Teachers & homeschool groups, have you applied yet for Musical Explorers, Savannah Music Festival’s new partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute?

Musical Explorers has been a huge hit with New York City schools, and in 2014-15 Savannah Music Festival will be the first organization in the nation to adapt Musical Explorers for a community outside of New York.

Deadline to apply has been extended to Mon. Aug. 18. More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

Musical Explorers is a K-2 arts education program where students learn about their community, their city, their state and all the diverse musical styles that can be found in Georgia and the southeast. They also learn basic music skills and vocabulary. During the 2014-2015 school year, students explore various music styles including blues, classical, African-American spirituals, jazz, Slave Shouts, and bluegrass, embarking on a musical journey through the cultures found in and around Savannah.

For each genre of music, the students are “introduced” to a local artist, and songs and activities associated with the artist (3 artists per semester, 6 artists total). At the end of each semester, students meet the musicians they’ve learned about in the classroom live on stage, performing the songs from the curriculum in an interactive concert.

Click here watch a brief video, with footage put together by Carnegie Hall, that gives you the teacher’s perspective. (Just imagine your students going to the Lucas Theatre for the concert instead of Carnegie Hall!)

Some more program features:
*Two interactive concerts (fall and spring) per year in downtown Savannah featuring mulitcultural vocalists
*Two professional development workshops for participating teachers (fall and spring)
*An online, interactive Teacher Guide with accompanying musical excerpts, featuring lessons and creative extensions for yearlong coursework, geared toward both music and general classroom teachers
*Online, printable student activities

This program is absolutely free for participating schools!

More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

Wear your most magical robes and hats and join Savannah Children’s Museum for FROGWARTS, an exciting wizarding event on Sunday, September 14th 2014 from 5pm-7pm! More info here. 

Take a ride on the Frogwarts Express to Savannah Children’s Museum to be sorted into Houses at Frogwarts. After the SCM Sorting Hat has picked your House, all the wizards and witches will get take fun magical classes like Potions, Wand Making.

This year Frogwarts is adding all new classes.

The Frogwarts Express will board at Georgia State Railroad Museum from 5pm-6pm and take all the witches and wizards to Savannah Children’s Museum.

The train boards on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to arrive on time to get onboard!

Pricing for Frogwarts is $10 per person ages 18 mo. and older.

Pre-registration AND pre-payment are REQUIRED for this popular annual event. Space is limited. Be sure to register today.

Click here to register

Savannah Children’s Museum, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, 655 Louisville Road, Savannah 31401, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Savannah Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY LEAVE YOU AND YOUR BABY VERY HUNGRY….FOR MORE MUSICAL FUN!

Announcing Kindermusik in Savannah’s August playdate: Monday, August 25, at 10 AM. The theme for August is “YUM! Fabulous Food!” Come explore music, movement, stories, instruments, and MORE, all centered around our musicalicious food theme.

Playdate is open to ages 0-7, and siblings are ONLY $5.

Each participant receives an instrument, 10 Kindermusik songs, and a BONUS gift at the end of class!

Spaces are limited, so enroll today online at www.88keysga.com (click on the Kindermusik link). Please note: August’s playdate is being held at a different time than most of our monthly playdates: 10am!

Any questions? Please email us or call us at 912.988.KEYS (5397) or music@88keysga.com

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

Kids can enhance their artistic skills at the Jepson Center. Contact Kip Bradley at 912.790.8823 or bradleyk@telfair.org to reserve your space now!

Youth Classes

New! Classes for Homeschool Students Homeschool Contemporary Creative Explorer
Ages 8-12
Mondays, September 8-October 6, 10 am-12pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
The Contemporary Creative Explorer class will take students on a journey, exploring Telfair Museums’three sites and exhibitions. Find inspiration with instruction in drawing, painting and printmaking. Students immerse themselves in innovative arts lessons taught by professional artists. To register, click here.

Homeschool Portfolio Builder: Youth Drawing 1
Ages 10 – 14
Mondays September 8-October 6, 10 am-12pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
This class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing skills and begin the process of developing a portfolio. In Drawing I, students will focus on still life, practicing perspective and sketching from clothed models. Youth Drawing is a great class for students to develop their art portfolios. New students welcome! All materials will be provided. To register, click here.

Portfolio Builder: Youth Drawing 1
Ages 10-14
Thursdays, September 11-October 16, 4:30-6 pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
New students welcome! This six-week class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing skills and begin the process of developing a portfolio. In this session, students focus on measurement and proportion, value, and linear perspective in a variety of black and white media. Youth Drawing 1 is a great class for students to develop their art portfolios, and all materials are provided. To register, click here.

Video Game Development
Ages: 10-16yrs
Thursdays, October 23 – November 20 | 4:30-6pm
Members $100 | Non-members $125
In this five-week class, students build their own video game. Suitable for beginners to intermediate-level participants who want to join the fun! Explore, play, and create video games while learning computer programming from scratch using Game Maker. Prior programming experience is not required and all materials are provided. To register, click here.

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

Telfair Museums provides many opportunities for families to visit the museum, learn, and make art together. Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for children? Check these out:

WCWM? (What Can We Make?)
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays / 1-4 PM
Jepson Center’s Melaver Studio
The studios are open for drop-in visits for all ages. No need to pre-register. Free to members or with museum admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver. More info available here. 
Join Jepson Center as they open the studios for drop in visits for all ages. wcwm? (What Can We Make?) focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through imagination. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing recycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. In addition to the wcwm? project kits, the studios provide watercolor and collage opportunities as well. More info here. 

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Stroller Tours, Telfair Tots

Telfair Museums in Savannah has two new fun & educational programs for young children – babies, toddlers & preschoolers – to visit the museum, learn and make art together.

Stroller Tours Stroller Tours 3rd Thursday of Every Month
9:30-10:15am
Telfair Museums is excited to introduce its newest program for the stroller set! Join Telfair Museums for a monthly gathering where parents & caregivers can enjoy a morning at the museum while also engaging infants with art. Babies thrive on dynamic environments, so each month we’ll explore a different set of artwork. There will be touchable toys for the little ones, adult conversation for you & like-minded art lovers. Finish your visit with a leisurely talk over complimentary coffee & tea in Telfair Museum’s café. Strollers, crying & older siblings are all welcome here.

October 16 – Rolling on the River
Find yourself walking through a river of light and sound in the immersive Deep River installation.

November 20 – Peeking at Portraits
Get to know the people in our paintings in the Telfair Academy.

December 18 – Color/Contrast
Discover different ways colors are combined in abstract and representational works in Savannah Collects.

Infants from 2-18 months and adults welcome. Included with museum admission; free to members. Ten spaces are available.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

Telfair Tots 3rd Thursday of Every Month
10:30-11:30am
Start your day with art! Once a month preschoolers aged 2 ½ – 5 and their adult companions are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along. Come play and learn with us!

October 16 – Dress Up, Dress Down
There are all sorts of reasons to play dress up – holidays, festivals, or just for fun. Come dance and move with costumes as we learn about masks and clothing from around the world in the ArtZeum, and make your own special headdress.

November 20 – Magic Touch
Art can be made out of all sorts of things – silver, plastic, wood, and so much more. Explore an eclectic mix of artwork in Savannah Collects and activate your sense of touch. Then use your own hands to create multi-media sculptures.

December 18 – Silver and Gold
These shiny metals aren’t just for jewelry. Take a walk with us to explore the various metals and materials used in sculptures around the museum. Then you‘ll create your own modified brass rubbings in silver and gold.

Activity fee is $5 per participating child; regular museum admission for caregivers. Adult members are always free.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

The two above new programs are in addition to other kids’ programs currently offered by Telfair Museums in Savannah including WCWM (What Can We Make?) & FREE Family Days offered one Saturday a month. Details here. 

FOR MORE MOMMY & ME ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE. 

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ArtZeum
Located in the Jepson Center
A great place to visit after school, on a rainy day, on weekends, or just anytime, the Telfair’s hands-on learning gallery and interactive exhibits provide an excellent introduction to big ideas about art. Click here to learn more.

Activity Downloads
Download activity sheets here on the educational resources page before your museum visit and explore the museum with fun and educational search activities.

FREE Family Days (Next one is Sept. 6. Theme: Playing with Photography Details here.)
Telfair Museums FREE family days will be on the first Saturday of each month, 1-4 PM through 2014 These events highlight a different exhibition each month and feature art-making activities for visitors of all ages.  More info here. 

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

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

The Jewel Conservatory Theatre – an educational theatre in Rincon dedicated to providing classic theatre entertainment and quality theatre classes for all ages – has a whole assortment of after-school theatre classes for all ages!

Their classes are custom made to young thespians to focus on the process of being a truthful actor and do not put the pressure of performing on them. Each student will have a blast learning about acting through games, scene study, ensemble-driven classes.

Junior Gems
Ages 3-5
This is the perfect introductory to stories on stage! Your youngest thespian will dive right into story drama through songs, simple movement, and crafts–we make our own costumes and props! These classes are 45 minutes and specifically created for the pre-school student!
Aug. 27- Oct. 22 2014
Wednesdays
4-4:45 p.m.
$80

Emeralds
Ages 6-8
This is the perfect introductory to stories on stage! Your little actor will learn about the fun of theatre! Through songs, stage movement, and age-appropriate story drama, your child will build their confidence and meet new friends. You will be blown away with the complex characters your children will create!
Aug. 27- Oct. 22 2014
Wednesdays
5-6 PM
$90

Elementary Troupe
Ages 9-12
From Greeks to folk lore to fairytales the Elementary Troupe does it all! Your elementary schooler will learn all about projection, character development, and how to stand and move on stage through fun games and play-study. Get ready to laugh and learn all about how fun theatre can be!
Tuesday Night Class
Get Grimm-The Seven Ravens
Sept 2-Oct 28, 2014
6-7 p.m.
$105
Thursday Night Class
Get Grimm- The Bremen Town Musicians
Aug. 28-Oct 23 2014
4-5 p.m.
$105

Teen Troupe
Ages 13-18
Your teen will get the perfect introduction to acting theory and technique in this class. Designed to teach key acting techniques through games and scene study, your teen will learn about Stanislaski and Bogart acting techniques through studying classic and contemporary theatre.
Sept 11-Nov. 6, 2014
Thursdays
5:30-7 p.m.
$115

Girls Chorus
Ages 10+
The Jewel Conservatory Theatre could not be more excited to be adding an all-girls chorus! No experience necessary, just a love for music! Auditions are required. Includes all music fees, etc.
Aug 20- Nov 4, 2014
Wednesday
6-7 pm
$50 per month

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE CLASSES, CLICK HERE.

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

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