Seasonal Changes to Georgia State Railroad Museum and Old Fort Jackson’s Operating Hours, Savannah

Georgia State Railroad Museum and Old Fort Jackson – both in Savannah – will have a seasonal change in operating hours beginning Mon. Sept. 27 for the Fall 2021 season.

New hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9AM-4PM with the museums being closed on Mondays through Dec. 6 2021.

Both sites will have a special opening for Columbus Day on Mon. Oct. 11 2021.

Georgia State Railroad Museum will have blacksmithing demonstrations Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and will welcome visitors to take a Site Tour by Train on Fridays and Saturdays.

Old Fort Jackson will continue to have cannon firings at 11AM and 2PM on all operating days.

Georgia State Railroad Museum and Old Fort Jackson feature large, open-air spaces and employ enhanced sanitizing and distancing protocols.

Admissions information and online ticket sales are available online here. Site Tours by Train are limited and boarding passes are issued on a first come, first served basis. As always, Coastal Heritage Society Members receive FREE admission. Find membership info here. 

Savannah Children’s Museum will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 2:30PM.

Please check Coastal Heritage Society website for operating hours.

For the safety of all staff and guests, we require staff to wear face coverings. Visitors are asked to adhere to City of Savannah and CDC mask regulations and recommendations.

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Sandbox Children’s Museum summer camp on Hilton Head Is. and at Tanger 2 Outlet in Bluffton is now registering for Summer 2021.

Eight weeks of fun for children.

Information and registration can be found @ www.thesandbox.org. Click the “Book Now” button.

Registration is weekly only and can be done through the Sandbox  website.

Ages: Hilton Head 4-12years; Tanger 2 Bluffton 6-12 years

See the Sandbox website for themes, policies, and guidelines.

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Future location of Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. that’s set to open later this year.

Lowcountry Celebration Park – which opened in December 2020 – includes Adventure Playground for kids, a discovery trail, pavilion and lawn for festivals, exercise stations, Wi-Fi, restrooms.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is set to move there, too, to its new location (pictured above) from its current location later this year.

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All Coastal Heritage Society historic sites and museums in Savannah will reopen to the public on Thurs. March 4 2021.

There will also be a special Family Day on March 13 2021. Details TBA.

New operating hours are as follows:

Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah History Museum, and Old Fort Jackson will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM to 4PM.

Savannah Children’s Museum will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 2:30PM.

Pin Point Heritage Museum will be open Thursday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM.

Harper Fowlkes House will be open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10AM to 3PM. *Special opening on Thursday, March 4th from 10AM to 3PM.

Admissions information and online ticket sales are available online here.

As always, Coastal Heritage Society Members receive FREE admission. Become a member online here.

For the safety of all staff and guests, social distancing protocols will be observed, implementing enhanced sanitizing procedures Both staff and guests are required to wear masks. Visitors are asked to adhere to the City of Savannah, Chatham County Commission and CDC mask regulations and recommendations.

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Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

Savannah Children’s Museum will reopen Thursdays through Saturdays, 9:30AM to 2:30PM, beginning Thurs. Sept. 24 2020.

Daily programming will be offered in addition to a special bottle rocket program at noon every day Thursday-Saturday. Please note that Savannah Children’s Museum is an outdoor site and closes during adverse weather conditions.

For the safety of all staff and guests, SCM follows social distancing protocols and will implement enhanced sanitizing procedures. Visitors are asked to adhere to the City of Savannah Government, Chatham County, Georgia Government and CDC mask regulations and recommendations.

Savannah Children’s Museum is also available for private bookings including birthday parties, field trips and homeschool groups Sunday through Wednesday and its Mobile Museum programs can be brought to your location any day of the week. Please contact Megan Alstad for more information at malstad@chsgeorgia.org

Savannah Children’s Museum admission is free for Coastal Heritage Society members and $8 per person aged 18 months and older. Find info on how to beome a member here.

Savannah Children’s Museum
655 Louisville Rd.
Savannah, GA 31401

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Archery class @ Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah

Come learn the basics of archery and test your skills on Skidaway Is. State Park archery range in Savannah.

This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided but not shared. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Advance registration by phone at (912) 598-2300 is required as space will be limited to 4 participants, and social distancing will be required.

Please plan on arriving 10 minutes early to allow time to make your way to the program location.
9-9:30AM Sat. Aug. 29
10-10:30AM Sat. Aug. 29

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Scavenger Hunt @ Skidaway Island State Park

Snag the swag in this picture scavenger hunt throughout Skidaway Is. State Park. All you need is a way to take pictures and to be ready to explore our park.

Come to the office to get the list and complete your hunt between 9am and 4pm! When you’re finished, swing by the office and show us your pictures. Those who find 10 out of 16 will win prizes!

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your group – stay cool!

9AM Sun. Aug. 16
9AM Sun. Aug. 30

J.F. Gregory Park Playground Grand Re-Opening
Fri. June 26, 2020 @ 10:30AM

The City of Richmond Hill invites you to the grand re-opening of the playground in J.F. Gregory Park on Friday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m.

At the end of 2019, Mayor and Council approved upgrades to the playground area in J.F. Gregory Park and they have been completed.

The playground received several upgrades including new sunshades, benches and an updated swing set. Two new pieces of playground equipment have been installed, including an inclusive orbit for children with disabilities.

This project was funded by SPLOST VII revenue.

Do something special and fun this Valentines Day Weekend 2017 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah.

Win the HEART OF THE PARK TROPHY by competing in Skidaway Island State Park’s Second Annual Valentines Day Weekend Scavenger Hunt right here in the park.

Cost: $5 for parking and $15 per couple/family team.

Sun. Feb. 12, 1:30-3PM
Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, Georgia 31411

MAY THE BEST COUPLE/TEAM WIN!

Learn more here.

Old Fort Jackson in Savannah will reopen to the general public Fri. Oct. 14 at 9AM.

Moving forward, Fort Jackson will be open during its regularly scheduled hours 9AM-5PM daily.

Other Coastal Heritage Society sites in Savannah – including Savannah Children’s Museum, Savannah History Museum & Georgia State Railroad Museum – reopened earlier this week.

We’re still awaiting reopening details for Pin Point Heritage Museum & will post that information as it becomes available. .

WHAT: Old Fort Jackson will reopen to the public.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 14th, 2016
WHERE: 1 Fort Jackson Rd., Savannah, 31404

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The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge hosts a preschoolers “Young Explorers Club” on the first Tuesday of each month.

The free, hour-long monthly program for 3-4 year-olds starts at 10AM on the first Tuesday of each month.  There will be story time, crafts, snacks, and take-home activities all about this month’s topic.

The programs are at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (694 Beech Hill Lane Hardeeville, SC 29927).

Each month, a different animal or method of conservation will be highlighted. Juniors of Girl Scout Troop 30387 have designed the monthly programs as their service project for completing the Bronze Award. The themes are:

July – Sea Turtles
August – Spiders
September – Fish
October – Butterflies
November – Turkeys
December – Ducks

For more information, please contact Joel Vos at (843) 784-2468.

Learn more here.

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FOR MORE FREE FAMILY EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Hull Park Spray Pool

Summer in Savannah means time for free spray pools in some Savannah parks.

Kids can enjoy a cool water experience at the park under adult supervision.

Locations include: Forsyth Park, Avondale, Hull Park, Forrest Hills, Paulsen, 38th Street Park, Savannah Gardens, and Victory Heights Parks. Learn more here.

For the 2016 Summer Season, spray pools will open May 31 through July 22, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM-3 PM

Forsyth Park spray pool hours May 31-July 22: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, noon-6PM.

Hull Park spray pool hours May 31-July 22 (55th Street & Atlantic Avenue in Ardsley Park): Saturday, 10 AM-3PM (Often this spray pool may on at other times, too)

FOR MORE SAVANNAH KIDS’ SUMMER ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE. 

Spend the day “playground hopping,” visiting some of our top picks for playgrounds in the Greater Savannah, Ga. area & Hilton Head Is./Beaufort, S.C. area or just picking one and spending the day there.

Click here to see our list of some of the best playgrounds in Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, S.C.

UPDATE: Savannah Children’s Museum will open on Monday, March 28 when Savannah-Chatham public schools are closed on holiday, 10AM – 4PM
(*Savannah Children’s Museum will open on days that Chatham County schools are closed.)

During the school year, Savannah Children’s Museum offers daily programming Wednesdays through Sundays.

School Hours: August 30th – May 30th
Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED (large groups)
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
*Please note that the Museum may close due to weather conditions.Call ahead for accurate closing information at 912-651-4292.

Programming for Wednesdays through Saturdays
10:30am Rockstar Reading
11:30am Awesome Art
12:30pm Family Fitness
1:30pm Super Science

Programming for Sundays
11:30am Rockstar Reading
12:30pm Awesome Art
1:30pm Family Fitness
2:30pm Super Science

Admission:

$7.50 per person (aged 18 mo. and older)
Ask about the discount combination ticket

Savannah Children’s Museum is a magical outdoor space located at Georgia State Railroad Museum in the old Central of Georgia Carpentry Shop. Expert educators create fun daily programming so children and families learn while they play.

You can purchase tickets at each of the museum’s gift shops or take advantage of the Discount Combination Ticket.

Email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org with questions.

FOR DETAILS ON SCM’S SUNDAY NUTRITION WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS, CLICK HERE. 

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, GA 31401, chsgeorgia.org/SCM, 912.651.6823 Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

We received lots of inquires from readers about the status of the newly renovated Forsyth Park spray pool, that was initially scheduled to open June 1.

The spray pool/splash zone opening has been delayed indefinitely pending review by the health department of the $48,000 renovation project. Here’s the update from the Coastal Health District: “As with any renovations or changes, plans must be submitted to the health department for review. We just received those plans recently and they are now under review.”

Hopefully, the newly renovated spray pool/splash zone – a favorite summertime spot for families with young children – will re-open soon. Meanwhile, other free Savannah parks spray pools where kids can enjoy a cool water experience under adult supervision include: Avondale, Hull Park, Forrest Hills, Paulsen, 38th Street Park, Savannah Gardens, and Victory Heights Parks. Learn more here.

For the 2015 Summer Season, spray pools will open June 1 through July 24, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM-3 PM. Hull Park spray pool hours (55th Street & Atlantic Avenue in Ardsley Park): Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM in addition to regular weekday hours M-F, 10AM-3PM.

We’ll update our Event Calendar & this site when Forsyth Park spray pool does open. Forsyth’s hours will be: Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, noon to 6 PM.

FOR MORE SAVANNAH KIDS’ SUMMER ACTIVITIES, VISIT OUR SUMMER FUN GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE. 

Hull Park Spray Pool

UPDATE:  Forsyth Park spray pool will not open June 1 as initially scheduled & is closed indefinitely.

Summer in Savannah means time for free spray pools in Savannah parks.

Kids can enjoy a cool water experience at the park under adult supervision.

Locations include: Avondale, Hull Park, Forrest Hills, Paulsen, 38th Street Park, Savannah Gardens, and Victory Heights Parks. Learn more here.

For the 2015 Summer Season, spray pools will open June 1 through July 24, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM-3 PM

Forsyth Park spray pool hours: Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, noon to 6 PM UPDATE:  Forsyth Park spray pool will not open June 1 as initially scheduled & is closed indefinitely according to the City of Savannah 311 info line.

Hull Park spray pool hours (55th Street & Atlantic Avenue in Ardsley Park): Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM in addition to regular weekday hours M-F, 10AM-3PM.

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ SUMMER ACTIVITIES CLICK HERE.

Spend the day “playground hopping,” visiting some of our top picks for playgrounds in the Greater Savannah, Ga. area & Hilton Head Is./Beaufort, S.C. area or just picking one and spending the day there.

Here are some of the best playgrounds in Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, S.C.

Forsyth Park
Two playgrounds with restrooms, 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 fragrant 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. Toddler playground at Forsyth Park (next to the Visitors’ Center cafe) includes a rocking toucan
700 Drayton Street, Savannah 31401

Mother Mathilda Beasley Park:
Two playgrounds with new equipment, large grass-covered field, a baseball field, multi-purpose trail and dog park, picnic tables. Drawbacks include lack of shade & the beautiful new pavilion with restrooms is often locked & inaccessible.
500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401

Davant
Small playground behind Colonial Cemetery in Savannah. Picnic tables. No restrooms
Lincoln St. / E Perry Lane Savannah, 31401

Baldwin Park
Small fenced playground in residential area. Drawbacks: No restrooms.
E. 41st St. / Atlantic Ave., Savannah 31401

Daffin Park
Two playgrounds, lake, walking trail, picnic area, tennis courts, fields.
1500 E Victory Drive, Savannah 31404

Hull Park
Playground, sheltered picnic area, spray pool, baseball field. A great, popular neighborhood playground with a merry-go-round perfect for playdates. Drawback: no restrooms and not a lot of shade.
55th St./Atlantic Avenue, Savannah 31405

Lake Mayer
Playground includes three climbing structures complete with climbing walls, tunnels; swing sets, baby swing sets, swivel seat, twirling toy, see-saw, mulch; 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.
1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, 31406

Isle of Hope
Playground, basketball court
Cornus Dr Savannah, 31406

Skidaway Island State Park playground in Savannah.
Playground, Picnic Tables. Free admission. $5 parking fee.
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah. 31411

Wilmington Island playground
Shaded playground, covered pavilion, restrooms
Cohen Ave at Walthour Rd Savannah, 31410

Memorial Park Playground, behind Tybee Is. Library, Tybee Is.
Fenced playground, bath rooms, covered picnic area, faux pirate ship, see-saw whale rocker, climbing wall, swings.
405 Butler Ave., Tybee Island 31328

Jaycee Park Playground
Fenced playground, within walking distance to the beach. Drawbacks: No bathrooms.
27 Van Home Ave., Tybee Island, 31328.

Scott Stell Playground
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
195 Scott Stell Community Park Savannah, 31419

J.F. Gregory, Richmond Hill
Fenced playground, picnic tables, restrooms, covered pavilions available for rent, 335 acre multi-use recreational area with a lake, walking trail, birding tower, and two restored Henry Ford era homes.
521 Cedar St, Richmond Hill, 31324

Tom Triplett Park, Pooler
Playground, two Pavilions available for rent, conference room available for rent, tennis courts, lake, 1.5 jogging/bike paved track with fitness course, restrooms, dog exercise, disc golf course
Tom Triplett Rd Pooler, 31322

West Chatham YMCA playground
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.
off Pooler Parkway between the YMCA and Pooler’s new municipal recreation complex

Hilton Head Is/Beaufort, S.C.

Gregg Russell Playground in Harbour Town, Hilton Head Is.
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 free plus $5 Sea Pines gate fee.
Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground, Beaufort, S.C.
Playground with hardwood mulch, restrooms a stage for performances, a pavilion for displays and a grassed amphitheater for picnicking, frisbee or simple relaxing. Kids can watch fishermen showing their skills on the dock in front of the playground
1010 Bay Street, Beaufort, S.C. 29902

Pigeon Point Park playground, Beaufort, S.C.
Age appropriate playground equipment that includes merry-go-around, restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, age appropriate playground equipment, large oak trees that provide shade
Pigeon Point Road Beaufort, SC 29902

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.