

We love this high-tech kids’ entertainment option: have a state-of-the art Mobile Game Theater come to your house.

That’s what GameTruck Hilton Head offers not just for Hilton Head Is. but also for Savannah, Bluffton, Pooler & the surrounding area.

JUNE 2014 SPECIAL: Mention you read about GameTruck Hilton Head Island on SouthernMamas.com & receive this deal during June! Receive GameTruck’s weekdayprice of $299 for the remainder of the month ANY DAY if you mention you read about this special on SouthernMamas.com. Just call Gametruck’s local number to receive the offer, 843-619-7FUN(7386)

GameTruck’s Original Mobile Video Game Theater™ features five flat screen TVs (yes, five!), dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control, two vendor doors. This video-game paradise on wheels is staffed by experienced GameCoaches. Talk about posh & fun. Just what your little gamers would love.

GameTruck isn’t just for children’s birthday parties. This kind of interactive video game entertainment is perfect for block parties, corporate events, summer events/camps, fund-raisers, school functions & more. Even better: GameTruck Hilton Head is locally owned & operated.

Book Now: GameTruck brings the excitement right to your door
888-602-GAME (4263)
843-619-7FUN (7386)

Gametruck Hilton Head, (843) 619-7386, email jason.stockwell@gametruckparty.com ,www.gametruckparty.com/HiltonHead On Facebook here.

It’s a Summer Camp Explosion @ Coastal Performing Arts Academy in Pooler.
Click here for more information
Sign up your child for Art Camp, Hip Hop and Theater Camp for all ages
Pooler Studio: Mon.-Fri. 4:30pm-8pm, Sat. 9am-1pm

Go by the studio 107 Grand Central Blvd, Suite 202/203, The Shops at Godley Station Pooler, 31322 between 9am-8pm to register or call 912-656-1744 or 912-988-1521.

Art Camp
July 7-11
Ages 3-5 – 9:30- 10:15 Cost : $60
Ages 6-11 – 10:30 – 12:30 Cost: $125
Cost includes all materials. Details here. 

Hip Hop Camp
July 14-18
Ages 4-5 – 9:30-10:30 Cost: $75
Ages 6-7 – 10:30-11:30 Cost: $75. Details here. 

Broadway Bound Camp
July 21-25 from 9am-12
Art, Dance and Theater with a show on Friday. Students will learn lines, dance steps and create all the scenery and costumes. Details here. 

Register: Go by The Coastal Performing Arts Academy studio 107 Grand Central Blvd, Suite 202/203, The Shops at Godley Station Pooler, 31322 between 9am-8pm to register or call 912-656-1744 or 912-988-1521.

Pooler Registration:

June 27 9am-2pm
July 11 4pm-8pm
July 18 4pm-8pm
Every Tuesday & Thursday in July from 4pm-8pm

Springfield Registration:
August 2nd 10am-2pm

Coastal Performing Arts Academy, 107 Grand Central Blvd, Suite 202/203, The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler, 31322 tel: (912) 988-1521 email coastalperformingartsacademy@yahoo.com, www.coastalperformingartsacademy.com/ Coastal Performing Arts Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Join

It’s not too late to sign up for next week’s June Kindermusik play date!

Open to children ages 0-7: theme is “Music and Motion at the Ocean!”

Class meets Monday June 23, at 11:10am. All participants get an instrument, a download card for 10 Kindermusik songs, and a BONUS gift at the end of class! Sibling discounts offered. Sign up at www.88keysga.com or call 912-988-KEYS (5397).

For more info or to enroll online, visit the 88 KEYS PIANO website at www.88keysga.com then click on the Kindermusik tab or call 912-988-5397. Spaces are limited.

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