Know an accredited ticket holder to the Masters?

Now would be a good time to remind him or her of what wonderfully, well-behaved, golf-loving, Tiger-wannabe children you have.

Because for the first time this year, children aged 8-16 will be admitted free to Augusta National for the Masters, but only when they are accompanied by an accredited ticket holder, one whose name appears on the badge application. The aim is to boost youth interest in golf.

Chances are there are some ticket holders whose children or grandchildren are too young or too old to qualify for this freebie. So who knows? Perhaps they’d love to introduce your child to the sport. The tournament is April 7-13.

Also for the first time this year, the tournament’s entertaining, family-friendly Wednesday Par-3 event will be televised on ESPN.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

If you haven’t taken your toddler to the 10:30 am Thursday story time @ Bull Street Library with librarian Sha Dishong, then your child (and you) are missing out on a beloved part of growing up (and raising children) in our area.

Story time @ Bull Street for 0-2 year-olds (there’s also story and craft time 10:30 am Wednesdays for 3-4 year-olds) unfolds inside a cottage playhouse that looks like it’s right out of a Golden Book.

Sha is a pro at getting and keeping kids’ attention, even toddlers, with energetic choruses of “Hurry Up, Hurry Up, Drive that Fire Truck,” “Little Red Wagon” and standards like “Wheels on the Bus.”

You can read all about Sha and her job as children’s librarian in this recent Savannah Morning News article (photo by John Carrington, SMN). The woman obviously has found her calling: helping children share her love for books. Congrats Sha and thank you!

To find out about other story times in our area, click here.

Savvy moms know the importance of kids birthdays. So what better topic for our first post than a roundup of the best bets for parties.

Wild birthday with reptiles or birds

The Center for Wildlife Education & The Lamar Q Ball Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University offer four birthday packages. Each includes a reptile or bird program and reserved covered pavilion. Birthdays are held on Saturdays through the school year and Monday-Friday during June, July and August. Costs range from $100-$350 depending on the package. Special themed wildlife programs are available including Soft & Cuddly, Tails & Scales or Creatures of the Night. Gift bags and special gifts for birthday child are available. One package is a birthday overnight camping adventure and private wildlife program.

Party reservations are based on availability. Call Pam Harley at (912) 681-0831 or email pharley@georgiasouthern.edu.

Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum

Kids can play in the magic sand at the loggerhead sandcastle, pretend to prepare exotic meals in the international bazaar, trek across the rock challenge course or paint a picture and play instruments at this Hilton Head Island museum. Rental of the birthday party room includes plates, napkins, utensils and a special gift for the birthday child and guests. Rates range from $125-$225 and includes museum admission for up to 12 children. 18A Pope Ave. HHI (843)842-7645

Edible Art Party, Savannah Rum Runners

Each child gets to sharpen their baking skills decorating three items – usually a large cookie, cupcake and donut – using butter cream icing and different colors, chips, sprinkles, sugar, candies etc. Children take their goodies home. Call 355-4177. Located in Habersham Village, 4515 Habersham St. at 61^st St. 

Sea Turtle Cinemas

For the budding film buff. Watch a blockbuster, play in the theater game room and eat popcorn, soda and candy. Packages range from $12-$15 per child. For ages 2-12. Located at 106 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton. (843) 706-2888.

Caboose Party, Roundhouse Museum

Play in the conductor’s seat of a real caboose. Watch the model trains run through a miniature Savannah. Get an up-close look at diesel and steam engines. Catered train or character cake will be waiting with character plates and napkins set with a railroad lantern centerpiece. Lemonade, cups, ice, forks, candles provided. Parties up to eight children: $150. Add $8 for each additional child. Located downtown 601 W. Harris St. 651-6823

Puppet People
Themed birthday parties are held at the Puppet People studio Parties include: interactive studio tour; puppet show; make-and-take paper puppet that coordinates with the party theme; Decorations, utensils, paper napkins and table cloths. Prices at the studio start at $250 for up to 20 children and last up to two hours. Fees are different when Puppet People are hired to go to birthday parties at different locations from the party studio. Studio is at 3119 Furber Ave. in Thunderbolt. (912) 355-3366. E-mail puppets@puppetpeople.com

Animals for hire

The Double C Ranch:The traveling petting zoo from Ridgeland, S.C. comes to Savannah to do birthday parties.They have a variety of animals including sheep, goats, a cow and donkey. Cost is $150 for a minimum of two hours. (843)247-0428

Running Horse Ranch: The ranch in Hagan, Ga. brings the pony rides to your own back yards. Two ponies cost $150 per hour. (912) 739-7837

Kindermusik Party

Turn your child’s birthday into musical celebration. A Kindermusik birthday on-site at your location includes 15 minutes of exploration and free play with instruments plus 45 minutes of instrument exploration, instrument play-alongs, creative movement, storytime and circle dances. Also included is a free gift for the birthday child. Birthdays are given by licensed Kindermusik educators. Cost: $150 if child is enrolled in Kindermusik; $175 otherwise. Upgrades are available. (912) 352-2420.

Chick-fil-A and Build-A-Bear Party

The two Oglethorpe Mall businesses team up for kids’ parties. Each guest makes a stuffed animal they can keep at Build-A-Bear. Parties start at $10 per guest. (912)352-1876. The party then moves to the food court for lunch that includes kids meals, balloons and pictures taken with the cow. Cost is $6 per child. (912)352-1580

Air Force Party

 The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum birthday parties include a private party room, personalized cakes, drinks and supplies, goody bags, free gift wrap for purchases in from the museum store and guided tours. Located off I-95, exit 102, Pooler. 748-8888 ext. 106. E-mail education@mightyeighth.org