Tour de Effingham Relay/Bike Tour
Saturday Jan. 7 7:45 a.m.
Be a runner in the relay! Be a cyclist in the event! Donate money and time to the cause! Help sponsor the event! Spread the word!
Pineora Baptist Church
131 Elkin Street Guyton, GA
$20.00
Registration Closing Date
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Click here for more information.
The first Friday of each month, The Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations (full bar), s’mores by the firepit from 7-10pm.
Catch the free Fireworks Extravaganza presented by the Savannah Waterfront Association and sponsored by Wet Willie’s at 9:30.
Catch the complimentary water ferry from River Street or take advantage of easy parking at the resort, validated with purchase. More info here.
Happy Holidays, SouthernMamas.com readers.
For a complete listing of all the kid-friendly shows, classes, activities happening during holiday break in Savannah & Hilton Head Is., please visit the SouthernMamas.com Events Calendar by clicking here. Enjoy!
Look for our weekly e-letter to arrive in your email on Mon. Dec. 26. If not a subscriber to the free weekly e-letter, sign up in the left sidebar.
For the SouthernMamas.com guide to best home holiday lights displays in Savannah & beyond (including those fun computerized lights that flash off and on in sync to music), click here.
Don’t forget to enter to win the current SouthernMamas.com giveaway: four tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash coming Thu. JAN. 19 – Sun. JAN. 22 to Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, click here.
Ms. Amy’s School of Music schedule of classes has something for everyone. You can start your session any week, including this one!
10-10:45 AM Wednesdays: parent-and-me classes for toddlers
A joyful first music experience. Children, siblings, and adults will share in a music making program of rhythms, active movement games and singing. Come for the nurturing environment where an energetic connection is drawn between music and imagination. Meet others and learn some fascinating music activities that can be re-created at home.
10-10:45 AM Saturdays: Toddler classes
9-9:45 AM Saturdays: Musical beans class.
Enjoy playing simple, physical music games with your baby! Help babies develop musical skills, understand speech patterns, and movement skills. Through musical activities we stimulate baby’s brain development, build coordination, moterskills, enhance language, and problem solving skills. Most importantly, nurture a strong, secure, and loving bond between you and your baby.
11-11:45 AM Wednesdays: For that fun age between toddler and preschool!
This is an artistically conceived flow of songs, nursery rhymes, instrumental jam sessions, and movement activities that will keep your little music maker involved. This class is designed to support children’s developing competence in tonality and rhythm and have fun.
More details here.
Music with Mar. is for children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver. Savannah classes are taught by Carlyle Dorroh, a warm and personable mother-of-three with a BA in psychology, Masters in Education and over 12 years in the field of education as a teacher and school director/principal.
Classes will meet at 11 AM each Friday (starting Sept 16th). One aspect that makes Music with Mar. so unique is there’s no registration, no set sessions and all ages sing and learn together. (Great for families with multiple children!). Classes run continuously and families are encouraged to come whenever they can. Program founder, Mar. Harmon, is dedicated to offer a fabulous, developmentally appropriate, fun music and movement class for children at a very affordable price for families. Cost is $7/class per family (up to 4 children) or a block of 5 classes (to be used any time during a 4 month period) is $30.
Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
Come see the display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica, wildlife exhibits, live reptiles and birding station. Programs listed below meet promptly at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted. Programs are free. $5 for parking.
Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411
Wed., Feb. 29:
12 PM Interpretive Center Tour: Join a tour of the museum. See and touch fossils, reptiles, and more!
2 PM Sandpiper Nature Trail Hike: Come for a 1.5-mile walk to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit the marsh.
4 PM Knot Tying: Come learn some handy knots for everyday use.
For more free Feb. kids’ events at Skidaway Is. State Park, click here. For more information, call Skidaway State Park at (912) 598-2300.
“First Day Hikes” Help Start the New Year with a Healthy Heart
Georgia’s State Parks host 12 New Year’s Day Hikes across the state, inviting families and friends to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living.
In Georgia, a dozen state parks have planned guided hikes where people can connect with nature and even re-connect with each other. The nationwide event is sponsored by America’s State Parks, with New Year’s Day hikes being led in all 50 states.
Kicking off the New Year with an invigorating hike fits into the mission of the Georgia State Parks Tons of Fun Initiative: to encourage citizens to lead healthier lifestyles through outdoor recreation. The TonsofFun.org website includes exercise ideas, healthy recipes, nutritionist and personal trainer advice, and more.
A list of all ranger-led hikes on New Year’s Day can be found here, and the entire calendar of events can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/Events. Families may want to call ahead to make sure hikes are suitable for the youngest family members.
To see the various First-Day Hikes in Georgia’s State Parks held on New Year’s Day 2012, click here.
Local family activities
For a complete listing of local kid and family events, visit the SouthernMamas.com Event Calendar by clicking here.
Savannah kid-friendly events
The Puppet People presents “Friends” Shadow Puppet Show, Savannah
December 19-23 & 26-30.
10-11 AM everyday!
Details here
SkateFest 2011
Runs until Jan. 8 at Savannah Civic Center
Indoor ice-skating.
Details, cost & schedule here
FREE 12 Days of Christmas children’s activities, Westin Savannah
Through Sat. Dec. 24
Details here.
FREE Make It & Take It Holiday Craft, Savannah
Various days the week of Dec. 19 at various Live Oak Public library branches. Details here.
Babes-n-Buggies Stroller Fitness Boot Camp, Savannah
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Forsyth Park (across from Brighter Day Natural Foods Market
1-5 Classes = $15 Per
5-10 Classes = $12 Per
10+ Classes = $10 Per
912-660-4507 / info@trainme247.com
Details here.
Fall parent-and-me music classes at Ms. Amy’s School of Music, Savannah. Start your session any week, including this one. Wed Dec. 21 & Sat. Dec. 24. Details here.
Free children’s activities at Skidaway Is. State Park
Wed. Dec. 21-Sat. Dec. 24. Details here
Music with Mar music & movement classes, Savannah
11 AM Friday Dec. 16. For children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver.
$7/class per family (up to 4 children) or a block of 5 classes (to be used any time during a 4 month period) is $30.
No registration or set session. Just show up. Details here
Breakfast with Santa, Westin Savannah
9-12 PM Sat. Dec. 24
Details here.
Ongoing activities
FREE Gingerbread Village display at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Starting Sat. Nov. 26. Details here.
Early 19th Century Holiday at the Davenport House, Savannah
Through Dec. 31
Details here.
Visits and photos with Santa and holiday train at Savannah Mall
Details here.
Free Santa photos and activities at Bass Pro Shop at Savannah Mall
Until Dec. 24 2011
Santa’s Wonderland includes free kids’ activity tables, trains, kids’ crafts and Santa Bandz
Details here. For a schedule of activities, click here.
Visits and photos with Santa at Oglethorpe Mall, in the common area near Macy’s
Details here.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center, open 362 days a year. Details here.
Free Savannah Belles water ferry ride across the Savannah River
Details here.
Hilton Head Is/Bluffton Children’s Activities
No School Art Days Holiday Spectacular Camp, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Is
For Kids ages 6-12.
10 AM-2 PM Dec. 19 – 23
Details here.
Get Fired Up with Pottery, The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, HHI
Tues & Sat. Dec. 20 & Dec. 24
Details here.
Read Christmas stories with Santa, The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, HHI
10:30 AM Wed & Thurs Dec. 20 & Dec. 21.
Details here.
Last Farmer’s Market of Bluffton for 2011. Details here.
2-7 PM Thurs. Dec. 21
Free Gregg Russell Children’s Christmas Concert, Hilton Head Is.
7:30-9 PM Fri. Dec. 23.
Details here.
Holiday Craft at the Sandbox Children’s Museum, HHI
Sat. Dec. 24. Details here.
Weekend Road Trips
Harbour Town Lights, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Is. FREE. Details here
Lights Before (& After) Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, S.C. Details here.
Holiday Festival of Lights 2011, Charleston S.C. Details here
You’re invited to a daytime New Year’s Eve party for kids 10 AM-2 PM Saturday, December 31 at The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museumon Hilton Head Is.
Help The Sandbox ring in 2012! Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up til midnight? Come to The Sandbox for a family fun event guaranteed to kick off your New Year on the right foot!
Featuring:
Special games, activities including our bounce house and a chance to play in the snow, fun arts & crafts, lunch, party favors and a balloon drop at 12 noon!
Adults & Children $10, under 2 Free! (sorry, coupons not valid for admission)
For more information, call (843) 842-7645 or stop by The Sandbox at 18-A Pope Avenue.
The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, 843-842-7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
Harbour Town Lights
November 23, 2012 – January 2, 2013
Stroll around Harbour Town and enjoy dozens of beautiful Christmas light displays, including lights on the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Harbour Town Lights, presented by Hargray, the Harbour Town Merchants, The Sea Pines Resort and The Greenery, will benefit The Deep Well Project and is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit while you do some shopping and dining.
Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
Friday, December 23; 7:30-9pm
Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with a special evening in Harbour Town. Longtime Hilton Head Island favorite Gregg Russell will play his guitar and sings songs of the season for all ages, and a special visit from Santa Claus will follow. To learn more about Gregg Russell or his concert schedule, please visit greggrussell.com. Complimentary
Get Fired Up with Pottery
Tuesdays and Saturdays
December 20, 24 at 9:30am
Create a holiday gift by personalizing a ceramic plate for a friend or loved one. $15 fee ($10 for members) covers your pottery piece, supplies, firing and the museum admission fee. Pick up your pottery piece the following Friday. Registration recommended for this popular program.
The Sandbox An Interactive Children’s Museum, 18A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
Get Fired Up with Pottery
Tuesdays and Saturdays
December 20, 24 at 9:30am
Create a holiday gift by personalizing a ceramic plate for a friend or loved one. $15 fee ($10 for members) covers your pottery piece, supplies, firing and the museum admission fee. Pick up your pottery piece the following Friday. Registration recommended for this popular program.
The Sandbox An Interactive Children’s Museum, 18A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
Through the entire month of December
Come have a wonderful holiday time at the Sandbox. Make a special holiday craft. Each week there will be a different holiday theme craft. A sample is provided with all of the supplies to make it.
December 24: Reindeer Gift Bag
The Sandbox An Interactive Children’s Museum, 18A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
Wed. December 21 at 10:30am
Thurs. December 22 at 10:30am
Join The Sandbox For a Special Visit From Santa! “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse!” Join us at The Sandbox where Santa Claus will read traditional Christmas stories and listen to your Christmas lists and ask if you’ve been naughty or nice! Get Your picture taken with Santa and make your own frame!. Cost included in admission: $6 per person; under 2 free.
The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, 843-842-7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
When you’re looking for ways to entertain the kids this holiday break, don’t forget about Skatefest 2011 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center
Dec. 9-Jan. 8 2011 The Savannah Civic Center turns into an ice rink for public skating.
Tickets are $7. Each session lasts for an hour and half. A 5-session pass is 30.
800.351.7469.
912.651.6556
For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.
Wed. December 21 at 10:30am
Thurs. December 22 at 10:30am
Join The Sandbox For a Special Visit From Santa! “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse!” Join us at The Sandbox where Santa Claus will read traditional Christmas stories and listen to your Christmas lists and ask if you’ve been naughty or nice! Get Your picture taken with Santa and make your own frame!. Cost included in admission: $6 per person; under 2 free.
Noon Year’s Eve Party for Kids, Saturday, December 31, 10am-2pm
Come Ring in 2012 at The Sandbox!
Celebrate the New Year with the family without staying up ’til midnight! Join us at The Sandbox for a family fun event guaranteed to kick off your New Year on the right foot!
Activities include our Sandbox Bounce Castle, Face Painting, and a chance to play in the snow, fun arts & crafts, and lunch. Party favors and a balloon drop at 12 noon! $10 per person, under 2 FREE, Sandbox members $8 per person, under 2 FREE.
December 31, 2011, 7pm to 1 am
The Crowne Plaza Resort, The Crystal Ballroom
Featuring Live Music by Trey’s Alien – The Crowne Plaza’s New Year’s Eve Dining Extravaganza – Open Bar ALL NIGHT – Silent and Live Auction – Champagne Toast & Balloon Drop at Midnight. Separate on-site children’s party ($25 per child, ages 4-12)
Special room rates are available at the Crowne Plaza for $79/night
Tickets $85 per person, $165 per couple
Tables of 8 are $640, Tables of 10 are $800
Benefiting The Sandbox Children’s Museum. Sponsorship Packages are available. Call 843-842-7645 to make your reservation RSVP by December 28th. Log onto our website, www.thesandbox.org for info.
Imagination Hour Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
Join The Sandbox for an hour of fun story time followed by a craft project. Program is included with admission cost to museum. First-come, first-serve, so sign up when checking in at the registration desk.
December 21 and 22, Twas the Night Before Christmas, Read by Santa himself!
December 29, A Very Special Snowflake
Holiday Craft Through the entire month of December
Come have a wonderful holiday time at the Sandbox. Make a special holiday craft. Each week there will be a different holiday theme craft. A sample is provided with all of the supplies to make it.
December 3: Hand and Foot Print Reindeer
December 10: Snowman
December 17: Christmas Tree
December 24: Reindeer Gift Bag
Get Fired Up with Pottery
Tuesdays and Saturdays
December 17, 20, 24 at 9:30am
Create a holiday gift by personalizing a ceramic plate for a friend or loved one. $15 fee ($10 for members) covers your pottery piece, supplies, firing and the museum admission fee. Pick up your pottery piece the following Friday. Registration recommended for this popular program.
The Sandbox An Interactive Children’s Museum, 18A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
You’re invited to a daytime New Year’s Eve party for kids 10 AM-2 PM Saturday, December 31 at The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum on Hilton Head Is.
Help The Sandbox ring in 2012! Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up til midnight? Come to The Sandbox for a family fun event guaranteed to kick off your New Year on the right foot!
Featuring:
Special games, activities including our bounce house and a chance to play in the snow, fun arts & crafts, lunch, party favors and a balloon drop at 12 noon!
Adults & Children $10, under 2 Free! (sorry, coupons not valid for admission)
For more information, call (843) 842-7645 or stop by The Sandbox at 18-A Pope Avenue.
The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, 843-842-7645 or 843-290-4557 (cell), www.thesandbox.org
Come out to see “Friends” over a 10 Day showing at The Puppet People this December.
“Friends” is a shadow puppet show based on an African Folk Tale. Featuring the unlikely friendship that forms between Frog Child and Snake Child, as they get to know each other and celebrate the things that make them different from one another.
December 19th-23rd and 26th-30th.
10:00 – 11:00 AM everyday!
Half Price Special! $5 a Person! -Puppet show includes FREE Make-Your-Own Shadow Puppet and instruction on using a Shadow Stage-
** Call-in Reservations Perferred**
The Puppet Place, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com.
Come out to see “Friends” over a 10 Day showing at The Puppet People this December.
“Friends” is a shadow puppet show based on an African Folk Tale. Featuring the unlikely friendship that forms between Frog Child and Snake Child, as they get to know each other and celebrate the things that make them different from one another.
December 19th-23rd and 26th-30th.
10:00 – 11:00 AM everyday!
Half Price Special! $5 a Person! -Puppet show includes FREE Make-Your-Own Shadow Puppet and instruction on using a Shadow Stage-
** Call-in Reservations Perferred**
The Puppet Place, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com.
No School Art Days Holiday Spectacular! (Kids ages 6-12).
Don’t sit at home wondering what to do. Spend the week with Patti Maurer and Sylvia Pitts! With Mrs. Maurer, you will dance, choreograph, design costumes and create a spectacular holiday revue. With Mrs. Pitts, you will make jewelry, ornaments, holiday gifts and decorations. Invite your friends and family to the performance in the Black Box Theatre on Friday, December 23 at 1:30.
Dates: Monday – Friday, December 19 – 23
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head, SC 29928.
www.artshhi.com.
Registration for any education workshops: 843-686-3945, ext. 233 or they can get a registration form off our website on the “workshops” page.
Home Alone at the Lucas Theatre
Doors open at 6 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m.
Fri. Dec 16, 2011
Location: Lucas Theatre
Admission: Donation required
Website: www.lucastheatre.com
Phone: 912.525.5023
Non-perishable items will be collected at the door. Admission is by donation of at least one non-perishable item (per person) to be given to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. Acceptable donation items include (but are not limited to): canned vegetables, canned soups, canned meats, peanut butter, toothbrushes, toiletries, and diapers.
The Lucas Theatre will also be hosting a contest. The patron who brings the most non-perishable items will receive one pair of tickets to each of the three remaining films in the Southern Circuit Film series
Come enjoy a holiday classic! This event is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy or canned good to benefit Toys for Tots and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. 7 PM Sat. Dec. 17 at Trustees Theater.
Drop n’ Shop
Let Oatland Island Wildlife Center Help with your Holiday Shopping!
noon-5 PM Saturday December 17th, 2011
Program is for children in grades K-6th. $25 per child. Additional children $15.
Let Oatland help you during this busy time of the year. Wondering how you are going to get all your shopping and last minute errands finished in time? Let us help you! Drop your child off at Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s Drop ‘n’ Shop! program and you can go Shop for all your holiday needs. While you are off getting many errands finished, your child will be hiking with an Oatland guide, playing games, making holiday themed crafts and enjoying a live animal encounter. All this is topped off with popcorn and a holiday movie! Let the kids have Fun at Oatland while you get your holiday shopping tied in a bow of accomplishment! Be sure to give your child some spending money of their own because as part of the program, kids can do their holiday shopping at Oatland Island Trading Post Gift shop!
Call to make your reservation today! 912-395-1500