Free Savannah Spring Festival 2025: Blessing of the Fleet in Thunderbolt

The Town of Thunderbolt announces the return of the fourth annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival, a cherished tradition honoring the community’s vibrant maritime heritage. Under Mayor Dana Williams’ administration, this year’s festival will be presented by Tubby’s Tank House and JIT Logistics and is planned for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11 am to 5 pm on River Drive along the Wilmington River in Thunderbolt.

The day kicks off with a parade down River Drive, showcasing an impressive lineup of food trucks and more than 100 vendors offering delicious food, art, crafts, clothing, and more.  Attendees can enjoy live performances, music, and a beer garden throughout the day, culminating in the iconic Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, where all boats are invited to participate.

Originally celebrated as a way to pay tribute to Thunderbolt’s vibrant shrimping and fishing industries, the day now seeks to honor the legacy of the community’s foundation. On hiatus since the 1980s, the festival triumphantly returned in 2022 with more than 3,000 in attendance. The Blessing of the Fleet tradition started in the early 1900s when a priest or pastor brought all the shrimp boats together and blessed them for a successful, safe, and prosperous shrimping season. Over the years shrimp boats and other vessels were included in the Blessing. Thunderbolt will continue to honor the Town’s community and legacy, by providing events to strengthen, educate, and improve community development. Thunderbolt will continue to honor the Town’s community and legacy, by providing events to strengthen, educate, and improve community development.

For up-to-date information on all things Blessing of the Fleet in Thunderbolt, please visit www.botfga.com.

EMDR Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Benefits

Below is a guest post from Low Country Counseling in Savannah

Traditional talk therapy targets the recognition of feelings, behaviors, and patterns that cause distress.

If you continue feeling overwhelmed by past trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress, EMDR therapy may be a treatment for you to consider. But what is it exactly? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful, research-backed method for processing traumatic memories and improving mental well-being.

Here’s what you need to know about how EMDR works, and why it’s so effective.

EMDR therapy is a specialized treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories. This helps relieve anxiety, or negative beliefs that continue to affect their daily lives. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses eye movements, or other stimulation, to activate your brain’s natural healing process. Bilateral stimulation occurs when eye movements, alternating tapping or sounds help the two hemispheres of the brain “talk” to each other and process unresolved trauma.

See the step by step process of how EMDR Therapy works and the benefits of EMDR Therapy here.

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Low Country Counseling in Savannah

If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact us for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment.

See the different topics Low Country Counseling therapists cover here. 

Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. 

Help is available. You’re not alone.

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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Bug Fest 2025 @ Savannah Children’s Museum

Save the date for Bug Fest 2025.

The annual family-friendly celebration @ Savannah Children’s Museum will be Saturday, April 26 from 10am-1pm.

This popular annual event features community partners, bug-themed crafts, activities, workshops eat-a-bug club, insect activities, and other creepy-crawly programming throughout the day.

Admission to Bug Fest is included in the cost of regular admission to Savannah Children’s Museum, $12 for all guests 18 months and older.

This event is FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members. Become a member here.

Purchase Savannah Children’s Museum admission tickets here.

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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Free Community Day @ the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, Savannah

You’re invited to a free outdoor event Saturday, April 5, noon-4PM @ the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum in Savannah, featuring family-friendly activities, arts & crafts, free food and music.

Come celebrate Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum’s partnership with the United States Mint and the National Women’s History Museum for a celebration of the release of the Juliette Low quarter.

Learn more here.

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Tour Savannah Adventist Christian School in Pooler

See firsthand what Savannah Adventist Christian School in Pooler is all about @ the school’s last family night of the school year: Family Night STEM & Nature, Tues. April 1 2025 5:30-7pm.

Light supper provided.

Tour the school garden, see demos from school robotics & coding clubs.

All families welcome.

Savannah Adventist Christian School — which offers preschool starting at age 3 through 9th grade — is a small, private school with a family feel and Christian curriculum. Learn more here.

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Art classes @ The Art Studio in Savannah

Welcome to The Art Studio in Savannah, offering art classes for all ages in an at-home classroom and art studio. Specializing in foundation art skills and portfolio development for middle and high school visual arts schools.

New sessions start April 7 2025. Learn more and sign up for classes here.

The learning environment supports individualized art instruction and a positive fun encouraging experience for all students.

This art studio and classroom provides a nurturing environment for the unique and growing creative spirit.

All skill levels welcome.

Class sizes are no larger than six students, supporting individualized attention.

All materials are provided.

About the art teacher

Meet Julie Cummings, a teacher and artist with a BFA in painting (LSU) and an MFA in Illustration (SCAD). Julie has 12 years of experience as an art educator and two years of post-graduate education in Art Therapy.

Learn more and sign up for classes here.

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STEAM Break Spring Break day camp @ Georgia Tech Savannah

Come to Georgia Tech Savannah for a STEAM Break day camp where every day this week will be devoted to a different letter of STEAM! Join us for one day or all five days.

Georgia Tech Savannah, March 31^st  – April 4^th | 9 am – 3 pm

Monday – Science

Tuesday – Technology

Wednesday – Engineering

Thursday – Art

Friday – Mathematics

For: 1^st – 5^th Graders

Dates and Times: March 31^st – April 4^th | 9 am – 3 pm

Cost: $75 per day

Register online here.

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Georgia Tech Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

We are in the home stretch for the end of the school year!

As of today March 6, only 46 more school days remain in the 2024-2025 school year.

Have you checked your student’s grades to see how they are doing so they can finish the year strong with good grades? It’s quick and easy through PowerSchool.

Make sure you are signed up and your contact information is up to date so you can:

*Receive Report Cards & Weekly Progress Reports

*Keep Up with Absences & Upload Excuse Info

*View Upcoming Assignments

*Email Your Student’s Teacher

Need the code? Click here:

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Savannah-Chatham Public Schools System is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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JEA Preschool Art Bash: A Day at the Zoo

Join us for a wildly family fun day at the JEA Preschool Art Bash: A Day at the Zoo! 

Sunday, March 23rd 2025 | 3-5PM
@ JEA 5111 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31405

Cost: $36 per family

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with gardening activities, live & silent auctions, refreshments, and more!

Everyone is welcome—don’t miss out. 

To purchase tickets click here

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Savannah All-Sports Summer Camp 2025 for ages 6-12 @ Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus

The Campus Recreation & Intramurals Department at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus hosts this Summer Camp.

Kids will participate in a variety of activities to include; basketball, wiffleball, kickball, soccer, tag games, water days and more!

Campers also visit Skidaway Island Park and camp will bring Oatland Island to the campers.

Camp hours are 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (Extended Care until 5 pm) and for ages 6 to 12.

Each camp has a maximum of 20 participant slots available. 

Register online here.

DATES:

June 2 – 6
June 9– 13
July 14 – 18
July 21 – 25

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Wild Animal Parade Kindermusik Savannah Playdate, Saturday March 22 2025, 10am

Get ready to roar like a lion, stomp like an elephant, and flap your wings like a parrot: it’s time for a musical, whimsical Wild Animal Parade parade @ 10am Saturday, March 22 2025. ! All children have a natural love for animals and the wild, and when we combine that with the joy of making music, there’s no better way to let young imaginations soar!

This March 22 playdate in Bloomingdale is one your family definitely won’t want to miss!

Parents and children together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more musical activities in this exciting one-time Kindermusik class. Limited spaces! Claim your child’s spot before it fills!

Every enrolled child will get…
– A 40-minute class packed with learning, love, and laughter
– A Kindermusik instrument/prop to take home
– A $5 coupon for our weekly studio classes

More details:
-For ages 0-7
-Multiple adult caregivers welcome
-Sibling discount!
-Held at the Kindermusik with 88 Keys studio in Bloomingdale

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Toddler Gym: Tiny Tots Playtimes @ Summit Gymnastics, Savannah

Summit Gymnastics in Savannah offers a regular time for children ages 5 and younger to play in their gym with an adult.

The program called Tiny Tots Playtime @ Summit Gymnastics in Savannah will be offered @ 11AM-12:30 PM on the following Saturdays:

Sat. March 8, March 22, April 5, April 12 2025

Registration for these dates is up in the Summit Gymnastics parent portal now!

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$10-15 (see below)
For ages 5 & younger

You can now pre-register online through Summit’s parent portal (located @ summitgymnasticsga.com) for $10 or in person price of $15 with cash or card acceptable for payment.

Questions? Email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com

Summit Gymnastics, 74 W Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, 31406, (912) 921-1034, On Facebook here. Summit Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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Sign Up for Soccer Shots Savannah Spring Season

Enrollment for the Soccer Shots 8-week Spring Season is now open for children ages 2-8! 

Each season we use a different curriculum covering new skills and character words while having fun! We’re kicking off our Spring Season the week of March 24th and would love for your child to join us on Soccer Island this season!  

Visit Soccershots.org/savannah to learn more about our program! Or go straight to our enrollment page and sign up for a location near you that that best fits your schedule at savannah-macon.soccershots.com.

We have locations all throughout Savannah, Wilmington Island, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, and Bluffton!

Sign up here.

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Campaign will fund new projects for athletics, performing arts, endowment

Dr. Kelley Waldron, Head of School for St. Andrew’s, recently shared details of The Campaign for the Foundation of our Future, including the exciting news that approximately $3.5 million has already pledged towards the campaign’s $5.5 million goal.

Included among the projects to be funded by the Foundation for our Future campaign is a new performing arts space on campus, including a 300-seat auditorium with a full stage, wings, and backdrop along with purpose-built classrooms for orchestra, band, choir, theatre and visual arts. The campaign will also fund extensive renovations to the existing athletic fields, including a complete rebuilding of the fields, and drainage ensuring a high-quality playing experience for student athletes participating in football, soccer, baseball, and flag football. A final focus of the campaign is on growing the endowment, providing the financial foundation for a strong future for the school.

“In recent years, we have had to cap participation in orchestra, band, theater, and choir. Instruction takes place in traditional classrooms, rather than purpose-built instructional rooms that allow for the full space and resources to maximize learning in these disciplines,” said Waldron. “The quality of instruction is excellent, but the impact of that instruction is challenged as long as the quality of the physical environment does not match the potential of our teachers and students.”

When it comes to athletic facilities, Waldron shared a similar story of facilities not meeting the skill and potential of the students. “Our fields date back to our founding and are at the end of their functional use. They have lost their crown and flood easily and often. This means our teams are sometimes required to forgo practice and reschedule games long after storms have passed.”

“This campaign will allow us to invest in facilities that match the quality of our programs and provide a foundation for our students’ success,” said Waldron.

Led by a committee of volunteers, the campaign is co-chaired by Davy Clay and Elyssa Minton, both St. Andrew’s parents.

People can learn more about the campaign and make a gift here: https://saslions.com/capitalcampaign/

St. Andrew’s School is an independent college preparatory school offering classes for students from Early Childhood through Grade 12. Originally started as Independent Presbyterian Day School 1947, the school became St. Andrew’s School and moved to its current location on Penn Waller Road in 1978. 

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St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Farm Fridays @ Savannah Children’s Museum

Farm Friday is a weekly program that happens at about 11:30AM Fridays @ Coastal Heritage Society’s Savannah Children’s Museum.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore Frogtown Garden and learn from Savannah Children’s Museum Lead Educator Ms. Katrinka about a variety of fruits, vegetables, & herbs that are growing.

Be sure to ask for a sample of the Farm to Table snack of the day.

This program is Included with general Savannah Children’s Museum admission. FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members. Become a member here.

Summer 2025 Hours Update: Savannah Children’s Museum – Georgia’s only completely outdoors children’s museum – is open 9AM-2PM Monday-Saturday during summer school break, weather permitting.
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SouthCoast Health

Experts @ SouthCoast Health Pediatrics share here the importance of getting your kids vaccinated against the flu. The flu can be especially tough on kids, but the good news is that the flu vaccine is the best way to protect them—and it’s not too late to get it.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older. 

Learn more here.

Call SouthCoast Health Pediatrics today to schedule your child’s flu shot.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Sharkie School Summer Camp 2025 @ Savannah Sharks

Time to sign up for summer camps 2025 @ Savanah Sharks.

Sharkie School Summer Camp 2025 is for ages 3-5, June 2-5 & Aug. 4-7. Sharkie School Summer Camp is 9am-1pm.

It’s located at the Savannah Sharks gym, 1686 E. President St. in Savannah.

Learn more and sign up here.

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Savannah Sharks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Tidewater Waldorf, a Home Education Program in Thunderbolt

Below is a guest post by Tidewater Waldorf

Tidewater Waldorf is a drop-off cooperative learning environment supporting families that have chosen home education.

Our hybrid homeschool education model offers Waldorf classes three days a week while also allowing for the natural family rhythm to flourish in your home.

We emphasize the importance of protecting our children’s childhood and allowing them to thrive through their imagination and play.

Our program includes aspects of a traditional Waldorf Education while also educating families on how to incorporate these practices in their own home and lives. 

Our program meets Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:30am – 1:30pm.

Learn more here.

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Open House @ Tidewater Waldorf

Learn more about Tidewater Waldorf and visit the schoolhouse @ an Open House, Saturday, March 8, 10AM-12PM. The schoolhouse is at 3119 Furber Ave. in Thunderbolt.

Fall 2025 Enrollment open for First Grade and Kindergarten.

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Savannah Stage Company Performing Arts Camp 2025

BRAVERY. IMAGINATION. GROWTH.

Join Savannah Stage Company for in-person arts camps at a price you can afford!

Savannah Stage Company’s Performing Arts Camp is available for rising 3rd-10th graders and is led by professional actors and improvisors. Campers rehearse diving into the unknown, creating characters and saying yes! Grow your confidence, expand your imagination, and build up your bravery. Performance on final Friday at 2pm!

Use coupon code EARLYBIRD2025 for 15% off!

Register online here.

Questions? Email michelle@savannahstagecompany.com

Daily Cannon Firings @ Old Fort Jackson, Savannah

Come to Old Fort Jackson in Savannah for family-friendly educational programming focusing on the lives of soldiers once stationed at Fort Jackson and its 18th-century predecessor, Mud Fort.

Daily cannon firings & fort history program at 11AM & 2PM lead by Coastal Heritage Society interpreters dressed as soldiers from different units present on-site over the 250 years of the fort’s history.

The 20-30 minute fort history program precedes the cannon firing. On weekends, there’s a 1:30PM Riverboat Salute.

Call ahead to confirm: 912-232-3945. This National Historic Landmark is open daily 9AM-4PM. 

Learn more about Old Fort Jackson here.

Free for Coastal Heritage Society members.

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Discount on Coastal Heritage Society Family Membership for SouthernMamas.com readers

Want unlimited admission to Old Fort Jackson? Become a member of Coastal Heritage Society.

Use discount code SOMAMA25 at checkout during June 2025 to receive 25% off a $125 Coastal Heritage Society Family Membership

In celebration of Coastal Heritage Society’s 50 years of education and preservation in Savannah this year, Coastal Heritage Society is offering a 25% discount on a $125 year-long Coastal Heritage Society Family Membership to SouthernMamas.com readers during June 2025.

Coastal Heritage Society operates six local sites: Savannah History Museum, Savannah’s Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Get your family membership with a 25% discount online here. Please use the code SOMAMA25 to receive the 25% discount.

This discount is only available during June 2025 and expires July 1st 2025. (Discount for family memberships only)

Coastal Heritage Society Family Membership includes: unlimited admission to all six Coastal Heritage sites – Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Savannah History Museum, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Harper Fowlkes House – for one family (up to 2 primary cardholders).

Every member receives:

*Unlimited admission to all Coastal Heritage Society museums and historic sites!

*Discounts for special events like Savannah Santa Train; free admission to certain events like Bug Fest and Seuss Fest

*10% discount in all museum gift shops

*Free Site Tours by Train at Georgia State Railroad Museum

*e-Newsletter subscription

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Registration is open for this popular Savannah day camp

Designed especially for children in grades K-8, Camp Moon River summer day camp combines the fun and excitement of an overnight camp with the convenience of a day program. Each day is packed with engaging activities and unforgettable adventures that will leave your child with cherished memories.

Camp Moon River campers unleash their creativity through hands-on arts and crafts, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities like trails, team-building challenges, campfires, and GAGA ball, and participate in a variety of games that promote teamwork and sportsmanship. To top it off, waterslides offer the perfect way to stay cool and beat the summer heat!

At Camp Moon River, every child is encouraged to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive and fun-filled environment. Camp Moon River staff can’t wait to make this summer an unforgettable experience for your child!

Learn more and register online here.

Specials: Discounts for CMR are listed as you register.

Questions? Email campmoonriversavannah@savcds.org

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Special storytime with Savannah children’s book author & librarian

Come celebrate the joy of reading @ Savannah Children’s Museum at this special springtime storytime @ 10:30am Friday, March 21 with popular librarian & children’s book author John Light from Live Oak Public Libraries Bull Street Library.

Included with Savannah Children’s Museum admission.

Free for Coastal Heritage Society members. Become a member here.

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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Fort Pulaski Workers Village Archeology Tour

Come on a guided archeology walk @ Fort Pulaski National Monument – located near Tybee Island just outside of Savannah.

Guided archeology walks are @ 10AM Wednesdays. These 45-minute tours start inside the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center. This program is subject to change based on weather and staff capacity. For more information, contact the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center at 912-219-4233 or fopu_information@nps.gov

During Fort Pulaski’s eighteen years of construction, hundreds of people of all backgrounds lived on Cockspur Island. Archeological work into the Workers Village has led to fascinating findings about how these people lived. Join a park archeologist or staff member for a guided walk revealing this period in Fort Pulaski National Monument’s history.

The guided walk follows the North Pier Trail and is about .5 miles total (out-and-back). The trail is either paved or on hard-packed sand, but some archeological resources are in grassy areas. Remember to bring water and bug spray.

Learn more here.

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Daily Ranger Talks @ Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah

Ranger Talks at Fort Pulaski take place inside of historic Fort Pulaski daily. These programs typically begin in the fort’s parade ground, but start locations vary based on weather conditions. Call the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (912-219-4233) for more information.

11-11:30AM Daily.

Ranger talk programs last for approximately 30 minutes and cover a range of information about Fort Pulaski’s history, as well as information about the natural and cultural heritage of Cockspur Island.

This program is subject to change based on weather and staff capacity. For more information, contact the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center at 912-219-4233 or fopu_information@nps.gov

Learn more here.

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Junior Ranger Programs for Kids @ National Parks/Monuments

Fort Pulaski National Monument’s Junior Ranger Program is a fun way for kids to get the most out of their fort visit.

Children (and adults) of all ages can participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Handbooks are available inside the Visitor Center. By doing the activities, children earn a badge and a certificate. It may take up to two hours to complete the book.

Learn more here.

Nearby national parks/monuments that have Junior Ranger programs include:

* Reconstruction Era National HIstoric Park, Beaufort SC. Includes: Old Beaufort Firehouse, Penn Center, (St. Helena Is.), Camp Saxton (Port Royal) Free admission. Learn more here.
* Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
* Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Mary’s Ga. Junior Ranger info here. 
* Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Is., Ga. Info on the Fort Frederica National Monument Junior Ranger Program here. 
* Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, Macon, Ga.. Info on Ocmulgee’s National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.
* Congaree National Park, Columbia, SC. Info on Junior Ranger Program here. 

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Kindermusik Savannah classes for newborns to 7-year-olds

Below is a guest post from Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano

Try a class…on us!

First introductory class is free.

We’d love to welcome you into our Kindermusik family, going 22 years strong!

Have a newborn? Infants up to 8 weeks attend 100% free.  

Text FREE CLASS to 912-432-5885 or visit kindermusikwith88keys.com for more info!

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends. 

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