Big Truck FREE Family Fun Night @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

September 5 2014-Free Family Fun Night, 5:30-7:30 PM.

Bring the kids to come see, touch, climb inside Hilton Head Fire and Rescue Fire Truck/Engine, The Palmetto Electric Bucket Truck, Tommy’s Towing tow truck.

Plus, free admission to the museum, bounce house (weather permitting), fun arts & crafts, face painting.

Bring a friend for this FREE night of fun. Light picnic dinner will be provided.

Family Fun Nights made possible in part by: The Bargain Box.

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

September is Library Card Signup Month & Live Oak Public Libraries are celebrating with special FREE balloon parties at various branches throughout September.

Featuring the stories “Aladdin,” “Robin Hood” and “Harry Potter”. A library card isn’t required to attend the program (but if you don’t already have one, it’s a perfect time to “get carded”).

See Savannah Balloons brand new show “One Wish, Two Wish, Red Wish, Blue Wish” for free at the Live Oak Public Libraries!

Someone is trying to steal the identity of Miss Lynnae, the Balloon Lady. Who is real and who is the imposter? The Red and Blue Genies help to sort it all out! Featuring the following books: “Aladdin”, “Harry Potter”, “Star Wars”, “Robin Hood” and “How To Train Your Dragon”.

Come see what happens and have a great time!

“One Wish, Two Wish, Red Wish, Blue Wish” Balloon Parties

Tybee Library, 786-7733
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.

Bull Street Library, 652-3600
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Pooler Library, 748-0471
Thursday, Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Monday, Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m.

Rincon Library, 826-2222
Monday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m.

Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.

Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 4:30 p.m.

W. W. Law Library, 236-8040
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.

West Broad Library, 232-6395
Thursday, Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m.

Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Thursday, Sept. 25, 4 p.m.

FOR MORE FREE KIDS’ EVENTS IN THE GREATER SAVANNAH AREA, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

Experience SCAD’s own ‘Night at the Museum’ – free of charge.

Aug. 28, 5:30 p.m. @ the SCAD Museum of Art

Visit Savannah College of Art and Design’s cool museum on a hot summer night! Bring the family and enjoy a screening of the blockbuster movie “Night at the Museum” (rated PG), followed by a flashlight-guided scavenger hunt tour of the galleries.

Film begins 5:30 p.m.; tour begins 7:30 p.m.

The screening and tour are free and open to the public.

Tour space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up 5-5:30 p.m. at the museum front desk.

Galleries are open 5-8 p.m.

Email Melissa Messina, SCAD Museum of Art program manager, at mmessina@scad.edu for more information .

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Back-to-school means back to free family & after-school activities @ the various Live Oak public library branches throughout Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF LIBRARY FAMILY OR AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

Highlights include:

“My Little Pony” Party
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Monday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m.
Meet the ponies of Ponyville with fun stories, games and crafts. Ages 4 to 12.

Baby Jamz
Pooler Library, 748-0471
Thursday, Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m.
Bring your family and friends as we crank up the tunes and boogie down in the library! A movement and music program, children and their caregivers get to play musical instruments, sing and dance together. Ages 0 to 4.

Homeschool Hangout
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12 and their families are invited to this specially designed program on the first Tuesday of each month. This month will be an introduction to Scratch programming. Learn to code animations and build games.

Craft Extravaganza
Have fun creating crafts with family and friends. All ages.
Midway Library, 884-5742
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 4 p.m.
Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 3 p.m.

Family Knitting Group
Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Experienced knitters share their techniques and teach beginners and those working a socks project during this family style program. Ages 8 and up. To register and for information on supplies, call the Southwest Chatham Library Children’s Department at 925-8305.
Saturday, Sept. 13, Socks Project at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Sep. 20, Socks Project at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27, Socks Project at 11 a.m.

ARTattack!
Rincon Library, 826-2222
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.
Springfield Library, 754-3003
Thursday, Sept. 18, 3 to 5 p.m.
This drop-in program features projects based on the works of famous artists. Ages 5 and up.

Simple Science
Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864
Monday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m.
Simple science activities for ages 8 to 14.

“My Little Pony” Party
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Monday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m.
Meet the ponies of Ponyville with fun stories, games and crafts. Ages 4 to 12.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

BACON FEST 2014 at Savannah’s Historic River Street

The inaugural event will take place on September 5 & 6 during September First Friday & Saturday weekend! Get ready because select local restaurants will be serving up their mouthwatering bacon creations all weekend long.

Reminder: you can take the free ferry ride from the Westin on Hutchinson Is. across the Savannah River to River Street  & then take it back. Kids love the boat ride.

Bacon Fest will kick-off on Friday, September 5 from 4-10pm with First Friday fireworks presented by Wet Willie’s Savannah at 9:30pm. The festivities will continue on Saturday, September 6 from 10am-10pm. Regional artisans will be set up along Rousakis Plaza displaying a variety of handmade works for bacon lovers & festival goers to browse through.

WHEN: September 5, 2014 – September 6, 2014 all-day
WHERE: Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, 115 East River St., Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Savannah, 31401
Free & Open to the Public
Savannah Waterfront Association, 912.234.0295
The following restaurants will be dishing out their creations for bacon enthusiasts to enjoy:
Andaz Savannah
Baked by Rach
Bayou Café
Bub-Ba-Q
Chocolat by Adam Turoni
Crystal Beer Parlor
Short N Sweet
The Naked Dog/Repicci’s Italian Ice
Top Deck at Cotton Sail
Wet Willies
Wild Wing Café

First Fridays & Saturdays on the River take place each month from March-December.

The City of Savannah and Parker’s present Picnic in the Park – a beloved Savannah tradition that takes place in Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 5, 2014. This event celebrates the National Arts and Humanities month by featuring an evening of live music, family friendly activities, and a creative spread of picnics big and small!

Every year, Picnickers have an opportunity to enter the legendary “Picnic Contest”. Picnickers are encouraged to design an imaginative picnic spread that is inspired by the suggested theme. This year’s theme is ‘Fly Me to the Moon’; a romantic song recorded by a famous cabaret singer Mabel Mercer, and later by Johnny Mathis. Picnickers are encouraged to design an imaginative picnic spread embracing a night of romance and love in Savannah’s beautiful city park.

Those who enter their spread in the picnic contest will be eligible to win an array of prizes presented by the Picnic Contest Host, Parker’s.

Picnic in the Park is funded by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs along with the presenting sponsor, Parker’s.

Picnic in the Park Schedule

3:00 pm Picnic Contest Registration at Parker’s tent
3:45 pm Windsor Forest Drumline, Band Director – Lee Ewing
4:00 pm Johnson High School Chorus
4:45 pm Savannah Arts Academy Orchestra
5:00 pm Picnic Contest Judging begins
5:30 pm Equinox Jazz Quintet
7:00 pm Welcome – Parker’s
7:10 pm Savannah Philharmonic Concert
7:55 pm Intermission/ Picnic Contest Winners Announced
8:15 pm Savannah Philharmonic Concert Continues
9:00 pm Concert Ends

Free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Erin Seals, Marketing Coordinator for City of Savannah at eseals@savannahga.gov or call 912-651-6417. All picnic contestants must register their picnic on October 5.

Haunted Trail @ Skidaway Is. State Park
Friday, Oct 24, 2014 until Saturday, Oct 25, 2014 7:30 PM to 9 PM
If you dare, wind through dark shadows in the haunted woods, where zombies roam free. The Park Ranger will guide you into the graveyard beneath ancient oak trees. Keep close together and perhaps you will be safe from the ghosts and ghouls drifting under moonlight darkened by looming clouds and fog. $5 per person $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Fall-oween Family Fun Day & Trick-or-Treating in the campground @ Skidaway Is. State Park
Sunday, Oct 26, 2014 1 PM
Celebrate Fall with games, crafts and activities all focused on the season and Halloween. Bring a bag to Trick-or-Treat through the campground at 3:00 pm. $2 per child $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Cswy, Savannah, GA 31411, 912-598-2300, http://gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

Experience SCAD’s own ‘Night at the Museum’ – free of charge.

Aug. 28, 5:30 p.m. @ the SCAD Museum of Art

Visit Savannah College of Art and Design’s cool museum on a hot summer night! Bring the family and enjoy a screening of the blockbuster movie “Night at the Museum” (rated PG), followed by a flashlight-guided scavenger hunt tour of the galleries.

Film begins 5:30 p.m.; tour begins 7:30 p.m.

The screening and tour are free and open to the public.

Tour space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up 5-5:30 p.m. at the museum front desk.

Galleries are open 5-8 p.m.

Email Melissa Messina, SCAD Museum of Art program manager, at mmessina@scad.edu for more information .

FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah celebrates 95 years of tasty memories at their annual Birthday Block Party Saturday, Aug. 16.

The dancers are ready, the band is in tune and the Birthday Cake Ice Cream has been lovingly made. It’s Birthday Block Party time at Leopold’s Ice Cream.

Come help Leopold’s celebrate 95 years of Tasty Memories at our annual Leopold’s Ice Cream Birthday Block Party! Join us for live music, games, kid’s activities, contests and dancing in the street.

In recognition of their 95 years in Savannah, and as a way to thank the community for your long and loyal support, Leopold’s will offer ninety-five cent single scoops all day.

The shop opens at 11 a.m. and the block party starts at noon. Leopold’s will need kids (young and young at heart) to help blow out the candles and cut the birthday cake at 3 p.m.

Free and fun for the entire family. We’ll see you there.

Stage Schedule:
Noon – Storyteller J’Miah Nabawi
1pm – Coastal Starz representing Coastal Performing Arts Academy
2:30pm – The Ballet School with artistic director Heidi M. Carter
3pm – Join us as we cut our 95th birthday cake!
3:30pm – Abeni Cultural Arts Performing Dance Studio
4:30 – 8:30pm – The Twinz

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 E. Broughton St., Savannah, 31404. 912-234-4442 www.leopoldsicecream.com 

Free Sand Gnats tickets this Sat. Aug. 2 from St. Joseph’s/Candler

Just bring a non-perishable food item to the game and receive a free ticket.

WHAT: St. Joseph’s/Candler Community Night to benefit St. Mary’s Community Center. Everyone is invited.
WHEN: Aug. 2, 6:05 p.m. Food drop off and ticket pick up will begin at Grayson Stadium at 5:00 p.m., 1401 E Victory Dr, Savannah 31404
WHY: The non-perishable food items will benefit the St. Mary’s Community Center.

THE DETAILS: St. Mary’s Community Center serves the westside of Savannah from its base in the historic Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood. St. Mary’s Community Center is a community outreach initiative of St. Joseph’s/Candler and a living demonstration of its mission. The center helps residents through education, job training and children’s services.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ SUMMER EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Wilmington Is. is now registering for Fall 2014 classes beginning August 4th. Mention you saw Coach Val’s Tumblegym on SouthernMamas.com site to receive $10 off registration fee.

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.

.
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.

FAMILY INCLUSION CLASS: (For child with special concerns and siblings ages 5-10yrs)

Guardian assists child to ensure safety during class and proper performance of activities. Great way to work skills emphasized in physical and occupational therapy in a group setting while having lots of fun. Doctor permission to participate required.

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.

DISCOUNTS

SouthernMamas discount: Mention you saw Coach Val’s Tumblegym on SouthernMamas.com site to receive $10 off registration fee.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym, 310 Johnny Mercer Blvd in the Wilmington Island Shopping Center (with Dollar Tree, Ace Hardware, and Goodwill) Tel: 912-268-6003,www.coachvals.com, On Facebook here. Coach Val’s Tumblegym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Calling all canines to the Dog Days of Summer celebration on historic River Street in downtown Savannah. This FREE event will be Aug. 1 & 2 during First Friday & Saturday.

The FREE Dog Days of Summer festival starts Fri, Aug. 1 at 4 PM with entertainment & activities. Take advantage of shopping at select vendor booths; a photo session at P&B Photography‘s pet portrait booth; regional artisans along Rousakis Plaza displaying a variety of handmade works.  Weekend festivities Fri. Aug. 1 from 4-10 PM &  Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 AM-10 PM.

Watch FREE First Friday fireworks presented by Wet Willie’s Savannah at 9:30 PM Fri. Aug. 1.

Cutest dog photo contest

Submit photos for the cutest dog contest at wws.y100.fm The online photo contest will run from July 25 to August 1.

FREE Dog parade & costume contest 

Saturday beginning at 10 AM. Dress your best on for the pup parade & costume contest presented by Y100 at 11am on the Arbor Stage. Sign up for your dogs to strut their stuff  10-11am at the Y100 booth. Sign up for a FREE painting session to make a customized dog bone painting with your name inside. Enjoy misting stations provided by Home Depot. Dogs can go for a swim in one of the pup pools.

For more information on the Dog Days of Summer and an entertainment schedule, click here.

FOR MORE FREE KIDS EVENTS IN SAVANNAH & HILTON HEAD, CLICK HERE. 

Can you believe it’s been about a year since the grand opening festivities at the Whole Foods Market Savannah?

Get ready for another Whole Foods grand opening this month. The Whole Foods Market on Hilton Head Is. opens Wed. July 30 at 9 AM. The store is located at 50 Shelter Cove Ln., Ste. R, at the Plaza at Shelter Cove.

Opening day guests are invited to arrive at the store at 8 a.m. for grand opening festivities, including a chance to win one of 100 gift cards valued between $5 and $500.

More information on the Whole Foods Market Hilton Head Facebook page here. 

Wish you had a way to give your student a head start in math for the new school year?

Wish your student could review material previously learned but perhaps forgotten over the summer months? Could your student use some extra practice with the more challenging math topics?

Want to build your student’s confidence going into the new year? Back by popular demand and expanded to include new courses and grade levels, Math Masters in Savannah offers 15 different courses of math review just prior to the beginning of the new 2014-2015 school year to give your student a head start. Sessions offer content review presented in a fun environment including games, activities, and competitions.

All courses will be taught by Mrs. Jackie Wetmore, Savannah Christian Preparatory School’s Mathematics Department Head, with over twenty years experience teaching Lower, Middle, and Upper School mathematics. Please see below for descriptions of the courses offered.

Registration: Space is limited. Classes will be filled in the order that registration forms are received. Numerous courses filled and closed last year, so register immediately for best selection. Classes are open to SCPS and non-SCPS students alike.

Ages: rising 4th through rising 12th graders

Dates: July 28-August 1, mornings OR afternoons

Location: Savannah Christian Prep, 1599 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA

For more information and registration, please click here.

Math Masters is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE Family Movies in the Park this Summer 2014 in Memorial Park on Tybee Island.

Come out for a free family movie in the park and enjoy an evening of summer breezes @ Memorial Park, located off Butler Ave. between the Tybee library at 405 Butler Ave. and Tybee YMCA Gym at 202 Fifth St. If it rains, movies will be shown inside the gym.

Aug. 16

Despicable Me 2 will be shown on the side of the gym beginning at dark on Saturday, Aug. 16. Please bring your chair and / or blanket.

Presented by Tybee Island Main Street.

FREE & open to the public.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Time to cool off at a family matinee @ a historic downtown Savannah theater.

G-rated THE SECRET OF NIMH (1982)
SATURDAY JULY 26 AT 3 PM
PRESENTED BY LUCAS THEATRE

Mrs. Brisby is a shy, widowed field mouse, who lives on the Fitzgibbons’ farm with her children. It will soon be plowing season, a time when the mice are forced to move their homes. When her son falls ill and is not well enough to leave the farm, Mrs. Brisby must go to the rose bush to recruit help from the rats. She is amazed when she discovers their secret society of electricity and technological advancements, and learns that years ago her late husband and the other rats were experimented on in a research lab known as NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), where they developed high levels of intelligence and were able to escape. With their help, she must defeat the Fitzgibbon’s deadly cat so they can safely move her family’s home and save her son’s life.

Directed by Don Bluth.
82 mins. Rated G. Animated. Color.
Tickets are $8 general admission or $5 student/senior/military. Also eligible for use with the Lucas Theatre Movie Pass. Tickets available online here or by calling 912-525-5050.

Bring the family to the May River Shrimp Festival Sunset Party hosted by Bear Foot Sports at Bluffton’s Oyster Factory Park, 4-9 p.m. this Fri. July 19 in Bluffton, S.C.

Live music from Craig Coyne and The Horan Brothers Band, fresh seafood from local restaurants, craft beer garden, GameTruck of Hilton Head Is., Kidz Play Zone, face painting, shrimp cleaning contest and more.

Fresh local seafood from local restaurants including MAY RIVER GRILL, JOE LOVES LOBSTER ROLLS, MELLY MELS, OYSTER FACTORY SEAFOOD HOUSE, ISLAND NOODLES, NY CITY PIZZA, SIGLER’S.

A state-of-the art Mobile Game Theater  from GameTruck of Hilton Head Is. will be there. GameTruck’s Original Mobile Video Game Theater™ features five flat screen TVs (yes, five!), dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control, two vendor doors. This video-game paradise on wheels is staffed by experienced GameCoaches.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the Palmetto Animal League. Wharf Street.

For more info, call (843) 757-8520 or click here

FREE Chad Crews Magic Shows

Magical educator Chad Crews presents magically scientific experiments, music, stories, and a critter or two. Children will learn that good readers can do all kinds of things, go on all kinds of adventures, and meet lots of new people.  Ages 3 and older.
Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Monday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.
Midway-Riceboro Library, 884-5742
Monday, July 21, 3 p.m.
Port City Library, 964-8013
Tuesday, July 22, 10:30 a.m.
Pooler Library, 748-0471
Tuesday, July 22, 2 p.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Tuesday, July 22, 4:30 p.m.
West Broad Library, 232-6395
Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.
Carnegie Library, 231-9921
Thursday, July 24, 2 p.m.
Forest City Library, 238-0614
Thursday, July 24, 4 p.m.
Bull Street Library, 652- 3600
Monday, July 28, 10:30 a.m.
W.W. Law Library, 236-8040
Monday, July 28, 3:00 p.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Monday, July 28, 6 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864
Tuesday, July 29, 11 a.m.
Tybee Library, 786-7733
Tuesday, July 29, 1:30 p.m.
Islands Library, 897-6233
Tuesday, July 29, 4 p.m.
Springfield Library, 754-3003 
Wednesday, July 30, 10:30 a.m.
Rincon Library, 826-2222
Wednesday, July 30, 2:30 p.m.

FREE Cartooning & Drawing with Michael P. White

Michael P. White is an artist and children’s book illustrator of several books including “The Library Dragon”. This high-energy, interactive program will teach unforgettable creative skills to children. Ages 7 and older.

Bull Street Library, 652- 3600
Monday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Monday, July 21, 3 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864
Tuesday, July 22, 11 a.m.
Tybee Library, 786-7733
Tuesday, July 22, 1:30 p.m.
Carnegie Library, 231-9921
Tuesday, July 22, 4 p.m.
West Broad Library, 232-6395
Wednesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m.
Pooler Library, 748-0471
Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 p.m.
Rincon Library, 826-2222
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30 p.m.
Islands Library, 897-6233
Thursday, July 24, 11 a.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Thursday, July 24, 4:30 p.m.
Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Friday, July 25, 11 a.m.
Midway-Riceboro Library, 884-5742
Friday, July 25, 2 p.m.

FOR MORE LOCAL FREE KIDS’ LIBRARY EVENTS THIS SUMMER, CLICK HERE. 

1st Annual Beaufort Tomato Festival on Cane Island in Port Royal, S.C. near Beaufort.
July 12 10 AM- 7 PM

The 1st annual Tomato Festival – featuring over 10,000 lbs of LOCAL tomatoes – is this Sat. July 12. The day will kick-off with a tomato obstacle run. After crossing the finish line, runners will enter into an all-out tomato food fight. Eye protection required.

Highlights include a hose off station for food-fight participants, kids activities, live music, food and fun.

The event schedule:
8:00 a.m.- Registration/runners sign in
10:00 a.m.- Kids Fun Run- ½ mile
10:30 a.m.- Tomato Bash Obstacle Run 5K-Timed
11:00 a.m.- Tomato Bash Obstacle Run 5K
12:00 p.m.- Tomato Fight
Kids Zone- Will be open from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the Tomato Festival benefit local YMCA’s Annual Scholarship Campaign giving kids a chance by offering discounted programs and memberships to families and children in need.

Order your tickets today by clicking here. 

SAVANNAH/TYBEE ISLAND AREA

JULY 3: July 3rd Independence Day Fireworks: Tybee Is.’s annual celebration of America’s birthday. The show starts around dark (around 9:15 p.m.). The fireworks are staged on the pier, but they are easily viewed from any of Tybee’s eastern beaches. Details here. 

JUlY 3 Savannah Sand Gnats: Fourth of July Celebration Fireworks @ Historic Grayson Stadium 1401 E Victory Drive tel: 912-351-9150. Come celebrate the Third of July at Historic Grayson Stadium with a spectacular fireworks dislay! The Sand Gnats take on Charleston @ 7:05 PM.

JULY 4: Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah: Celebrate with special Century of Sentries programs July 4-6 where kids can experience the lives of the soldiers stationed @ Old Fort Jackson during the American Revolution, War of 1812 & the Civil War. On July 4, you & your family can enjoy special programming & demonstrations at a Revolutionary Battlefield; Savannah History Museum & Ga. State Railroad Museum. Details here. 

JULY 4: Savannah’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza on River Street hosted by the Riverfront Association . Music, food, live shows, contests, and more. Bring a blanket and some snacks, fireworks beginning around 9:15 p.m. Details here.

JULY 4 FREE Kids Games: Water games and yard games to celebrate July 4th @ 1 PM. Details here.

JULY 4: Independence Day Friends & Family Stroller Strong Moms Class, Forsyth Park to Ellis Square, Savannah. Details here.

JULY: Leopold’s I Pledge for Ice Cream Project throughout July 2014.
From 4-7 PM on Mondays during July , children 12 and younger who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance from memory will be rewarded with a free child’s scoop of ice cream at Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 E. Broughton St. Savannah, 31401. Details here. 

HILTON HEAD IS./BLUFFTON AREA

July 4: July 4th Firecracker 5K & Health Walk + Firecracker Children’s Fun Run, Hilton Head Is. Details here. 

July 4: Red, White & Blue Kids’ Bike Parade in Harbour Town, Sea Pines, Hilton Head Is.
8:30 AM to register, parade starts at 9:30 AM July 4
Show off your red, white and blue spirit by decorating your bicycle, wagon, dog, or kids for a fun parade around Harbour Town. Meet at the parking lot adjacent to the Harbour Town Lighthouse at 8:30am to register and pick up decorating supplies. Parade lineup begins promptly at 9:30am, and entries will be judged on patriotism. Supplies available to the first 100 registered families. Following the parade, join us for carnival games, activities and more. Please call The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department for additional information at 843.842.1979. Details here. 

July 4: “Pop Goes the Sandbox” family fun event @ The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.
10 AM- 5 PM Fri July 4
Fun games and activities including Bounce House, decorate (and eat!) cookies, fun arts & crafts,
Details here. 
18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more info, call 843.842.7645 www.thesandbox.org

July 4: Gregg Russell Concerts, Harbour Town, Hilton Head Is.
8-9:30am
Over the years, Gregg Russell has become a classic at The Sea Pines Resort. You’ll find him under the famed Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, entertaining adults and children, alike, and his concerts are not to be missed. FREE. More info here.

Three different fireworks displays on Hilton Head Island on Friday July 4:

Harbour Town Harbour Town will celebrate the fourth with a variety of festivities.  Children’s activities, live music, food and beverage will be available as well as the fireworks display.  The fireworks will begin about 9:15 (dusk) from a barge in Calibogue Sound.  There is a $5.00 gate fee to enter the resort (unless you are a resident or guest staying on the resort) and a free shuttle service will be offered between Harbour Town and various parking lots in the Sea Pines Resort.  No coolers, please.  For additional information about the Harbour Town event, contact the Sea Pines Resort by phone (843-785-3333) or visit their website, www.seapines.com.

Shelter Cove Harbour Shelter Cove Harbour offers a HarbourFest celebration featuring special patriotic selections performed by Shannon Tanner at 6:30 and 8:00 pm.  The fireworks display will begin right after dusk. Because this is a popular event, parking is limited at Shelter Cove. There will be two additional parking lots nearby where traffic will be directed. A shuttle will then run from back and forth from the parking lots to Shelter Cove all evening. Fireworks begin at dusk, weather permitting. For more information about the Shelter Cove Harbour event, call toll-free 800-827-3006 or visit www.palmettodunes.com.

Skull Creek Starting at 9:30 pm, the fireworks will be launched from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway/Skull Creek.  Join Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Chart House or the Skull Creek Boathouse for live, outside entertainment beginning at 6:00 pm.  Of course, food and beverage will be available at all three locations.  No coolers, please.

Please remember that town ordinances prohibit the launch or discharge of fireworks within town limits and specifically from the beach.

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

Puppets & Pastries

Bring the kids to see a Puppet People puppet show at the Savannah Coffee Roasters in downtown Savannah. It is located at 215 W. Liberty St. We will entertain the kids while the adults enjoy some coffee and a pastry.

July 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Purchase your tickets early since space will be limited.

Tickets are $7 per guest and all children under 2 are free.

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW by clicking here. 

Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Savannah Waterfront Association will host their annual Fourth of July festival all weekend long beginning on Friday, July 4 and continuing through Sunday, July 6.

Wear your best red, white, and blue, and get ready to commemorate Independence Day down on historic River Street

Rousakis Plaza will be filled with regional arts & crafts exhibitors, local entertainment, and fun for the entire family! Live music will also be featured on the Arbor Stage throughout this festive weekend!

Grab your chair and get there early to watch the sky light up for the Fireworks Extravaganza on Friday, July 4th at 9 PM. Those viewing the fireworks away from the Arbor Stage can also tune into Y100-WXYY-FM for more patriotic tunes during the fireworks display.

FREE & open to the public.

Festival Hours are Friday, July 4 from 4-10pm, Saturday, July 5 from 10am-10pm, and Sunday, July 6 from 10am-5pm.

The festivities will continue on Saturday featuring another live performance for guests to dance to from the Radio Birds at 8pm. Festival Hours are 4-10pm on Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Regional artisans will be set up along the plaza displaying a variety of handmade works for festival goers to browse through.

FREE library kids’ performances

Live Oak Public Libraries summer reading program includes oodles of free programs at various branches throughout Summer 2014.

Programs include free Science Experiments; free Legend of King Arthur performances; free The Magic Man shows & Chad Crews Magic shows; free Cartooning & Drawing with “The Library Dragon” illustrator Michael P. White. Details here. 

FREE Legend of King Arthur performances

Water Fun Day is back for one day only on Hilton Head Is.

The Island Recreation Association is proud to bring back the Water Fun Day in the Park on Tuesday July 1, 2014 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Shelter Cove Community Park.

Come to Shelter Cove Park that day for a fun-filled, festive atmosphere where kids can enjoy inflatable water bounce houses and slides while SC 103’s radio personality Brad Wells will be playing the tunes. Admission is only $10 per child with adults getting in free.

Concessions sold separately and supplied by vendors from the Shelter Cove Farmers Market also going on that day (4-7 pm). All proceeds benefit our children’s scholarship fund which helps guarantee that “no child is denied” recreation opportunities.

Shelter Cove Community Park is at 39 Shelter Cove Ln Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928