Walk your trick or treater through Oatland’s friendly forest to meet and gather goodies from cheerful animal characters. Face painting, crafts, concessions, and many more activities await your arrival.
Advanced reservations required and will be available for two sessions per evening to spread out visitation, reduce gatherings and allow proper parking.
There will be no day of, or onsite sales.
Tickets are non-refundable and will only be valid during the specified time frame and date purchased.
Halloween Hike purchases are different this year. Savannah Chatham County Schools has a new pay system, and your entry will be purchased through them. The web address is on the flyer above. There will be no actual tickets but rather your receipt will serve as your ticket.
Print your receipt for entry or present your receipt on your phone on the day and time of your entry.
Come earn hours and complete your Community Service requirements by volunteering @ the 2024 Halloween Hike. Friday, Oct. 18 & Sat. Oct. 19 2024. Volunteer shifts are from 4-7PM 6:00pm-9:00pm or both shifts Lot’s of fun positions. Must be at least age 14 to volunteer.
This adults-only event will be Sat. Sept. 21, 2024, 5-8PM
The celebration will feature appetizers, libations, live music and a silent auction. From a champagne toast on the dock to the catering provided by Thrive to the final seconds of the silent auction, it will be a night you won’t forget!
Let’s celebrate the first fifty years of Oatland Island as we look forward to the next fifty years!
The silent auction will be available for on-line bidding prior to the event, but will change to live bidding at the event- and will close at 7:30PM. Bid early and often!
Tickets are $35 each or 2 for $60 (all attendees must be 21+ years old)
Sponsorships are available for $250 and include a pair of complementary tickets. Additionally, all sponsors (name or logo) will be listed on a poster at the event and in a social media post.
This time of year is an ideal time to visit. Here’s a look at free kids’ programs to check out including a special free Diamond Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell @ 11AM-Noon Fri. Sept. 21. $5 parking. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Lots of kid-friendly happenings during September 2024 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. $5 parking fee. Events with an * require registration.
Backyard Birding: Join a ranger in the park’s bird watching area behind the Interpretive Center. The group will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. 10AM Fri. Sept. 20 & 10AM Thurs. Sept. 26
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell: Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Come to the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. 11AM Sat. Sept. 21. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Fungi Friday Hike: A wide variety of mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what mushrooms we can find and identify. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 10AM Fri. Sept. 27
*Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day Hike: Girl Scouts are invited to join us for a hike developed to highlight trees and their special place in our park. Event is limited to 30 Girl Scouts. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register. Self-led activity sheets and prize stickers will be available for Girl Scouts Troops who visit the park on their own. 2PM Sat. Sept. 14
Animal of the Day: Drop by the Interpretive Center to say hi and learn about the animal of the day. There will be a different animal out each day for visitors to see and touch. 2PM Fri. Sept. 20, & Sept. 27.
Gnarly Neighbors: The good, the bad and the ugly! Learn about what plants are critical to the health of our local ecosystem and environment, and what invasive flora pose a threat to native wildlife. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 9AM Monday Sept. 16 & Sept. 23.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. 10AM Tues. Sept. 24.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! 3PM Wed. Sept. 25.
Trivia: Let’s Get Quizzical: Relax at the fire pit behind the Interpretive Center with trivia, featuring questions about local flora and fauna, Skidaway Island facts, and Georgia history. There will be four rounds, four questions per round, and each round will increase in difficulty. Round 1 is one point per question, round 2 is two points and so on to the fourth round. At the end, there will be a bonus question for an additional 10 points to whomever answers correctly. First, second, and third place will go home with nifty Skidaway Island State Park swag. Individuals only – no teams. NO PHONES. Good luck! 7PM Thursdays Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26 & 7PM Monday Sept. 30
Your State Parks Day: Volunteers blaze a trail. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead. Parking fee waived. Snacks will be provided. 11AM Sat. Sept. 28.
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Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
* Grand Opening of Oatland’s new Storybook Trail @ Oatland Island Wlidlife Center, 3:30PM Mon. Sept. 9
* Free Family Fun Day @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center to celebrate Oatland’s 50th Anniversary, 10AM-2PM Sat. Sept. 14. Details here.
* 50th Anniversary Celebration of Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 5-8PM Sat. Sept. 21. An adults-only event featuring appetizers, libations, live music, silent auction. Details here.
Pictured below is an example of new Oatland stickers that will be sold in Oatland’s gift shop & available as prizes for the scavenger hunt during Oatland’s FREE FAMILY DAY Sept. 14.
Make sure to find the Friends of Oatland Island table @ the beginning & end of the scavenger hunt.
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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
You are invited to explore the natural world seeking artistic inspiration @ an Art Contest Event on Sun. Sept. 8, 10-11AM @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah. The theme is Patterns in Nature: From Science to Art.
Take a short, ranger-led hike to the iconic observation tower, providing a wide view of the flourishing marsh habitat at Skidaway Island State Park. An artist mentor will join the group to provide guidance and input.
Art supplies will be provided or bring your own.
Event is limited to 20 students. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register.
Georgia resident high school students are invited to take part in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest for an opportunity to have your art displayed in the State Capitol during the next legislative session. Participation in this event is not necessary to enter the contest. Visit gastateparks.org/ArtContest for contest details.
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More Kids’ Events @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Lots of kid-friendly happenings during September 2024 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. $5 parking fee. Events with an * require registration.
Backyard Birding: Join a ranger in the park’s bird watching area behind the Interpretive Center. The group will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. 10AM Fri. Sept. 20 & 10AM Thurs. Sept. 26
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell: Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Come to the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. 11AM Sat. Sept. 21Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be 11AM-Noon
Fungi Friday Hike: A wide variety of mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what mushrooms we can find and identify. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 10AM Fri. Sept. 6 & Fri. Sept. 27
*Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day Hike: Girl Scouts are invited to join us for a hike developed to highlight trees and their special place in our park. Event is limited to 30 Girl Scouts. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register. Self-led activity sheets and prize stickers will be available for Girl Scouts Troops who visit the park on their own. 2PM Sat. Sept. 14
Animal of the Day: Drop by the Interpretive Center to say hi and learn about the animal of the day. There will be a different animal out each day for visitors to see and touch. 2PM Fri. Sept. 6, Sept. 20, & Sept. 27.
Gnarly Neighbors: The good, the bad and the ugly! Learn about what plants are critical to the health of our local ecosystem and environment, and what invasive flora pose a threat to native wildlife. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 9AM Monday Sept. 2, Sept. 9, Sept. 16 & Sept. 23.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. 10AM Tues. Sept. 3, Tues. Sept. 10 & Tues. Sept. 24.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! 3PM Wed. Sept. 4 & Wed. Sept. 25.
Trivia: Let’s Get Quizzical: Relax at the fire pit behind the Interpretive Center with trivia, featuring questions about local flora and fauna, Skidaway Island facts, and Georgia history. There will be four rounds, four questions per round, and each round will increase in difficulty. Round 1 is one point per question, round 2 is two points and so on to the fourth round. At the end, there will be a bonus question for an additional 10 points to whomever answers correctly. First, second, and third place will go home with nifty Skidaway Island State Park swag. Individuals only – no teams. NO PHONES. Good luck! 7PM Thursdays Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26 & 7PM Monday Sept. 30
Your State Parks Day: Volunteers blaze a trail. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead. Parking fee waived. Snacks will be provided. 11AM Sat. Sept. 28.
______________________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
This adults-only event will be Sat. September 21, 2024, 5-8PM
The celebration will feature appetizers, libations, live music and a silent auction. From a champagne toast on the dock to the catering provided by Thrive to the final seconds of the silent auction, it will be a night you won’t forget!
Let’s celebrate the first fifty years of Oatland Island as we look forward to the next fifty years!
The silent auction will be available for on-line bidding prior to the event, but will change to live bidding at the event- and will close at 7:30PM. Bid early and often!
Tickets are $35 each or 2 for $60 (all attendees must be 21+ years old)
Sponsorships are available for $250 and include a pair of complementary tickets. Additionally, all sponsors (name or logo) will be listed on a poster at the event and in a social media post.
You’re invited to a free show & tell about Diamond Terrapin hatchlings @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah.
The program will be Sat. Sept 21, 11AM @ the Interpretive Center. See hatchlings & hear about the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project Learn more about the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project here.
Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be 11AM-Noon
Free & open the public. Parking: $5.
____________________________________
Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
This adults-only event will be Sat. September 21, 2024, 5-8PM
The celebration will feature appetizers, libations, live music and a silent auction. From a champagne toast on the dock to the catering provided by Thrive to the final seconds of the silent auction, it will be a night you won’t forget!
Let’s celebrate the first fifty years of Oatland Island as we look forward to the next fifty years!
The silent auction will be available for on-line bidding prior to the event, but will change to live bidding at the event- and will close at 7:30PM. Bid early and often!
Tickets are $35 each or 2 for $60 (all attendees must be 21+ years old)
Sponsorships are available for $250 and include a pair of complementary tickets. Additionally, all sponsors (name or logo) will be listed on a poster at the event and in a social media post.
This is a time for adults to bond with their toddlers while engaging in hands-on activities that promote development and acquiring age appropriate skills.
Activities may include reading story books, singing songs and finger plays, games, guided walks and up close encounters with Oatland’s animal ambassadors.
The program is offered twice, 10-10:30AM or 11-11:30AM
Cost:
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!
All others : $5 per child and regular admission for adults.
This program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is required, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered with which you registered.
UPCOMING THEMES
April 2: Bobcat Birthday
April 9: Friends with Fox
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10-10:30AM & 11-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps organizers speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center Summer Camps are week-long day camps available to rising Kindergarteners through rising 8th graders. Campers will discover the world of science through hands-on activities, creative crafts and wildlife investigations. Adult instructors, most of whom are certified teachers, bring a wide range of experience and talent to enhance these camp adventures.
Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is required, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered with which you registered.
UPCOMING THEMES
April 2: Bobcat Birthday
April 9: Friends with Fox
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10-10:30AM & 11-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps organizers speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime.
Join Friends of Oatland on Saturday Dec. 9 2023 9:30-10:30AM before Oatland Island Wildlife Center is open to the public and make special holiday treats for the Oatland wolf pack!
Tickets are limited to 10 people per session• $20.00 per person, for all ages.
All attendees must have a ticket. Purchase tickets online here.
All participants must be at least 4 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.
Your ticket price includes admission to Oatland for the day, so feel free to stay and see the other animals after your program.
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Friends of Oatland is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Dec. 19 2023 Polar Express Party @ Oatland Island Wildife Center in Savannah is a special Toddler Tuesday program and the last Toddler Tuesday program of 2023.
It will take place inside Oatland’s conference room and will include a typical Toddler Tuesday program about polar animals; followed by train play (large and small train sets), a holiday craft, hot chocolate and cookie snack, and winter snow play.
This program is a special fundraiser for Oatland. Reservation is required due to limited space inside. Reserve your spots online here.
Oatland’s Polar Express Party runs about 45 minutes and will be offered 3 times on Dec. 19, so all who want to attend have a chance to come.
After Dec. 19, there will be a short break in Toddler Tuesday programs for the holidays, and will reconvene on Jan. 2, 2024.
Please review all Toddler Tuesday information here and if you still have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Kelly by email or at (912) 395-1517.
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Friends of Oatland is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Friends of Oatland (FOO) and Oatland Island Wildlife Center are hosting a t-shirt design contest and your design could be chosen for a limited edition Oatland t-shirt available for the 2023 holiday season! The design should feature the animals, plants, or history of Oatland Island and can utilize as many as 4 colors. Submissions Open: October 20, 2023 Submissions Deadline: November 9, 2023 Find all details and submit your design online here.
This Savannah fall festival will feature Oatland’s 1800’s cabins, old-time demonstrations, games, music, open fire cooking, crafts, and more. Animal education and interaction table will be open from 10-11AM and 2-3PM.
Games, crafts, snack bar, and hay rides will require tickets (available for purchase on site on festival day). Sugar cane syrup will also be available for purchase.
Admissions into Oatland Island for this day only will be as follows Adults $7.00 Children $5.00
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Friends of Oatland is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Toddler Tuesday is a program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program meets at the picnic pavilion and includes singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is called for, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered your child with.
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10AM-10:30AM & 11AM-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps us speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime! Find out more information here!
If you are a preschool or day care you will need to call 395-1510 or click here to book a private program as this program is designed for the general public.
Find links to the registration forms for each session here.
The December 19th Polar Express Party is a special program. It will be inside Oatland’s conference room and will include a typical Toddler Tuesday program about polar animals; followed by train play (large and small train sets), a holiday craft, hot chocolate and cookie snack, and winter snow play.
This program is a special fundraiser for Oatland. Reservation is required due to limited space inside.
After Dec. 19, there will be a short break in Toddler Tuesday programs for the holidays, and will reconvence on Jan. 2, 2024.
Make plans to take your kids to this annual not so scary Halloween Hike through the trails at Oatland Island. Ticket Sales Open 9/24Online Here.
As with previous years, advanced ticket reservations are required and will be available for two sessions per evening to spread out visitation, reduce gatherings and allow proper parking.
There will be no day of, or onsite sales.
Tickets are non-refundable and will only be valid during the specified time frame and date purchased.
**In the event of a full weather cancellation, a rain date will be offered.**
If you are traveling in multiple vehicles, under one registration, please have your party caravan together prior to entering the car line. There is nowhere to pull over and wait and this will help with keeping the line coming into the Oatland Island for the Halloween Hike moving.
Toddler Tuesday is a program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program meets at the picnic pavilion and includes singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is called for, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered your child with.
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10AM-10:30AM & 11AM-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps us speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime! Find out more information here!
If you are a preschool or day care you will need to call 395-1510 or click here to book a private program as this program is designed for the general public.
Find links to the registration forms for each session here.
________________________
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
This is an opportunity to witness how the Animal Care Staff provides special treats and activities to help hone the animals’ natural behaviors.
Adults and children will participate in creating enrichment material for our resident black vultures and will watch them experience their special creations.
• Tickets are limited to 10 people per session • $20 per person, for all ages. All attendees must have a ticket. • All participants must be at least 4 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. • Your ticket price includes admission to Oatland for the day, so feel free to stay and see the other animals after your program.
As with previous years, advanced ticket reservations are required and will be available for two sessions per evening to spread out visitation, reduce gatherings and allow proper parking.
There will be no day of, or onsite sales.
Tickets are non-refundable and will only be valid during the specified time frame and date purchased.
**In the event of a full weather cancellation, a rain date will be offered.**
If you are traveling in multiple vehicles, under one registration, please have your party caravan together prior to entering the car line. There is nowhere to pull over and wait and this will help with keeping the line coming into the Oatland Island for the Halloween Hike moving.
