Free Skidaway Marine Science Day 2015, Skidaway Is., Savannah, Oct. 24 2015

This free campus-wide open house at The UGA Marine Extension Service & Aquarium on Skidaway Island offers activities geared for all ages. Programs, tours, displays and hands-on activities, primarily related to marine science and the coastal environment, are all part of the day’s educational fun.

Open to the public at no charge, the event is presented by the University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, the University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, the University of Georgia’s Shellfish Research Laboratory and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

One of the most exciting featured attractions this year will be a close-up look at Georgia’s first oyster hatchery, a project of the UGA Marine Extension’s Shellfish Research Laboratory and Georgia Sea Grant, units of UGA Public Service and Outreach.

Other activities include tours of the 92-foot Research Vessel Savannah, fun hands-on exhibits at the UGA Aquarium, and explorations of an underwater reef at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

When: Saturday, October 24 2015
Time: Noon – 4PM

Learn more here. 

All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day are free.

For additional information, call 912-598-2325, or seehttp://www.skio.uga.edu/

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

CONTINUOUS ACTIVITIES NOON – 4 pm

Jay Wolf Nature Trail, Interpretive Cabin, Learning Garden

UGA Aquarium Open 10 am-5 pm / Free Admission & Special Activities Noon-4 pm

Behind the scenes peeks at the Aquarium. Every 20 minutes (12 –4 pm) – pick up your FREE ticket in the lobby to reserve your time!

New Touch Tank Display (Aquarium)

Touch Tanks (Aquarium Day Group Room)

Phytoplankton Lab Demo (Aquarium Plankton Lab)

Invertebrate Explorations (Aquarium Invertebrate Lab)

Dock Discoveries (Aquarium Dock) – Learn more about organisms found in our estuary and get your hands wet at a stingray touch tank!

Interactive Reptile Exhibit – Meet and greet some common reptiles of the Georgia coast (MAREX screened porch)

Oyster Hatchery Display and Hatchery Tours (Shellfi­sh Parking Lot)

PhotoBooth (McGowan Library auditorium)

Plankton World & CytoSense (Library overhang & lobby)

Build a Plankton (Tent outside McGowan Library)

Plankton Sink-O­ff (Tent outside McGowan Library) A Sink-Off round every 30 minutes

Environmental Group Exhibits (Skidaway Institute Quad)

Tours of Research Vessel Savannah (Skidaway Institute Dock)

Microbe Hunt – Grab a swab and find the microbes in the world around you. (Skidaway Institute

Quad)

Gray’s Reef’s “Fly an Underwater ROV” — (Skidaway Institute Quad)

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

12:30 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

12:45 pm – Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “Arctic Carbon Cycling”

1:00 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

1:15 pm – Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “Sea Level Rise”

1:30 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

1:45 pm — Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “Underwater Robots”

2:00 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

2:00 pm – Science Talk (MCSRIC Conference Room) “Your tax dollars at work”

2:15 pm – Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “How do phytoplankton smell?”

2:30 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

2:45 pm – Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “Black Gill in Georgia Shrimp”

3:00 pm – Fish Feeding (Aquarium)

3:15 pm – Science Talk (Skidaway Institute Quad) “Weather Reports from Inside the Ocean”

UGA Marine Extension Service & Skidaway Aquarium,  30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, (912) 598-2496, http://marex.uga.edu/aquarium/ 

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FOR MORE SAVANNAH-AREA FALL EVENTS, VISIT OUR SAVANNAH FALL FUN GUIDE 2015 HERE. 

Put this on your Fall 2015 Must-Do list: Visit Poppell family farms, a 10-acre corn maze labyrinth & activity-packed farm in Odum about six miles from Jesup .

Poppell Farms grand opening for the 2015 Fall season is 10 AM-5 PM Saturday Oct. 3

Poppell Family Farms pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, giant outdoor jumping pillows, barnyard & farm games & activities are open every weekend Oct. 3 -Nov. 2.

About Poppell Farms

Take a hayride to Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus in the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, ride the cow train, feed animals in the petting farm, try steer roping, Spyder Slyder and the all-time kids’ favorite, two crop hoppers, which are giant jumping air pillows that have kids giggling upon their first bounce.

PICNIC AREAS are available for use, so bring your own food or visit Poppell Farms’ CALF-A CONCESSION STAND for hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, chicken sandwiches & fries. Candy, popcorn & treats available.

Other activities include pony rides ($5); duck races; six & younger playground (with 2 bounce houses); hop-a-long rodeo; Betsy the Milk cow contest; large catfish pond (no fishing / watch them eat)

Corn Maze Design for Fall 2015

Poppell Farm’s Fall 2015 10-acre corn maze design depicts country music singer/song writer and south Georgia native Cole Swindell.

Hours

Poppell Farms is open on Sundays, too, for those whose Saturdays are packed with kids’ sporting events.

Sat. Oct. 3-Sun. Nov. 1, 2015
10 AM-5 PM Saturdays
Noon-5 PM Sundays

Tickets. For ticket prices, click here. 

Special Events

Evening activities

Friday & Saturday Night Activities beginning 10/3/15 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

• Petting Farm
• 6 & under Playground
• Jumping Pillows 1 & 2
• Cow Train Rides
• Duck Races
• Spyder Slider
• Cornfield Maze (Flash Light Nights, Kid Friendly – Not Haunted)
• *(Hayride, Pony Rides and Fish Pond Closed)*

Returning for 2015 

Beginning on Friday 10/03 and running every Fri. & Sat. Night through 10/31

THE FRIGHTFUL FORREST – Presented by: Turning Point Worship Center

This is a Christian based 800 foot walking trail through the woods with real life, in your face terrifying scenes. An alternative to traditional Haunted Houses or Trails.

Recommended for ages 12 & older

Poppell Farms, email popfarms1@windstream.net , (912) 586-2215, 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, 31555 . On Facebook here. Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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FOR MORE SAVANNAH-AREA FALL EVENTS, VISIT OUR SAVANNAH FALL FUN GUIDE 2015 HERE. 

Make the most of this beautiful season in Savannah & the Lowcountry.

Visit the SouthernMamas.com Fall Fun 2015 Guide throughout the season by clicking here to find pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Halloween fun & more.

This Fall Fun list for the Savannah, Pooler, Hilton Head Island area will be updated throughout the season.

Bring the kids to celebrate Science, Engineering, Technology and Math at Georgia Southern University at STEM Festival 2015 in Statesboro.

This FREE fun-filled community event will be Sat. Sept. 26, 2015
10AM-4 PM

Nessmith-Lane Building
*847 Plant Drive on the Georgia Southern Campus

50+ Exploration stations will provide hands-on activities for children young and old. Activities appropriate for elementary, middle and high school will be available.

STEM Fest activities include:

See robotics in action
Check out the STE(A)M Truck, a mobile innovation lab.
Learn how video games are created
Make ice-cream with liquid nitrogen
Blast off Alka-Seltzer rockets
Learn about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gaze at the stars in Georgia Southern’s Planetarium
Learn about Georgia Archaeology with the ArchaeoBus
Participate with NASA
Go on a mission with the Army
Visit Georgia Southern Museum & see its 26-foot long Mosasaur skeleton
Participate in the Pallet Building Challenge!

Free guest parking will be available in lot #32; bus parking available in lot C behind the Nessmith Lane building
Food will be available for purchase.

Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education, Georgia Southern University, (912) 478-2549, kagreer@georgiasouthern.edu

FOR MORE FREE KIDS’ EVENTS IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE.

FOR MORE SAVANNAH-AREA FALL EVENTS, VISIT OUR SAVANNAH FALL FUN GUIDE 2015 HERE. 

Looking for a late summer or fall getaway? Check out the Len Foote Hike Inn in North Georgia where the hike is the only way Inn.  We did. Read about our mountain adventure to the eco-lodge here. 

As one poster about this sustainably-designed Georgia State Park inn reads: “If you enjoy wilderness but prefer a soft bed, hot showers and great food instead of camping, the Hike Inn is for you.”

The mission of the Len Foote Hike Inn – named after a Georgia conservationist: to make experiencing nature easy and help protect it through education and recreation.

To get to the Hike Inn, you do an easy-to-moderate five-mile hike from the top of North Georgia’s Amicalola Falls through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the backcountry Inn.

You spend the night in a rustic, TV-less bunkroom in the secluded Inn after a solar-heated shower (shampoo, soap, towels provided) and family-style, home-cooked dinner. After watching the sunrise (they beat a drum at dawn if the sunrise conditions are worth waking up to see), you have a huge breakfast, spend time exploring the lodge grounds and hike out the same trail when you leave.

Or, for those who want a longer stay and more hiking, Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, is a 4.4-mile hike (8.8 miles round trip) from the Hike Inn. Most guests who hike to Springer Mountain spend two nights at the Hike Inn, allowing a full day for the hike.

The 20-bunkroom Hike Inn welcomes families. A family of three can stay in the same room if the child is 12 years of age or younger. The Inn has mats, so the child can sleep on the floor. For a family of four, two rooms are necessary. They have discounted rates for children 12 years of age or younger. Games and age-appropriate books are available for children.

Len Foote Inn is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lenfootehikeinn and on Twitter at @HikeInn

Imagine the excitement of your little girl when the Snow Queen delivers the news of a Disney vacation. Or the thrill of Peter Pan inviting your family on an adventure.

For a limited time, Two Sisters Travel has partnered with Enchant My Party to offer an exclusive promotion for Savannah & Hilton Head area families. Book any qualifying Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise vacation package for travel in 2015 and your child will get a FREE visit from his or her favorite character to personally deliver the exciting news of the upcoming vacation.

And you can even save up to 25% off your resort stay this fall & winter, so now is the perfect time to start planning. Enjoy special events this fall like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and, of course, Walt Disney World transforms into the Merriest Place on Earth during the holidays.

 Hurry, this offer is only available for new bookings through August 31st. Get a no-obligation quote now or call 843-284-3241 for information.

 *Qualifying packages: Minimum 4-night Walt Disney World package with 4-day Ticket & Disney Dining Plan or Minimum 4-Night Sailing on any Disney Cruise Line itinerary for travel in 2015.

Tara McCoy of Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are decked out in their newest Halloween party-wear in front of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It’s all part of the fun that takes place when the Magic Kingdom hosts “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.” A separate ticket is required to attend. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

The Disney travel gurus at Two Sisters Travel have the scoop on the newest offer that can save you up to 25% on your Walt Disney World resort stay during select dates this fall & winter.

This is an exciting time to visit with special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, a must-do for any Disney villain fans, or the adult favorite, EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. Or maybe you want to enjoy the holiday festivities at Walt Disney World with special parades, decorations, and tons of other limited-time events!!

Hurry and contact Tara McCoy at Two Sisters Travel today for your no-obligation Disney vacation quote or call 843-284-3241 for details. Remember, when you book a package with Two Sisters Travel you’ll receive complimentary itinerary planning services (dining & fast passes)!! Availability for the new promotion is extremely limited and advance dining reservations are already open! Let Two Sisters Travel plan your magical getaway!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The first full weekend of each month means free weekend access to some of nearby museums through Bank of America’s Museums on Us program. Free admission is for the adult cardholder only. Regular admission applies to children and additional guests.

Free Bank of America Museum on Us 2015 dates are Sept. 5 & 6; Oct. 3 & 4; Nov. 7 & 8; Dec. 5 & 6.

Nearby participating museums include:

EdVenture Children’s Museum

EdVenture Childrens Museum in Columbia, S.C.
211 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

See our list of Things To Do in Columbia, SC With Kids by clicking here. 

Other participating museums include

Atlanta History Center
High Museum of Art in Atlanta
Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville

The Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville (MOSH), Fla.
Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, Fla

Who is eligible?

To qualify for Museums on Us, you must be a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card customer. Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain one free general admission to any participating institution. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission.

When is it available?

With qualifying identification, customers can enjoy free admission on the first full weekend of every month.

For a full list of participating museums, please visit the Museums on Us site.

Disney salutes the men & women of our armed forces with special ticket pricing & room discounts for travel dates now through December 2015.

Active and retired US military personnel can save BIG and take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World resort hotels on arrivals through December 23, 2015. The average discount is 30-40% off!! And these offers can be combined with dining plans to add even more value to your vacation package.

Qualifying military personnel can also purchase up to a total of up to six, 4-day Military Promotional Tickets with a Park Hopper OR Water Park Fun & More upgrade for $177 each, plus tax. Get tickets with both upgrades for $207 each, plus tax. These tickets may be used through December 20, 2015. The Military Promotional Tickets are only available for purchase at military sales outlets, NOT at Walt Disney World resort.

Availability for the room offer is limited, so contact Two Sisters Travel for a no-obligation vacation quote.

Two Sisters Travel offers stress-free concierge vacation planning services for busy families and anyone that doesn’t want to get bogged down with the trip details. They’re here to help you choose the best resort, dining plan (or not), FastPass selections, dining reservations, and even review crowd calendars to find the best time of year to travel… best part is that our services are 100% free!!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Are you dreaming of a Walt Disney World vacation next year? 2016 packages are now available, and the Disney travel gurus at Two Sisters Travel have all the details.

Get a no-obligation quote now or if you’re unsure about when to travel, they can even review crowd calendars helping you choose the best time of year for your visit.

Booking early with Two Sisters Travel ensures the very best availability and you never have to worry about getting the best deal. They closely watch promotions and discounts, and if something becomes available that will lower your price, they automatically adjust your package, no worries.

And booking early also gives more time to pay-off your vacation, AND brag to your friends that your family is going to Disney.

Start planning your 2016 Disney vacation now! Get a quote online or call 843-284-3241! And remember, it’s the same price to book with Two Sisters Travel as it is to book direct with Disney…. all of their concierge travel planning services including dining reservations, FastPass selections, and more are all 100% FREE.

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

One of the best ways to save on a Disney vacation, the FREE DINING PLAN promotion, expires Friday, July 10th.

Hurry & contact Two Sisters Travel to book a package now for only $200 and take advantage of this great discount. You’ll save hundreds on your resort & ticket package with this popular offer.

2015 free dining plan dates are August 28th – October 2nd; October 25th – October 31st; November 8th – November 19th; and December 15th – December 21st. Free dining is being offered to guests for their entire length of stay as long as your arrival date is within the promotion dates.

FREE Dining Plans are available at select Walt Disney World Resorts and require a minimum 3-night stay with 2-day Magic Your Way ticket with Park Hopper upgrade. Guests staying in a Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan and guests in Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan. You can even upgrade your dining plan by paying the cost difference between your complimentary plan and the plan you want.

This is a very popular time to try out the Deluxe Dining Plan.

Dining reservations are already open for these dates so let’s get your FREE DINING vacation package booked now.

Contact Two Sisters Travel now for your no-obligation vacation quote or details. And remember, their travel planning services are always 100% FREE.

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

We checked out the brand new Holiday Inn Resort on nearby Jekyll Island this summer & fell in love. Two words to describe this Golden Isles oceanside hotel: fresh & welcoming.

Our kids adored sleeping in a room with a full view of the Atlantic – then swimming in an elegant dark-bottom pool, playing on a playground & eating breakfast at an outdoor restaurant – all within sight and sound of the ocean.

The hotel grounds are graceful with newly redone landscaping, wind-sculpted oak trees and the island bike path that winds alongside the ocean. There’s also a fire pit, hot tub, baby pool, beach access & bike rentals.

Check availability here. 

You may love this hotel so much, you very well could opt to drop into one of the sleek pool lounge chairs with a book while your family hits Summer Waves water park and other spots on our list of top Jekyll Island things to do with kids.

The only drawback was that the hotel is so new that its indoor restaurant Beach House is not open until Fall 2015. The outdoor poolside restaurant is open & serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. So this worked out perfectly during our stay because we had great weather. But rain could send you out to one of the restaurants on the island.

Jekyll Island is an easy, roughly 90-minute drive down I-95 from Savannah. See our list of things to do with kids on on Jekyll Island here. 

Like the Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island on Facebook here to see photos and to stay updated about hotel specials and events.

Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island, 701 North Beachview Dr, Golden Isles, Georgia, (912) 635-2211 www.hijklresort.com On Facebook here.  Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

SouthernMamas.com regularly spotlights our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah is Charleston, SC. (about a 90 minute drive from Savannah).

For more favorite daytrips from Savannah, click here. 

Things to do with kids in Charleston, SC include:

1. South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor. Hours, daily events, admission rates & specials here.
Now open, Touch sharks & rays @ Shark Shallows. This new exhibit enables you to reach out & feel the skin of bonnethead sharks, cownose rays and southern stingrays. Details here.

2. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston. Hours, exhibits, admission rates & more details here.

3. Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.

4. The Center for Birds of Prey Avian Conservation Center , Awendaw SC

5. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant

6. James Island County Park Climbling Wall, Charleston – South Carolina’s tallest, outdoor climbing wall.

7. Pineapple Fountain & Splash Fountain in Waterfront Park,Charleston. Wading in these downtown fountains is permitted & encouraged.

8. Awendaw Passage (7 miles) of Palmetto Trail (Hike or mountain bike)

9. Fresh farm stand/u-pick farm (depending on the season) including
* Ambrose Family Farm: Wadmalaw Island.www.stonofarmmarket.com/ambrosefamilyfarm.html
* Boone Hall Farms: Mount Pleasant. www.boonehallfarms.com
* Rosebank Farms: John’s Island. www.rosebankfarms.com

10. West Ashley Bikeway 2.5 mile biking & walking path, Charleston

11. Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach

12. Waterparks
Splash Zone Waterpark in James Island County Park
Splash Island Waterpark, Mount Pleasant, SC

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Free trolley transportation

Free Public Transportation in Charleston via DASH Trolley

Charleston’s free public transportation – DASH Trolley – is operated by the city’s CARTA bus system and runs throughout the historic Charleston peninsula.
Route 210 (Orange) drives from College of Charleston to the Aquarium.
Route 211 (Green) drives to the waterfront, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and City Market
Route 213 (Purple) drives to Brittlebank Park, Riley Stadium, historic city center.
All three routes converge at the Visitors Center, Marion Park and Charleston Museum.
Wait at an official CARTA bus stop, denoted by the green signs.

A reader asks “What is the top rated children/family friendly beach around besides Tybee Island?”

That got us thinking. Here are our picks:

Sea Pines Beach Resort, Hilton Head Is., S.C. Convenient access to the Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks &  cold beverages. Details here.
87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. Details here. (While on HHI, be sure to check out Sandbox Children’s Museum (especially if it rains), the free petting farm at Lawton Stables, climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse or stay after dinner for a FREE kid-celebrated Gregg Russell concert at Harbour Town. ($6 Sea Pines Resort gate fee per auto) Details on Gregg Russell concerts here.

Neptune Park Fun Zone, St. Simons Island, Ga. Offers an 18 hole miniature golf course, an interactive Kiddie Pool, a zero entry swimming pool and playground right on the beach. Details here. 550 Beachview Dr. Saint Simons Island, Ga. 31522. Details here.

Hunting Island State Park, S.C. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
The historic lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. For an admission of $2, visitors can climb the 167 steps & walk around the observation deck for a lofty view of the barrier island and surrounding seascape. CHILDREN MUST BE AT LEAST 44″ TALL TO CLIMB THE LIGHTHOUSE. Details here.

The new Pooler water park – Surf Lagoon – opens for the 2015 summer season on Sat. May 23. Surf Lagoon will open in phases. The first phase opening in May includes the first slide tower complex, lazy river, kid’s activity area, and two zero entry beaches. There are no height restrictions on Layback Lagoon, Shorebreak Beach, and Shortboarders. Riders must be taller than 48″ inches to ride all slides.

2015 Summer Season
Daily: May 23-Aug. 5. Open Memorial Day.
Weekends Only: Aug. 8-Sept. 7. Open Labor Day.
For hours, click here. 

Surf Lagoon Water Park
Located near 1-95 and Pooler Parkway
Exit 104 off I-95.
130 Towne Center Dr, Pooler, 31322
email: info@surflagoonpooler.com

Learn more here.

_________________________________________

More Water Parks Near Savannah

Splash In The Boro opens for the 2015 summer season this Sat. May 16.
45 miles from Savannah in Statesboro, Ga.
Water Slides – 2 body slides and 1 inner tube slide wind around each other and finish with a plunge into a common wave pool. The park has a double flowrider , a 5-lane mat racer, a spray pad and slides for toddlers, 3 tube slides, a lazy river.

2015 Summer Season
Weekends only: May 16 & 17.
Open daily starting May 23. For hours click here.

________________________________

Summer Waves opens daily for 2015 summer season this Friday May 15.
75 Miles from Savannah on Jekyll Island.

2015 Summer Season
Weekends only: May 2-10; Aug. 15-Sept. 20
Daily: Fri. May 15-Aug. 12. Open Memorial Day & Labor Day.
For hours, click here.
Summer Waves Water Park located on Jekyll Island with 11 acres of splashing summertime fun for the whole family. Nine exciting attractions including six water slides, wave pool, lazy river, splash zone and kiddie area.

___________________________________

Charleston, SC Water Parks

Splash Zone Waterpark
79 Miles from Savannah in Charleston, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24 and August 15 – Labor Day.
•Daily: May 25-August 14. Open Memorial Day.
200-foot tube slide – 200-foot open slide – Caribbean play structure with slides, wheels, and sprays – 500-foot lazy river with an adventure channel featuring sprays and a waterfall – Leisure pool – open seasonally

Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark
87 miles from Savannah in North Charleston, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24. Open on Memorial Day. Aug. 15-Labor Day
•Daily: May 30-August 14
Fun for all ages, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park and offers seasonal, island-style water play packed into over 15-acres.
Coming Mid-Summer 2015: Rip Tide Run mat racer takes riders on an exciting head-to-head competition over gut wrenching bumps, accelerating riders towards the finish line. (minimum height of 42”)

Splash Island Waterpark
91 miles away in Mount Pleasant, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24. Open Memorial Day. August 15 – Labor Day.
•Daily: May 30-August 14
200-foot water slide – 16-foot otter slide – Sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls – The Cyclone, a 10-minute swirling water ride – Recreational pool

Below are suggested forts, museums and battlefields near Savannah as well as others in Georgia for those that are up for a roadtrip. For directions and admission fees, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.

FREE Parking & Admission Pass

Live Oak Public Libraries customers with valid library cards can borrow a Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites “Park Pass.” The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks statewide. For more information, click here. 

Forts near Savannah

Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
This beautiful park south of Savannah marked the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea and is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. On Saturday, May 23, watch a program about Civil War soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Nestled among giant live oaks and Spanish moss, this park is also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and boating. Cabins overlook the forest and marsh. For details on special Memorial Day Weekend family & kids events happening May 23 @ Fort McAllister click here. 

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. Be sure to hike the pretty nature trail following the river and marsh. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

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. For a holiday getaway, cabins and campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

Other forts throughout Georgia

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett’s Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during General Sherman’s Georgia campaign. Water lovers may want to spend Memorial Day weekend nearby at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, where they can also visit Allatoona Pass Battlefield.

A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
This park is named for the Confederate Vice President, and his 1875 home, Liberty Hall, is furnished and open for tours. A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia. Families can also enjoy geocaching, fishing, hiking and boating at the park. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight getaways.

Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Park visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, Lake Blackshear Resort, golf and boating.

Toucan Tuesdays @ Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens in Columbia, SC

Every Tuesday this Summer: June 9, 2015-August 18, 2015

Enjoy BOGO admission at Riverbanks every Tuesday this summer with a donation of two cans of food to Harvest Hope Food Bank.

In addition to pay-one-price admission, guests who donate on a Toucan Tuesday also will receive hot savings for keeping cool: $2 16oz. ICEE’s, $2 16oz. fountain drinks and a 2-for-$20 special on misting fans sold at various locations throughout the park. Donations bins are located at both the Zoo and Garden entrance. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.

If you make the trek to Columbia, be sure to check out our list of Things To Do With Kids in Columbia, S.C.

The FREE DINING promotion at Walt Disney World is back for select dates this fall and winter. If you’ve been considering a Disney vacation, this promotion is one of the most popular offers!!

For 2015, the available dates are August 28th – October 2nd, October 25th – October 31st, November 8th – November 19th, and December 15th – December 21st. Free dining is being offered to guests for their entire length of stay as long as your arrival date is within the promotion dates!!

FREE Dining Plans are available at select Walt Disney World Resorts and require a minimum 3-night stay with 2-day Magic Your Way ticket with Park Hopper upgrade. Guests staying in a Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan and guests in Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan. You can even upgrade your dining plan by paying the cost difference between your complimentary plan and the plan you want. This is a very popular time for my clients to try out the Deluxe Dining Plan!!

Availability is extremely limited, and dining reservations are already open for most of these dates, so let’s get your FREE DINING vacation package secured now! Contact Two Sisters Travel now for your no-obligation vacation quote or details. And remember, my travel planning services are 100% FREE!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

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Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

This will be the coolest summer ever at Walt Disney World, and for a limited time save up to 30% on your room at select resort hotels.

From “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to new restaurants and shopping at Downtown Disney® and thrills and chills at four theme parks and two water parks, there’s something cool happening all summer long you can get your cool on all summer long during “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

Save up to 15% off most Value resort Rooms

Save up to 20% off most Moderate resort rooms

Save up to 30% off at most Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts

Package with tickets & dining to make the most of the magic!! But don’t wait availability for this promotion is limited. Get your no-obligation vacation quote now or call 843-284-3241 for more details.

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

For anyone that loves the hit movie FROZEN (isn’t that everyone) there’s exciting news coming from Walt Disney World.

From June 17th through September 1st you can join Anna, Elsa, & all of your favorite FROZEN characters as they celebrate a FROZEN Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Highlights from this must-do event includes:

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Relax inside the Premiere Theater, where Anna, Elsa & the royal historians of Arendelle share a heart-warming retelling of their kingdom’s history, while singing along to your favorite Frozen tunes.

Frozen Fireworks Spectacular: Finish the evening with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of Frozen.

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome: Watch as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and a flurry of skaters, skiiers, ice cutters and more make their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a special parade.

Hot Frozen Nights DJ Dance Party: Rock out to a medley of the hottest Frozen hits! Every evening starting at 5:30 PM, a dance party with a DJ and live band breaks out at the Event Stage.

Frozen Merchandise and Food: There will also be special Frozen inspired snacks and beverages! And of course don’t miss the “big summer blowout” with plenty of Frozen merchandise.

Make your plans now to experience the Frozen Celebration this summer and save up to 30% on your Walt Disney World resort stay!

There’s still plenty of availability so get your custom no-obligation vacation quote today.

And remember, Tara’s travel planning services are always 100% FREE!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Our little ones don’t stay little for long. We only have 18 summers before they become adults. WOW…only 18 chances to make special summer vacation memories.

So, what are your plans for this summer?

If you haven’t quite decided on your vacation plans, it’s definitely not too late. Our friends at Two Sisters Travel tell us that there’s still plenty of availability and tons of great deals at theme parks (Disney & Universal), cruising, even family friendly all-inclusive resorts!

Here are a few of Two Sisters Travel favorite deals for summer vacations:

Walt Disney World – Save Up to 30% Off Your Resort Hotel Stay

Royal Caribbean Cruises – Half Off Second Guest + Half Off Deposit

Beaches Resorts – Free Night + Spa/Tour Credit

Hard Rock Resorts – Kids Stay Free + up to $1,800 resort credit

Universal Studios – 3rd Day Free

If you’re not exactly sure where to go or what to do, don’t stress! ? Two Sisters Travel will match the perfect destination to fit your family’s preferences and budget. And they handle all of the vacation details, so you don’t have to! They make planning a vacation easy and stress-free.

Get a vacation quote online now or call the family vacation experts 843-284-3241 to plan the perfect summer vacation! And remember our concierge travel planning services are completely free!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

SouthernMamas.com regularly spotlights our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah is Hilton Head Is.

Things to do with kids on Hilton Head Is. include:

1. Bicycling on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island offers over 50 scenic miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.

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2. Free family-friendly outdoor Gregg Russell concerts at Harbour Town, Sea Pines

A classic on Hilton Head Is. for almost four decades, Gregg Russell Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town happen regularly during summer (weather permitting) & periodically during spring. Details here. 

During Summer 2015, Gregg Russell will perform his free kid-friendly outdoor concerts:
8PM-9:30PM
May 22-24
May 27-29
May 31-August 28 (every night except Saturdays)
September 3-6

This family-oriented singer/storyteller performs sing-a-longs, ballads & silly songs with audience participation. Kids in the audience try to get Gregg to pick them to sing a song to the crowd, often using creative pick-me posters etc. Concerts are free; there’s a $6 gate fee per auto.

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3. Free petting farm at Lawton Stables in Sea Pines

The free animal farm includes a deer named Callie, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, turtles, cows and rabbits.  Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Harley, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. The animal farm is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928

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4. The wildflower garden & hiking trails in the free Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom. The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.

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5. Free Sea Pines Trolley

Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to all your favorite Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a great way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines while giving you a scenic tour of a favorite family vacation resort. Schedule info here. Trolley rides are free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. *Perfect rainy day activity

For Summer 2015, the free trolleys will run May 22 – Sept 6.

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6. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum

18A Pope Ave
(843) 842-7645
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.

Summer 2015 Hours: The Sandbox be open Mon-Sat.: 10-5 June thru August, Sunday: Closed. For hours, click here.

May 2015
05/21/15 | Imagination Hour
05/25/15 | The Sandbox at Lawton Stables
05/28/15 | Imagination Hour
June 2015
06/04/15 | Imagination Hour
06/11/15 | Imagination Hour
06/17/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
06/18/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
06/18/15 | Imagination Hour
06/24/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
06/25/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
06/25/15 | Imagination Hour

July 2015
07/01/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/02/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/02/15 | Imagination Hour
07/08/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/09/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/09/15 | Imagination Hour
07/15/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/16/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/16/15 | Imagination Hour
07/22/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/23/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/23/15 | Imagination Hour
07/29/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/30/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/30/15 | Imagination Hour

August 2015
08/05/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
08/06/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
08/06/15 | Imagination Hour
08/13/15 | Imagination Hour
08/20/15 | Imagination Hour
08/27/15 | Imagination Hour

Details here. *Perfect rainy day activity

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7. Coastal Discovery Museum

70 Honey Horn Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Educational natural history and animal programs at a venue that includes salt marsh board walks, open fields, gardens, trails and a 1200 square foot butterfly habitat that is home to some 13 species of native butterflies to the Lowcountry. *Perfect rainy day activity.
More info here.

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8. Go to the beach at the newly redone Sea Pines Beach Club. 

Convenient access to the Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks &  cold beverages. Details here. 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The beach club is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

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9. Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town, Sea Pines

The Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town is one of the top playgrounds in our area. Fenced, somewhat shaded playground that includes a treehouse; swings; numerous slides; lots of climbing bars, jungle gym bars, monkey bars. Just outside the fenced-playground is a water fountain; picnic tables; bathrooms; and plenty of spots for lunch, drinks or coffee and of course, the famous Harbour Town lighthouse which is open to climb for a fee plus $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.  Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928

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10. FREE historical Stoney-Baynard Ruins, Sea Pines

The ruins of the old Baynard estate, the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, are permanently preserved within six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. The home was raided during the Civil War and Union forces made it their headquarters. Details here. The ruins are free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

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For more kid-friendly daytrips/weekend getaways from Savannah, click here. 

This will be the coolest summer ever at Walt Disney World, and for a limited time save up to 30% on your room at select resort hotels.

From “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to new restaurants and shopping at Downtown Disney® and thrills and chills at four theme parks and two water parks, there’s something cool happening all summer long during “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

Package with tickets & dining to make the most of the magic!! But don’t wait availability for this promotion is limited. Get a no-obligation quote now or call 843-284-3241, and start planning your summer getaway!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Need an escape to a tropical paradise? Maybe an anniversary getaway??

The gals from Two Sisters Travel will host a FREE Sandals Resorts Caribbean Night event in Savannah on Thursday, March 19th 7pm at Hampton Inn Savannah South (just off I-95, exit 94).

Make it a date night, and join Two Sisters Travel for complimentary beer, wine, & appetizers, while a representative from Sandals Resorts shares tons of Caribbean destination inspiration & info that you won’t find anywhere online. Not to mention exclusive deals just for attending, including up to $1,000 air credits, up to 65% off rooms, & a $250 spa credit offer!!

Sandals Resorts are adults-only, luxury all-inclusive resorts and perfect for a romantic getaway without the kiddos. You’ll enjoy exotic rooms with private pools, butler service, and captivating views.

If you’d prefer to take the kids along, Sandals offers Beaches Resorts. These are luxury all-inclusive resorts that were designed with families in mind, featuring large rooms, waterparks, and children’s programming including nanny services. Beaches also is home to your kid’s favorite Sesame Street characters!

The event is always a lot of fun and it’s limited to just 20 couples, so register now or call 843-284-3241. If you’re unable to attend in-person, but still want to take advantage of the deals you register for our virtual event!!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser