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.)

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

You’re invited to Free Family Day: Nov. 1, 1–4 pm, Jepson Center, 207 W. York. St., Savannah

This program is free and open to the public. Funded by Georgia Power and AGL Resources.
*Major funding by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.

November Family Day:
Nov. 1
Deep River
Jepson Center
Families are invited to explore Whitfield Lovell’s earthy installations, participate in storytelling, create drawings on objects in the museum studios, and see demonstrations by local artists who incorporate historical themes in their work.

December Family Day
Dec. 6
Make Your Mark
Jepson Center
This program includes art-making activities for families and a demonstration by longtime I Have Marks to Make artist and teacher Kenneth Martin.

Register with Kip Bradley at bradleyk@telfair.org.

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

When visiting Hilton Head Is., be sure to check out The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

Located just off Pope Avenue on the south end of the Island, this interactive museum provides a unique place for educational play between children and their parents, grandparents or caregivers.

Little ones from infant to age 8 will be captivated by the fun filled play centers and engaging activities.

Details here.

Bring your kids to The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is., a museum that  offers quality educational and family-oriented play centers and programs. The Sandbox provides a stimulating, progressive setting for children and their caregivers to play and learn together.

Regular weekly event: Imagination Hour. Enjoy  an hour of fun story time every Thursday followed by a craft project. Program is included with cost of admission to museum. First-come, first-serve, so sign up when checking in at front desk. 10:30am-11:30am. More info by clicking here. 

Admission rates & deals

Day Rates: Adults: $6; Seniors (65+): $5; Active Military: $5; Groups of 10 plus*: $5; Children (1+): $6
(0-12 Months): Free; Members: Free

Saturday Stimulus for Locals: Locals can come play on Saturdays at The Sandbox for only $5 per person (under 1 free). A driver’s license with a “299” zip code must be presented when registering.

Membership benefits: $75 Membership Includes: 20% discount on birthday parties. Discounts on Parent’s Night Out, and our signature events. Refer a member and receive a $10 gift certificate at The Sandbox gift shop.

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

HOURS & ADMISSION TO THE SANDBOX

Tues-Sat: 10-5 September thru March, May
Mon-Sat.: 10-5 April, June thru August
Sunday: Closed (Open on Sundays during July 2014)

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, www.thesandbox.org, 18A Pope Ave. (located behind St. Andrew’s By the Sea Methodist Church), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Tel: 843-842-7645 email:crinehart@thesandbox.org The Sandbox is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

 Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah is located in the former Central of Georgia Roundhouse and Repair Shops Complex at Savannah.

GSRM offers daily tours, student programming, private tour and event bookings, and more!

The repair shops complex that houses Georgia State Railroad Museum is recognized as the largest collection of Antebellum railroad structures in the United States.

The historic railroad structures at the Georgia State Railroad Museum site include a partial Roundhouse with operating turntable, partial Machine Shop, Tender Frame Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Boiler House, Storehouse & Print Shop, Lumber and Planing Sheds, Coach and Paint Shops, and a partial Carpentry Shop which now houses Savannah Children’s Museum. Many of these structures are open for visitors to explore.

Georgia State Railroad Museum
655 Louisville Road
Savannah, GA. 31401
More details including admission costs by clicking here.

Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah,31401 Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Wildlife and education programs
711 Sandtown Rd.
Savannah, GA, 31410
(912) 395-1212

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs are at 10 AM & 11 AM on Tuesdays each week . Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2013:
General: $5 per child $5 per adult
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

Toddler Tuesday Topics

If you are new to the Savannah area or are a new parent, then you need to check out Toddler Tuesdays, a fun weekly program that celebrates nature @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410.

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Oatland’s naturalist Michelle Kelly leads these exciting & educational sessions.

NEW TIMES: 10 AM & 11 AM

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays Programs sare at 10 AM & 11 AM on Tuesdays each week . Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees: General: $5 per child $5 per adult Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

FOR UPCOMING TODDLER TUESDAY THEMES, CLICK HERE.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Wildlife, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410 (912) 395-1212 Driving directions here.

Free Family Day @ Jepson Center will be Sept. 6.

Telfair Museums will host a free Family Day at the Jepson Center for the Arts as part of its monthly Free Family Day series, which is free and open to the public. The event is free of charge. More info here.

September Family Day:

September 6
Playing with Photography
Jepson Center

Come play at the museum! The photographs of Helen Levitt capture children at play on New York streets in the years before air conditioning and video games. You can explore an assortment of vintage games and toys, and get behind the lens to take some photos of your own.

Jepson Center, Savannah, 31401 , www.telfair.org Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A state-of-the-art maritime center is scheduled to open in May off S.C. 170 at the site of the former Lemon Island Marina near Beaufort, Bluffton & Hilton Head Is. S.C. (and a roughly 45 minute to an hour drive from Savannah).

The Port Royal Sound Maritime Center will feature touch-screen exhibits, classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and other areas where everyone can learn and celebrate the uniqueness of the Port Royal Sound and have diverse and fun opportunities to experience and connect with the Port Royal Sound area.

We can’t wait!

Picture 8-foot-wide jaws of a megalodon shark in the reception area; exhibits of suspended models of a tiger shark, a loggerhead sea turtle, bottleneck dolphin & cownose rays; a 2,400-gallon tank with cobia, red drum & small sharks;  a shallow tank with fish & rays for visitors to touch; a moon-and-tides exhibit featuring interactive displays explaining Port Royal Sound’s large tides; a sounds exhibit that will allow visitors to listen to the songs of dolphins & fish picked up by a submerged microphone near the center – according to the Island Packet.

Read more here.

Stay connected to Port Royal Sound Foundation & informed when there’s a scheduled opening date by liking the foundation on Facebook here.

New program: Discover. Imagine. Grow.

Come D.I.G. at The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is, Tuesdays 10:30 AM-11:30 AM.

Through the guise of play and exploration, D.I.G will empower young children by encouraging and guiding development of the skills needed for their success in learning and in life: language and literacy, reading and writing, math and science, and social, emotional, and physical well-being. Geared toward children 3-PreK. Included with paid museum admission. First come First serve, sign up at check-in. Click here for more info on the DIG program

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, www.thesandbox.org, 18A Pope Ave. (located behind St. Andrew’s By the Sea Methodist Church), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Tel: 843-842-7645 email:crinehart@thesandbox.org 

Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, Ga.

Fort King George is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. More info here.

Fort King George Historic Site, 302 McIntosh Rd SE, Darien , GA 31305, http://gastateparks.org/FortKingGeorge

Look at these fun, creative themes for children’s birthdays at various Coastal Heritage Society sites including Savannah Children’s Museum, Old Fort Jackson and Georgia State Railroad Museum. Talk about a memorable birthday party.

Birthday Parties @ Savannah Children’s Museum
Choose a theme: Little Artists or Animal Theme
The Birthday Party Package includes (Up to 8 Children):
*2 Hours of Play in the Private Birthday Party Room and Savannah Children’s Museum
*Sing Happy Birthday and open presents inside a real train car and then play in an amazing one-acre, two-level outdoor exhibit area featuring a dozen interactive and educational exhibits!
*A memorable experience for all ages!
Cost:
$200
(Each additional child after 8 is $6.25)
Party add-ons:
Private Train Ride (During regular operational hours) (30 mins) – $100
Private Train Ride (During off season/non operational days) -$200
Personalized Birthday Cake made by Bakers Pride Bakery- $30
Plates, napkins, silverware, cups, and goodie bags – $30
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A PARTY, PLEASE CALL 912.651.6823 x203 OR EMAIL : LJACKSON@CHSGEORGIA.ORG

Birthday Parties @ Old Fort Jackson, 1 Fort Jackson Rd. Savannah,  31404
Choose a theme: The New Recruit Party(Soldier) or Secret Agent Party(Spy)
The Birthday Party Package includes (Up to 8 Children):
*2 Hours of Party time in the pavilion at Old Fort Jackson and this includes 1 hour of staff led activities
*Sing Happy Birthday and open presents in our covered pavilion and then explore all of the amazing exhibits at Old Fort Jackson with staff led activities including learning how to drill with Quaker muskets!
*A memorable experience for all ages!
Cost:
$200
(Each additional child after 8 is $8.00)
Party add-ons:
Personalized Cannon Firing – $50
Personalized Birthday Cake made by Bakers Pride Bakery- $30
Plates, napkins, silverware, cups, and goodie bags – $30
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A PARTY, PLEASE CALL 912.232.3945 OR EMAIL: lporter@chsgeorgia.org

Birthday Parties @ Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Road, Savannah
Choose a theme: General Train Theme or Thomas the Train
The Birthday Party Package includes (Up to 8 Children):
*2 Hours of Play in the Private Birthday Party Room and Access to Georgia State Railroad Museum
*Sing Happy Birthday and open presents in our Private Birthday Party Room and then explore all of the amazing exhibits at Georgia State Railroad Museum!
*A memorable experience for all ages!
Cost:
$200
(Each additional child after 8 is $6.25)
Party add-ons:
Private Train Ride (During regular operational hours) (30 mins) – $100
Private Train Ride (During off season/non operational days) -$200
Personalized Birthday Cake made by Bakers Pride Bakery- $30
Plates, napkins, silverware, cups, and goodie bags – $30
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A PARTY, PLEASE CALL 912.651.6823 x203 OR EMAIL LJACKSON@CHSGEORGIA.ORG

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser, www.chsgeorgia.org

Saturdays (once a month) | 1-4 pm at Telfair Museums

Family Days are fun, educational and FREE! Enjoy hands on art projects, gallery exploration activities, story time and much more designed specifically for the entire family! Create DIY masterpieces, play art detective, or explore the ArtZeum, an interactive arts space. With gallery activities on our mobile Art Cart, everyone can get in on the art and the action. Each month will feature a different theme based on the museum’s changing exhibitions. Stop by a little while or stay for the entire afternoon-it’s all FREE. Come see what the fun is all about! More details here.

Find out upcoming themes & dates of FREE Family days by clicking here.

Website: Telfair.org Phone: 912.790.8800
Family Days are offered one Saturday each month from 1 to 4 p.m., offering free hands-on activities designed to be fun and educational. Kids can create their own masterpieces, play art detective and enjoy activities for all ages.

ABOUT TELFAIR MUSEUMS

Jepson Center hours: Sunday & Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday & Wednesday 10 am–5 pm; Thursday 10 am–8 pm; Friday & Saturday 10 am–5 pm
Telfair Academy hours: Sunday 1–5 pm; Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm
Owens-Thomas House hours: Sunday 1–5 pm; Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm (guided tours only – last tour leaves at 4:30 pm)

For more information: 912.790.8802 or visit www.telfair.org .

Jepson Center – 207 W. York Street
Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard Street
Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn Street

Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W York Street, Savannah, 31401, www.telfair.org Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a fun place to play & learn with the kids this week?

Check out Savannah Children’s Museum, next to Georgia State Railroad Museum. The museum offers daily kids’ activities Tuesdays-Sundays, weather permitting.

Savannah Children’s Museum is opening in 2 phases. Exploration Station is phase 1 and is a unique 1 acre, 2 level outdoor exhibit area set in the ruins of a Central of Georgia Railroad building.

SCHOOL YEAR HOURS:
From August 31st, 2013 until June 1 2014, Savannah Children’s Museum will be open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays. SCM will be open on most “Holiday Mondays” including (Feb. 17 2014) when Savannah Chatham County Schools are not in session. Summer hours start in June.

ADMISSION COST:
$7.50 per person ages
1 and older or
Take the Leap and purchase a 1 year Family Membership! Membership info here.

Daily programming subject to change.

Friday 1/31 (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM: Story Time: (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Saturday 2/1 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM: Family Fitness (Brings the whole family together to learn about nutrition, health, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. This program is designed for children and adults to be participating together for maximum FUN and learning)
1 PM: Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
2 PM: Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
3 PM: Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Sunday 2/2 programs (Open 11-4)
1 PM Wild about Reading! (a literacy based program that will include a read-aloud along with book based activities such as crafts, puppets, children’s theater, early reading skills, early writing skills etc. On Sundays, this program is for school age (ages 5-10).
3 PM Wonderful World of Recycling (introduces children to eco-friendly ideas and practices as well as nature-based education. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12)

Tuesday 2/4 programs (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Wednesday 2/5 programs (Open 10-4)
2 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Thursday 2/6 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM Toddler Art ( program specifically geared to introduce toddler age children to new art-focused experiences that are highly sensory. This program is generally appropriate for ages 2-4.)

Friday 2/7 programs (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Saturday 2/8 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM: Family Fitness (Brings the whole family together to learn about nutrition, health, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. This program is designed for children and adults to be participating together for maximum FUN and learning)
1 PM: Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
2 PM: Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
3 PM: Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Sunday 2/9 Super Museum Sunday FREE ADMISSION
There will be no regularly scheduled daily programming on February 9 at Savannah Children’s Museum, as it is Super Museum Sunday. Admission is free to all of the CHS sites. If you choose to come to Savannah Children’s Museum on Super Museum Sunday, you will be given a (first come, first served) 30 minute window of play and exploration in order to accomodate all of guests.

Stay connected with Savannah Children’s Museum by liking their Facebook page here.

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401, (912) 651-4292, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

UPDATE:  Summer Hours begin June 1 through Aug. 30 2014: Savannah Children’s Museum’s Summer Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Saturday: 9am-2pm

Please call 912-651-6823 for details.

Looking for a fun place to play & learn with the kids this week?

Check out Savannah Children’s Museum, next to Georgia State Railroad Museum. The museum offers daily kids’ activities during summer Mon.-Sat., weather permitting.

Savannah Children’s Museum is opening in 2 phases. Exploration Station is phase 1 and is a unique 1 acre, 2 level outdoor exhibit area set in the ruins of a Central of Georgia Railroad building.

SCHOOL YEAR HOURS:
From August 31st, 2013 until June 1 2014, Savannah Children’s Museum will be open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays. SCM will be open on most  “Holiday Mondays” including (Feb. 17 2014) when Savannah Chatham County Schools are not in session. Summer hours start in June.

ADMISSION COST:
$7.50 per person ages
1 and older or
Take the Leap and purchase a 1 year Family Membership! Membership info here.

Daily programming subject to change.

Mondays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Tuesdays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Super Science 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Wednesdays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Awesome Art: 11 AM
Water Wonders: 11:30-12:30

Thursday June 5 (9 AM-2 PM)
No daily programming will be offered today due to preparations for the 2nd Annual SCM Fundraiser and SCM’s 2nd Birthday Party. The museum WILL be open from 9am-2pm today, however. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Regular Thursdays in Summer (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Friday June 6 (9AM-2PM)
No daily programming will be offered today due to preparations for the 2nd Annual SCM Fundraiser and SCM’s 2nd Birthday Party. The museum WILL be open from 9am-2pm today, however. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Regular Fridays in Summer Mondays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Sat. June 7 (9 AM-2 PM)
Savannah Children’s Museum’s 2nd Birthday Party!
Featuring:
-Snapology of Richmond Hill, providing a wide variety of Lego activities!
-Make your own party hat and Lego craft stations!
-A “Happy Birthday SCM” sing-along at 11am and 1pm, directly followed by yummy treats provided by Gigi’s Cupcakes!
-And lots more fun!

Regular Saturdays in Summer (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Awesome Art: 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Program Descriptions:
Water Wonders: a free-play water based program in which children of all ages (this means adults too!) can cool off during the hot Savannah summer! Children may wear bathing suits during this program, but are required to put their clothes and shoes back on when the program is over.
Creative Crafts : a fun program designed to allow children to create something special to take home using their imaginations and creativity. This program is generally appropriate for ages 3-12.
Story Time: (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)
Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
Toddler Art ( program specifically geared to introduce toddler age children to new art-focused experiences that are highly sensory.  This program is generally appropriate for ages 2-4.)

Stay connected with Savannah Children’s Museum by liking their Facebook page here.

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401, (912) 651-4292, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Wish we could lure Sid the Science to Kid to Savannah.

This looks worth the roadtrip to Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, north of Atlanta: Family Science Night on Feb 21.  Family Science Night welcomes Sid the Science Kid, the star of his own TV show that airs on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Sid will be on hand all night for photos, so don’t miss out!

Friday 2-21-14 5 – 9 PM

Highlights include:

Children of all ages can take part in a glider competition. Design your own paper airplane and see if you’ve got what it takes to be champion of the air. Races will be held in the Great Hall.

Exciting hands-on activities will show kids how the Wright Brothers went from bicycle repairmen to aviation pioneers, as well as other techniques used by the brothers to help them conquer flight. Also, make a kite – the very first flying machine!

Step into the observatory for a stargazing experience. The observatory will be open until 10 PM and additional telescopes will be on site to assist us in searching for the Orion Nebula and Jupiter.

Plus: • Meet Amelia Earhart and Orville & Wilbur Wright • Collect four new Tellus trading cards of Science in Motion Gallery aircrafts • Tour the Solar House • The planetarium will be open until 9 PM with an extended schedule of shows • More surprises to come

Want more roadtrip ideas? Click here for our picks for best daytrips from Savannah.

Tellus Science Museum, 100 Tellus Dr. Cartersville, Ga. 30120 (770) 606-5700, www.tellusmuseum.org

We love this idea for a Valentine’s event: Valentines Under Venus Stargazing Party @ Fort McAllister Historic Park, Richmond Hill,

Friday, Feb 14, 2014 7 PM to 8 PM

Enjoy a night beneath the moon and stars as we learn and solve the secrets of space with Ms. Mullenax, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at AASU. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to eat under the stars. Alcohol is prohibited.

Bring your telescope or look through one of the ones provided.  It will be a full moon that evening.

$7 per person $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Location:
Fort McAllister Historic Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, 31324

More information here.

Don’t miss this popular annual event – a chance to see the Savannah History Museum come alive at night & watch 2006 film Night at the Museum!

You’re invited to bring the kids to 2014 Night at the Museum, January 25, 2014, 6pm-10pm @ Savannah History Museum, 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Savannah,  31041

Guests will enjoy the 2006 film Night at the Museum and then enjoy crafts, special Night Guard Training and see the Museum come alive!

Tickets are $12 per child and $5 per adult. Pre-Registration and Pre-Payment are required.

Space is limited due to theater capacity. Register today by clicking here.

Savannah History Museum, http://www.chsgeorgia.org/  Coastal Heritage Society’s Tricentennial Park campus is located on the west side of downtown Savannah, and is comprised of Savannah History Museum & Battlefield Memorial Park, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum and The WhistleStop Cafe.  Coastal Heritage Society also manages Old Fort Jackson, a historic fort located on the Savannah River three miles east of downtown Savannah, and Pin Point Heritage Museum, located off of the Diamond Causeway in southeast Savannah. Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Toy Chest Cannons & More @ Fort McAllister Historic Park, Richmond Hill
Now until Fri. Jan 31, 2014 8 AM to 5 PM

Civil War History Event: Come see Fort McAlister Museum’s Monthly Exhibit and display of miniature cannons from the Civil War and more. Gain a new perspective of the weapons that kept McAllister safe from Sea. Historic Site Admission Rates: – $6.50 Adults – $6.00 Seniors (62+) – $3.75 Youth (6-17) – $1.00 Child (under 6) Group rates available with advance notice. 912-727-2339.

Talley Talk on Toy Chest Cannons & More, @ Fort McAllister Historic Park, Richmond Hill
Sat. Jan 18, 2014 11 AM to 12 PM

Civil War History Event: On the 18th of January, Ranger Talley Kirkland will be standing by to give a talk on the display of miniature cannons and the purpose of their bigger cousins, and the roles they played in the Civil War. Historic Site Admission Rates: – $6.50 Adults – $6.00 Seniors (62+) – $3.75 Youth (6-17) – $1.00 Child (under 6) Group rates available with advance notice. 912-727-2339.

Fort McAllister Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill , GA 31324, http://gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister

PULSE Art + Technology Festival
January 29 – February 2, 2014
Jepson Center

Telfair Museums’ PULSE Art + Technology Festival offers wildly inventive, interactive technology-based art.

The free, five-day celebration invites the public to participate in amazing interactive art experiences and hands-on workshops. Avant-garde visual artists from around the country present electrifying performances and give lectures that teach and illustrate new art forms. Exciting video art will be projected onto the Jepson Center windows each night to delight festival-goers and passersby.

PULSE is fun for all ages and includes a family day on Sat. Feb. 1 brimming with activities, artists’ demonstrations and performances. PULSE also includes offsite workshops and programs by local partners including Armstrong Atlantic State University, the Savannah College of Art and Design, Indigo Sky Gallery, the Creative Coast and the Savannah Chatham County Public Schools’ STEM Academy.

Click here for the complete PULSE schedule.

Thanks to project funding from the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs and Hargray, PULSE events are free and open to the public.

Kid-friendly PULSE activities include:

1–4 pm Feb. 1
Free Family Day with activities, artist demos & performers
Special free ‘Make Your Own GIF animation’ workshop for middle and high schoolers begins at 10 am. Registration required, go to http://telfair.co/2014pulseregistration  or call 912.790.8821.

Jan. 25
10 am–12 pm
Pre-PULSE Offsite workshop: How to Make 3D Printed Objects (Ages 12-18) at Armstrong Atlantic State University*
10 am–12 pm
Pre-PULSE workshop: Video Art Workshop (Ages 12-18) Offsite at SCAD’s Hamilton Hall*
*Reservations are required for workshops, please call 912.790.8827.

Jan. 24
3:30-5:30 pm
Pre-PULSE Student Workshop (Ages 12-18) at the Jepson Center. Musical Sculpture with Makey Makey. Workshop with artist Ross Fish.**Reservations are required for workshops, please call 912.790.8827.

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.

Savannah Children’s Museum, special holiday opening Savannah. Details here.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah. FREE ADMISSON. Details here.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah. Details here.

Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah. Details here.

The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is., S.C. Open MLK Jr. Day 2014, 10 AM-5 PM. Details here.

Lawton Stables, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head. Is. S.C. Lawton’s free animal farm includes goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, ponies, rabbits, a deer named Callie and a Clydesdale named Harley (who loves visitors bearing carrots and apples). Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. Details here.

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor , S.C. Details here.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston, S.C. Celebrate MLK, Jr. Day from 9am – 5pm.  They’ll have a Peace Parade and more. Details here.

Museum of Science & History (MOSH) & The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Jacksonville, Fla. Details here.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville, Fla. Details here.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, S.C. Details here.

EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columnia, S.C. Details here.

For our weekend daytrips suggestions to kid-friendly places near Savannah that are worth the drive, click here. But be sure to call ahead to confirm those spots listed on our favorite roadtrips page are open on MLK Jr. Day.

FREE Entrance to Fort Pulaski National Monument  on Sept. 27 2014 .

Fort Pulaski National Monument is one of nearly 400 national parks across the country where the park entrance fees will be waived.

More information on free entrance days in the National Parks can be found at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm  .

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

Various national parks 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 Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fopu and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS.

Be sure to take advantage of the 2014 Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday.

Various Savannah-area museums will be FREE Sunday, Feb 9, 2014. Click here for a list of this year’s participating sites.

Experience our area’s rich history and cultural life as historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest in Savannah and coastal Georgia open their doors to the public, providing an exceptional opportunity to experience the history in our own backyard.

From Statesboro to Darien, over 40 cultural institutions throughout coastal Georgia participate in this popular annual Georgia Historical Society family event including. Participating sites include: Georgia State Railroad Museum & Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 West Louisville Rd.;  Savannah History Museum, 303 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd.; Old Fort Jackson, 1 Fort Jackson Rd.; Fort Pulaski National Monument, U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah; Pin Point Heritage Museum, 9924 Pin Point Ave.

Free and open to the public.

Click here for a list of this year’s participating sites.

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. Free to members or with museum admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver. More info available here.
Join us as we 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.
New to the wcwm? program is Family Make, in which participants are assigned a theme each month and a secret ingredient or tool to make art from the most unexpected materials. Before joining in one of our wcwm? theme challenges, check out these talking points and activities you can complete as a family.
February – Light things up with LEDs
Explore sculptural creations and make them light up using LEDs.
March – Color wheels
Explore color mixing and various properties of color.
April – Recycled crafts and community gardens
Explore crafts that re-purpose materials and make treasure from trash.

Toddler Third Thursday (3rd Thursday of every month)

10–11:30 am

Toddler Third Thursdays are great for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with pre-school children. Designed especially for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their adult companions,this program allows toddlers to explore artwork from Telfair exhibitions and complete a fun-filled art project relating to their tour. A different tour and project will be offered each month. Time to play in ArtZeum is included.
Feb 20 – Toddlers and Technology
Mar 20 – Temperature in Color
Apr 17 – Recycled Gardens

Registration and adult supervision required. Call 790-8823 or click here to register. Enrollment is $5 per child. Adult admission is FREE for museum-members and $12 for non-members. Sponsored in part by JCB, Inc.

Click here to register online for Toddler 3rd Thursday >>

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.

Family Days Telfair Museums family days are offered throughout the year. Enjoy music, artist demonstrations, hands-on art-making, and guided tours free of charge. Check here for themes, dates, times and locations.

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.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Cannon Firings at Old Fort Jackson, 1 Fort Jackson Rd. $6.00 for adults, free for children under 6 with a guardian. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. (912) 232-3945 or chsgeorgia.org.

SATURDAY FIRINGS AT FORT PULASKI & DAILY INTREPRETIVE PROGRAMS SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: Fort Pulaski National Monument offers visitors and guests daily interpretive programs including guided fort tours ( 40-50 min.) and musket and soldier demonstrations (15-30 min). Cannon-firing demonstrations are on Saturdays. Schedules are subject to change. Click here for more info.

Starting September 1, 2013 Schedule is subject to change. Call ahead to confirm: (912) 786-5787

Sunday – Friday
10:30 AM  Guided Fort Tour OR Trail Walk
12:00 PM  Musket Firing
1:00  “Ranger’s Choice” (Subject of program varies)
2:00  Musket Firing
3:00  Guided Fort Tour

Saturday
10:00  Guided Fort Tour
11:00  Cannon Firing
12:00  Musket Firing
1:00 “Ranger’s Choice” (Subject of program varies)
2:00 Cannon Firing
3:00  Guided Fort Tour

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.

Various national parks 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 Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fopu and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS.