Enjoy the joy of face painting, where you can become anything your heart desires, or unleash your artistic flair with colorful sidewalk chalk creations. Try your hand at scrimshaw and visit Ships of the Sea’s Illustration Station hosted by talented tattoo artist Pat Crump!
Face Painting: Transform into your favorite character! Scrimshaw: Create beautiful designs! Sidewalk Chalk: Unleash your imagination! Illustration Station: Get creative with tattoo artist Pat Crump! Learn more here.
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Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Mazel Tots is a new FREE toddler-baby & caregiver program in Savannah
There’s a new program in Savannah that encourages bonding between child and caregiver while also nurturing your little one’s emerging social and emotional development.
Mazel Tots – held at JEA Preschool in Midtown Savannah – is a fun multi-sensory experience that encourages both fine and gross motor development, socialization, and emerging language.
This program is free for the community. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Here’s a chance for Savannah middle and high school students to meet and hear insights from DeKalb County CEO and historian Michael Thurmond. This would be an stimulating FREE local event for students to receive extra credit for attending.
The 2024-2025 Georgia History Festival lecture will feature Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County CEO, historian, former Commissioner of Labor, and former member of the Georgia General Assembly on Thurs. Nov. 14, 6PM.
This engaging lecture will highlight the founding of the Georgia colony under the leadership of General James Edward Oglethorpe and examines Oglethorpe’s philosophical and moral evolution from slave trader to abolitionist. Mr. Thurmond is also the author of Freedom: Georgia’s Antislavery Heritage, 1733-1865 and A Story Untold: Black Men and Women in Athens History.
Location: The lecture will take place at Christ Church Episcopal, 28 Bull Street, in Savannah.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
This would be an ideal program for middle and high school age learners.
Calling all homeschooling families! Amplify your student’s artist journey with an enriching workshop at the SCAD Museum of Art. In this immersive experience, education and creativity collide to offer a field study for homeschooled students.
This event presents a unique opportunity for your students to acclimate into the art world as observers and creators. While they feed their creative minds among the exhibitions, they’ll meet other students and foster lasting community connections.
What to expect:
Artist appreciation: Encounter the work of diverse artists while touring the SCAD Museum of Art’s galleries with a museum educator.
Artmaking: Express creative ideas at interactive art stations equipped with the necessary materials and guidance to create art inspired by work seen in the museum.
Build community: Connect with other homeschooling families who share a passion for art and education.
Learn as you go: Deepen your appreciation for the world of visual expression while learning more about art styles, social significance, and the use of varied materials.
All ages are welcome. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To RSVP or send inquiries, email Hannah Thompson at hthompso@scad.edu.
This event is free and open to the public, 1-4PM on these upcoming Wednesdays:
11/13
12/11
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Free Drawing Club for Pre-Teens & Teens
Let your imagination run wild at this weekly drawing workshop @ SCAD Museum of Art for aspiring creatives focusing on the basic principles of art and design. Seek inspiration in the galleries, meet new friends, and begin preparing a portfolio of your work as museum educators offer tutorials to perfect your drawing skills.
This workshop for middle school and high school students is free and open to the public, 4PM Wednesdays starting Oct. 2 2024
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
4PM on these upcoming Wednesdays:
Drawing Club dates:
10/30
11/6
11/13
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Free admission on second Sundays
SCAD MOA welcomes our Savannah community to enjoy free admission on the second Sunday of every month. Residents of Savannah or any of its surrounding counties (Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, and Jasper) are invited to visit free of charge. Noon-5PM on these Second Sundays.
Come to SCAD MOA for a docent-led tour presented in American Sign Language. ASL interpreters translate insight and observations for deaf and hearing-impaired audiences.
RSVP at least 48 hours prior to the tour by contacting Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu. Sign language interpreters may be requested for all SCAD MOA tours with at least two weeks’ notice.
Enjoy free admission to Voyage of Discovery Family Day, where kids can dive into hands-on STEM and maritime history activities! From crafting scrimshaw to exploring Savannah’s seafaring heritage, it’s a day of fun and learning the whole family will love.
The Magical World of Toys in Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood off Waters Avenue continues to host fun & free kids’ programs during October 2024. Those include the following:
Sun. Oct. 13: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
Wed. Oct. 16: FREE Homeschooling Game Day, 11AM-3PM
Sun. Oct. 20: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
Sun. Oct. 27: FREE Sunday Morning Magic School October Theme: The Mischief & Magic of the Color of Orange & the Wonder of Halloween, 11AM-1PM
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If you haven’t visited this Savannah toy store yet, one (or ALL) of these events will be a fun chance to do so. Toy store owner Dante Pierson regularly hosts popular, community kids’ events at the store.
All About Bats: Come to a bat watch and talk as the sun sets in the sky and the bats begin to fly. Meet at Picnic Shelter 5.: 6:15PM Fri. Oct. 25 2024
Archery*: Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on the archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. $10 per person. Please call the Visitor Center to register in advance: 912-598-2300. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in at the Visitor Center: 10AM Sat. Oct. 262024, $10
Campsite Decorating Contest: Campers are invited to adorn their campsites with family-friendly, earthfriendly decor. Judging begins at 5 pm and ends by 7 pm. Winners will receive a prize: 5-7PM Sat Oct. 262024
FALL into Crafting: Stop into the Visitor Center to purchase your fall craft kit for just $2. Several seasonal crafts will be available to choose from. Available throughout the day: Sun Oct. 27 2024. $2.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. Tuesdays Oct. 22, Oct. 29 2024, 10AM
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! Wednesdays Oct. 23, 30 2024, 3PM
Turt’ or Treat: Meet our turtles and enjoy a sweet treat. No costume? No problem – Make your own turtle shell to wear home! Meet behind the Visitor Center. Thurs. Halloween Oct. 31 2024, 1-4:30PM
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Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Museum is arranged for self-guided tours. Please expect to spend at least one hour on site to explore the galleries and gardens.
The Museum is located in historic downtown Savannah at 41 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, between the Holiday Inn and The Grey restaurant. Ships of the Sea is only one block west of City Market and a few blocks north of the Visitor Center. Free parking is available for guests in the Museum’s parking lot located on the south side of the building.
ADULT: $15.00.
STUDENT: $12.50 (THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL, OR COLLEGE WITH ID).
DISCOUNT: $12.50 (SENIOR – 65 OR OVER, PAST OR PRESENT MILITARY).
CHILD: FREE (5 AND UNDER).
FAMILY: $40.00 (UP TO 2 ADULTS AND THREE CHILDREN UNDER 18).
GROUP: $10.00/PERSON (FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE WHO MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME).
Get ready for a magical evening under the stars as the Town of Thunderbolt presents a FREE Family Movie Night on 5-9PM Sat. Nov. 9, 2024 at Cesaroni Park, 2817 3rd St.
Enjoy an outdoor screening of family film, ELF.
Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Complimentary popcorn. Bring your picnic blankets, mats, or folding chairs The movie starts at 6PM.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for safety.
Free parking will be available at designated areas around the park. Questions?Emailevents@thunderboltga.orgor call 912.713.7406.
Residents of Savannah and surrounding areas are invited to enjoy free admission to the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah for a day of engaging artist demonstrations and art projects!
In celebration of the exhibition, ‘Norman Rockwell and Peers,’ families are encouraged to come witness the talents of local children’s book illustrators and discover their own inner artists with creative studio activities.
Free admission for locals is made possible thanks to investment by the City of Savannah, The Georgia Council for the Arts, Colonial Group, Inc., and the National Endowment for the Arts.
$5 per child. Adults: Members free, Non-members $12
Start your day with art. Once a month, Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson in downtown Savannah for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here.
Space is limited. Pre-register to secure your spot.
Let your little ones’ imaginations soar during the new Artful Tales Story Time every Friday at 10:30AM in the Telfair Children’s Art Museum located at the Jepson Center.
This enchanting program is perfect for young art lovers and curious minds, combining the joy of storytelling with the wonder of art. Each week, Telfair Museums’ skilled storytellers will bring captivating tales to life, encouraging creativity and imagination in a vibrant, art-filled setting.
This event is free for Telfair members and included with general museum admission.
Make plans to join the fun on Saturday, October 12, for the 2024 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, hosted by Plant Riverside District in Savannah and organized by Savannah’s Waterfront.
Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront.
Apart from the fastest run awards in all categories and weights, there will be exciting contests such as best dressed dog, best dressed dog owner and more.
You’re invited to LOCAL*FEST, hosted by Local Church, 4-6PM Sat. OCt. 26 2024.
This will be a Trunk-or-Treat with lots of inflatables, games and a video game truck. The festival is October 26 from 4-6 PM at Jenkins Athletic Club at 6408 Waters Ave.
Savannah Tree Foundation is giving away two free trees per household, while supplies last, at the 2024 Savannah Trick or Trees Community Giveaway in Daffin Park on Sat. Oct. 26 2024, starting at 9AM until they run out.
The Foundation will also host an International Tree Climbing Competition on the same day.
Free fun for kids ages 5-12 on the Tybee Is. Pier on Sat. Sept. 28 2024 for the 13th Annual Gage Ochsner Kids’ Fishing & Water Safety Event.
Kids will visit educational booths and activities. Participants will receive a free rod and reel, tackle box, and life jacket. Have fun learning about fishing and water safety.
This is event is named in memory of Gage Ochsner, M.D., a long-time supporter of Safe Kids Savannah and specifically the Kids Fishing and Coastal Water Safety event.
Free Savannah Girls’ Flag Football Clinic, Tues. Sept. 24; No experience necessary
Want to learn to play one of the fastest growing sports in the country?
Hornets Flag Football coaches Candice English and Kristin Mulzer will lead a clinic focused on technique and fundamentals for girls of any skill level. This clinic 5:30-7PM Tues. Sept. 24 @ Savannah Country Day School will focus on flag pulling, throwing, catching, rushing, and speed and agility.
No experience is needed: just a good attitude, willingness to learn, and determined effort. Participants should wear cleats and bring a water bottle.
Students do not need to attend SCDS to attend. Open to all 4th-8th grade girls.
This time of year is an ideal time to visit. Here’s a look at free kids’ programs to check out including a special free Diamond Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell @ 11AM-Noon Fri. Sept. 21. $5 parking. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Lots of kid-friendly happenings during September 2024 @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. $5 parking fee. Events with an * require registration.
Backyard Birding: Join a ranger in the park’s bird watching area behind the Interpretive Center. The group will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. 10AM Fri. Sept. 20 & 10AM Thurs. Sept. 26
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell: Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Come to the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. 11AM Sat. Sept. 21. Please note the time change on Sept. 21. This program will now be held from 11AM-Noon
Fungi Friday Hike: A wide variety of mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what mushrooms we can find and identify. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 10AM Fri. Sept. 27
*Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day Hike: Girl Scouts are invited to join us for a hike developed to highlight trees and their special place in our park. Event is limited to 30 Girl Scouts. Pre-registration is required. Call 912-598-2300 to register. Self-led activity sheets and prize stickers will be available for Girl Scouts Troops who visit the park on their own. 2PM Sat. Sept. 14
Animal of the Day: Drop by the Interpretive Center to say hi and learn about the animal of the day. There will be a different animal out each day for visitors to see and touch. 2PM Fri. Sept. 20, & Sept. 27.
Gnarly Neighbors: The good, the bad and the ugly! Learn about what plants are critical to the health of our local ecosystem and environment, and what invasive flora pose a threat to native wildlife. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 3-mile hike around the entirety of the Big Ferry trail. 9AM Monday Sept. 16 & Sept. 23.
Read with a Ranger: Young children will enjoy getting out for this hour of interactive reading. Listen to nature stories perfect for children with a love of the outdoors. Meet at the Interpretive Center, outside if fair weather. 10AM Tues. Sept. 24.
Roving Ranger: A ranger will be roving the park to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more! 3PM Wed. Sept. 25.
Trivia: Let’s Get Quizzical: Relax at the fire pit behind the Interpretive Center with trivia, featuring questions about local flora and fauna, Skidaway Island facts, and Georgia history. There will be four rounds, four questions per round, and each round will increase in difficulty. Round 1 is one point per question, round 2 is two points and so on to the fourth round. At the end, there will be a bonus question for an additional 10 points to whomever answers correctly. First, second, and third place will go home with nifty Skidaway Island State Park swag. Individuals only – no teams. NO PHONES. Good luck! 7PM Thursdays Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26 & 7PM Monday Sept. 30
Your State Parks Day: Volunteers blaze a trail. Meet at the Big Ferry Trailhead. Parking fee waived. Snacks will be provided. 11AM Sat. Sept. 28.
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Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest includes carnival rides starting at 5PM Friday and Saturday nights (Oct. 11 & 12) and more evening kids’ events in the Little Matey’s Cove including a bounce house (free) and facepainting (free). There are also kids’ activities and carnival rides Sunday Oct. 12 starting at noon. Carnival rides and some kids’ activities are not free.
The free Tybee Pirate parade is 3PM Sat. Oct. 12, starting @ 6th Street and traveling along Butler Avenue.
This music and arts festival for peace is an intentional peacebuilding event designed with music and arts to bring all sectors of our community together. This is the third annual event supporting the Peace and Unity for members of our Community.
~Music! live on stage, bring your chairs and enjoy ~Arts to engage with for adults and children ~Vendors and Community Service Providers ~Peacebuilder Award ~Peace parade around the entrance of Daffin Park ~Mental Health and Wellness Area ~Youth Art Corner ~Living room style courageous conversations ~Local food trucks ~And more!
Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights and SCAD SERVE will partner to benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center as they prepare for the 2024 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights on the Savannah River on Saturday, November 30, 2024 (Thanksgiving holiday weekend).
SCAD students have submitted multiple designs for the 2024 Boat Parade of Lights T-shirt Design Contest. These designs will be available for viewing, and voting on, beginning September 14, 2024. The public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite T shirt design for only $1.00 per vote, at http://gogophotocontest.com/2024BoatParadeTShirtContest. T-shirts with the winning design printed on them will be available for purchase on the parade website at www.savannahboatparadeoflights.com. Proceeds from both the voting and T-shirt purchases will benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center.
The Savannah Boat Parade of Lights will be Saturday, November 30th from 7-9 pm. The parade, traditionally held on Thanksgiving weekend, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Savannah. The Parade of Lights, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, will begin its voyage from the dock at Eastern Wharf in front of the Thompson Savannah hotel. The parade will cross the river, pass the Convention Center, and head to the Talmadge Bridge, before circling back past the Plant Riverside District, along River Street and slowly proceed past the dock at Eastern Wharf where the decorated boats will be announced and judged for prizes. The route will be repeated, ending at the dock at Eastern Wharf. Additional events are planned before and during the parade at the park at Eastern Wharf. In addition, Thompson Savannah Hotel will be hosting their first official Boat Parade Afterparty following the parade.
The Boat Parade is free and open to the public and is staged entirely by volunteers. Boat captains, crews, judges, and volunteers donate their time and talents to make this event accessible to everyone. Although the parade is free to the public, funds from sponsorships and contributions are given to Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit in Savannah which provides one of only two emergency shelters in the area for children ages 11-18 who are abused, neglected, abandoned or homeless. Greenbriar also operates three quality rated, affordable infant and early centers, for children who are from primarily low-income families. Additionally, Greenbriar provides supportive services to families in their homes, including counseling, parenting education, and life-skills training.
The Boat Parade is grateful for contributions and sponsorships to help make the parade possible and raise funds for Greenbriar Children’s Center. Deadline for sponsor recognition on t-shirts and banners is October 15. For more information on ways to help, please email SavBoatParade@gmail.com or visit www.SavannahBoatParadeofLights.com.
Greenbriar Children’s Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the healthy development of children and the strengthening of families through a multitude of services. These services include affordable and accessible infant and early childhood education programs; free family, individual counseling and support services, and an emergency shelter for children ages 11-18 who are abused, abandoned or neglected or who are runways. For more information, please visit greenbriarchildrenscenter.org or call 912-234-3431.