Families will have an opportunity to get scientific with their love of plants @ Plant Science Saturday Aug. 5 at Forsyth Park.
Designed for budding plant scientists of all ages, plant scientists will host discovery stations to inspire excitement and curiosity about plants and plant life.
Hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists, the event kicks off Plant Biology Week in Savannah, during which ASPB’s annual Plant Biology conference will welcome more than 1,000 plant biologists and scientists from around the world.
Plant Science Saturday originated out of the desire for Plant Biology conference attendees to give back to their host cities.
Attendees start their journey into plant science with picking up a field guide that guides them through a range of hands-on activities. Learn about the building blocks of plant behavior by dissecting a lima bean, discover what components plants need to survive while creating a seed cup necklace, help plant scientists solve the challenges of growing plants in space, and more! Attendees who have visited all stations receive a Junior Plant Scientist completion certificate.
Plant Science Saturday, Sat. Aug. 5, 9AM-1PM @ Forsyth Park at Forsyth Farmers’ Market
This year’s event is held in partnership with Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
Family Movie Night will screen a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.
The free screening @ the Cultural Arts Center includes a stellar collection of hand-picked short films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.
The free event kicks off on Sat. Aug. 5 @ 6PM, with a social hour and concessions. Guests can enjoy food trucks before the films begin at 7PM and are appropriate for the whole family.
Sat. Aug. 5, 2023 Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery Street Free Admission 6PM Happy Hour with food trucks 7PM Showtime
You don’t have to travel far from Savannah to find a prime family-friendly vacation. Hilton Head Island is teeming with fun ways to entertain the kids.
SEE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM LATEST HILTON HEAD REEL HERE.
Hilton Head Island’s beaches are the No. 1 way. You can bike on this beach. You can play in the tidal pools at low-tide. Swim. Sand castles. Ride the waves.
FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
__________________
Bicycling on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island offers over 50 miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.
Also bike the self-guided Legacy Oak Program tour, which consists of 20 landmark Live Oak trees in Sea Pines Resort which range in age from 100 to 320 years in 15 locations. Each designated tree is on an easily accessible public property. Most are identified with a wooden bench engraved with the name of the tree, its estimated birth year and the program logo. Learn more here & download a pamphlet and trail map highlighting the history, location, size and age of each of the Sea Pines Legacy Oaks.
The park off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot and Coligny Beach Park features: *The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool/splash pad and more. The ship includes: cannons that spray a light mist, crow’s nests, swing bridges, port holes, rope nets, periscopes. *An open pavilion and lawn for events. *A perimeter walk *Two fitness stations *Wi-Fi *Public restrooms
Take a free, self-guided tour of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Established in 1862 on Hilton Head Island, Mitchelville is the first place in the United States where African Americans, out of slavery but not yet citizens, self-governed. This first self-governed town of freed slaves is commemorated in the historic site of Mitchelville Freedom Park on Beach City Road. Learn more here
A mere hour drive from Savannah, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easy getaway from Savannah to bike amid nature on 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. (Not located on Hilton Head Is. but between HHI and Bluffton)
The free animal farm includes goats, sheep, chickens, turtles, cows and alpacas. Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Woody, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee.
The animal farm is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928
____________________
Free Skate Park
Free Skate Park @ Bristol Sports Arena. Free outdoor skate park. Ramps & rails for skaters of all abilities. Restrooms. Pads required. Details here. 4 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Is. SC 29926.
Educational natural history and animal programs at a venue that includes salt marsh board walks, open fields, gardens, trails and a 1200 square foot butterfly habitat that is home to some 13 species of native butterflies to the Lowcountry. Explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68 acre Honey Horn property. The Museum’s trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure and Marsh Tacky horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit. Mon. – Sat. 9-4:30 and Sun. 11-3. *Perfect rainy day activity. More info here. 70 Honey Horn Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
_______________________
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom. The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.
The Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town is one of the top playgrounds in our area. Fenced, somewhat shaded playground that includes a treehouse; swings; numerous slides; lots of climbing bars, jungle gym bars, monkey bars. Just outside the fenced-playground is a water fountain; picnic tables; bathrooms; and plenty of spots for lunch, drinks or coffee and of course, the famous Harbour Town lighthouse which is open to climb for a fee plus $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928
___________________________
FREE historical Stoney-Baynard Ruins, Sea Pines
The ruins of the old Baynard estate, the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, are permanently preserved within six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. The home was raided during the Civil War and Union forces made it their headquarters. Details here. The ruins are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
______________________________
Seasonal
Spring & summer events
Free family-friendly outdoor Gregg Russell concerts at Harbour Town, Sea Pines
A classic on Hilton Head Is. for almost four decades, Gregg Russell Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town happen regularly during summer (weather permitting) & periodically during spring.
This family-oriented singer/storyteller performs sing-a-longs, ballads & silly songs with audience participation. Kids in the audience try to get Gregg to pick them to sing a song to the crowd, often using creative pick-me posters etc. Concerts are free; there’s a $9 gate fee per auto. Celebrating 40 years in 2016, Gregg has become a Sea Pines classic. Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town is where you’ll find Gregg Russell entertaining adults and children alike. His concerts are not to be missed. Find the concert schedule here.
_______________________
Free Sea Pines Trolley
Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines. Schedule info here. Trolley rides are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Good rainy day activity
________________________________
Beach access at Sea Pines Beach Club.
Sea Pines Beach Club has convenient access to the beach, Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks & cold beverages. Details here. 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The beach club is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
Located off Pope Avenue on the south end of Hilton Head Island (about a 60 min. drive from Savannah), this interactive museum provides a place for educational play between children and their caregivers.
For ages infant to eight. 18A Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-7645 Daily rates & membership rates here. 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 KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
On Sat. Aug 12, 10AM–1PM, SCM will host this fun day of educating children about healthy living, while showcasing immersive wellness programs and a great roster of community partners.
Event partners include Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, TRIBE Savannah, Georgia Bikes, Memorial Health, and Soccer Shots!
Mercer Medical School will host a teddy bear clinic where children can bring stuffed animals for a wellness checkup. Savannah Children’s Museum educators will lead health and wellness-themed activities throughout the day.
This event is sponsored by Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry and Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital.
This event is FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members and visitors who receive EBT/SNAP/WIC benefits as part of CHS All In. Find info on how to become a CHS member here.
Purchase Savannah Children’s Museum admission tickets here.
______________________
Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Land of the Sweets 2023 is coming to a theater near you this fall, and you could be on stage in the production.
The Tybee Ballet Theatre is holding open dance auditions for roles in their upcoming performances of The Land of the Sweets. Ages 6 & older are encouraged to attend – dance experience is recommended but is not a requirement. Please arrive 15 mins prior to call time to sign in.
If selected, dancers will need to attend rehearsals starting after Sep. 9 2023 and leading up to the performances, presented on Nov. 17 & 18 at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center and on Dec. 9 & 10 @ The Tybee Post Theater.
*The Land of the Sweets is presented at NO COST for cast and participants by the Tybee Ballet Theater as part of the City of Savannah’s Spotlight investment program.
Aug. 12 2023 @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center Studio
Telfair Museums is thrilled to welcome families with children of all ages to the Jepson Center in Savannah to experience the new Telfair Children’s Art Museum.
Experience immersive galleries, tactile installations, and more at this new state-of-the art children’s space in downtown Savannah!
As the official mascot for CAM (Children’s Art Museum), this special chameleon can be spotted throughout the galleries. Wave when you see him and he may do something special.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Savannah Children’s Museum summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 9AM – 2PM, weather permitting. Closed Sundays.
The museum – which is outdoors – features over a dozen exhibits designed to expand the imaginations of children including an exploration maze, a reading nook and a sensory garden.
Daily programming with varying themes:
10AM | Storytime in the Frogtown Garden 12pm | STEAM Studio or Bottle Rocket Demonstration 1:30pm | Young Explorers or Healthy Me
Saturday, July 15, 2023 – Two times: 10 & 11 AM Join Kindermusik Savannah for a woodland adventure! In this endearing summer playdate, you’ll explore the imaginary Kindermusik forest filled with songs and stories, bunnies and bears, wise old owls and wide old trees. There’s magic and music to be made beneath the shade, so round up the whole family and come along with us for Creatures in the Woods.
Parents and children together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more delightful activities in this exciting one-time Kindermusik class. Limited spaces.
Claim your child’s spot before it fills.
Open to newborns – 7 years old and their caregivers.
Telfair Museums is thrilled to share their long-awaited major renovation of the beloved ArtZeum children’s space at the Jepson Center now called Children’s Art Museum (CAM) with Telfair Museums members and visitors.
Telfair members can enjoy an exclusive CAM experience from 9-11AM July 8-9 2023 with additional hands-on art activities, face painting, Leopold’s Ice Cream, special treats from Wildflower Café, music, special guests and more.
Telfair members can sign up below:
Sign up for Sat. July 8 2023, 9-11AM grand opening event here
Sign up for Sun. July 9 2023, 9-11AM grand opening event here
This special opportunity is only open to members. If you are not yet a member, learn more here on how you can become a Telfair member and enjoy CAM year-round!
CAM will be open to general admission from 11AM-5PM on July 8 and 9 2023. Normal hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday 10AM-5PM, unless otherwise noted.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
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 Kindermusik offers 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.
Old Fort Jackson in Savannah will offer the following family friendly presentations to celebrate Independence Day.
Sat. July 1 – Mon. July 3@ Old Fort Jackson, Savannah
Explore history with Coastal Heritage Society Resource Educators portraying Civil War Era soldiers in 1863.
10AM: Rifle musket firing and relieving the Skirmish on Whitemarsh Island.
10:30AM – Rifle musket firing and remembering the Assault on Battery Wagner.
11AM – Read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence. Consider perspectives of Confederate and Union Soldiers. 12 Pounder Cannon firing.
12 Noon – Break for Mid Day Meal.
1PM – Rifle musket firing and relieving the Skirmish on Whitemarsh Island.
1:30PM- Signal Corps and 6 Pounder Cannon firing.
2PM – Defend the Fort drill, read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence. Consider perspectives of Confederate and Union Soldiers. 12 Pounder Cannon firing.
Tues. July 4@ Old Fort Jackson, Savannah
Explore history with Coastal Heritage Society Resource Educators portraying American Revolutionary War Era soldiers in 1777.
10AM Pike and cutlass drill and relieving the seizure of the ship Phillipa and the Battle of the Rice Boats. 6 Pounder Cannon firing.
10:30AM – Construction of the Mud Fort to defend the Mud Hole. Guests are invited to take part in musket drill.
11AM – Demonstration of marching and musket drill used by the Savannah Provincial Company of Artillery by a four man Squad using His Majesty’s ‘64 Manual. Remember the crucial Battle of Cowpens, where Georgia Refugees led by James Jackson won a critical victory to establish American Independence. Read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. 24 Pounder Cannon firing.
12:00 Noon – Break for Mid Day Meal.
1PM – Construction of the Mud Fort to defend the Mud Hole. Demonstration of marching and musket drill used by the Savannah Provincial Company of Artillery by a four man Squad using His Majesty’s ‘64 Manual.
1:30PM Pike and cutlass drill and relieving the seizure of the ship Phillipa and the Battle of the Rice Boats. 6 Pounder Cannon firing.
2PM – Guests are invited to join in a battle reenactment of the crucial Battle of Cowpens,where Georgia Refugees led by James Jackson won a critical victory to establish American Independence. Read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. 24 Pounder Cannon firing.
_____________________
Old Fort Jackson is @ 1 Fort Jackson Rd, Savannah. Learn more here.
Visit Savannah History Museum for Loyalists & Liberty Battlefield Tours on Fri. June 30-Tues. July 4.
On Mon. July 3: Savannah History Museum will have additional Resource Educators portraying the American, French, and British soldiers who fought. There will also be swivel gun cannon firings.
Savannah History Museum is @ 303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah. Learn more here.
_________________
Coastal Heritage Society sites in Savannah have several family-programs happening on Tues. July 4 2023 including:
July 4th Battlefield Tours will be @ 10:30AM, Noon & 2PM @ Savannah History Museum.
March through history and learn about the American Revolution in Savannah. Experience a black powder demonstration, immerse yourself in 1779 Savannah, and hear about the personalities that shaped the city’s fight for freedom.
Tours begin in Savannah History Museum with a brief introduction and then visitors are led to Battlefield Memorial Park for further interpretation of the battle as well as a musket firing demonstration.
Come enjoy an afternoon designed especially for homeschool families on Wed. June 28 2023, 1- 3PM @ Savannah Children’s Museum.
Students and their adults will participate in a hands-on indigo dyeing workshop while learning about the scientific process behind creating a dye from the indigo plant. Guests are welcome to bring their own 100% cotton t-shirt for dyeing.
Homeschool Afternoons and the indigo dyeing workshop are included in standard admission to SCM, $10 per person.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Art Start: 10:30-11:30AM Thurs. July 20 Jepson Center, Savannah $5 per child | Adults: members free / non-members $12. Register online here.
Start your day with art with Telfair Museums’ monthly program for children & their caretakers: Art Start @ the Jepson Center.
Once a month, Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson Center for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here.
Thurs. July 20, 10:30-11:30AM. Register online here.
Thurs. Aug. 17, 10:30-11:30AM. Register online here.
This program allows you early entry to Oatland Island where you’ll work directly with Animal Care staff to create unique enrichment items specifically for the armadillos and then walk with the Animal Care staff to give them your creations. Financial contributions through membership and program fees, donations, and gift shop purchases are critical to Friends of Oatland’s continued success in supporting Oatland’s mission to provide guests with memorable experiences to help them make stronger connections to the natural world.
Tickets are limited to 10 people per session
$20 per person, for all ages. All attendees must have a ticket.
All participants must be at least 4 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.
Your ticket price includes admission to Oatland for the day, so feel free to stay and see the other animals after your program.
