Join Well FED magazine & many other local non profits and organizations at Play Streets Sun. April 28 and help attempt a world record at most people simultaneously hopscotching!

Well FED is shutting down Lincoln Street from Henry to Gaston in downtown Savannah for the first in a series of FREE unique family and health oriented events! More info here.

Sunday, April 28, 2013 Chalk Sports Ciclovia Play Street
Time: 2pm-5pm
Where: Lincoln Street Corridor

Bring your kids, family, and friends to enjoy:

Live Music from Local Musicians
Shopping from tons of Farmers’ Market vendors
Art exhibit and activities
Children’s Bicycle Games
Chalk Poetry
Healthy Cooking Demos from local chefs
Bicycle Repairs

And last but not least, join Well FED in an attempt to break the World Record for most people simultaneously HOPSCOTCHING. The goal is to have as many as 400 people hopscotch their way into the Guiness Book of World Records

So get out and get active!

Volunteers are needed to help make this happen so please contact Well FED if you would like to help in some way!! Please contact Well FED at 912.480.4345 or email info@wellfedsavannah.com  or visit their website by clicking here.

April is one of the busiest months in Savannah. Don’t forget to take time to relax and come out to Skidaway Island State Park to enjoy the weather. Skidaway Is. State Park has a number of new programs this month and have added a ton of campfires and night programs.

Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Skidaway Is. State Park is at 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411.

Come see the Giant Ground Sloth replica, wildlife exhibits, live reptiles and amphibians, and more!
** Programs meet promptly at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted **

April 6 – Saturday
11.00am Roving Ranger: Walking through the campground a Ranger will be available to answer your questions and will be bringing along a critter-of-the-day.
3.00pm Interpretive Center Guided Tour
7.30pm Campfire and S’mores: Meet at the amphitheater for storytelling and yummy s’mores.

April 7 – Sunday
9.30am Owls, owls and more owls: Learn about the Owls that are on the coast of Georgia.
3.00pm Dinner time: Watch as the ranger feeds the reptiles, leaping lizards and chopping turtles and snakes licking their chops.

April 10 – Wednesday
9.00am Big Ferry Guided Hike: Come for a 2 to 3 mile hike through a Maritime Forest, learning early history of Skidaway. Meet at the Big Ferry Trail Head.
3.00pm Insects Galore: Learn about the different of Insects in this area.

April 11 – Thursday
11.00am Bird Walk: Join Kerry for a walk to observe birds in the marsh and maritime forest. The walk begins at the Interpretive Center. Bring Binoculars and a bird guide.
3.00pm Geology of the Coast of Georgia – What is a barrier island, why doesn’t Georgia get hit by hurricanes very often and what is the Georgia Bight thing? All those questions and more answered.

April 12 – Friday
3.00pm A Venue of Vultures: Learn about these important and interesting birds that do the dirty work no other animal will.

April 13- Saturday
College Day! College Students enjoy the perks of the park with your student ID.
11:00am Sandpiper Guided Trail Hike: A great hike to get introduced to Skidaway Island. Learn about birds, trees, vegetation, and other wildlife
1:00pm Reptiles and Amphibians: Know the difference between the two? Come for a lesson on them and get to touch live examples!

April 14 – Sunday
9.30am Knot tying: Learn the basics on some handy knots for everyday use.
3.00pm Build a Turtle: a fun craft and learn about turtles.

For the complete list of April 2013 Kids’ activities at Skidaway Is. State Park, please click here.

2012 Grand Prize Photo

The beginning of a new year means that it’s time for the annual Cabins For You Photo Contest. With a chance to win some fabulous prizes, Cabins For You wants everyone to enter their favorite photograph of the Smoky Mountains!
Here is how you enter:
■Visit (website) http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/309800
■Fill out all contact information and required fields.
■Attach your picture.
■Add a caption.
■Hit “submit” and you’re finished!

Only one entry per person please. Entries will be processed automatically and will be added to the “2013 Photo Contest” album on Cabins For You Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cabinsforyou. They will try and process your photo within 48 hrs. Submissions via the Facebook wall will not be considered for eligibility. You must enter via the link above to be eligible.

After submitting your photo, you will have the option to send messages to your friends and share your submission on your own Facebook wall. Recruit all of the clicking fingers you can to help you get your photo to the top spot!

This is what Cabins For You is looking for: your best picture showcasing the character of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Children playing in the creek, elk grazing in the Cades Cove, and a foggy sunrise are great examples of pictures that they love to see. You can submit any picture that was taken in the Great Smoky Mountains!

To get an idea of pictures Cabins For You loves, have a look at their 2012 Photo Contest Winners.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so choose a picture that best represents your Smoky Mountain story.

The winners of this photo contest will be determined by two ways:
■By the number of “likes” their Facebook photo receives.
■The Cabins For You staff’s favorite picks.

To help your picture get noticed, campaign your picture on your Facebook! Share the image in the 2013 Photo Contest album on your wall and encourage your friends and family to “like” your photograph. The number of “likes” each photo receives will help select the winner, and every vote counts!

Cabins For You will be awarding prizes to the top five photographs. The prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize: $500 Cabins For You Gift Card & an iPad Mini

Runner Up: $300 Cabins For You Gift Card

Third Place: $200 Cabins For You gift card

Fourth Place: $100 Cabins For You gift card

Fifth Place: $50 Cabins For You gift card

The contest will begin accepting entries on January 7, 2013. Submissions must be made by February 25, 2013. Cabins For You reserves the right to change rules, prizes, and processes of this contest at any time.

Cabins For You is very excited to see all of your entries and can’t wait to announce the winners!

Make sure you check out their Official Rules for all information.

Cabins For You, www.cabinsforyou.com , emailbrittani@cabinsforyou.com , 1-800-684-7865  Cabins For You is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

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 TIME: One session 10:30-11:15 am.

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays Program is at 10:30 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.

TODDLER TUESDAY THEMES
January to March 2013

January 8th, 2013: Armadillo, The Dirt Digging Dynamo
Has anyone seen a turtle- rabbit before? Well, this is as close as you will get to seeing one. We’ll investigate these little armored ones and find out why we dig them so much.

January 15th, 2013: Toddler Tuesday’s Turtle Time
We’ll discover these prehistoric shelled creatures of water and land; so get out of your shell and head on over to Oatland’s Toddler Tuesday for this day.

January 22nd, 2013: Let’s Get it Right! Georgia’s Right Whales
It is no fluke that we are studying whales this time of year! They are living off the Georgia coast right now! These beautiful beasts give birth and raise their calves just off of Georgia, South Carolina and northern Florida’s coast each winter. We’ll celebrate their life cycle TT style.

January 29th, 2013: Alligator
It’s an all-included Alligator gathering! The alligator is my friend. He can be yours too…if you join me for Toddler Tuesday on this day.

February 5th, 2013: Indigo Snake
It is the year of the Snake in Chinese Culture. Come to Toddler Tuesday and celebrate the New Year with our honorary serpentine friend Bella.

February 12th, 2013: Honey Bees
We are sure to have a sweet time learning about these magnificent pollinators. We’ll make a craft and then make a bee line straight to the hives to see the bee dance in action. Warning, you may have to bee-have!

February 19th, 2013: Bovine Birthday Bash
Mooo- ve on over to Oatland for this Toddler Tuesday– It’s Sapphire the cow’s birthday! We’ll sing songs, roll play and stroll over to shower Sapphire with birthday love.

February 26th, 2013: Dolphin Discovery
Did you know that dolphin call each other by name? Come to this program and we’ll make a splash learning amazing facts about these highly intelligent creatures that are so common along the GA coast.

March 5th, 2013: Sing, Sing a Songbird
You don’t want to miss this Toddler Tuesday. We are learning all about nature’s best singers, the songbirds. We’ll sing a few songs ourselves then take the class outside and hear these spring time serenades first hand!

March 12th, 2013: ‘Possum Party!
You are cordially invited to Petunia the ‘Possum’s 2nd birthday party. We’ll lean about Possums and celebrate her birthday Toddler Tuesday style. It’s a birthday bash you won’t want to miss.

March 19th 2013: Sheep to Shawl
Baa baa black sheep gonna’ sheer your wool…for the sheep to shawl festival coming up the weekend after this TT. We’ll get an early start studying these wooly creatures. Bring your strollers because we are heading over to the barn to give our very own Dottie a sheep treat.

March 26th, 2013: Rabbit Rendez-vous
What Oatland animal loves the springtime? You’ll have rabbits on your mind during this holiday time; so why not have one in the classroom? We have a warm and fuzzy time learning about these lovely little lagomorphs, so hop on over to Oatland for this TT event.

More to come in Spring 2013. Stay tuned.

You’re invited to Luminary Night with Santa
Saturday, Dec 15, 2012 6-8 PM.

Bring your children and pets for pictures with Santa. Enjoy a walk along our enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

$2 – $5 photos and hayrides. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate the holiday season with a special children’s holiday workshop.

Saturday, December 22, 2012, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Visions of Sugar Plums! Children are invited to join park staff in making, molding, and painting the holiday candy know as marzipan! The group will also be making special edible holiday ornaments for the enjoyment of your backyard wild friends!

Space is limited. Reservations are requested. Please contact Gloria Swift, Park Ranger, by phone at (912) 786-5787 extension 218 or via email at Gloria_Swift@nps.gov  for more information.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. An entrance fee of $5.00 per person is charged; ages 15 & younger are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/fopu .

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

 December Nights & Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens) kicks off this  Fri. Nov. 30.

Presented by The Friends of the Coastal Gardens, the holiday lights show runs November 30th through December 23rd, 2012 (Friday – Sunday nights only). This is a walking tour that’s stroller accessible.
6pm – 9pm
At the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm
2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, 31419

12 nights of holiday lights, music and food.
All proceeds will go to fund the Children’s Garden at the Bamboo Farm.
$5 per person, children under 5 years free
A walking tour of the garden’s historic district * Tram rides available for the disabled and elderly * Special activities for children * Saturday night pictures with Santa

Please call for more details (912) 921-5460. “Like” Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens on Facebook here to stay updated on events.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

November is the perfect time of year to come out to Skidaway Island State Park for a hike!

Or a jog. This Sat. Nov. 10 is the 3rd Annual Trail of Hope @ Skidaway Is. State Park – 10K, 5K, Run & Walk with a Kids’ Fun Run, Face Painting, Balloons, Awards, Trophies, T-shirts @ 8 AM Sat. Nov. 10. Details here.

Check out some of the FREE kids’ events happening at the partk during November. Be sure to come out for the park’s Campfire night for Campfire and S’mores on Sat. Nov. 24. Details here.

For the complete list of free November Skidaway Island Kids’ Activities, click here.
Visit the park’s Interpretive Center (Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM) to see the display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica, wildlife exhibits, live reptiles and birding station.

Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
** Programs meet promptly at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted **

You’re invited to check out a Stroller Strong Moms fitness class, held weekly 9:30-10:30 AM Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays in Forsyth Park in Savannah .

Your first class is FREE!

On Wed. Oct. 31, Stroller Stong Moms invites you to a Halloween Theme class with a ‘Stroller or Treat’ afterwards for the toddlers to visit each stroller for a treat and then a potluck after class.

Stroller Strong Moms offers a unique and challenging workout that’s constantly on the move. It uses the entire Forsyth Park in Savannah during class. Each fitness class will provide new and different walking/running routes and exercises in order to maximize fitness results and prevent boredom. For schedule & price info on Savannah classes, visit www.strollerstrongmoms.com & click savannah class. First class is free.

All exercises are introduced with multiple levels of difficulty so that moms of all fitness levels are able to workout together. Each class is designed so that your child has fun too.

“Like” Stroller Strong Moms Savannah page on Facebook here to stay updated.

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Stroller Strides® of Savannah  – a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies – will offer classes at JF Gregory Park in Richmond Hill starting in October.

Richmond Hill classes – which include power walking and intervals of strength training – will be on MWF at 9:30 am and will begin Monday Oct. 1, 2012 .

Classes are designed for all moms with any level of exercise. Certified instructors will guide you through exercises that will strengthen your bodies and give you the energy you need for the awesome gift of motherhood.

Classes already being held in Savannah

Savannah Classes are 8 AM Tuesdays & Thursdays at Lake Mayer. The first class is free and Stroller Strides of Savannah will offer a special discount if you mention you heard about Stroller Strides of Savannah on SouthernMamas.com!

How can I sign up ?

Register for your free class by clicking here and see all the different class packages offered, by clicking on the “More Info” button in one of the class boxes on the left. You can sign up for any class package when you show up for class, with your instructor.

What if my baby is fussy?

Stroller Strides of Savannah welcomes babies from 6 weeks to any age. Babies are Stroller Strides’ priority, so don’t worry if yours is fussy!

What should I bring to class?

* Water
* A towel, blanket or yoga mat for ab exercises and stretching
* A hat and/or sunscreen
* Anything you may think your baby needs ( snacks, bottles, sippy cups, toys, potty training toilet)
* A stroller ( any stroller will do as long as it does not tip over)

What should I wear to class ?
Wear something comfortable that you can move ( power walk,jog, stretch) easily in. Please make sure that you have comfortable tennis shoes on.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to class so you don’t get left behind.

On Facebook

Stay connected with Stroller Strides Savannah and learn about new classes & updates by liking them on Facebook here.

Stroller Strides of Savannah, contact Natalia Lucero at (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , http://classes.strollerstrides.net/savannah/location/index.aspx Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Wilmington Is. is the spot for children’s classes and birthday parties.

Birthday Parties
Leave the ENTERTAINMENT and MESS to Coach Val’s Tumblegym, which offers Birthday Parties customized to fit your child’s interests and theme. Good for ages 2 to 8 years old. Details here.

Fall 2012 Classes Available:

Wiggle Worms: 30min classes ages walking – 2yrs This “Parent and Me class” is designed to incorporate the earliest aspects of physical fitness, enhance fine and gross motor skills, body awareness, and muscle coordination while promoting physical, mental and social development. Music, basic gymnastics movements, and games create a fun and healthy atmosphere for you and your child.

Grasshoppers: 45 min classes ages 2-3yrs This toddler class is open to children who enjoy having parents close by and are ready to learn to follow instructions from another adult. We ask parent/guardian to assist until their child is ready to participate on their own. This class continues to enhance your child’s fine and gross motor skills, social skills, strength and coordination through the activities and obstacle courses that emphasize eye-hand coordination, climbing, hanging, jumping, running, and rolling in a fun and safe environment.

Bumble Bees : 60 min classes ages 3-4yrs This class continues to enhance and challenge your child’s physical, social and cognitive development. Basic tumbling and gymnastics skills, ball handling skills and preschool concepts are taught. Group activities, teamwork, and fun theme-based curriculum keep your child engaged and excited to participate.

Fire flies: 60 min/week ages 4-6yrs This class is designed for children in Pre-K through Kindergarten. Concepts and themes are designed to introduce and reinforce age-appropriate physical, social and cognitive skills. Basic tumbling, gymnastics, and ball handling are worked through obstacle courses, group games, and teamwork.

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Dragon Flies: 60 min/week ages 6-8yrs This class is designed for children in First and Second grade. Concepts and themes are designed to challenge children using age-appropriate physical, social and cognitive skills. Basic tumbling, gymnastics, ball handling, and physical fitness skills are worked through obstacle courses, group games, and teamwork. .

See website here for schedule and rates. Registration online available by clicking here.

Inclusion class: Adult, child with special needs (ages 5 – 10), and siblings – Contact for more information.

FREE TRIAL CLASSES available. Unsure your child will participate? Want to see Coach Val in action before you commit to class time? Fill out our free trial form here and try out a class at no cost.

Mention you saw on SouthernMamas.com site, and annual registration fee of $25 will be waived.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym, 310 Johnny Mercer Blvd in the Wilmington Island Shopping Center, 912-268-6003, www.coachvals.com; On Facebook here. Coach Val’s Tumblegym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You gotta love this: this year’s popular Picnic in the Park in Savannah will have a Pet Costume Contest!

The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and TailsSpin Pet Supply Store are joining forces to host PAWrade at Picnic in the Park at Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 7th from 2-4 p.m. in conjunction with the city’s Picnic in the Park event.

Picnic in the Park is one of Savannah’s largest and most adored events. In 2011, approximately 23,000 people attended Picnic in the Park which featured an evening of music, entertainment, costume contest, and of course picnics.

This year’s theme is “Some Enchanted Evening”. The pet costume contest will be based on this theme. The “Some Enchanted Evening” Picnic in the Park theme will be branded as a whimsical fairytale. You have the option to dress your furry friend in a variety of costumes from a princess, villain or even a mystical creature.

Entrance fee: $10. Contestants may apply at either TailsSpin location, or at the Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs on Henry Street. Payment may be made in cash, check or credit card at either TailsSpin location; cash or check only at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Participants are encouraged to donate more than the $10 entry fee.

Proceeds to benefit the Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies: Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Coastal Pet Rescue, F.A.C.T.S. and Save-A-Life, Inc.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Blue Buffalo and TailsSpin will provide 3 months of 30 lb bags of Blue Buffalo and a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the first place winner, 3 months of 15 lb bags and a $40.00 Gift Certificate to the second place winner and 3 months of 6 lb bags and a $30.00 Gift Certificate to the third place winner. Each winner will also receive a case of Blue Buffalo treats.

PAWrade at the Picnic in the Park is being co-sponsored by the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Department, TailsSpin, Fleet Feet Sports, as well as media sponsors Connect Savannah and 98.7 The River.

Stroller Strides® of Savannah is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. Classes include power walking and intervals of strength training.

Classes are designed for all moms with any level of exercise. Certified instructors will guide you through exercises that will strengthen your bodies and give you the energy you need for the awesome gift of motherhood.

Classes are 8 AM Tuesdays & Thursdays at Lake Mayer. The first class is free and Stroller Strides of Savannah will offer a special discount if you mention you heard about Stroller Strides of Savannah on SouthernMamas.com!

How can I sign up ?

Register for your free class by clicking here and see all the different class packages offered, by clicking on the “More Info” button in one of the class boxes on the left. You can sign up for any class package when you show up for class, with your instructor.

What if my baby is fussy?

Stroller Strides of Savannah welcomes babies from 6 weeks to any age. Babies are Stroller Strides’ priority, so don’t worry if yours is fussy!

What should I bring to class?

* Water
* A towel, blanket or yoga mat for ab exercises and stretching
* A hat and/or sunscreen
* Anything you may think your baby needs ( snacks, bottles, sippy cups, toys, potty training toilet)
* A stroller ( any stroller will do as long as it does not tip over)

What should I wear to class ?
Wear something comfortable that you can move ( power walk,jog, stretch) easily in. Please make sure that you have comfortable tennis shoes on.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to class so you don’t get left behind.

On Facebook

Stay connected with Stroller Strides Savannah and learn about new classes & updates by liking them on Facebook here.

Stroller Strides of Savannah, contact Natalia Lucero at (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , http://classes.strollerstrides.net/savannah/location/index.aspx  Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Here’s a cute way to promote your organization or business: Adopt rubber ducks today for the 2012 Fall Festival Rubber Duck Races Saturday. Oct. 13 during the Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens Fall Festival. Race begins at 1pm in the Water Garden.

Before the rubber duck race, there will be a kids’ race, the “Rubber Duckling Dash” at noon near the water garden. Children will race with a duck atop a bamboo pole. The first to the finish line without dropping their duck wins. $10.00 per child, each child gets to take home their race duck! Register on race day. Ages 5-9.

All proceeds from the Rubber Duck Race benefit construction of the Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens new Children’s Garden
One Duck for $5
Ten Ducks for $45
Twenty-five Ducks for $120
Fifty Ducks for $245
*Cash or checks only, we cannot accept debit/credit cards
Only 500 ducks are up for adoption so call today!
Prizes for the winning ducks!

To adopt a duck
Go to www.bamboo.caes.uga.edu  click on the “Events Calendar” section on the upper left and click on the link in the race section to adopt your duck. Print the form, fill it out and return it with your check. You will receive your adopted duck number via E-mail. Numbers will also be posted on race day.

Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419 (912) 921-5460; (912) 921-5915 fax email elubrani@uga.edu , http://www.facebook.com/BambooFarmCoastalGardens , http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/

Plan to take part in The Leukemia Cup “Run for Jane,” a 5K Run/Walk and FREE Kids Run held in conjunction with the 2012 St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Regatta Weekend of Events.

This run is the only Savannah run that takes place in a National Park.

It is named in honor of Dr. Jane Philbrick, who is well described by Mr. Paul Hinchey as being a, “very well known educator here in Savannah and a strong community supporter. She was a remarkable person, a consummate professional and had a heart of gold.” The Leukemia Cup is a community coming together through a series of sporting events to help fight leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers, coordinated by the members of the Savannah Yacht Club. The Leukemia Cup Includes: 5K Run / Walk, golf, junior fishing, in-shore fishing, tennis, sailing,  black-tie dinner & auction and a Luau for Leukemia. In 1997,The Leukemia Cup began as a Sailing Regatta and has since emerged as a premier series of sporting events benefiting the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Leukemia Cup Run for Jane 5K & Fun Walk
Fort Pulaski
8:30 AM Saturday September 1
Kid’s Run at 8:15 AM
Register at Fleet Feet
Please Make Checks Payable to: LLS (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
Registration Fees
$28 until August 1
$32 until August 31st
$35 Race Day – September 1st
Kiddie Run – FREE
Packet Pick-Up
Fleet Feet Sports Savannah
Friday August 31st
10am – 6pm

The new covered pavilion with bathrooms is now open at Mother Mathilda Beasley Park on East Broad Street.

The park – named in honor of Mother Mathilda Beasley, Georgia’s first African American nun – includes two playgrounds with new equipment, large grass-covered field, a baseball field, multi-purpose trail and dog park.

Last week, county officials celebrated the completion of the $365,000 sales-tax-funded pavilion designed to reflect the location’s former use as a passenger railroad station.

The pavilion is by the park’s southwest entrance and overlooks the playground and baseball field. It provides a place for community gatherings, as well as restrooms and a water fountain.

(Fingers crossed that the pavilion will remain unlocked during daytime hours for families to use while visiting the playgrounds!)

Mother Mathilda Beasley Park, 500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401 For directions, click here.

For more local playgrounds, click here.

Skidaway Island State Park playground

Be sure to try to check out one of the many FREE kids’ events happening in August at Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway Savannah, 31411.

Event details here.

FREE activities kick off Wed. Aug. 1 with an 8 AM Bird Walk.

Additional highlights of the month include Coastal Reptiles program; Birds of Prey; Fire Building; Toads and Turtles; Intro-to-Geocaching; Toddler Time (which is a story time with puppets for ages 2-4); Snakes Alive!; evening Bat Chats & more.

Event details here.

We’re all about local free kids entertainment this summer. And playgrounds definitely qualify as free kid-friendly entertainment! Here are a few of our favorite Greater Savannah area playgrounds. Feel free to share yours by emailing us at anne@southernmamas.com

Daffin Park @ 1500 E Victory Dr, Savanah 31404 includes walking trail, picnic area, lake, somewhat shaded playgrounds, tennis courts

Toddler playground at Forsyth Park (next to the Visitors' Center cafe) includes a rocking toucan

Forsyth Park @ 700 Drayton Street, Savannah 31401, includes two playgrounds with bathrooms, café, spray pool, paved sidewalk for walking, biking. Pack a lunch (or eat at the café) & spend the day in this landmark, historic park. Check out the gated garden for the blind if it’s unlocked, the park fountains & kids can dance to their heart’s content on the bandshell’s canopied stage.

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Hull Park Spray Pool, Ardsley Park, Savannah

Hull Park, @ 55th St./Atlantic Avenue, Savannh 31405 includes playground, sheltered picnic area, spray pool, baseball field. A great, popular playground with a merry-go-round perfect for playdates.

Jaycee Park Playground, 27 Van Home Ave., Tybee Island, 31328. Fenced playground, within walking distance to the beach

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Newly renovated Lake Mayer playground three new climbing structures complete with climbing walls, tunnels; plus new swing sets, new baby swing sets, new mulch, new swivel seat, new twirling toy & oh-so-modern sleek see-saw!

Lake Mayer @ 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, 31406 includes a completely redone playground with new equipment, mulch; also picnic tables, two pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, 1.5 jogging/bike paved trail with fitness course, lake, boat ramps, restrooms, baseball field, lighted hockey rink, dog exercise area. Details here.

Memorial Park Playground, behind Tybee Is. Library, Tybee Is. @ 405 Butler Ave. , Tybee Is. 31328 Features include fenced play area, bath rooms, covered picnic area, faux pirate ship, see-saw whale rocker and more.

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Mother Mathilda Beasley playground.

Mother Mathilda Beasley @ 500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401 includes two playgrounds, picnic tables, field, paved trail, dog Exercise Area & Dog Station & coming soon, park pavilion with bathrooms, sheltered picnic tables (We can’t wait for the posh pavilion to open with bathrooms. Our only complaint about the pack is lack of shade on the playground. Great playgrounds that are never crowded. An overlooked gem in downtown Savannah. Details here)

Scott Stell Park, 195 Scott Stell Community Park Savannah, 31419 includes playground, restrooms, three pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, jogging/bike paved trail w/ fitness course, baseball fields, dog exercise area, volleyball play areas, archery range

Tom Triplett Community Park @ 100 Tom Triplett Rd Pooler, 31322
Two Pavilions available for rent, conference rm available for rent, tennis courts, lake, 1.5 jogging/bike paved track with fitness course, restrooms, dog exercise, playground, disc golf course

West Chatham YMCA playground, off Pooler Parkway between the YMCA and Pooler’s new municipal recreation complex. It’s Chatham County’s first play facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and features a music station, a tractor, a climbing wall and therapeutic swings for special-needs kids.

FOR MORE LOCAL SUMMER FREE (OR ALMOST FREE) KIDS EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

FOR LOCAL EATERIES WHERE KIDS EAT FREE ON CERTAIN DAYS, CLICK HERE.

Mother Mathilda Beasley playground, Savannah

new playground pavillion under construction

We can’t wait until the spiffy park pavillion at Mother Mathilda Beasley Community playground opens in downtown Savannah!

The playground – which is actually two playgrounds (one for the little tots & one for older kids) – is an often overlooked Savannah gem.  But the main thing the East Broad Street playground is lacking are restrooms.

When the park pavillion  – pictured here currently under construction – opens in an estimated 60 days, the playground will be a convenient spot to visit this summer when you’re in downtown Savannah – especially in early morning or evening hours when the sun-exposed playground equipment isn’t too hot.

The playground includes climbing walls & bars, baby & regular swings, a see-saw, slides, shaded picnic tables & more.

Next to the playground is a field, multi-purpose paved track and dog exercise area with dog station

Mother Mathilda Beasley Community Park, 500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401 For info on more local playgrounds, click here.

Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway

Spend Memorial Day weekend checking out some of Georgia’s historical battlefields & forts. Here are a few forts & museums to check out.

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail. Admission is $3.75-$6.50. Campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Is. state parks.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Richmond Hill
This is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy and the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea. Recently, an original 1864 flag which flew above the fort was returned to Georgia and mounted in the museum. On Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the fort will feature a special program about Confederate soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Admission is $3.50-$6.50. Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is also a great place to visit for camping, hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. It offers three cottages and 65 campsites.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. On Memorial Day, the fort will feature hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $3-$4.50. Nearby campsites are available at nearby Fort McAllister and Skidaway Is.

About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Georgia’s state parks and historic sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer pristine natural beauty from coastal marshes and midland swamps to piedmont plains and breathtaking mountains. For more information, including a full list of parks and accommodations, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Keep up with the latest news by finding them on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you been to Lake Mayer playground lately?

If not, you’ll be as surprised as we were to find the once dismal equipment gone & replaced with three new climbing structures complete with climbing walls, tunnels; plus new swing sets, new baby swing sets, new mulch, new swivel seat, new twirling toy & oh-so-modern sleek see-saw! We love it. When we visited on a sunny weekday afternoon, the spot was teeming with moms and kids. Such a switch from how the playground used to be. No longer do you need to try to talk your kids out of a playground visit while you’re doing Lake Mayer laps. It is finally a fun, clean spot for playing! Thank you, Savannah, for the much needed facelift to the Lake Mayer playground!

Lake Mayer Community Park, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, GA 31406

Time to register for Junior Ranger Saturdays at Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah.

Starting Saturday, Feb 4, 2012, children ages 8-12 can participate in 6 weeks of hands-on programming and earn your Jr. Ranger patch along the way. Weekly events to include birding, hiking, fishing, and exploring the park’s Interpretive Center and meeting the critters that live in the reptile room.

6 Saturdays from February 4 – March 10
12:30pm-4pm (March 10th is from 4pm-8pm)
Ages 8-12

Come and join the staff from Skidaway Island State Park as they take an adventure into our natural and cultural heritage. Join the group for six Saturdays full of crafts, hikes, games and more as they learn and have fun. The program only accepts 12 kids so sign up as soon as possible to guarantee a spot. Please make sure to have your kids eat lunch before coming to camp. Light snacks will be provided.

Cost: $60 for 6 weeks. If you have any questions, contact the park at 912-598-2300

Fall means time to explore Georgia State Parks.

Start planning your leaves-changing getaway by checking out  got all September & October 2011 events happening at state parks and historic spots across the state. The events are listed on the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Parks Events page here.

Gorge hikes, group hayrides, outdoor music festivals, full moon hikes & more.

To find out state park event details, visit the new SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Parks Events page by clicking here.