Online viewing of the bird nest cam at The Landings can provide live entertainment for those self-quarantined & looking to escape Disney Plus.

These cameras follow ospreys nesting beside the Palmetto golf course at The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah.

This year, the ospreys are using a nest built by cam operators and volunteers in fall 2019, after the old nest tree, which died, had to be cut down.

The female laid an egg on March 8 2020 and another March 11 2020. Update: As of April 21, all three eggs have hatched.

Watch here.

Or you can watch here via the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Web site.

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Find more of our new free online things to do at home here. 

SouthernMamas.com is always telling you to get off the screens and get out there and do things with your kids in Savannah and the Lowcountry.

Except now during this COVID-19 pandemic, we’re not. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Social distancing is key , as in staying home as much as possible and avoiding crowds. That means avoiding playdates, sleepovers, bars, restaurants, parties, or houses of worship. Learn more here.

Georgia Department of Public Health provides a COVID-19 Daily Status report, listing all confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia county by county, updated daily at noon. See it here. 

The State of Georgia has a COVID-19 hotline. Georgians with questions or concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus) may call this hotline. Hotline Number: 1-844-442-2681

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Things to do at home for kids

Online National Geographic Explorer free classroom offered weekdays for kids. Details here.

Telfair Museums’ tips on sketchbooking for kids. Details here. 

Online kids’ free program hosted by Friends of Oatland, FOOVENTURES @ 11AM weekdays. Connect online w/ the animals of Oatland Island Wildlife Center while the wildlife center is closed during COVID-19 pandemic. Details here. 

Online live free zoo learning kids’ program hosted by Riverbanks Zoo, 10AM weekdays. Details here. 

Online live free learning kids’ program hosted by Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 11AM weekdays. Details here. 

Online Kindermusik Savannah classes here. 

Online virtual tour of Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters in Savannah here. 

Online live free DIY kids’ art workshops, 11AM Tues. March 24 & 11AM Thurs. March 26. Details & materials needed here. 

Online free children’s bookfest, 3-5PM Fri. March 27. Details here. 

Online live video of wild osprey pair via The Landings bird cam  here.

E-books via Live Oak Public Libraries here. 

Travel & Leisure magazine lists 12 world-famous museums that offer virtual tours you can take from your couch. See them here. 

Online free Lunch Doodles with author & artist Mo Willems, 1PM weekdays. Details here. 

Online free storytime with Oliver Jeffers,  illustrator of many books including The Day the Crayons Quit, on Instagram Live at 1PM @oliverjeffers

Online free storytimes with Olaf, aka Josh Gad on Twitter and Instagram Live @joshgad 

Online free storytimes with children’s book author Dan Santat  “Santat survival school for the pandemic” on Instagram @dsantat 

Amazing Educational Resources is a big spreadsheet of tools/programs/services that usually cost money but are being offered for free (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) with info on subject and grade level. Find it here. 

In partnership with Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, Save with Stories – featuring celebrities reading children’s books – is offered on Instagram and Facebook to provide fun and education to kids and parents stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

(We will be adding more online kids’ happenings to SouthernMamas.com)

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Now that Savannah-Chatham public schools & local private schools are closed for March 2020, here’s a homeschool schedule from Kristen Howerton, author of Rage Against the Minivan

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Bring your kids to a special FREE Bee Day @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center  9:30AM-12:30PM on Thurs. March 19

Felt bees and ceramic hives workshops with the cultural arts staff and an instructional show-and-tell and discussion by the Coastal Empire Bee Keeping Association. Stick around for the FREE screening of “Bee Movie” at 11AM.

9:30-11AM: Felt Bees & Ceramic Hives Workshops
Instructional Show-and-Tell and discussion by Coastal Empire Bee Keeping Association

11AM-12:30PM
Film Screening of “Bee Movie”

FREE | Open to the Community | All ages welcome

Savannah Cultural Arts Center
201 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Register online here. 

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center offers these free or affordable Spring 2020 kid-friendly classes & workshops.

To view the latest updates to events and programming, be sure to visit www.savannahga.gov/arts or call 912-651-6783.

Little Artists Creative Drop-in Play Space
Saturdays, March 21 & 28 • 9AM-Noon
Ages 6 & younger
$5 per child per class

Drop in any time between 9AM-Noon to take part in a creative learning environment that focuses on stimulating the basics of imagination, movement, and fun.

Register online here. 

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Music and Movement
Saturdays, April 4 – 25 • 9:30-10:30AM
4-week class
15 months – 3 years with caregiver
Cost $20

Sign up for this educational experience with Instructor Joanna Walchuk as she takes you through the building blocks of learning songs and dance in a fun, uplifting environment.

Register online here. 

___________________________

Home-school Art Program
Thursday, April 9, May 7 10AM-Noon
Ages 6-15
$10 per child

Come join our new Home-school Art Program to learn create and have fun! Each session will offer a different creative and educational activity that will help foster artistic expression. Students will learn a variety of skills across different media while learning about famous artist and art movements. Parents are encouraged to join in own the fun for free.

Register online here. 

____________________________

Drop-in Ceramics
Thursday’s (Bi-Weekly) April 2-May 28 10AM-Noon
All ages welcome (ages 10 & younger are not permitted on the wheel)
FREE

Drop in our studio and engage in fun clay based activities with the guidance of our skilled instructor.

Register online here. 

8th BIRTHDAY FOR THE BIRDS
APRIL 25 2020, 9-11AM
Port Royal, SC

The Town of Port Royal along with the Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Committee invite the community to celebrate the 8th Birthday for the Birds on April 25 2020, 9-11 AM. This unique, one of a kind event showcases Beaufort County’s wonderful natural resources, the Port Royal Rookery and Wetlands, along with the incredible wildlife living within.

This exciting free Community Celebration focuses upon the various species living in this habitat along with educational and information resources. With support from the Fripp Island Audubon Club and other organizations, it will be an informative and fun day to enjoy the Port Royal Rookery and Wetlands. Representatives from the LowCountry Habitat for Humanity, Fripp Island Wildlife Department along with Hunting Island Park Rangers will be onsite as they showcase many inhabitants of the wetlands including alligators and other species.

Master Naturalists (TOUR SIGN-UPS BEGIN AT 8:30 AM) will be there as educational guides giving boardwalk tours of the wetlands along with answering any questions. There will be a Scavenger Hunt with check offs for finding all the unique species and when completed, can proudly show off by wearing their well earned “I Found all the Wildlife Species at the Port Royal Rookery.”

Plus, face painting by Kandace Palmer of Southern Palette Art Studio, local school children’s artwork and puppets to view and a delicious Birthday Cake.

There will be kazoos to play as you tip your bird hat and Cypress Wetlands coloring books donated by the Beaufort Soil & Conservation District for the children to enjoy. Look for the Costumed Bird Greeters, the 1979 Silver Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Up festively decorated with Birds for the Event.

The event, created by the commitment and vision of Pete Richards* through the Town of Port Royal, who wished to share his love of birding, and, in his own words said, “The importance of the birthday is making wildlife and birds accessible to community, families and children. It is now in its 8th year.”

The Town of Port Royal has generously helped along with Audubon and the many volunteers who work to provide this fun day to the community and their families.

*Pete Richards passed on Saturday, February 29th.

The Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain, parades on Hilton Head Is., Tybee Is. & in Savannah – all are part of the special month of March in Savannah.

(No Tara Feis Irish Celebration this year. )

St. Patrick’s festivities for 2020 include:

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GREENING OF THE FORSYTH PARK FOUNTAIN, SAVANNAH

Fri. March 6 2020, Noon-1PM. Details here. 

See the Forsyth Park fountain be dyed green. Free & open to the public.

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TYBEE IRISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION PARADE

Sat. March 14 2020, 3PM Tybee Is.’s Butler Avenue. Details here.

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UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

HILTON HEAD ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Sun. March 15 2019, 3PM

37th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Details here.

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UPDATE: THE SAVANNAH PARADE IS NOW CANCELLED: 

SAVANNAH ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Tues. March 17 2020, 10:15AM.  Details here.

UPDATE: THE SAVANNAH PARADE IS NOW CANCELLED:

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY IRISH BOWLING

Ancient Order of Hibernians’ Irish Road Bowling Tournament
Sat. March 21 2020, 9AM-Noon @ Hutchinson Island Racetrack
Cost: $25 per person, $75 per team.
Details & register here. 

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Bring your kids to a special FREE Bee Day @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center  9:30AM-12:30PM on Thurs. March 19

Felt bees and ceramic hives workshops with the cultural arts staff and an instructional show-and-tell and discussion by the Coastal Empire Bee Keeping Association. Stick around for the FREE screening of “Bee Movie” at 11AM.

9:30-11AM: Felt Bees & Ceramic Hives Workshops
Instructional Show-and-Tell and discussion by Coastal Empire Bee Keeping Association

11AM-12:30PM
Film Screening of “Bee Movie”

FREE | Open to the Community | All ages welcome

Savannah Cultural Arts Center
201 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Register online here. 

_____________________________________

Savannah Cultural Arts Center offers these free or affordable Spring 2020 kid-friendly classes & workshops.

To view the latest updates to events and programming, be sure to visit www.savannahga.gov/arts or call 912-651-6783.

Little Artists Creative Drop-in Play Space
Saturdays, March 21 & 28 • 9AM-Noon
Ages 6 & younger
$5 per child per class

Drop in any time between 9AM-Noon to take part in a creative learning environment that focuses on stimulating the basics of imagination, movement, and fun.

Register online here. 

___________________________

Music and Movement
Saturdays, April 4 – 25 • 9:30-10:30AM
4-week class
15 months – 3 years with caregiver
Cost $20

Sign up for this educational experience with Instructor Joanna Walchuk as she takes you through the building blocks of learning songs and dance in a fun, uplifting environment.

Register online here. 

___________________________

Home-school Art Program
Thursday, March 12, April 9, May 7 10AM-Noon
Ages 6-15
$10 per child

Come join our new Home-school Art Program to learn create and have fun! Each session will offer a different creative and educational activity that will help foster artistic expression. Students will learn a variety of skills across different media while learning about famous artist and art movements. Parents are encouraged to join in own the fun for free.

Register online here. 

____________________________

Drop-in Ceramics
Thurs. March 5, 9:30-11:30AM
Thursday’s (Bi-Weekly) April 2-May 28 10AM-Noon
All ages welcome (ages 10 & younger are not permitted on the wheel)
FREE

Drop in our studio and engage in fun clay based activities with the guidance of our skilled instructor.

Register online here. 

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge hosts a preschoolers “Young Explorers Club” on the first Tuesday of each month.

The free, hour-long monthly program for 3-4 year-olds starts at 10AM on the first Tuesday of each month.  There will be story time, crafts, snacks, and take-home activities all about this month’s topic.

The programs are at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (694 Beech Hill Lane Hardeeville, SC 29927).

Each month, a different animal or method of conservation will be highlighted. Juniors of Girl Scout Troop 30387 have designed the monthly programs as their service project for completing the Bronze Award. The themes are:

February – Lady Bugs
March – Plants
April – Recycle
May – Baby Birds
June – Alligators
July – Sea Turtles
August – Spiders
September – Fish
October – Butterflies
November – Turkeys
December – Ducks

For more information, please contact Joel Vos at (843) 784-2468.

Learn more here.

National Wildlife Refuge in Savannah/Hardeeville.
Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex
694 Beech Hill Ln
Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927

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FOR MORE FREE FAMILY EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Here’s a fun way for your kids to learn Spanish this Sat. Feb. 22 in Savannah: Playtime or Arts & Crafts for kids led in Spanish @ Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange.

Whether your kids speak Spanish or not, they’ll have a great time at this event. Play is free for as long as you want. $16 to sit down and do the craft, $12 for additional siblings.

This month we’re sequining dinosaurs or mermaids, with the option to add feathers wings to turn them into dragons and mermaids.

Arrive when you want
Stay & play as long as you want
Reserve your designated time to do the craft online here. 

Your child does not need to know a word of Spanish in order to participate. Children are the ultimate learners!
Ages 18 months and up welcome, even your middle and high schoolers!
You can relax and have a cup of coffee or tea, while they play.

Where:  Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange, 206 East 36 St. Savannah
When: Sat. Feb 22 2020, 1-4PM
Who: Ages 18 months & older

Savannah Area Language Culture Exchange is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FitKids Fest 2020 is a free community event focused on promoting overall wellness in K-12 students. It will be Sat. Feb. 29 2020, 1-4PM at West Broad YMCA, 1110 May St. in Savannah.

Kids and their parents can participate in fun, interactive events that focus on making and living an active lifestyle.

Details here. 

Is your child taking the ACT or SAT soon?

Contact Class 101 Savannah college planning. Let Class 101 help your student increase their score. Call 912-303-7600 or email pcooper@class101.com.

Sessions are held at Class 101 Savannah, 7702 Waters Ave., Savannah GA 31406.

Class 101 Savannah provides families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process. Learn more here.

Class 101 College Planning
Phone: (912) 303-7600
E-mail: jcooper@class101.com

Class 101 Savannah is a SouthenMamas.com advertiser 

Enrollment for Soccer Shots Spring Soccer is now open in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton.

Soccer Shots is kicking off the season and your child is invited to join Soccer Shots on Soccer Island.

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program for children ages 2-8 with a focus on character development.

Soccer Shots also offers special programming for children ages 3 and up with special needs. ​Weekly sessions focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. Through fun games and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. Soccer Shots curriculum is aligned with early learning state standards and highlights a positive character trait each week such as respect, confidence and determination. And Soccer Shots coaches are the best in the business.

Visit Soccershots.org/savannah to learn more. Then click “View Locations” and use the new search feature to find a location near you that meets at a time that fits your schedule.

Soccer Shots has locations all throughout Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton. Spots will fill quickly, so enroll today.

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FREE Soccer Fun Day
Sat. March 21, 2020, 9-10:30AM

FREE & open to the public. Enroll online at savannah.soccershots.com. Search “free” to see a complete list of all free events near you

This is an opportunity for children to try Soccer Shots program for the first time and for parents to meet the coaches. Abbreviated 15 minute sessions and program information will be available. Event will take place on the Whitaker Street side of the park, on the south end by the tennis courts and farmer’s market.

Please preregister for this free event so organizers know how many children to expect. Enroll at savannah.soccershots.com. Search “free.”

Soccer Shots is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Class 101 Savannah will offer a FREE practice ACT test that’s open to the community.

The test will be Sat. Feb. 22 2020, 10AM-2PM.

Students will have the chance to take a full ACT practice test in a simulated test environment. This will help students gain an understanding of the material covered on the ACT and what the testing experience is like. Students can also receive their test scores at no cost by individual appointment following the test.

Practice test location is Class 101 Savannah, 7702 Waters Ave., Savannah GA 31406.

For more information and to reserve your seat, call 912-303-7600 or email pcooper@class101.com.

Class 101 Savannah provides families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process. Learn more here.

Class 101 College Planning
Phone: (912) 303-7600
E-mail: jcooper@class101.com

Class 101 Savannah is a SouthenMamas.com advertiser 

Free mindful self-compassion workshops are being offered to the public in Savannah starting this month.

The first free workshop will be Wed., Feb. 26, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS. Find registration information and the schedule of all the free mindful self-compassion workshops offered through Oct. 28 here.

These trainings help participants learn fundamental concepts and skills in mindfulness and self-compassion. Workshops are a program of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and organized by Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council, Inc.

Open to all residents including educators, law enforcement, medical and behavioral health providers, caregivers, students and community members.

Learn more about the benefits of the workshops – especially to educators – in our newspaper column here.

Thanks to funding from Chatham County, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and Pitulloch Foundation, and in partnership with Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition and Gateway Community Service Board, organizers are able to bring this resource to our residents and schools at no cost to them

Register online here.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, April 29, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, June 24, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, Aug. 26 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, Oct. 28 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS

See the Monster Watercolor Illustration Workshop

Savannah Cultural Arts Center offers a slew of free or affordable kid-friendly classes & workshops during February 2020.

Savannah Cultural Arts Center
201 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401

February 2020 Kid-Friendly Events & Classes @ the Savannah Cultural Arts Center

Below is a list of upcoming events, classes, and workshops at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center this winter.

Those interested in registering for these classes and workshops can find more information and the registration . To view the latest updates to our events and programming, be sure to visit our website at www.savannahga.gov/arts or call 912-651-6783.

Yoga
10:30-11:30AM, Saturdays, Feb. 1-29,
All ages
$5 per person per session
Stretch and exhale your way to mindfulness in this relaxing yoga class for all skill levels. Please bring your own mat.
Register online here. 

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Felt Painting Workshop
9:30AM-1PM, Feb. 15
Ages 13+
$35 per person
Learn how to turn felt into a wonderful painting.
Register online here. 

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Beginner Level Mosaic
5:30-8PM, Wednesdays, Feb. 26 – March 25
Ages 13+
$60 per person
Create your own mosaic using vitreous glass while learning basic techniques in design, tool use, and settings.
Register online here. 

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See the Monster Watercolor Illustration
6-8PM, Feb. 28
Ages 7+
$10 per person
See your watercolor blobs come to life as funny monster illustrations.
Register online here. 

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Belly Dancing Workshop
12:30-1:30PM, Feb. 29
All ages
FREE
Register online here. 

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City of Savannah Cultural Resources Department is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Georgia Day Parade 2020, Savannah

Educators & students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Georgia Day Parade on Fri. Feb. 21, 2020.

As part of the annual commemoration of the founding of the Georgia colony by James Edward Oglethorpe, a tradition dating back to the earliest years of the colony’s founding, students, local dignitaries, musicians, & costumed performers will march through Savannah’s historic squares.

Details here. 

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange is having a play date and you’re invited!

Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange  will open their doors and their toy chests for everyone to come and enjoy totally FREE with instructors present to help facilitate kids playing together in Spanish.

Studies show that children who attain and/or maintain bilingual skills are those with peers who value and use the secondary language, so Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange  is promoting a community for our kids to have just that.

Where:  Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange, 206 East 36 St. Savannah
When: Sat. Feb 8 2020, 12:30-2:30PM
Who: All ages. Games for toddlers to teenagers.
Come for a bit or stay for the whole 2 hours, it’s up to you.
*Parents will need to stay at the Exchange while their children are present, but  Savannah Area Language & Culture Exchange will have coffee, tea, and good conversation while the kiddos play.

Savannah Area Language Culture Exchange is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The Savannah Country Day School, a JK-12 independent school in Savannah, invites you to a FREE lecture by Michael Thompson – author of several best-selling parenting books – Wed. Feb. 5 @ 6PM on the school campus. (This is a change from the previously published time of 7pm) Join SCDS as Thompson walks parents and educators through the complex social world of our children

Schmidt Lecture Series event: “Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Friendship Development, Popularity and Social Cruelty in Childhood,” presented by Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Jelks Auditorium
6PM Wed. Feb. 5
Savannah Country Day School
824 Stillwood Drive
Savannah, GA 31419-2643
912-925-8800

Savannah Country Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Super Museum Sunday 2020

FREE admission to museums, historic sites on Super Museum Sunday, Feb. 9 2020

Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday 2020 is Sun. Feb. 9 when various museums and historical sites in the Savannah area are free and open to the public.

See the list of participating Super Museum Sunday Sites here.  

Various sites will have free admission Feb. 10 2019 from noon – 4PM, unless alternate hours are listed.

Highlights of this year’s special event programming include:

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center will open at 10AM so you can get a head start on the day.
• Georgia State Railroad Museum will have site tours, special office car tours & a short train ride.
• Fort King George Historic Site will have musket firing demonstrations from 10AM-4PM

Telfair Museums’ three sites – The Jepson Center, Telfair Academy & Owens-Thomas House, will be open & free noon-4PM.
The Jepson Center,  207 W. York St. Savannah 31401
Telfair Academy, 121 Barnard St. Savannah, 31401
Owens-Thomas House, 124 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31401

All Coastal Heritage Society sites – Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Fort Jackson, Savannah History Museum – will be open & free.

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FREE Colonial Faire and Muster 2020

Saturday & Sunday, 10AM- 4PM Feb 8 & Feb. 9 2020
Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah  31406.
Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, sutler’s row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. Free. 912-353-3023. Details here. 

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FREE Georgia Day Parade 2020, Savannah

Educators & students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Georgia Day Parade on Fri. Feb. 21, 2020. As part of the annual commemoration of the founding of the Georgia colony by James Edward Oglethorpe, a tradition dating back to the earliest years of the colony’s founding, students, local dignitaries, musicians, & costumed performers will march through Savannah’s historic squares. Registration is now open.

Registration details here. 

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL SEPT. 27

The 2020 Flannery O’Connor Birthday Parade and Street Fair will take place on Sun. March 22 2020, 1-4PM in Lafayette Square in Savannah.

This lively annual birthday celebration of acclaimed author and Savannah native Flannery O’Connor will offer family fun, live music and more. All are invited to join the parade, carry handmade signs and sing along.

Live music will be provided by a cavalcade of singer-songwriters and musicians from some of Savannah’s finest local bands in honor of O’Connor’s birthday. Music for the parade will be performed by the Sweet Thunder Strolling Band.

Local authors will be on hand with copies of their publications and information.

Costumes inspired by Flannery O’Connor’s characters and settings or by the author’s life are encouraged, but not required.

The event is free and open to the public. Rain date: Sun. March 29 2020.

Learn more here. 

UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL SEPT. 27

ABOUT THE FLANNERY O’CONNOR CHILDHOOD HOME:
The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, located at 207 E. Charlton Street in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the South’s greatest writers. An established 501 3(C) nonprofit organization, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home has been meticulously restored to reflect the authentic period furnishings of a Depression-Era Savannah rowhouse and to offer insight into the years that O’Connor lived in Savannah, from 1925 to 1938. The Home proudly presents a series of free lectures each spring and fall as well as other events throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.flanneryoconnorhome.org or call 912.233.60

The Savannah Country Day School, a JK-12 independent school in Savannah, will offer a new Faculty Explorations lecture series starting Jan. 22 2020.

All events are free and open to the public.

All lectures take place at the Savannah Country Day School, located at 824 Stillwood Dr. in Savannah. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required at: www.savcds.org/facultyexplorations

The 2020 Faculty Explorations schedule is as follows:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 – 7 p.m. – Minis 1A
Adam Weber – “Does the Earth Really Orbit the Sun? Thinking Scientifically vs. Believing What We See”

Adam Weber, the Science Department Chair and Upper School Physics teacher at Savannah Country Day School, will explore how humans began to think scientifically, from the work of early astronomers to the contemporary study of light, in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of the universe.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 – 7 p.m. – Andrews Assembly Room
Kevin Gavin, Ph.D. – “Why You Should Go to Rome (or Why You Should Go Back If You’ve Already Been)”

Savannah Country Day School Latin teacher Kevin Gavin will discuss the profound, unparalleled story of Rome, Italy, sharing details about the Eternal City’s art, architecture and history while offering an in-depth understanding of this fascinating Italian destination.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 – 7 p.m. – Minis 2
Ariane Wright – “Evolution through Aversion: Danger, Disgust and Frustration Driving Evolution”

Ariane Wright, an Upper School Biology and Environmental Science teacher at SCDS, will examine the key role that aversion plays in natural selection, discussing how avoiding mosquitos impacts migration, how mating habits change as females avoid aggressive males and why bright colors are often nature’s danger sign.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – 7 p.m. – Lewis 226
Michelle Dumais – “Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao: Nationalism and Regionalism in Contemporary Spain”

SCDS Upper School Spanish instructor Michelle Dumais will explore the historical roots of the tensions between Spanish regionalism and nationalism and discuss the various political, artistic, economic and cultural manifestations of these dueling identities.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 – 7 p.m. – Bradley Conference Room
Kevin Goldberg, Ph.D. – “A Vinous Tour Through Germany”

Kevin Goldberg, the History Department Chair at Savannah Country Day, will discuss the history, geography and geology of German wine and will lead a wine tasting featuring vintages from one of the world’s oldest and most complex winegrowing regions.

Savannah Country Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Savannah Cultural Arts Center offers a slew of free or affordable kid-friendly classes & workshops during January & February 2020.

Savannah Cultural Arts Center
201 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401

FREE Drop-in Ceramics @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center
Thursdays, Jan. 9 – March 5, 9:30-11:30AM
All ages welcome (ages 10 and under are not permitted on the wheel)
FREE Admission
Drop into our ceramics studios for some fun, clay-based activities with our visual arts instructor.

Register online here. 

__________________________________

Little Artists Creative Play Space @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center
Saturdays, Jan. 11-18 2020, 9AM-Noon
Ages 10 and under with a caregiver
$5 per session
A creative learning environment that stimulates the imagination through movement and fun.

Register online here. 

___________________________________

UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THIS CLASS DATE HAS CHANGED TO FEB. 28

See the Monster Watercolor Illustration @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center
Fri. Feb. 28, 6-8PM
Ages 7+
$10 per person
See your watercolor blobs come to life as funny monster illustrations.

Register online here. 

___________________________________________

FREE Dream Quilt @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center
Sat. Jan. 18, 9AM-2PM
All ages, kid-friendly
FREE
Create your own square that’ll be a part of the Savannah Cultural Arts Center dream quilt.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day & create your own patch to be woven into the SCAC Dream Quilt. The completed quilt will be displayed at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. Admission is free & open to the public.

Nearby parking is available at the Robinson and Liberty Street parking garages. Metered street parking is also available at Turner Blvd and W. McDonough Street.

Register online here.

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City of Savannah Cultural Resources Department is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Super Museum Sunday 2020

FREE admission to museums, historic sites on Super Museum Sunday, Feb. 9 2020

Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday 2020 is Sun. Feb. 9 when various museums and historical sites in the Savannah area are free and open to the public.

See the list of participating Super Museum Sunday Sites here. 

Various sites will have free admission Feb. 10 2019 from noon – 4PM, unless alternate hours are listed.

Telfair Museums’ three sites – The Jepson Center, Telfair Academy & Owens-Thomas House, will be open & free noon-4PM.
The Jepson Center,  207 W. York St. Savannah 31401
Telfair Academy, 121 Barnard St. Savannah, 31401
Owens-Thomas House, 124 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31401

All Coastal Heritage Society sites – Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Fort Jackson, Savannah History Museum – will be open & free.

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FREE Colonial Faire and Muster 2020

Saturday & Sunday, 10AM- 4PM Feb 8 & Feb. 9 2020
Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah  31406.
Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, sutler’s row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. Free. 912-353-3023. Details here. 

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FREE Georgia Day Parade 2020, Savannah

Educators & students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Georgia Day Parade on Fri. Feb. 21, 2020. As part of the annual commemoration of the founding of the Georgia colony by James Edward Oglethorpe, a tradition dating back to the earliest years of the colony’s founding, students, local dignitaries, musicians, & costumed performers will march through Savannah’s historic squares. Registration is now open.

Registration details here. 

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

The National Park Service offers FREE admission to ALL parks, monuments and historic sites including Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah that normally charge an admission fee on certain dates. Fort Pulaski National Monument will be free on the following dates during 2020:

• Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Sunday, February 9: Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday
• Saturday, April 18: Junior Ranger Day (First Day of National Park Week)
• Tuesday, August 25: National Park Service Anniversary
• Saturday, September 26: National Public Lands Day
• Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day

www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm

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Your kids can become a Junior Ranger 

Your kids can become a junior ranger at Fort Pulaski.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

Nearby national parks/monuments that have Junior Ranger programs include:
*Fort Pulaski National Monument, on U.S. 80 en route to Tybee Island. Info on the Fort Pulaski Junior Program here.
*Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here. 
*Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. Info on the Fort Frederica National Monument Junior Ranger Program here. 
*Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon. Info on Ocmulgee’s National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.
* Congaree National Park near Columbia. Info on Junior Ranger Program here. 

Fort Pulaski, Hwy 80 East Savannah, 31410-0757 tel: (912) 786-5787. Details here. 

Driving around Savannah, Pooler & Richmond Hill looking at home holiday light displays and decorations is a favorite family tradition.

From colossal Santa snow globes to computerized Christmas lights animated with music, find your guide to Savannah-area home holiday light displays here.

Kids especially love those computerized “dancing” lights display animated with music. Lights choreographed to blink, twink and fade in red, blue, green and white, in sync with a custom-mixed soundtrack of holiday tunes.

Find our list of best area home holiday lights here.

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Find more things to during holiday break in the SouthernMamas.com Events Calendar here.