All kids growing up in the Savannah/Lowcountry area need to experience at least one shark tooth & fossil hunt with Beaufort’s famed Shark Tooth Fairy in Port Poyal, near Beaufort, S.C.

The Shark Tooth Fairy, Mike Harris, regularly invites kids to come to The Sands beach in Port Royal to look for shark teeth, Megalodon teeth and other fossilized finds. These kid-friendly hunts are held every couple of months throughout the year.

The next shark tooth & fossil hunt is 11 AM Saturday, Feb. 21 2015 @ Sands Beach in Port Royal

29 Sands Beach Rd, Port Royal, South Carolina 29935

FREE for kids 12 & younger. $5 for adults.

Details here. 

The Shark Tooth Fairy  spreads out over 100 pounds of shark teeth over the beach before kids arrive. Info on The Sands in Port Royal, S.C. near Beaufort here.

Read about The Shark Tooth Fairy & the public shark-tooth beach hunts by clicking here.

These beach hunts typically happen rain or shine. But stay updated about this Feb. 21 2015 hunt & other future ones by ‘liking” the Shark Tooth Fairy & his pup Captain Morgan on Facebook here. 

(Make a day of it and pair your visit with a trip to the lighthouse at Hunting Island near Beaufort.  Info on Hunting Islandhere.)

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

The Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain, parades on Hilton Head Is., Tybee Is. & in Savannah and our favorite event, Tara Feis Irish Celebration, will be here soon.

FREE, Family-Friendly Tara Feis Irish Celebration
Saturday, March 14, 2015
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emmet Park (east end of Bay Street)
Presented by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs
Free and open to the public

For information about the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, visit savannahga.gov/savstpat

The non-alcoholic family-friendly feis (pron. FESH) – or festival – will be a feast for the eyes, ears and palate, with live performances, food, art activities, crafts and games hosted with Irish ceremony, tradition and hospitality. The festival is held each year in the beautiful Emmet Park located in heart of downtown Savannah.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with an official Irish opening ceremony. For more information call 912-651-6417.

This event is a free, non-alcoholic event geared towards families and children.

Tara Feis 2015 Schedule of Events
Main Stage
11:00am Opening Ceremony, Presentation of the Colors, Irish National Anthem, American National Anthem, Official Remarks
11:30am Irish Dancers of Savannah
12:15pm Dublin Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band
12:30pm Harry O’Donoghue
1:15pm FullSet
2:20pm Glor Na Daire Academy of Irish Dance
2:45pm Meet Full Set
3:10pm Frank Emerson, Carroll Brown and Harry O’Donoghue
4:00pm FullSet
4:55pm Closing remarks

Children’s Stage
11:30am – Conrad Hartz Puppets
12:00pm Glor Na Daire Academy of Irish Dance
12:45pm Savannah Stage Company
1:15pm Magic Marc
1:45pm Irish Dancers of Savannah
2:30pm Conrad Hartz Puppets
3:00pm Magic Marc
3:30pm Savannah Stage Company
4:00pm Stage Closed

—————————–

More St. Patrick’s Day Events

MEET THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Savannah & will make multiple community appearances. The hitch team and red wagon will appear at various St. Patrick’s Day parades, as well as other neighborhood events, where consumers can interact with the hitch team.
WHEN:
Thurs. March 12, 4-6PM Full hitch in Fort Stewart @ Fort Stewart Military Base on 6th street
Fri. March 13, Noon Folds of Honor scholarship presentation @ Southern Eagle Distributing, 1320 US Highway 80W, Savannah
Fri. March 13, 4-6PM—Full hitch in Old Town Bluffton, S.C. at Calhoun St.
Sat. March 14, 3 PM— Full hitch at St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tybee Is. Parade begins at City Hall, proceeds down Butler Ave. to Tybrisa St.
Sun. March 15, 3 PM— Full hitch at St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Hilton Head Is. Parade begins at Pope Avenue
Mon. March 16, 10AM-6PM— Budweiser Clydesdales stable viewing @ Southern Eagle Distributing, 1320 US Highway 80W Savannah
Tues. March 17, 10AM— Full hitch at Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah. Parade begins at Gwinnett & Abercorn streets

FREE IRISH DANCE LESSONS

Legacy Irish Dance in Savannah is offering 4 FREE weeks of classes for the months of January, February & March 2015 to children wanting to give Irish dance a try. Anyone who participates is also invited to join in the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade on Tues. March 17. Details here. 

FREE GREENING OF FOUNTAIN

NOON Friday, March 13, 2015
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee’s annual Greening of the Fountain takes place in Forsyth Park at the main fountain on the north side. The Greening ceremony has evolved into a popular event, as the attendance grows larger every year. The children are the focus of the Greening and a special kind of Irish magic culminates when the fountain water turns from clear to green, ensuring a “young-at-heart” experience for everyone.

FREE TYBEE ISLAND IRISH HERITAGE PARADE

3PM Sat. March 14, 2015, Butler Ave., Tybee Island

FREE HILTON HEAD ISLAND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

3PM Sun. March 15, 2015. This is a more lowkey, laid-back parade than Savannah’s. See the parade route here. 

FREE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

10:15 Tues. March 17 2015. See the parade route here.  Show up early to get a spot along the route.

Find a spot to watch the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade near The Melting Pot Savannah, Ga. on Broughton Street. The Melting Pot of Savannah’s full bar will be open 3/17 at 8am for Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, coffee etc. Closed for dining.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY IRISH BOWLING

Ancient Order of Hibernians’ Irish Road Bowling Tournament
10AM Sat. March 21 @ Hutchinson Island Racetrack
Cost: $15 if you register before March 18; $20 day of
Learn more here.

This February, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island offers FREE one-hour yoga classes at the resort’s beach, available to guests & locals alike.

Classes are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8AM and on Wednesdays at 5:30PM. The resort is at 130 Shipyard Drive in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Hilton Head Island locals are encouraged to provide donations to benefit the Hilton Head Humane Society at the start of yoga class. For more information on classes, call (843) 842-2000 or visit Guest Services at the resort.

Yoga instructor Jennifer Brewer will lead the classes. She is a RYT-500 yoga therapist from Subtle Yoga in Charlotte, N.C., and RYT-200 from Asheville Community Yoga in Asheville, N.C. Brewer has more than 15 years of teaching experience.

For more information on the resort, call (843) 842-2000 or click here.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

At the start of February, you will have a chance to check out the Matilda Jane Spring 2015 Collection, Hello, Lovely!, in Bluffton & Savannah.

You’ll also be able to see the details of Matilda Jane’s new tween line – 435 – just for sizes 8-14.  With all of the charm and personality of the original MJC collection, 435 has a decidedly more grown up feel, but not too grown up.

Robyn Shirley, who has been an independent Trunk Keeper in South Carolina since 2008, recently expanded her business to the Savannah area. Shirley now serves Matilda Jane Clothing as a Team Leader and Trunk Keeper.

Premier of the Spring 2015 line

Sunday February 1, 3-5PM
Monday February 2, 10AM-Noon and 6-8PM
11 Okatie Road
Bluffton
RSVP RobynS@matildajaneclothing.com

Trunk Show

Thursday February 5, 10AM-1PM
by appointment in The Landings – Savannah
Please contact Robyn for an appointment via email at RobynS@matildajaneclothing.com

TO BOOK or attend a show near you, email RobynS@matildajaneclothing.com

Robyn Shirley, Team Leader and Trunk Keeper #124, Bluffton, SC, RobynS@matildajaneclothing.com Robyn Shirley is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Play in snow & have snowball fights @ the 2015 Hilton Head Snow Day on January 24, 2015 from 11am-4pm at Shelter Cove Community Park. The event is hosted by The Island Recreation Association and title sponsor Coastal Pediatric Dentistry.

This family event will have inflatable rides, snowfield, pony rides and entertainment.

For the kids who have never seen snow, this is the perfect event.

Admission is $10 per person from ages 2-17. All food and beverage are sold separately.

For more information: (843) 681-7273 or visit www.islandreccenter.org. You can also “like” Island Recreation Association on Facebook here for daily and weekly updates.

This is a must for those of you in the Bluffton/Hilton Head Is. SC area with children entering preschool next school year: a free Preschool Fair to learn more about preschool options in the area.

The MOMS Club of Bluffton/Hilton Head is hosting the Preschool Fair, noon-2PM on February 7 2015 at the Bluffton library @ 120 Palmetto Way Bluffton, SC 29910. Several preschool directors will be available to talk to parents about curriculum and preschool options in the Bluffton/Hilton Head area.

This is a free event that is open to the public.

More information is available at www.bhhmoms.webs.com

Here are our favorite picks for nearby spots outside of Savannah that are well worth the trip (FOR MORE DAYTRIPS, VISIT OUR PINTEREST BEST DAYTRIPS BOARD HERE. ):

PLEASE CALL AHEAD BEFORE MAKING THE TREK TO CONFIRM PLACES ARE OPEN

(To find out Savannah kid-friendly activities, visit our Events Calendar here)

Georgia Buffalo Ranch in Townsend, Ga. near Darien is open to the public. Bring the kids out to the Georgia Buffalo Ranch to take a ranch tour, feed the buffalo or visit the Trading Post, meet Belle the Donkey & her buddy Donkey. Tours & visits by appointment.  Georgia Buffalo Ranch, 11495 US Hwy 17, Townsend, Ga 31331 tel: (855) 242-2833 email GeorgiaBuffalo@gmail.com , www.GeorgiaBuffalo.com

Ride the St. Mary’s Express train in St. Mary’s, Ga. Immerse yourself in history, fun and adventure as you travel the rails from Historic St. Marys, Georgia, through scenic woodlands and marshlands. Your 1 hour and 15 minute excursion brings you face to face with yesteryear, nature and some great entertainment. Whether you’re riding on the open-air rail cars or experiencing an authentic locomotive or caboose ride, you never know what you’ll encounter along the way. Details here.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Is., Ga (closed Mondays ). Hours, admission rates, directions and more details here. BE SURE TO VISIT DRIFTWOOD BEACH on Jekyll, Is. while there.

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor , S.C. . Hours, daily events, admission rates & specials here. .

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston, S.C. Hours, exhibits, admission rates & more details here.

Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.

Museum of Science & History (MOSH) & The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Jacksonville, Fla.. Hours, daily Planetarium shows, upcoming special events, admission specials & more details here.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville, Fla.. Hours, January discounts, admission rates & more details here.

Lawton Stables & Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head. Is. S.C. Lawton Stables: (open everyday except Christmas) Lawton’s free animal farm includes goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, ponies, cows, a deer named Callie and a Clydesdale named Harley (who loves visitors bearing carrots and apples). Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. Details here. Pair your visit to Lawton with a visit to The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum or Harbour Town.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve: nature trails, ponds, fishing, wildflower field during spring, Native American Shell Ring. Details here.

Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Is.
70 Honey Horn Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Educational natural history and animal programs at a venue that includes salt marsh board walks, open fields, gardens, trails and a 1200 square foot butterfly habitat that is home to some 13 species of native butterflies to the Lowcountry.
More info here.

The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is., S.C.. Details here.

Gregg Russell Playground in Harbour Town, Hilton Head Is.
The Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town is one of the top playgrounds in our area. Fenced, somewhat shaded playground that includes a treehouse; swings; numerous slides; lots of climbing bars, jungle gym bars, monkey bars. Just outside the fenced-playground is a water fountain; picnic tables; bathrooms; and plenty of spots for lunch, drinks or coffee and of course, the famous Harbour Town lighthouse which is open to climb for a fee plus $5 Sea Pines gate fee. Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928
FREEBIE: During summer & some spring months, catch the red Sea Pines Trolley at Harbour Town to ride around Sea Pines for free. Click here for the Sea Pines Trolley schedule & route.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, S.C. Hours & admission rates here. .

EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia, S.C. Hours & admission rates here.

Bike the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort, S.C., a 3.3 mile, 12-foot wide, paved, pedestrian trail open for the enjoyment of bikers, runners, walkers, fishers, and nature enthusiasts of all stages of life. When completed, the 13.6 mile Trail will connect neighborhoods, parks, water and marsh views, nature preserves, cultural features, historic sites and businesses for recreation, transportation and conservation purposes. More info here. Pair you visit with another one of our Beaufort spots below.

Take the kids to an old-fashioned drive-in: Hwy. 21 Drive In in Beaufort, S.C. For directions or to see what’s playing, click here or follow the Drive In on Facebook here. Hwy 21 Drive In, 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, 29906, tel (843) 846-4500, Email hwy21drivein@embarqmail.com

The Kazoo Factory museum tours, Beaufort, S.C. Hours & admission rates here. Pair your visit with a trip to the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park. Details here.

BEAUFORT PLAYGROUNDS. While in Beaufort, S.C. check out these two fun playgrounds:
*Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground, Playground with hardwood mulch, restrooms a stage for performances, a pavilion for displays and a grassed amphitheater for picnicking, frisbee or simple relaxing. Kids can watch fishermen showing their skills on the dock in front of the playground 1010 Bay Street, Beaufort, S.C. 29902
*Pigeon Point Park playground Age appropriate playground equipment that includes merry-go-around, restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, large oak trees that provide shade. Pigeon Point Road Beaufort, SC 29902

Hunting Island State Park, S.C.  The historic lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. For an admission of $2, visitors can climb the 167 steps & walk around the observation deck for a lofty view of the barrier island and surrounding seascape.  CHILDREN MUST BE AT LEAST 44″ TALL TO CLIMB THE LIGHTHOUSE. Details here.

FREE! The Parris Island Museum – located on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina – features thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials that illustrate the history of Port Royal and Parris Island, from early Native American inhabitants of Port Royal to the modern Marines. On display are artifacts depicting Port Royal’s important military role from the American Revolution to the Civil War, along with development of the island into a Marine Corps installation after the Spanish-American War through the present. Alongside Marine Corps history, there are exhibits devoted to the Charlesfort-Santa Elena National Historic Landmark, site of French and Spanish colonies on Parris Island between 1562 and 1587.
Open daily to the public from 10am-4:30pm, and 8am – 4:30pm on Family and Graduation Days. Holiday closures include New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission is free. For more information, click here or call 843.228.2951.

FREEBIE: Parris Island Marine graduation ceremonies are open the public, usually held outside on certain Fridays throughout the year.  Call 843.228.2951 for more information.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.

Sapelo Island, Ga. & Reynolds Mansion. More info here.

Lighthouse on St. Simons, Is. Ga. More info here.

Wildlife Programs @ The Center for Wildlife Education & the Lamar Q. Ball Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University Campus, Statesboro. Details here.

Planetarium | Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Ga.
Monthly public events on exciting astronomy topics and full-dome presentations scheduled each year with telescopic observing outdoors, weather permitting. Details here.

Georgia Southern Museum, Statesboro, Ga.
Permanent exhibits include a 78-million year old, 26-foot long, fossil skeleton of the eel-like predator called the mosasaur. Admission to The Georgia Southern Museum is $2 per person. There is no charge for children ages three and under. The Museum is free to all students and members. Everyone is welcome to visit  on Free Museum Saturdays, hosted on the last Saturday of each month.

Billy’s Island & Okefenokee Swamp Tour, Fargo, Ga.
Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo, GA
Tour of historic Billy’s Island. This island was home to Native Americans, pioneers, and lumbermen for thousands of years. We will take a boat out to the island and hike the short trail, about 3/4 of a mile, and view some of the relics left from times past. $15-$20 $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

April Free Family Fun Night

April 10, 5:30-7:30pm

Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. for FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

Free admission to the museum, bounce house (weather permitting), fun arts and crafts and face painting!

Bring a friend for this FREE night of fun! Light Picnic Dinner will be provided.

Family Fun Nights made possible in part by: The Bargain Box

(Normally the 1st Friday, the Sandbox moved to April 10th due to Good Friday Church Services at St Andrew by the Sea United Methodist Church and anticipated parking challenges)

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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 FREE SAVANNAH AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Dec. 31 New Year’s events

(Hilton Head Is. ) Noon Year’s Event @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum. 10AM-2 PM Details here. 

(Hilton Head Is) 4th Annual Polar Bear Swim @ Harbour Town Pool, 10 AM. Take an invigorating dip & warm up after your plunge with hot chocolate and refreshments. Details here. 

(Hilton Head Is.) Golf ball drop from top of Harbour Town Lighthouse, 7PM (for families) & again @ midnight. Details here. 

(Tybee Is.) Tybee Island New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration. Midnight. Details here.

(Hilton Head Is) New Year’s Eve Fondue @ The Melting Pot of Savannah. Details here.

Jan. 1 New Year’s Events

(Tybee Is.) Tybee Island New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Noon. Details here.

(Savannah, Richmond Hill) 1st Day Hikes @ various state parks. Details here  for  Skidaway Is. State Park. Details here  for Fort McAllister State Park.

(Savannah) Skatefest @ Savannnah Civic Center.  Ice-skating, skate rental. Dec. 13-Jan. 4. Details here. 

The Home Depot Kids Workshop is a free class for kids held the 1st Saturday of every month at The Home Depot stores between 9 AM-Noon. More info here.

When a child goes to the Home Depot Kids Workshop, they’ll get a free project kit they can complete and take home during they workshop. They’ll also get a free kid sized orange apron and an achievement pin for a job well done.

The Home Depot Kids Workshop is similar to the Lowe’s free Build and Grow Clinics for kids held on weekends at Lowe’s stores. For info on the Lowe’s Build and Grow free workshops, click here.

Home Depot Kids Workshop Schedule Sept. 5 2015
Learn how to make a Football Toss Game. Register here. 

• Offered the 1st Saturday at all The Home Depot stores between 9AM- Noon. Please do not arrive before 9AM
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin.
• One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last.
• Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
• Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis.
• Thank you for registering online to help organizers better plan our craft kit quantities needed. Register here. 

The free kids’ workshops are available at Home Depot stores in Savannah, East Savannah, Hilton Head Is/Bluffton, & Pooler. More info here.

December is a fine time to visit The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

All of the events below are happening @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum this month.

DIY Holiday Crafts
Each Saturday in December
Included in admission

‘Twas Two Days Before Christmas
Tuesday, December 23st, 10:30 am – noon
Included in admission. Join in as Santa stops by and reads a classic holiday story, then decorate a frame to use for your favorite holiday picture! They’ll have cocoa and cookies on the porch, too! Included in admission. Space is limited. On a first come, first serve basis. Details here. 

Santa’s Last Stop
Wednesday, December 24th
11:30 am – 1 pm
Included in admission
Santa will be stopping by one final time before he heads to the North Pole – make sure you’re here to drop off your last-minute wish list and snap a picture with the holly jolly guy himself.

Special Holiday Parent’s Night Out
Monday, December 29th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
$30 per child for non-members, $20 per child for members. Are you ready to get away from the mountain of toys in your house? Need some quiet time to put your house back together? Bring the kids over for a night of crafts, friends, and fun! Reservations required. Details here.  Call 843-842-7645 to sign up

Noon Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31st, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
$10 for non-members, $8 for members
Are the kids excited to ring in 2015, but you know they won’t make it up until midnight? Come on over and celebrate with us! We’ll have a bounce house, snow machine, activities and games, lunch, and a balloon drop at noon. Details here.

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public and occur select Saturdays at 10am. Below is the next upcoming clinic. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.

Holiday kids’ workshops: 
10AM Dec. 12 2015

To register for a Build and Grow kids’ clinic, click here.

Don’t miss out on the FREE fun!

Details here.  
Clinics are available at Lowe’s stores in Savannah, Rincon, Pooler, Bluffton, Hinesville, Beaufort, Statesboro, Brunswick and more.

The free clinics are similar to The Home Depot Kids Workshop, which are free classes for kids held on the first Saturday of each month at Home Depot stores across the country. To learn more about the Home Depot free kids’ workshops & see the Home Depot schedule of upcoming kids’ workshops, click here.

WEEKDAY KIDS EVENTS @ THE SANDBOX

The Sandbox Children’s Museum offers regular weekday programs for kids including:

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

Starting in February

Discover Imagine Grow Program Topics
Tuesdays, 10:30am-11:30am (resuming in February)
First come, first serve, Sign up at Front Desk
All themes and topics parallel the SC Core Curriculum Standards. Geared for Pre school children age 3-5 years.
Empowerment through Play
Through the guise of play and exploration, D.I.G will empower young children by encouraging and guiding development of the skills needed for their success in learning and in life: language and literacy, reading and writing, math and science, and social, emotional, and physical well-being. The Sandbox outreach programs will not only compliment the work being done by parents, caregivers, and educators but will include them in the learning process and provide ideas for them to continue to foster growth and curiosity.

Hours 

Wed-Sat: 10-4 JANUARY 2015 ONLY(CLOSED SUNDAYS, MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS)

OPEN, Monday, January 19, 10a-5p, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 Tues-Sat: 10-5 September thru March, May (Except January, Wed-Sat, 10a-4pm)

Mon-Sat.: 10-5 April, June thru August

Sunday: Closed

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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

We love this Santa letter writing program offered by the Bluffton Township Fire District, just over the Savannah bridge in Bluffton, SC: special drop off locations for Letters to Santa.

Special mailboxes are installed at each of the the eight fire stations throughout the district to collect letters.

The mailboxes are emptied each morning by Santa’s little helpers to be quickly delivered to the North Pole. When sending a letter, please include a return address to help Santa. Who knows, he may just write back….

Station locations are:
Station 30- 2 Bridge St.
Station 31- 178 May River Rd.
Station 32- 155 Callawassie Dr.
Station 33- 12 Buckingham Plantation
Station 34- 25 William Pope Dr.
Station 35- 357 Fording Island Rd.
Station 36 – 2 Oak Tree Rd.
Station 37 – 564 Old Palmetto Bluff Rd.

Santa on tour in Bluffton

The Bluffton Township Fire District will be escorting Santa around neighborhoods throughout Bluffton SC until Dec. 18.

The fire district believes this will help Santa see all of the neighborhoods and learn the best routes for Christmas Eve. The fire truck transporting Mr. Claus will have its lights and sirens on, so everyone will know Santa has arrived.

Route schedule:
Dec.8
• Island West
• Park Side
• Baynard Park
• Eagles Point
Dec. 9
• Rose Hill
• Rose Hill Equestrian
• Westbury Park
Dec. 10
• Sandy Run
• Edge Field
• Arbor wood
• Willows
• Woodbridge
• Towns at Buckwalter
Dec. 11
• All Joy Road
• Brighten Oaks
• Martins Place
• Fern Lakes
• Lake Linden
• Lakes at Myrtle Park
• Bridge Point
• Saw Mill Forest
Dec 15
• Vista View Apartments and White Oak Apartments
• Pine Ridge
• The Farm
• Pine Ridge
Dec. 16
• Bluffton Park
• Well Stone
• Hidden Lakes
Dec. 17
• Cedar Lakes
• Mid-Point
• Southern Oakes
• Alston Park
• Heritage at New Riverside
Dec. 18
Extra Day Scheduled for Make Up if necessary

FOR MORE SAVANNAH-AREA HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENTS, VISIT OUR HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE 2014 BY CLICKING HERE. 

Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Center, Hilton Head Is. 6-10PM nightly through Jan. 4 2015.

Details here. 

The Dove Street Festival of Lights, an Island holiday tradition for 20 years, is coming back to life at Shelter Cove Towne Centre. With the blessing of founders Paul & Kristi Beckler and Rob Lolik, visitors from across the region will once again be able to experience the magic of the cascading and tastefully tacky display.

Presented by Shelter Cove Towne Centre, the Dove Street Festival of Lights will run through January 4, 2015 and will be open to the public nightly from 6PM to 10PM. Visitors will be able to gain entrance to the Dove Street Festival of LightsTM via both the Kroger and Belk sides of the Towne Centre.

Location

Shelter Cove Towne Center is located in the center of Hilton Head Island off Hwy 278 at Mile Marker 8 @ 40 Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island, SC. It’s about a one-hour drive from Savannah.
843) 686-3090

The Deep Well Project, the holiday festival’s longstanding beneficiary, will be joined this year by PEP (Programs for Exceptional People) accepting donations onsite.

SCHEDULE OF FREE EVENTS

Sunday, December 21
Cappy the Clown – 7-9pm

Friday, December 26
Cappy the Clown – 7-9pm

Saturday, December 27
Cappy the Clown – 7-9pm

Sunday, December 28
Cappy the Clown – 7-9pm
Frosty the Snowman, special appearance – 6-8pm

Monday, December 29
Frosty the Snowman, special appearance – 6-8pm

Tuesday, December 30
Frosty the Snowman, special appearance – 6-8pm

The holiday season is a perfect time to visit Harbour Town on Hilton Head Is., which is about a 90 minute drive from Savannah. You can see Harbour Town’s holiday lights display – including the decorated lighthouse – & take part in various free events happening during December.

There is a $6 per vehicle charge to enter Sea Pines Resort gate.

Here are some free family holiday events happening in Harbour Town this December 2014

FREE outdoor family concert with Gregg Russell
Tuesday, December 23; 7:30-9pm
Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town. Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children and adults. Following the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus!

Holiday Fun, Holiday Movies, Marshmallow-roasting in Harbour Town
Saturday, December 27-Tuesday, December 30; 4-8pm
Come to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town to watch classic holiday movies, roast marshmallows over a fire pit, and enjoy festive games and activities for the whole family. Games and activities start at 4pm and the movie and fire pit start at 6pm.
This is a complimentary activity, however donations for Deep Well are appreciated. For more information, contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at (843) 842-1979

14th Annual Polar Bear Swim
Wednesday, December 31; 10am
Show your adventurous side with the other “polar bears” by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on a chilly winter day. Warm up after your plunge with hot chocolate and refreshments.
For more information, contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at (843) 842-1979. Complimentary.

New Year’s Eve Golf Ball Drop from the top of Harbour Town Lighthouse
Wednesday, December 31; 7pm & midnight
Enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve golf ball drop from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Enjoy food and fun at the Quarterdeck and Topside Waterfront Restaurant, then count down the golf ball drop as we welcome the new year! Two drops: 7pm and midnight.
For more information, contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at (843) 842-1979.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. is turning 9!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 10am-2pm
(closing at 2pm, space & activities will be limited in the event of rain)

The museum parking lot will be turned into a carnival, complete with bounce house, “corn hole”, our new “building blocks”, carnival games with prizes, a cotton candy station, special activities in the museum, holiday crafts (ornaments & decorating sugar cookies), a BBQ lunch with all the “fixins”, and of course, birthday cake.

Special event prices:
Adults & Children $10; up to 12 months FREE
($8 for members, seniors and active military)
(all proceeds benefit the museum’s non-profit programs)
(sorry, coupons not valid for admission)

Please feel free to call for more info and how to be an event sponsor or birthday donor.

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Book Reading by Santa Claus, Dec. 23 2014

Santa Claus himself will read the classic and then visit with children at the Museum (10:30-12noon). Space is limited to the reading (at 10:30am) so sign up when you get here, first come first serve. Included in Museum Admission

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WEEKDAY KIDS EVENTS @ THE SANDBOX

The Sandbox Children’s Museum offers regular weekday programs for kids including:

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

Discover Imagine Grow Program Topics
Tuesdays, 10:30am-11:30am
First come, first serve, Sign up at Front Desk
All themes and topics parallel the SC Core Curriculum Standards. Geared for Pre school children age 3-5 years.
Empowerment through Play
Through the guise of play and exploration, D.I.G will empower young children by encouraging and guiding development of the skills needed for their success in learning and in life: language and literacy, reading and writing, math and science, and social, emotional, and physical well-being. The Sandbox outreach programs will not only compliment the work being done by parents, caregivers, and educators but will include them in the learning process and provide ideas for them to continue to foster growth and curiosity.

Program Topics
November
Nov. 18 Science/Staying Healthy/The Body

December
Dec. 2 Science/Staying Healthy/Dental
Dec. 9 Science/Staying Healthy/Emotions
Dec. 16 Science/Experimenting with Fun!/Science Experiments

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NOON Year’s Eve Event

NOON Year’s Eve Celebration December 31, 2014, 10am-2pm
Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up till midnight?
Come to The Sandbox for a family fun event guaranteed to kick off your New Year on the right foot!

Featuring: Special games, activities including our bounce house (weather permitting) and a chance to play in the snow, fun arts & crafts, light lunch, and party favors!

Event Price: $10.00 for Adults and Children 1 and over. Up to 12 months FREE. (Members, Active Military and Seniors $8.00)
*Coupons not valid for this event*

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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

FREE November Free Family Fun Night @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Hilton Head 

THEME: MILITARY and FIRST RESPONDER NIGHT

Friday, November 7th, 5:30-7:30 pm
Free admission, fun crafts & activities.
Meet local First Responders & tell them “THANK YOU!”.
Make a personalized card or letter for a deployed soldier.
Top it off with Free Refreshments (while it lasts)
Our Troops would love to hear from you.

Sponsored in part by: The Bargain Box

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Veterans Day at the Sandbox, Nov. 11

CELEBRATE VETERAN’S DAY AT THE SANDBOX
Tuesday, November 11th, 10am-5pm

Special Offers for Military Members & their families:
½ price admission
$25 off an annual membership

Offers only valid 11/11/14. Valid military ID required.
Other coupons cannot be combined with this offer.

Adults, Children, Members: $6, Seniors and Active Military: $5, Children Up to 12 Months: free

Programs include Discover Imagine Grow, 10:30-11:30 AM. Program topic: Art/Lets Get Creative/Messy Creations. Program details here. 

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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

Veterans Day at the Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is, Nov. 11

CELEBRATE VETERAN’S DAY AT THE SANDBOX
Tuesday, November 11th, 10am-5pm

Special Offers for Military Members & their families:
½ price admission
$25 off an annual membership

Offers only valid 11/11/14. Valid military ID required.
Other coupons cannot be combined with this offer.

Adults, Children, Members: $6, Seniors and Active Military: $5, Children Up to 12 Months: free

Programs include Discover Imagine Grow, 10:30-11:30 AM. Program topic: Art/Lets Get Creative/Messy Creations. Program details here. 

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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

The Sandbox’s “Spookalicious” Halloween!

Join The Sandbox Children’s Festival for Halloween Festivities
Saturday, October 25, 2014,
10am-5pm

Bring your ghosts and goblins dressed in their costumes to play! Themed crafts and activities. Decorate a special Halloween cookie. Scavenger hunt for a bag of treats! Special Saturday Admission is $5 per person age 1 and older. Up to 12 months is free (coupons not valid for this event).

For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, On Facebook here. 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 KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE

Don’t miss out on getting your cute little ghosts and goblins pictures taken for Halloween!

Who has time on Halloween night?

Get their pictures taken in their costumes before with minis by Photography by Julie Anne in Richmond Hill!  Twenty minute sessions and digital images with Halloween themed backdrops in Julie Anne’s studio for only $35.

Date for the mini sessions: Sun. Oct. 19, 8 AM – 4 PM.

To schedule your session today, contact Julie at (912) 655-9497, email Julie@photographybyjulieanne.com. Or visit her website at www.photographybyjulieanne.com 

Julie Anne is also on Facebook so don’t forget to like her page here to see all the great deals she offers each month.

Photography by Julie Anne,  email julie@photographybyjulieanne.com  (912) 655-9497, www.photographybyjulieanne.com ; On Facebook here.  Photography by Julie Anne is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking for an affordable Savannah-area photographer?

Check out More Than Words Photography by Beanna Rendon, Savannah

Beanna is a natural light photographer who strives to capture every detail of your life’s most precious moments all while conveying raw emotion. Please take a look at her Facebook page here to see some of her latest work.

Now booking: Fall Mini Sessions and Holiday Mini Sessions. Mention Southern Mama’s to receive 10% off of your future photo shoot (excluding mini sessions).

More Than Words Photography by Beanna Rendon, 912-988-6078 On Facebook here. More Than Words Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Don’t get stuck without child care!

Guardian Angels Sitting Service offers babysitters, pet sitters and elderly companions. They are licensed bonded and insured.

Visit GuardianAngelsSittingService.com to book your sitter today.

Mention SouthernMamas and receive $50 off an annual membership or $10 off a daily membership if you become a member in October.

Guardian Angels places highly qualified babysitters, pet sitters and elderly companions with families residing or vacationing anywhere in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina as well as Savannah, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Atlanta, Georgia area.

All of their Babysitters and Elderly Companions are responsible, reliable and enjoy spending time with children and the elderly.

Please visit Guardian Angels Sitting Service online by clicking here to book a sitter today !

Guardian Angels Sitting Service, 877.470.4277 On Facbook here. Email SCinfo@guardianangelssittingservice.com,www.GuardianAngelsSittingService.com Guardian Angels is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Hiring a babysitter is now as easy as making dinner reservations – thanks to the Lowcountry’s Guardian Angels Sitting Service, LLC , a Babysitter, Petsitter and Elderly Companion Referral Agency that is bonded, licensed and insured.

During September, mention you read about Guardian Angels babysitting service on SouthernMamas.com to receive $10 off the membership fee. 

Guardian Angels places highly qualified babysitters, pet sitters and elderly companions with families residing or vacationing anywhere in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina as well as Savannah, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Atlanta, Georgia area.

All of their Babysitters and Elderly Companions are responsible, reliable, and enjoy spending time with children and the elderly.

Please visit Guardian Angels Sitting Service online by clicking here to book a sitter today !

Guardian Angels Sitting Service, 877.470.4277 On Facbook here. Email SCinfo@guardianangelssittingservice.com, www.GuardianAngelsSittingService.com Guardian Angels is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser