Create the perfect Father’s Day present and spend some creative quality time with your child.

Come to the Family Workshop, Bear Family Self Portraits, Sat. June 20, 1-2:30PM @ Scribble Art Studio, 212 E 37th St, Savannah, 31401. Cost: $15 per person. Organized by Scribble Art Studio & Blick Art Materials Savannah.

In honor of Father’s Day Blick Art Supplies is offering 1/2 off Bear Family Self Portraits.

You will create adorable bear portraits to treasure forever. Each family member will recreate themselves as Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother or Baby Bear.

To register your little artist, call 912-713-7376 or click here. Pre-registration required.

Savannah location: 212 E 37th St, Savannah, 31401

To learn more about Scribble’s summer camps, art classes & children’s birthdays in Pooler & Savannah, click here or call 912-713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com  . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Kindermusik in Savannah announces its June monthly musical playdate: “Music and Motion at the Ocean!”

Playdate will be Wednesday, June 17 at 10am and again on Saturday, June 20 at 10am.

Playdates are open for ages 0-7 and all participants receive an instrument, 10 Kindermusik songs and a bonus gift at the end of class. Cost is $15 for the first child & $5 for siblings.

To enroll, visit www.88keysga.com or call 912.988.KEYS. Kindermusik…where music and learning play.

Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

Kindermusik Savannah, email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397)www.88keysga.com/Kindermusik  Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

WITH THE START OF SUMMER, WE THOUGHT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM SHOULD REPOST THIS POPULAR & INFORMATIVE GUEST POST ABOUT OUR AREA’S JELLYFISH.

Below is a guest post published on SouthernMamas.com in 2011 by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson. Dr. Richardson leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors. Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here. To book a family, scout, school and tour group beach walk call (912) 596-5362 or email joe@ceasurf.com. For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.

Cannonball Jelly – a non-stinger

Lion’s Mane Jelly – mild stinger

Jellyfish: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

It’s not unusual to find jellyfish on our beaches, but most of the time the ones we see are harmless and will not sting you. In mid May, the most abundant jellyfish on the beach is the Cannonball Jelly. They are ball-shaped (as opposed to flat), relatively firm, and have a broad reddish-brown band wrapping around an otherwise cloudy white body. The thick structure extending out from under the bell is a system of multiple mouths. Cannonball Jellies do not have stinging tentacles hanging from the bell, so as long as you handle them on the outside of the bell or mouths, there is nothing to sting you. Only if you stick your fingers way up inside the bell could you contact any tiny tentacles, and even then they would give you only a slight tingle. So, don’t mind the Cannonball Jellies – they aren’t going to sting you.

Our common winter-time jellyfish, the Lion’s Mane Jelly, has pretty much finished its season for this year. I haven’t seen any Lion’s Mane Jellies in a few weeks now that the water has warmed up. They are round and fairly flat, and they often have some pink color. Their tentacles are fairly short and form a “hairy-looking” circle of tentacles hanging from the underside of the flat

Moon jellies – mild stingers

Sea Wasp jellies – active in late July & August. Intense burning sting.

jellyfish. This thick circle of short tentacles supposedly resembles the hairy mane around the neck of a male lion.Lion’s Mane Jellies produce a very mild sting; and I personally don’t consider it a “sting” but more of an irritation.

As the water warms into the summer, we will start seeing Moon Jellies. They are very flat, round and clear, and usually have 4 horseshoe shaped structures visible near the center. Moon Jellies have a fringe of short tentacles extending from the very outer edge of their flat body. I’ve seen Moon Jellies on Tybee Island as large as a dinner plate. Moon Jelly tentacles produce a mild sting. It is not really painful, but you know that you have been stung; but it’s not likely going to cause you much discomfort.

It’s during late July and the first couple of weeks of August, on average, that we reach the peak of the Sea Wasp season on Tybee. The Sea Wasp jellyfish are our “bad guys” around here. (We rarely have trouble from floating, blue Portugese Man of War on Tybee, especially compared to some beaches in Florida). But the Sea Wasp jellyfish in late summer do cause us problems. They are clear, and we can’t see them in the water. Although their body is fairly small (2-3 inches), they produce a number of long thin tentacles that extend from 4 hand-like structures that hang from the bottom of their box-shaped body. Even when they are dead and washed up on the beach, Sea Wasp tentacles can still sting. Their sting is an instant intense burning sting, and these stings will make you want to get out of the water and seek some relief. Although the intense pain subsides after a few minutes, the stung area will still hurt a while, and usually some red marks will appear where the tentacles contacted your skin. For me, the stung areas itch for a few days later also.

The above is a guest post by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, who leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors.

Summer 2015 Gardening Workshops @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah.

Team Building for Kids June 29 at 10am – 11am Ages 6-10
Build confidence through fun garden activities where cooperation and communication are a must! $5 per student

Ornithology 101 July 1 and July 8 at 10am – 11am All Ages (adults too!)
Learn about the beautiful birds of the coastal region in this one hour walk around the Gardens.
$5 per person

Creek Native American Life July 6 – 10am – 11am Ages 8-12
Learn about the fascinating lives of the Native Americans that inhabited the Coastal Plain region, and the plants they relied on for food and medicine.
$5 per student

Preregistration and payment for all summer programs/workshops is required. You may not confirm a seat over the phone; your reservation is guaranteed only with received payment.

Please contact Liz Lubrani at 912-921-5460 ext. 221 to register for all summer day programs or summertime Roots & Shoots sessions (available until Jul 10).

You may register in person at the Visitor Center with cash, credit card or check, with a list of your chosen summer workshops. You may mail a check AFTER you first call to register if ample space remains before the program to:

CGBG Education
2 Canebrake Rd.
Savannah, GA 31419.

*Roots & Shoots Educational Programs are available through July 10 Call to schedule your daycare group or summer campers.  Details here. 

See online here for more activities coming up at the Gardens including Family Night Hikes, Stargazing, and more.
Call 912-921-5460 to register.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, 31419, www.coastalgeorgiabg.org, (912) 921-5460, e-mail: coastal@uga.edu

$1 kids’ weekday movies; camps & waterparks; free library shows & science programs; free spray pools; best daytrips & beaches; drive-in movies; indoor inflatable play center weekday specials; neighborhood pools that are open to non-resident members.

We’ve got all that & more in our Summer Fun 2015 List for Savannah & the Lowcountry area.

To see our favorite summertime events in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit our Summer 2015 Fun List by clicking here.

To see the complete list of local kid-friendly happenings (including regular weekend & weekday kids’ events) visit our Events Calendarby clicking here.

Free Family Day!

FREE Family Days (Details here.)
Telfair Museums FREE family days will be on one Saturday of each month, 1-4 PM through 2015. These events highlight a different exhibition each month and feature art-making activities for visitors of all ages.  More info here.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Explore the OT House
Owens-Thomas House

Join us for an afternoon of history, craft demonstrations, and exploration at the Owens-Thomas House. The main floor of the house will be open for interpretive tours in which families will meet characters from the history of the house, including Mary Maxwell and the Marquis de Lafayette, and learn about tea and entertaining customs of the period. Visitors will see demonstrations of traditional methods of spinning and bread making and learn to play games like marbles that were likely played by both the enslaved children and the free children in the household. Families will also see a demonstration of the faux-finishing techniques used in the house and participate in a hands-on marbleizing activity.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Impressionism
Telfair Academy

Get ready for Monet and create lasting impressions at the historic Telfair Academy by exploring the painting techniques and the color theory that inspired one of the greatest movements in art. We will help you make your own color book. Go on an impressionism scavenger hunt, play color games in the galleries, and enjoy impressionist music in the beautiful rotunda.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Monet at the Telfair Art Fair
Jepson Center & Telfair Square

Enjoy the Telfair Square and the Monet and American Impressionism exhibit at this inside and outside family day. Children can engage in activities in the square sponsored by Dick Blick Art Materials, try plein air painting, make water lilies, participate in story time, learn how to mix colors, and more!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
I Have Marks to Make
Jepson Center

Help celebrate the creative spirit and the accomplishments of Savannah artists young and old at Telfair’s annual I Have Marks to Make exhibition. Exploring the empowerment of people through art, the exhibition features works by individuals with disabilities and work by others making art in rehabilitation from injury or illness. Make your own mark in drawing and painting activities led by talented local artists participating in the exhibition, and take part in a moving program of poetry readings and performances at 2 pm, followed by a reception.

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE.

Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. offers various summer kids events including: 

Summer Fun Series 2015

Mondays (June 22-Aug. 3)
10:30a: “Sizzlin’ Summer Science”
First come, first serve. Included in Admission. Space is limited
Call 843-842-7645 for any questions

Tuesdays (June 23-Aug. 4)
Crafty Kids (10:30am-11:30am)
First come, first serve. Included in Admission
June
23 Alligator
30 Patriotic Hat
July
7 Sea Turtle
14 Octopus
21 Rainstick
28 Shark
August
4 Starfish
Call 843-842-7645 for any questions

Wednesdays (June 24-August 5)
Arts & Crafts (10:30am-11:30am)
First come, first serve. Included in Admission
June
24 Jelly Fish
July
1 Patriotic Wreath
8 Sandcastle
15 Bird Mask
29 Tropical Fish
August
5 Horseshoe Crab
Call 843-842-7645 for any questions

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Imagination Hour
Special story followed by a special craft, first come first serve. Included in Admission
Every Thursday at 10:30am

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Parents Night Out
6p-9p. Details here. 
(Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 17-August 6)
Enjoy a parents night out while the kids let their imaginations run wild playing with the museum’s fun exhibits and activity areas. Plus staff supervised arts and crafts, dinner (pizza,drink & dessert) & a fun take home craft for each child.
Geared for children age 3-9 years.
Children must be potty-trained.
Reservations highly recommended 24 hours in advance; space available basis for walk-ins.
$30 per child
Siblings and Sandbox Members only $20 per child.
($1/minute per child late pick up fee.)
Call 843-842-7645 to sign up
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Summer Camps 2015 @ The Sandbox. For ages 3-10. Details here.

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE LOCAL PARENT & ME ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR PRESCHOOLER, CLICK HERE. 

Come out to Skidaway Island State Park to enjoy FREE kids’ nature activities most Wednesdays-Sundays during June 2015 including free  Toddler Time for kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers at 10 AM Thursdays. Bring your child to enjoy stories, games and learning designed just for them. Each week there will be a different nature based theme.

Other free kids’ nature programs include:a feral hogs program, bird watching program, reptile show & more.

To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park each month, click here.

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FREE Parking Pass

Live Oak Public Libraries customers with valid library cards can borrow a Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites “Park Pass.” The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks statewide. For more information, click here. 

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Meet a Park Ranger

Join one of Skidaway Is. State Park rangers every Friday morning at 9:00 am to discuss all things Skidaway Island State Park. Learn what it’s like to be a ranger, what it takes to manage the park, or what the daily dealings/activities are. The possibilities are endless.

So come for great coffee, great discussion, and a great time.

See you at the Interpretive Center on Friday

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Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah , GA 31411. On Facebook here.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Need a creative spot to drop the kids while you run errands this summer?

Or want to spend some time with your little artist at a special spot?

Check out Open Studio hours at Scribble Art Studio in Pooler. No registration needed. Just show up.

We got the chance to check out Scribble Art Studio‘s newly renovated studio in Pooler & fell in love. So many art kits, so much inspiration, such a relaxing, creative environment. You & your kids will never want to leave. See our photos here. 

The studio has new extended Summer 2015 Open Studio hours:
*Mon-Thurs 1-6pm
*Fri 1-8pm
*Sat 10am-8pm

Pooler location: 115 Canal St, Pooler, GA 31322

Cost; $15/Canvas du jour, Art Kits starting at $15

Drop off: Ages 4+ With a Caregiver: 4 and younger.

See more of the newly renovated Pooler studio & what kids during Open Studio hours by clicking here. 

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com  . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Summer Kids’ Cooking Party

Saturday, June 6, 11am-1pm
Ampersand (36 MKL Blvd., Savannah)
Kick off Summer with the TTF Chef and make some delicious dishes using the season’s freshest ingredients! For kids ages 6 & older. Cost: $25 per child. Advanced tickets are required. Register online here. 

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Weekly Tiny Tots Play Dates
Tuesdays at 10:15-11:15am, Tom Triplett Park (Pooler)
Come to the most creative play date in town. Kids ages 5 & younger enjoy learning, singing and story time while making two seasonal food crafts—one to eat and one to keep. Cost: $10 per child.

Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased individually or in a 4-session bundle here.

Tiny Tots Play Dates will continue on Tuesdays in July 2015 but FOR AGES 6 & OLDER starting July 7 but from 12:15-1:15pm. For the July schedule & weekly themes, click here. 

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Summer Kids’ Cooking Camps
Tummy Time Foods is turning up the heat this summer with two Kids’ Cooking Camps. These 3-day camps teach kids ages 7 and up how to select and prepare healthier food options from scratch. Kids will learn the importance of healthy nutrition, basic cooking skills, knife skills, kitchen safety and more. Each day will focus on a different lesson and menu, and kids will dine on their own culinary creations. The camp ends with a Closing Reception featuring refreshments prepared by camp participants. Participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their experience.

Kids’ Cooking Camp
Session 1: Kids Can Cook!
June 10-12, 2015

For the daily camp schedule, click here. 

Kids’ Cooking Camp
Session 2: Summer Sensations!
June 30-July 2, 2015

For the daily camp schedule, click here. 

Camp Tuition
Cost of the 3-day camp: $125 per child. Parents will receive a discount for registering multiple children. Tuition includes all ingredients, supplies and materials needed to create delicious, healthy kid-friendly recipes. Kids also enjoy interactive nutrition lessons and receive an exciting kit of their very own cooking utensils and a special gift to use during camp and keep.

Seating is limited. Advanced tickets are required and available here.

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Saturday Tiny Tots Play Date
Saturday, June 13, 12-1pm
Tater Bugs (Pooler)

It’s Tummy Time Foods popular Tiny Tots Play Date… on Saturday. Kids ages 5 & younger make food crafts to the theme, “Just Like Daddy”, in time for Father’s Day. Cost: $10 per child. Parents are always free. Advanced tickets are required and available here 

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Play Dates and Food Workshops at the Savannah Children’s Museum
Saturday, June 20, July 18 and August 15
Savannah Children’s Museum (Whistlestop Café Dining Car)

Enjoy Tummy Time Foods’ signature Tiny Tots Play Dates and NEW Simple Bites Classes this summer at the Savannah Children’s Museum. Participants will enjoy a 10% discount at the Whistlestop Café.

Tiny Tots Play Dates (Ages 5 and under)
11am-12pm, $12 per child ($10 with CHS Membership)
Kids will enjoy singing, making food crafts and more! One parent is required to participate per child.

Simple Bites Classes (Ages 6-12)
1-2pm, $15 per child ($13 with CHS Membership)
Kids will enjoy a fun craft or food experiment with the TTF Chef! They will then make a simple seasonal snack to enjoy.

Advanced registration is required and available here.

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Kids Can Cook!
Tummy Time Foods provides hands-on cooking and nutrition events for kids of all ages! Our signature Kids Cooking Parties are the tastiest way to learn and play! In addition to these deliciously amazing events, we also provide Birthday Cooking Parties, At-Home Cooking Parties, Cooking Classes, Cooking Camps and Family Nutrition Coaching.

Looking for a creative idea for your child’s birthday? Looking for a creative activity for your kids during winter break? Book your Kids Cooking Party today at www.tummytimefoods.com.

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Summer’s Coming… Let’s Party!

Let Tummy Time Foods customize a culinary experience for your child this summer. Choose two menu items using the season’s freshest ingredients and your child will have the most creative party in town. For more information, click here.

Tummy Time Foods, www.tummytimefoods.com, (912) 996-7120 email info@tummytimefoods.com. On Facebook here.  Tummy Time Foods is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

A summer of fun awaits at Childcare Network’s Adventure Summer Camp!

Childcare Network is featuring 10 awesome themes, including Amazing Race, Summer Rocks, Super Heroes, Unusual Animals from Around the World, & many more.

Their Adventure Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a fun and exciting environment for your child, while continuing to help them explore and discover the world around them.

Call Childcare Network today at 855-792-6976 to reserve your spot.

Learn more here. 

Childcare Network has 3 Savannah locations & 1 Pooler location coming soon, www.childcarenetwork.com/metro/Savannah,  On Facebook here.   Childcare Network is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to a free Vaccination Education Information Session in Savannah featuring four Savannah physicians at JEA Preschool Savannah .

Wednesday, June 3 2015
6:30-7:30 pm

Updated Research on Immunization and Vaccination
 Why Do We Vaccinate? benefits, risks and myths
 Question and Answer Session

Featuring:
Dr. Ben Mackowiak, currently practicing neonatology at Memorial Health University.
Dr. Stephen Thacker, currently practicing at Memorial Health University Medical Center.
Dr. Yael Elfassy, currently working at Curtis V Cooper primary healthcare center.
Dr. Kasey Berman, who recently opened her own Savannah practice, Be Pediatrics.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. JUST SHOW UP. 

About JEA Preschool Savannah

JEA Preschool Savannah opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum is led by qualified and experienced teachers. Extended hours are available daily. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org or click here .

JEA Preschool Savannah, Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31405 912-355-8111. JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Registration opens today for Savannah United’s Early Goals Toddler Soccer Program for Summer 2015.

Spots fill up quickly, so please do not hesitate to get your little one signed up for some great summer soccer.  Early Goals is a fun, relaxed program to introduce your toddler/preschooler to soccer.  Summer programs in Savannah, Wilmington Is., Richmond Hill, Southbridge, Bloomingdale, Statesboro.

Early Goals is an engaging, action-packed soccer program specifically designed to cater for the youngest players ages 30 months to 4 years old. Coaches will work on simple coordination, ball familiarity, listening skills, teamwork and hopefully plant the seed for a lifetime of soccer enjoyment. With one session a week, Early Goals is a safe, non-competitive environment which focuses on the fundamentals of the ’beautiful game’.

Schedule & more info here. 

If you have any questions about the Early Goals program, please contact the program director Matt Pritchard via email:m.pritchard@savannahunited.com

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Important dates for Savannah United’s summer soccer schedule include:

June 1
Early Goals Toddler Soccer Registration Opens. Details here.

June 2, 3, 4
Tryouts for U14+ Select Program at Jennifer Ross Complex. Details here. 

June 8-12 (register in advance)
SSA Savannah United Camp at Jennifer Ross Complex. Details here. 

June 22-26 (register in advance)
SSA Savannah United Micro Skills Camp at Ambuc Park. Details here.

June 22-26 (register in advance)
SSA Savannah United Rec Skills Camp at Ambuc Park. Details here. 

July 13-17 (register in advance)
SSA Chelsea Elite Camp at Guy Minick Park. Details here. 

July 27-31 (register in advance)
SSA Savannah United Goalkeeper / Striker Camp at Guy Minick Park. Details here.

Savannah United,  www.savannahunited.com,  On Facebook here.  On Twitter here. Savannah United is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

We received lots of inquires from readers about the status of the newly renovated Forsyth Park spray pool, that was initially scheduled to open June 1.

The spray pool/splash zone opening has been delayed indefinitely pending review by the health department of the $48,000 renovation project. Here’s the update from the Coastal Health District: “As with any renovations or changes, plans must be submitted to the health department for review. We just received those plans recently and they are now under review.”

Hopefully, the newly renovated spray pool/splash zone – a favorite summertime spot for families with young children – will re-open soon. Meanwhile, other free Savannah parks spray pools where kids can enjoy a cool water experience under adult supervision include: Avondale, Hull Park, Forrest Hills, Paulsen, 38th Street Park, Savannah Gardens, and Victory Heights Parks. Learn more here.

For the 2015 Summer Season, spray pools will open June 1 through July 24, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM-3 PM. Hull Park spray pool hours (55th Street & Atlantic Avenue in Ardsley Park): Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM in addition to regular weekday hours M-F, 10AM-3PM.

We’ll update our Event Calendar & this site when Forsyth Park spray pool does open. Forsyth’s hours will be: Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, noon to 6 PM.

FOR MORE SAVANNAH KIDS’ SUMMER ACTIVITIES, VISIT OUR SUMMER FUN GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE. 

Bring your dog to a Savannah Sand Gnats game this summer: Bark in the Park is 2PM on Sun. June 28 2015 @ Historic Grayson Stadium, 1401 East Victory Dr., Savannah, 31404

Please bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations and registration. Presented by TailsSpin.

For tickets info & more special Sand Gnats games, click here.  

Don’t forget: Kids Eat Free Sunday
All kids 12 and under in attendance will receive a voucher good for one free hot dog & small soda. Kids run the bases after the game.