Fall means time to explore Georgia State Parks.

Start planning your leaves-changing getaway by checking out  got all September & October 2011 events happening at state parks and historic spots across the state. The events are listed on the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Parks Events page here.

Gorge hikes, group hayrides, outdoor music festivals, full moon hikes & more.

To find out state park event details, visit the new SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Parks Events page by clicking here.

Coastal Empire Fair Oct. 25-Nov. 4 2012
You can purchase tickets ONLINE here .

In addition to rides, entertainment includes:

The Brian Staples Animal shows  – different shows rotate and feature different animals (monkeys, reptiles, white tiger, rain forest etc) – and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs as well as all the other kids activities at the Coastal Empire Fair. . Through Nov. 4. Shows are free and included with your admission ticket.

Free Parking

Details here.

The Sandbox-An Interactive Children’s Museum is celebrating Halloween on Monday, October 31st, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Bring your ghosts and goblins dressed in their costumes to play! The Sandbox is providing Halloween themed crafts, programs, and activities all day long. Decorate a special Halloween cookie and participate in a holiday scavenger hunt. Guess how many candy corns in the jar. There will be a bag of treats for each child. Admission is $6 per person.
The Sandbox is located at 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information: 843.842.7645 or crinehart@thesandbox.org. www.thesandbox.org

The Nutcracker in Savannah presented by The Savannah Danse Theatre
November 26, 2011
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
www.SavannahDance.com
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as Clara’s dream turns larger than life with Savannah as the backdrop of this holiday tradition. Join the Savannah Danse Theatre as we bring the magic of this holiday classic alive in 1945 Savannah! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as a young girl’s dream turns larger than life with a special nutcracker, a vengeful river rat, dancing snowflakes and sumptuous ice cream from Leopold’s – all choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite musical score.

Savannah Danse Theatre brings a stellar ballet production to Savannah residents and their children. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities. The pageantry of the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without this enchanted ballet!

Tickets are $12 for the afternoon show and $35, $28, $21, $15 with a $5 military discount for the evening show, and are available by calling 912-525-5050 or online here: http://tickets.scadboxoffice.com/. Matinee includes a Meet & Greet with characters following the show.

We can’t say enough about the amazing children’s art classes at Scribble Art Studio in Savannah.

Check out Scribble’s new winter class schedule above. A variety of fun, interesting offerings for children starting as young as 4.

Below are two sweet examples of art made by students at Scribble Art Studio:

To register for a class, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. 212 E. 37th St. Savannah, 31401. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

We often get questions about the status of building a Savannah Children’s Museum. Work is under way on such a museum near the Georgia State Railroad Museum in downtown Savannah and organized by the Coastal Heritage Society. Here’s a snippet from the Coastal Heritage Society Web site:

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Coastal Heritage Society is working towards creating Savannah’s first, and only children’s museum! This project is specifically targeted to educate children ages 0-10 in a non-school environment, to address the need for young children to learn about their community, and to support families and educators in developing fundamental skills.

What Will the Savannah Children’s Museum Be?

Building Size
SCM will have 38,000 sq. feet of interior space and a 15,000 square foot courtyard with 20,000 sq. feet of exhibits, located on a National Historic Landmark site.
Learning Standards
SCM is dedicated to the education of young children, covering 9 educational goals that incorporate a variety of learning strategies and Georgia Learning Standards.
Audience
SCM will serve 84,379 children, ages 0-10 locally within an hour’s drive and an undetermined tourism audience. We anticipate 50,000 – 75,000 visitors per year.
Use
SCM will be a resource serving parents, children, teachers, childcare centers, elementary schools and tourists seven days a week.
Perfect Location
SCM is located in a tourism based, educational, and recreational complex of 25 acres, which will contain 5 public venues and provide a locomotive-powered rail shuttle. All of these attractions can occupy a family for many, many hours of enjoyment.

How you can help

For further information on the Savannah Children’s Museum, or for volunteer opportunities with this project, contact Samantha Pogorelsky, Campaign Director at 912.651.2438 or spogorelsky@chsgeorgia.org .

Family ZUMBA!
DATE: October 29th through December 17th
(no class on 11/26 or 12/10)
TIME: Saturdays 9:15 to 10:00am
LOCATION: Heart & Lung Building, Suite 120
COST: FREE to Wellness Center family memberships and Center for WellBeing Members or $30 for non-members

There will be a 6-week Family Zumba® class offered starting on Saturday, October 29th
from 9:15 to 10:00am. Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Family Zumba®
classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed,
family-friendly routines! Parents love Zumba because of the effects it has on kids,
increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing
coordination. Family Zumba® rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great
reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family
experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information please call the Wellness Center 819-8800

Holiday Festival of Lights
11/06/2012 – 12/31/2012
James Island County Park
871 Riverland DR James Island County Park Charleston, SC 29412
843.795.4386
holidayfestivaloflights.com

The holiday season is coming! This year, bring the family together to celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at Charleston’s most beloved nighttime event – the Holiday Festival of Lights! With over two million shimmering lights, this three-mile driving tour delivers more light displays year after year, with more than 700 shining displays this season. Beginning November 9, 2012 and continuing through December 31, 2012, gather family and friends to capture the magic of the holiday season at James Island County Park. Plus, experience the expanded Fun Run and Walk, now held on two nights! Get a sneak peak of the festival at the fun run, on Nov. 7 and 8.

Remember, the Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour! Park the car and experience exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. There are many celebrated attractions to see and do, including:

· Marshmallow Roasts
· Festival Train Rides
· Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity
· Enchanted Forest Walking Trail
· Gingerbread Houses
· 50-Ton Sand Sculpture
· Giant Greeting Cards
· Carousel Rides
· Gift Shops
· Portable Climbing Wall
· Photos with Santa
· Santa’s Sweet Shoppe

Stroll through Santa’s Village and see the meticulously-crafted sculpture constructed with 50-tons of sand. View sugary hand-crafted structures from the annual gingerbread house competition. Shop at the two festival gift shops for goodies from local artisans, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized gifts, angelic decorations, and multitudes of stocking stuffers.

Spoil your sweet tooth or make it a meal at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Frosty’s Treats, or Blitzen’s Burgers. Make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, take a photo with Santa (select dates only – see website for details) and then hop aboard the train for an up-close look at the light displays. Plus, you’ll enjoy family entertainment on select nights, including live bands, kids’ activities, outdoor movies, and much more. Wander over to Winter Wonderland where a traditional 18-animal carousel ride whirls you around. Don’t miss the giant 4-by-8 foot holiday card designs created by local school students as part of the yearly holiday art competition!

Winter Carnival at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Mon., Dec. 31, 5:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park
The perfect place for families to celebrate the New Year, the Winter Carnival features children’s amusement rides, an old-fashioned carousel, portable climbing wall, inflatables, and much more. Purchase a $10 wristband for unlimited rides on attractions (festival train not included). At 9 pm, ring in 2013 with a bang with the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show! Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. Visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com for details.

Kids can get cash, prevent cavities & support our troops at Simply Children’s Dentistry’s Candy Buy-Back Program in Savannah.

In an effort to promote healthy teeth and raise a cavity-free generation, Dr. Kamiti Harden at Simply Children’s Dentistry holds this Halloween candy buy-back program each year.

Staff will weigh the candy & pay your child $1 per pound of candy up to 5 pounds. In addition, each child will receive a new toothbrush. All the candy will be mailed overseas to the troops.

The candy buy-back will be 9 AM-2 PM Sat. Nov. 12 (giving kids plenty of time to enjoy some of their candy without going overboard) at Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah GA 31405. For more info, call: (912) 353-9993. Open to all kids up to age 16.

Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah 31405; www.simplychildrens.com , email: businessassistant@simplychildrens.com , (912) 353-9993. Simply Children’s Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition as OneMain Financial presents the 25th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

The Zoo’s silver anniversary celebration of Lights will kick off this Saturday, November 17 and will include old favorites as well as some new options for making family memories. In addition to the more than one million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated images that adorn the park every year, guests this year will have an opportunity to experience a 15-foot, life-size snow globe as well as have the chance to name a penguin!

The ornate event will also once again feature the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, a 20-foot Christmas tree moving to the rhythm of popular seasonal tunes. Songs from the tree resonate throughout the Zoo’s Palmetto Plaza, where you’ll find the cozy Jingle Bell Bonfire—a popular spot for roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa on cold winter evenings.

As part of the festivities, guests can also visit with Santa Claus in Santa’s Village on the nights leading up to Christmas Eve; and don’t forget, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night.

When: November 17 – December 30; Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

6:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

500 Wildlife Parkway

Columbia, SC 29210

Admission: Guests who purchase tickets in advance will receive a $2 discounted rate of $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or at any Zoo ticket window.

Note: All Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate; guest passes are not accepted. Parking for the event will be on the Zoo side only.

About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org  or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo .

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall is in the Halloween mood! The first 30 ghosts and goblins (or kids) who come in on Thursday, October 27 between 5-8 PM will be provided a free pumpkin to paint.

Come enjoy family night with pumpkin painting fun and great Chick-Fil-A food. Boo!

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall, 912-920-3550

Savannah Baby Co. has launched “Savannah’s Angels”. Give $5 directly to CURE Childhood Cancer and put your child’s photo up in their store! This week, Savannah Baby Co. will match your $5 donation.

Savannah’s Angels support CURE Childhood Cancer and is a way to show off your little angel in the Savannah Baby Co. store and help raise money for CURE Childhood Cancer at the same time. All money will go directly to CURE Childhood Cancer. The first 20 Contributors to Savannah’s Angels, starting tomorrow 10/26/11, will receive a FREE Skip * Hop Zoobie Lunch Box.

Help Savannah Baby Co. support CURE Childhood Cancer and come in to put your Child’s photo on their store wall! Also, come read “Sean’s Voice” and learn more about how you can be involved in CURE Childhood Cancer.

Savannah Baby Company, 5301 Paulsen in the Medical Arts neighborhood, Monday-Friday, 10-6. Saturday 10-4. 912-480-0212, www.savannahbabyco.com,  Savannah Baby Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

La Dee Da’s Grand Opening event will be Saturday, November 5th from 10am – 3 pm. Come bring the kids and enjoy a day of hopping, jumping, running and bouncing on inflatable slides, bounce houses and sports arenas by Bounce Up inflatables for only $5 per child for an entire day of fun!! Free hot dogs and drinks for the kids will br provided as well as face painting, balloons, drawings great sales and much much more!

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is now open at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, Mon. thru Wed. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thurs./Fri. 10 am – 7 pm and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more info call 912.295.5470, visit www.LaDeeDaKids.com. or like the boutique on Facebook here! La Dee Da Children’s Boutique looks forward to serving you and your child. La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique, an upscale children’s boutique, is seeking boys ages 3 months to 4 and girls ages 3 months to 6, to walk the runway in their fashion show at The Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Classic on Sun Nov. 20 at Effingham County High School.

To enter your child for selection, please go to La Dee Da’s Facebook page by clicking here and post your child’s photo and age along with a little info that might give La Dee Da a glimpse into your child’s bright and unique personality!

Deadline for photo entrance is 6 PM November 5. La Dee Da will announce their picks on Mon. Nov. 7 on Facebook here.

Each model will receive a free 5X7 of their moment on the runway compliments of Gypsy Light Photography and their names put in a drawing for some great prizes icluding a $25.00 gift certificate to The Loft Cafe, a $100.00 gift certificate to La Dee Da and free photo session with Gypsy Light Photography. Call 912.295.5470 for more information or find La Dee Da on Facebook here.

La Dee Da’s Grand Opening event will be Saturday, November 5th from 10am – 3 pm. Come bring the kids and enjoy a day of hopping, jumping, running and bouncing on inflatable slides, bounce houses and sports arenas by Bounce Up inflatables for only $5 per child for an entire day of fun!! Free hot dogs and drinks for the kids will br provided as well as face painting, balloons, drawings great sales and much much more! Mention Southern Mamas and receive 25% off of any regularly priced item. (Not valid with any other offers or promotions and good only on the day of event)

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is now open at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, Mon. thru Wed. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thurs./Fri. 10 am – 7 pm and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more info call 912.295.5470, visit www.LaDeeDaKids.com. or like the boutique on Facebook here! La Dee Da Children’s Boutique looks forward to serving you and your child. La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah Arts Academy will present the 1940’s Radio Show at 7 p.m. Under the able direction of guest director, Sebastian Verdis this authentic radio show features songs, vaudeville comedy routines like “Who’s On First” and “Niagara Falls” and commercials from the World War II era as well as salute to our armed services. Call (912) 395-5000 or savartsacademy.com.

Dolphin Explorations: Learn about the basic biology and characteristics of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin while aboard a cruise on the R/V Sea Dawg to look for individual dolphins and observe their behaviors, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Nov. 5

Reservations & payment required prior to Oct. 28. Cost: $40/person, ages: 10 and up. Be sure to include your name, number in you party, contact email and phone number in all messages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program begins to check-in at the admissions/information desk. UGA Marine Extension Service Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle. Pre-register by calling (912) 598-2356 or emailing fish@uga.edu.

Halloween on Lewis Avenue has been moved back to Monday night, October 31st, 2011, between 6:30- 9 PM. Be safe! Look both ways! Don’t wear your masks while walking near traffic! Happy Halloween!

Initially, City Council had changed Lewis Ave trick or treat to Sat. Oct. 29, but switched it to the actual day of Halloween after Lewis Ave residents signed a petition. A big thank you to Julie S. for this update!

For a complete listing of local kid and family Halloween events & Fall Festivals, visit the SouthernMamas.com Event Calendar by clicking here.

Monday, December 12, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation’s Musical Mondays: Garrison Wind Ensemble
7 pm
FREE!

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series tradition continues, with Musical Mondays! Join us for this FREE concert, a family-friendly event of holiday cheer.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Friday, December 02, 2011
First Friday Oyster Roast and Fireworks
7 – 9:45pm

Buckets of oysters, a bar and a band! Riverside at the Westin every First Friday – Enjoy live entertainment sponsored by Adventure Radio and fireworks sponsored by Wet Willies and the Savannah Riverfront. Full libations and great food await, including tasty grill items for the landlubbers. Join us for an evening of dancing under the stars at our relaxed resort setting.

www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Monday, December 05, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation’s Musical Mondays: Savannah Arts Academy
7 pm

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series tradition continues, with Musical Mondays! Join the Westin for this FREE concert, a family-friendly event of holiday cheer.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Saturday, November 26, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Boat Parade of Lights
5 pm

A Christmas Parade – Savannah style! A parade of festively-decorated yachts on their cruise of the Savannah River follows! This family event officially kicks off the holiday series sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation. Festive events on River Street, Savannah.

Ride the FREE Savannah Belles ferry from River Street across the Savannah River to The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Hutchinson, Is., Savannah (Or just drive across the bridge)

Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Gingerbread Village will be Thanksgiving through New Year’s at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

Not just one gingerbread house, but an entire village! The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa comes alive with holiday cheer as local chefs – from professionals to hobbyists – compete for bragging rights of the Best Gingerbread Creation! Stop by to view the creations and cast your vote. Holiday Series events sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation.

Be sure to check out the creatively-decorated holiday Trees for Life on display in the lobby of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa! These festive holiday trees are decorated by area businesses, groups, and individuals and are auctioned to benefit the Greenbriar Children’s Center.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Show our troops how much you care with a hand-made card this holiday!
The “Cards for Soldiers” card drive and contest is being held as part of the Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Holiday Series. The winning cards will be on display at The Westin during the Savannah Harbor Foundation Boat Parade of Lights, being held Saturday, November 26th, after which they will be mailed to troops stationed overseas. Please include the child’s name, school, grade level, teacher’s name on each card. Have fun, and be creative! The most creative class will win a holiday gift from the Savannah Harbor Foundation. Be sure to turn in your cards by Tuesday, November 22nd in time for judging!

www.westinsavannah.com/holidays
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information