Free kid-friendly structured activities are regularly held at the park. For a complete listing of September 2011 Free Skidaway Island State Park Kid-Friendly Events, visit our new Skidaway State Park children’s activities page by clicking here.

The park’s Interpretive Center (i.e. Nature Center) is surrounded by easy hiking trails including the 1-mile Avian Loop Trail, 1-mile Sandpiper Trail Loop, and the 3-mile Big Ferry Trail Loop.

The Interpretive Center includes a display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica (pictured here); wildlife exhibits; live reptiles including a terrapin turtle; and birding station.

Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM at Skidaway Island State Park. Cost: $5 for parking.
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411, 912-598-2300, http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC has lots of events planned for Fall 2011. Read all about them on the new Riverbanks page on SouthernMamas.com. Click here for details.

Kid-friendly events at the zoo include Animal Enrichment Day when zookeepers give animals special treats designed to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors: Boo at the Zoo, a spook-fest for costumed children 12 and younger that includes a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more; a Pumpkin Smash when the zoo’s mammals, birds, reptiles and fish enjoy their own trick-or-treats, a form of animal enrichment designed to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors; free admisison for active duty and retired military personnel on Veterans Day; Lights Before Christmas, when the Zoo shines with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire and be sure to wear your hat – it snows nightly during the Lights Before Christmas.

Visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page here for more information.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES include Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours; Homeschool Mondays; Overnights and Night Howls; and two new 30 minute, 3-D movies:
TURTLE VISION
From the warm waters of the tropics to the icy Antarctic, join Sammy the sea turtle and his friends on an exciting journey through the ocean. Swim through colorful coral reefs and enjoy a dazzling ride on a fun-loving octopus. Dive into icy polar waters to meet a friendly whale and learn the importance of protecting our oceans.
DINOSAURS
If it weren’t for a series of cataclysmic events, a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs. Deeply rooted in science, the film will carry you back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life. Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked the Earth; the titanesque plant-eating Argenitsaur and its nemesis the Gigantosaur, a bipedal carnivore that could easily challenge the T-rex!

Admission: $3 for one show, $5 for both, in addition to regular Zoo admission.

Visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page for more information. Details here.

Boo at the Zoo
October 14 – 16 and 21 – 30, 2011
Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the popular Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more. This family-friendly festival runs for 13 nights leading up to Halloween from 6 to 9pm. Visit www.riverbanks.org   or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo or call (803) 779-8717 for more information.

For more kid-friendly fall activities at Riverbanks and year-round kids programs including 3D nature movies, visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page for more information. Details here.

Boo at the Zoo
October 14 – 16 and 21 – 30, 2011
Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the popular Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more. This family-friendly festival runs for 13 nights leading up to Halloween from 6 to 9pm. Visit www.riverbanks.org  or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo or call (803) 779-8717 for more information.

For more kid-friendly fall activities at Riverbanks and year-round kids programs including 3D nature movies, visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page for more information. Details here.

Riverbanks will celebrate Animal Enrichment Day on Sunday, September 25. Watch the zoo wildlife in action when keepers give them special treats designed to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors. Guests will also enjoy animal encounters, a temporary tattoo station, arts and crafts, and a silent auction to participate in behind-the-scenes tours. Activities will take place between 10am and 4:30pm.

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 .

For more kid-friendly fall activities at Riverbanks and year-round kids programs including 3D nature movies, visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page for more information. Details here.

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: LEADER OF THE TRACK TOUR 2011 MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD INTO CORDELE, GA.
Thomas the Tank Engine™ To Visit SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Families can take a 25-min. ride on Thomas the Tank Engine
October 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2011
Thomas the Tank Engine™ is pulling into southwest Georgia for the Day Out With Thomas™: Leader of the Track Tour. This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families an opportunity to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. The tour, now in its 16th year, stops in more than 45 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome more than one million passengers in 2011. It is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands.
Includes:

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: LEADER OF THE TRACK TOUR 2011 MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD INTO CORDELE, GA.
Thomas the Tank Engine™ To Visit SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Families can take a 25-min. ride on Thomas the Tank Engine
October 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2011
Thomas the Tank Engine™ is pulling into southwest Georgia for the Day Out With Thomas™: Leader of the Track Tour. This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families an opportunity to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. The tour, now in its 16th year, stops in more than 45 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome more than one million passengers in 2011. It is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands.
Includes:

• 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
• Opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of The Railway
• Activities for the whole family, including arts and crafts, storytelling, videos, live music, face painting and more.
• Commemorative activities, merchandise and giveaways focusing on steam engines and diesel engines, all to celebrate the 2011 Thomas & Friends DVD movie “Day of the Diesels” (September 2011, Lionsgate)
TIMES:
10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
COST:
$18 plus tax.
Ages 2 and younger free.
INFORMATION & TICKETS:
SamShortline.com
Toll-Free 1-866-468-7630

Weekend Train Rides Are Back On Track!

Weekend Train Rides Are Back On Track!

Take the Savannah Central No. 119 Diesel Locomotive for a quick nostalgic trip down the Museum track. Come every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for scheduled train rides and a walk around Georgia State Railroad Museum. Did you know it’s the largest pre-Civil War era railroad complex in the world? Then walk across the street for a tasty bite to eat at the WhistleStop Cafe!
Train Ride Times:
Friday & Saturday
11 AM, 1 & 2 PM
Sunday
1 & 2 PM

MOMS Next: For moms with children K-12

The Islands MOMSnext group offers community, mothering support and hope to mothers of school-aged children, from Kindergarten through High School.
The group welcomes and accepts every mom who hopes to be inspired to reach her full mothering potential and influence within her family and her world. MOMSnext believes that better moms make a better world.
Islands MOMSnext Meeting Information:
Where – Islands YMCA; 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah
When – Every First and Third Monday of each month (excluding holidays), beginning Monday September 19, 2011.
Time – 10 – 11:30 a.m.
(Childcare provided upon request)
For more information or to register for a meeting, call (912) 898-4344 or email kymmccarty@hotmail.com
MOMSnext is a ministry of MOPS International (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), a non-profit, non-denominational support organization for mothers.

UPDATE: Winner is Laura Gresham!!! Congratulations!
Happy September!

We have a special September giveaway for you: a family four-pack of tickets to “Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic” coming to Savannah Civic Center Thu. SEPT. 29 – Sun. OCT. 2 2011. The giveaway tickets are for the 7:30 PM Sept. 29 show.

To enter to win, email your name and your answer this question to anne@southernmamas.com: What is the longest word in any Disney song? (Hint: the word has 34 letters). Please don’t answer by commenting below or on SouthernMamas.com. We don’t want to give away the answer.

Deadline to enter: 9 PM Sept. 7, 2011. You’ve got one week! We’ll announce the winner here & on SouthernMamas.com Facebook Sept. 8.

Can’t wait for the giveaway?  To order tickets by phone, call (800) 351-7469 or (912) 651-6556. Or click here.

SOUTHERNMAMAS DISCOUNT: Our readers receive 20% off tickets using code “mamas”!! Opening Night and VIP’s are not included.

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

Savannah Showtimes. More info here.
Sept 29- 7:30p.m.
Sept 30- 7:30p.m.
Oct 1- 11:00a.m.
Oct 1- 3:00 p.m
Oct 1- 7:00p.m.
Oct 2- 2:00p.m.

For a sneak peek at the show, visit www.disneyonice.com

SouthernMamas.com is the sponsor of this giveaway. Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion. Disclosure: SouthernMamas.com is a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for our time and efforts in attending shows and reporting our opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided SouthernMamas.com with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Army Band Performance at Forsyth Park Park Bandshell
7:30-8:30PM
A military salute to our ocean and coasts.
Free Admission.

Part of Savannah Ocean Exchange. For more Savannah Ocean Exchange family activities, click here

Here’s a fun family bike ride suggestion: the I-Spy-a-Critter Bike Ride on Hilton Head Is.

This creature feature ride is a 10-mile route perfect for kids because it’s a treasure hunt for the island’s collection of permanent “creatures” – an alligator statue, a peacock stained glass window, a giant pelican, dolphin door, heron and horse statue as well as a few live critters – a trio of macaws, a Clydesdale, ponies, goats and a deer.

To make the bike safari adventure semi-educational, have your little ones complete the nature rhymes we paired with “animal” sightings. Check out the ride here:

Petite Feet – Savannah’s children’s shoe and accessories boutique – now has North Face Denali jackets for children. Just arrived!

Lots of colors. Sizes from 2 Toddler to Large (14-16 year olds)

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com, Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

We know many of you have children who aren’t old enough yet for elementary school. But you probably already have your school of choice picked out.

Chances are you want to do what you can to help that school even before your little ones are enrolled. You can help by eating out. Many public schools partner with local restaurants which offer school nights and donate a portion of the proceeds from that night to the school.

We’d love to tell our readers about the various school nights at local restaurants. Email your school’s restaurant and school night to anne@southernmamas.com.

Meanwhile, you can support Charles Ellis Montessori Academy in Savannah by eating at Barberito’s  Southwestern Grille at 4525 Habersham Street (in Habersham Village) on the first Tuesday of every month. Barberito’s will donate 20% of ALL the sales from the evening – from 5 pm until close- to Ellis.

Barberito’s Eat out For Ellis Nights – 5 pm Until Close
Dec 6; Jan 10 (exception to the 1st Tuesday rule); Feb 7; March 6; April 3; May 1; June 5

We know many of you have children who aren’t old enough yet for elementary school. But you probably already have your school of choice picked out.

Chances are you want to do what you can to help that school even before your little ones are enrolled. You can help by eating out. Many public schools partner with local restaurants which offer school nights and donate a portion of the proceeds from that night to the school.

We’d love to tell our readers about the various school nights at local restaurants. Email your school’s restaurant and school night to anne@southernmamas.com.

Meanwhile, you can support Charles Ellis Montessori Academy in Savannah by eating at Barberito’s  Southwestern Grille at 4525 Habersham Street (in Habersham Village) on the first Tuesday of every month. Barberito’s will donate 20% of ALL the sales from the evening – from 5 pm until close- to Ellis.

Barberito’s Eat out For Ellis Nights – 5 pm Until Close at 10 PM.
Sept 6; Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6; Jan 10 (exception to the 1st Tuesday rule); Feb 7; March 6; April 3; May 1; June 5

We know many of you have children who aren’t old enough yet for elementary school. But you probably already have your school of choice picked out.

Chances are you want to do what you can to help that school even before your little ones are enrolled. You can help by eating out. Many public schools partner with local restaurants which offer school nights and donate a portion of the proceeds from that night to the school.

We’d love to tell our readers about the various school nights at local restaurants. Email your school’s restaurant and school night to anne@southernmamas.com.

Meanwhile, you can support Charles Ellis Montessori Academy in Savannah by eating at Barberito’s Southwestern Grille at 4525 Habersham Street (in Habersham Village) on the first Tuesday of every month. Barberito’s will donate 20% of ALL the sales from the evening – from 5 pm until close- to Ellis.

Barberito’s Eat out For Ellis Nights – 5 pm Until Close
Sept 6; Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6; Jan 10 (exception to the 1st Tuesday rule); Feb 7; March 6; April 3; May 1; June 5

Comedian Vic Henley will star in the second annual Laughs for Lemonade: An Evening of Comedy to Fight Ovarian Cancer on Sept. 29.
Laughs for Lemonade will be held Thursday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Lucas Theatre. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $35 Reserved Seating and $50 VIP, which includes Reserved Seating and admittance into the “Meet and Greet” after-party. For tickets, visit www.lucastheatre.com  or call (912) 525-5050. The box office is located at 216 E. Broughton St. The Lucas Theatre is located at 32 Abercorn St.
Laughs for Lemonade is the main fundraiser for Mom’s Lemonade Fund, which supports local women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer in the Savannah area. The fund’s mission is to provide medications, testing, wigs, as well as comfort care items for the patients and their families.
Co-author of a national bestselling book with fellow comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Henley has appeared on HBO, CBS, NBC, FOX, MTV, BRAVO, CMT and just about every other standup comedy show on television. He was a VH-1 VJ and has his own Comedy Central Presents half hour special as well as performances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Whether it’s HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, or the granddaddy of them all – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Henley has drawn rave reviews and packed houses. His success at Edinburgh led to a slew of BBC TV appearances on stand up and talk shows, some where he was the first American to perform. Henley has also performed on over 500 college campuses receiving 8 “Comedian of the Year” nominations.
Karen Morgan, whose appearances include Nick at Nite and Sirius, will open the evening. Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Karen Morgan’s Southern accent is an anomaly in Maine, where she now lives. After years as a successful trial lawyer, Karen become a full-time comedian in 2005 after being chosen as a finalist on Nick at Nite’s First Search for the Funniest Mom in America. She has worked nonstop ever since in theatres and clubs around the country.
Morgan can be heard on Sirius XM Radio’s Blue Collar Comedy, Raw Dog and Laugh Break as well as every week on the Coast Morning Show.
About Mom’s Lemonade Fund:
Mom’s Lemonade Fund supports local women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer in the Savannah area. The foundation’s purpose is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, assist with emotional and medical needs and to provide comfort care items for patients, their family members, and caregivers battling the disease.
Mom’s Lemonade Fund was created in August 2009 by the families of Mary Anne Feist Mahfet and Ellen McAlpin Hogan to honor their memory by proactively helping women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer.
Find Mom’s Lemonade Fund on Facebook.

Come share in the Halloween excitement at Georgia State Railroad Museum for the annual Tricks, Treats, and Trains event!

This year’s event will be on October 27th from 10am-noon.

Tricks, Treats, and Trains has been a family favorite for years. You and your family will have the opportunity to participate in crazy crafts, spooky story time, a themed train ride, and trick-or-treating around our historic site.

All ages of children are welcome to this non-scary event

Pre-registration is encouraged for Tricks, Treats, and Trains to be sure enough supplies are prepared for your enjoyment. Pre-payment is not necessary, however, as you may pre-register and pay when you arrive.

Click here for more information and to register!

FOR MORE LOCAL KID-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401. For driving directions click here, email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org

What better way to teach our children to share than to lead by example? The Mommy Exchange: a Freecycling Event is an opportunity to get rid of the children’s items you no longer need and pick up a few you could use.

Donate gently used children’s clothing, toys and gear in the spirit of freecycling – reducing and reusing. It’s easier on your wallet and the environment.

Wed. Sept. 7 · 10:30am – 1:00pm at Bouncing Angels Indoor Inflatable Kid’s Gym, 2123 E. Victory Drive, Savannah

DONATE ITEMS TO RECEIVE AN EARLY BIRD PASS.
(Doors open at 10 AM for pass holders.)
Any items left at the end of the Exchange will be donated to charity.

Bouncing Angels is offering 50% off admission and $10.00 large pizzas. They will also be a drop-off location for boxed and bagged donations.

For more details email themommyexchange@gmail.com  or visit the Mommy Exchange Facebook page here.

What better way to teach our children to share than to lead by example? The Mommy Exchange: a Freecycling Event is an opportunity to get rid of the children’s items you no longer need and pick up a few you could use.

Donate gently used children’s clothing, toys and gear in the spirit of freecycling – reducing and reusing. It’s easier on your wallet and the environment.

Wed. Sept. 7 · 10:30am – 1:00pm at Bouncing Angels Indoor Inflatable Kid’s Gym, 2123 E. Victory Drive, Savannah

DONATE ITEMS TO RECEIVE AN EARLY BIRD PASS.
(Doors open at 10 AM for pass holders.)
Any items left at the end of the Exchange will be donated to charity.

Bouncing Angels is offering 50% off admission and $10.00 large pizzas. They will also be a drop-off location for boxed and bagged donations.

For more details email themommyexchange@gmail.com  or visit the Mommy Exchange Facebook page here.

Check out the latest addition the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Children’ Sports Programs for Fall 2011: golf instruction/classes for children 6 and older in Savannah.

The First Tee of Savannah golf youth development program  provides young people of all ethnic and economic backgrounds greater access to golf and the life skills inherent to the game of golf. The First Tee Life Skills Experience is taught through golf instruction at two locations, Bacon Park Golf Course and Mary Calder Golf Club in Savannah.

First Tee Fall Session Sept. 26-Nov. 19 2011. Different instruction programs available for ages 6 and older.

For the Fall 2011 kids golf classes schedule and to register, click here.

The SouthernMamas.com Fall 2011 Classes/Sports page includes Children’s Art Classes; Children’s Music Classes; Children’s Dance Classes; and Children’s Sports, which includes golf, soccer, gymnastics, swim lessons & swim teams. Details here.