The 7th annual THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH opens from Oct. 1 -Oct. 31 2014 @ Holiday Farms in nearby Ridgeland, SC, about 1 hour from Savannah.

Spend a day on Holiday Farms enjoying: Bounce house, Haytona Speedway, Duck Race, Cow Milking, Steer Roping, Corn Grinding, Barnyard Zoo, and of course a hayride to the pumpkin patch. And our personal favorite, Pigtucky Derby (pig races). New this year: 1.5 acre maze!

For more details, check Holiday Farms  website by clicking here.

Holiday Farms is now booking field trips for The Great Pumpkin Patch. If you are looking for a fun-filled trip for your school, church group, daycare, scout group, or any other kind of group, you have found the place to go. Book your trip now as dates are filling fast. You may reach Holiday Farms by phone at 843-726-5527 or email holidayfarms@yahoo.com.

Military Day

Sat. Oct. 4 2014 will be Special Military Day when all active duty military, spouses, and children will receive 50% off admission with proper ID.

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9 am – dark (last wagon ride leaves at 6 pm)
Holiday Farms is closed on Sundays

Pig Race Schedule:
Monday – Thursday 11 am and 1 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

Concessions and Entertainment available on Saturdays only.

Family owned and operated since 2008.

Stay connected about other events at Holiday Farms by liking their Facebook pagehere.

Holiday Farms, 10884 Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936, (843) 726-5527, email holidayfarms@yahoo.com
www.holidayfarmssc.com  Holiday Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Looking for a quality preschool or child care for your child?

Visit our list of schools & preschools/childcare centers in the Greater Savannah/Lowcountry area by clicking here. 

If you know of a preschool or child care center not listed, please email the name & Web link to anne@southernmamas.com.

For more exposure, advertise your school, preschool or daycare facility on that special page as well as on SouthernMamas.com Web site; in our popular weekly e-letters & SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

Email us at anne@southernmamas.com

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

Summer Fun Series 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 one is 11 AM Oct. 11. Free for kids 12 & younger. $5 for kids 13 & older. 

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 Oct. 11 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 Island here.)

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

Yes we really are posting about pumpkin patch farms in August.

If all this late-August light has you hankering for a hayride, then read on. But if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, we understand. Our Fall Fun Guide 2014 will be ready when you are. Just click on the Fall Fun image in the slide show at the top of the site for information on pumpkin patches, hayrides, fall festivals, Halloween fun & more.

Meanwhile, here’s the 411 on pumpkin patches that you can visit during Fall 2014 in a daytrip from Savannah.

Poppell Farms in Odum near Jesup. It is roughly a 75 minute to 90 minute drive from Savannah, closer from Richmond Hill. The farm has so many activities including the all-time kid favorite crop hopper (giant outdoor trampoline), cow train, goat walk, bouncy houses, corn house, steer roping & more. Poppell Farms opens Oct. 4 2014 is open every weekend in October 2014 (Saturday & Sunday) Details here.

Holiday Farms about 1 hour away in Ridgeland, S.C. It has lots of activities – pig races, pretend to milk pretend cow, hayride, duck races, bouncy house, giant tricycle races, barnyard & more. Closed Sundays. Great fall field trip for churches, schools, daycares, scouts, etc. Details here.

We have visited both Poppell Farms & Holiday Farms several times over the years & highly recommend both!

Other farms to check out:

Madrac Farms in Effingham Co. has a corn maze & pick-your-own pumpkins. Details here. 

FOR MORE FALL EVENTS, HAYRIDES, FARM TRIPS, HALLOWEEN FUN, CLICK HERE. 

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.

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 Facebook here. Email SCinfo@guardianangelssittingservice.com, www.GuardianAngelsSittingService.com Guardian Angels 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, 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

The annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration returns to Beaufort, SC this November 2014 to celebrate the history & legacy of the Gullah Geechee & the Lowcountry’s ties to West Africa.

The festival takes place Thurs. Nov. 6 through Sat. Nov. 8 on the historical campus of Penn Center, a museum & cultural center situated on the site of the first school for freed slaves established during the Civil War.

Heritage Days Celebration events will showcase Gullah cultural connections & immerse visitors in West African traditions through both educational & entertaining events, including:
An art exhibition featuring York W. Bailey
An old-fashioned prayer service
An opening ceremony and founders memorial
Friday center stage entertainment
A fish fry, oyster roast and blues night
A Saturday parade
Youth Day events & entertainment

The Penn Center was the first school established and is located on St. Helena Island.

For more information about Gullah culture or about the Heritage Days Celebration, visit www.PennCenter.com or call (843) 838-2432.

Spend the day “playground hopping,” visiting some of our top picks for playgrounds in the Greater Savannah, Ga. area & Hilton Head Is./Beaufort, S.C. area or just picking one and spending the day there.

Here are some of the best playgrounds in Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, S.C.

Forsyth Park
Two playgrounds with restrooms, café, spray pool, paved sidewalk for walking, biking. Pack a lunch (or eat at the café) & spend the day in this landmark, historic park. Check out the gated fragrant garden for the blind if it’s unlocked, the park fountains. Kids can dance to their heart’s content on the bandshell’s canopied stage. Toddler playground at Forsyth Park (next to the Visitors’ Center cafe) includes a rocking toucan
700 Drayton Street, Savannah 31401

Mother Mathilda Beasley Park:
Two playgrounds with new equipment, large grass-covered field, a baseball field, multi-purpose trail and dog park, picnic tables. Drawbacks include lack of shade & the beautiful new pavilion with restrooms is often locked & inaccessible.
500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401

Davant
Small playground behind Colonial Cemetery in Savannah. Picnic tables. No restrooms
Lincoln St. / E Perry Lane Savannah, 31401

Baldwin Park
Small fenced playground in residential area. Drawbacks: No restrooms.
E. 41st St. / Atlantic Ave., Savannah 31401

Daffin Park
Two playgrounds, lake, walking trail, picnic area, tennis courts, fields.
1500 E Victory Drive, Savannah 31404

Hull Park
Playground, sheltered picnic area, spray pool, baseball field. A great, popular neighborhood playground with a merry-go-round perfect for playdates. Drawback: no restrooms and not a lot of shade.
55th St./Atlantic Avenue, Savannah 31405

Lake Mayer
Playground includes three climbing structures complete with climbing walls, tunnels; swing sets, baby swing sets, swivel seat, twirling toy, see-saw, mulch; picnic tables, two pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, 1.5 jogging/bike paved trail with fitness course, lake, boat ramps, restrooms, baseball field, lighted hockey rink, dog exercise area.
1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, 31406

Isle of Hope
Playground, basketball court
Cornus Dr Savannah, 31406

Skidaway Island State Park playground in Savannah.
Playground, Picnic Tables. Free admission. $5 parking fee.
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah. 31411

Wilmington Island playground
Shaded playground, covered pavilion, restrooms
Cohen Ave at Walthour Rd Savannah, 31410

Memorial Park Playground, behind Tybee Is. Library, Tybee Is.
Fenced playground, bath rooms, covered picnic area, faux pirate ship, see-saw whale rocker, climbing wall, swings.
405 Butler Ave., Tybee Island 31328

Jaycee Park Playground
Fenced playground, within walking distance to the beach. Drawbacks: No bathrooms.
27 Van Home Ave., Tybee Island, 31328.

Scott Stell Playground
Playground, restrooms, three pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, jogging/bike paved trail w/ fitness course, baseball fields, dog exercise area, volleyball play areas, archery range
195 Scott Stell Community Park Savannah, 31419

J.F. Gregory, Richmond Hill
Fenced playground, picnic tables, restrooms, covered pavilions available for rent, 335 acre multi-use recreational area with a lake, walking trail, birding tower, and two restored Henry Ford era homes.
521 Cedar St, Richmond Hill, 31324

Tom Triplett Park, Pooler
Playground, two Pavilions available for rent, conference room available for rent, tennis courts, lake, 1.5 jogging/bike paved track with fitness course, restrooms, dog exercise, disc golf course
Tom Triplett Rd Pooler, 31322

West Chatham YMCA playground
Chatham County’s first play facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and features a music station, a tractor, a climbing wall and therapeutic swings for special-needs kids.
off Pooler Parkway between the YMCA and Pooler’s new municipal recreation complex

Hilton Head Is/Beaufort, S.C.

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 free plus $5 Sea Pines gate fee.
Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground, Beaufort, S.C.
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, Beaufort, S.C.
Age appropriate playground equipment that includes merry-go-around, restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, age appropriate playground equipment, large oak trees that provide shade
Pigeon Point Road Beaufort, SC 29902

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

Whether you live in Bluffton/Hilton Head Is. or are making a daytrip from the Greater Savannah area, Coastal Discovery Museum is a fun place for kids to visit – especially when there are educational kids’ programs happening.

Check out events happening at Coastal Discovery Museum by clicking here.
Explore Honey Horn, visit the Butterfly Enclosure, look for birds on the docks.

For additional information call 843-689-6767, ext 223

Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926, tel: (843) 689-6767, email info@coastaldiscovery.org, www.coastaldiscovery.org

Hilton Head Island gets a bad rap for being pricey. But there are free ways to entertain the kids on this overwhelmingly family-friendly island.

Hilton Head Island’s beaches are the No. 1 way to entertain kids. You can bike on this beach. You can play in the tidal pools at low-tide. Swim. Sand castles. Ride the waves.

Here are our top picks for other free ways to entertain the kids on this island:

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

1. Bicycling on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island offers over 50 scenic miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.

2. Free family-friendly outdoor Gregg Russell concerts at Harbour Town, Sea Pines

A classic on Hilton Head Is. for almost four decades, Gregg Russell Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town happen every night during summer (weather permitting) except Saturdays, 8-9:30 p.m. During Summer 2014, Gregg Russell will perform June 1-August 22 (every night except Saturdays) & August 28-31. This family-oriented singer/storyteller performs sing-a-longs, ballads & silly songs with audience participation. Kids in the audience try to get Gregg to pick them to sing a song to the crowd, often using creative pick-me posters etc. Concerts are free; there’s a $6 gate fee per auto.

3. Free petting farm at Lawton Stables in Sea Pines

The free animal farm includes a deer named Callie, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, turtles, cows and rabbits.  Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Harley, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. The animal farm is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928

4. Hike trails in the free Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.

5. Ride the free Sea Pines Trolley

Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to all your favorite Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a great way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines while giving you a scenic tour of a favorite family vacation resort. Schedule info here.  Trolley rides are free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

6. Go to the beach at the newly redone Sea Pines Beach Club. 

Convenient access to the Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks &  cold beverages. Details here. 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The beach club is free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. 

7. Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town, Sea Pines

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 $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.  Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928

8. Explore FREE historical Stoney-Baynard Ruins, Sea Pines

The ruins of the old Baynard estate, the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, are permanently preserved within six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. The home was raided during the Civil War and Union forces made it their headquarters. Details here. The ruins are free; there’s a $6 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

Win a high-tech birthday party for your child.

This month, a lucky SouthernMamas.com reader will win a GameTruck birthday party from  GameTruck Hilton Head , which serves Savannah, Bluffton, Pooler, Richmond Hill & Hilton Head is. 

Imagine having GameTruck’s state-of-the art Mobile Game Theater come to your party FOR FREE.

GameTruck’s Original Mobile Video Game Theater™ features five flat screen TVs (yes, five!), dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control, two vendor doors. 

Think video-game paradise on wheels. Kids enjoying two hours of  Wii U, Mario Kart, Mine Craft & more.

To enter to win, ‘like’ GameTruck Hilton Head  on Facebook by clicking here.  Then on their Facebook wall, share the name of your or your child’s favorite video game, tablet/smartphone game or app – just tell us whatever game or app you or your kids love. Be sure to say SouthernMamas.com sent you.

Deadline to enter is July 30. We’ll announce the winner here & on our & GameTruck of Hilton Head’s Facebook page, so be sure to check back July 30 to see if you or someone you know (who will invite you to their GameTruck party) won.

Giveaway Rules: Prize is One GameTruck party. Winner needs to be within GameTruck of Hilton Head’s Savannah & Lowcountry service area. GameTruck party must be redeemed by Dec 31, 2014.

GameTruck isn’t just for children’s birthday parties. This kind of interactive video game entertainment is perfect for block parties, corporate events, school functions & more. Even better: GameTruck Hilton Head is locally owned & operated.

Book Now: GameTruck brings the excitement right to your door
888-602-GAME (4263)
843-619-7FUN (7386)

Gametruck Hilton Head, (843) 619-7386, email jason.stockwell@gametruckparty.com ,www.gametruckparty.com/HiltonHead On Facebook here.

We love this high-tech kids’ entertainment option: have a state-of-the art Mobile Game Theater come to your house.

That’s what GameTruck Hilton Head offers not just for Hilton Head Is. but also for Savannah, Bluffton, Pooler & the surrounding area.

JUNE 2014 SPECIAL: Mention you read about GameTruck Hilton Head Island on SouthernMamas.com & receive this deal during June! Receive GameTruck’s weekdayprice of $299 for the remainder of the month ANY DAY if you mention you read about this special on SouthernMamas.com. Just call Gametruck’s local number to receive the offer, 843-619-7FUN(7386)

GameTruck’s Original Mobile Video Game Theater™ features five flat screen TVs (yes, five!), dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control, two vendor doors. This video-game paradise on wheels is staffed by experienced GameCoaches. Talk about posh & fun. Just what your little gamers would love.

GameTruck isn’t just for children’s birthday parties. This kind of interactive video game entertainment is perfect for block parties, corporate events, summer events/camps, fund-raisers, school functions & more. Even better: GameTruck Hilton Head is locally owned & operated.

Book Now: GameTruck brings the excitement right to your door
888-602-GAME (4263)
843-619-7FUN (7386)

Gametruck Hilton Head, (843) 619-7386, email jason.stockwell@gametruckparty.com ,www.gametruckparty.com/HiltonHead On Facebook here.

Congratulations Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge nearby in South Carolina which was spotlighted in the July 2014 issue of Parents Magazine, available now.

The article ’50 Free Attractions Across America’ found a fabulous free attraction in every state that won’t cost you a dime any day of the year. In South Carolina, the destination featured is nearby Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and in Georgia, the destination is BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Ga.

Pinckney is a great daytrip from Savannah, located 1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278. Details here. Bikes are welcome. Pinckney is perfect spot to see white ibis, herons, and egrets, maybe some alligators and deer. Bathrooms and picnic spots available. Free parking.

Parents Magazine, we couldn’t agree more. Pinckney Is. is an amazing free family-friendly attraction. Check out the Land of the Free feature on page 44 in the July issue.

There are 10 miles (16.1 km) of hiking trails on the refuge and nine recommended hikes:
Ibis Pond – 1.2 miles (1.9 km), round trip; one and a half hours walking at a leisurely pace
Shell Point – 4.6 miles (7.4 km), round trip; four hours and 15 minutes
Wood Stork Pond – 2.7 miles (4.3 km), round trip; two and a half hours
Osprey Pond – 3.0 miles (4.8 km), round trip; three hours
Nini Chapin Pond – 3.6 miles (5.8 km), round trip; three and a half hours
Bull Point – 5.0 miles (8.0 km), round trip; five hours
Dick Point – 7.4 miles (11.9 km), round trip; six and a half hours
Clubhouse Pond – 6.2 miles (10.0 km), round trip; five and a half hours
White Point – 7.8 miles (12.6 km), round trip; seven hours

A reader asks “What is the top rated children/family friendly beach around besides Tybee Island?”

That got us thinking. Here are our picks:

Sea Pines Beach Resort, Hilton Head Is., S.C. Convenient access to the Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks &  cold beverages. Details here.
87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. Details here. (While on HHI, be sure to check out Sandbox Children’s Museum (especially if it rains), the free petting farm at Lawton Stables, climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse or stay after dinner for a FREE kid-celebrated Gregg Russell concert at Harbour Town. ($6 Sea Pines Resort gate fee per auto) Details on Gregg Russell concerts here.

Neptune Park Fun Zone, St. Simons Island, Ga. Offers an 18 hole miniature golf course, an interactive Kiddie Pool, a zero entry swimming pool and playground right on the beach. Details here. 550 Beachview Dr. Saint Simons Island, Ga. 31522. Details here.

Hunting Island State Park, S.C. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
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.

HWY 21 DRIVE IN, BEAUFORT, S.C.

If your summer to-do bucket list includes hauling the kids to an old-fashioned Drive In movie theater, check out Hwy. 21 Drive In in Beaufort, S.C.

The Drive In accepts most major credit cards.

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, South Carolina 29906, tel (843) 846-4500, Email hwy21drivein@embarqmail.com
http://hwy21drivein.com/

JESUP DRIVE-IN

There’s also a drive in theatre in Jesup, Ga., which is a farther trek from Savannah than Beaufort. For info on the Jesup Drive-In schedule, click here
Follow the Jesup Drive-In on Facebook here.

Jesup Drive-In, 3686 Savannah Hwy. Jesup, Ga 31545 tel 912-559-2183 (office) or 912-427-7254 movieline, email jesupdrivein@yahoo.com, http://www.jesupdrivein.com

Bring your kids to The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is., a museum that  offers quality educational and family-oriented play centers and programs. The Sandbox provides a stimulating, progressive setting for children and their caregivers to play and learn together.

Regular weekly event: Imagination Hour. Enjoy  an hour of fun story time every Thursday followed by a craft project. Program is included with cost of admission to museum. First-come, first-serve, so sign up when checking in at front desk. 10:30am-11:30am. More info by clicking here. 

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

Click here for more details about The Sandbox’s summer events.

Admission rates & deals

Day Rates: Adults: $6; Seniors (65+): $5; Active Military: $5; Groups of 10 plus*: $5; Children (1+): $6
(0-12 Months): Free; Members: Free

Saturday Stimulus for Locals: Locals can come play on Saturdays at The Sandbox for only $5 per person (under 1 free). A driver’s license with a “299” zip code must be presented when registering.

Membership benefits: $75 Membership Includes: 20% discount on birthday parties. Discounts on Parent’s Night Out, and our signature events. Refer a member and receive a $10 gift certificate at The Sandbox gift shop.

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, www.thesandbox.org, 18A Pope Ave. (located behind St. Andrew’s By the Sea Methodist Church), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Tel: 843-842-7645 email:crinehart@thesandbox.org

When visiting Hilton Head Is., be sure to check out The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

Located just off Pope Avenue on the south end of the Island, this interactive museum provides a unique place for educational play between children and their parents, grandparents or caregivers.

Little ones from infant to age 8 will be captivated by the fun filled play centers and engaging activities.

Details here.

Bring your kids to The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is., a museum that  offers quality educational and family-oriented play centers and programs. The Sandbox provides a stimulating, progressive setting for children and their caregivers to play and learn together.

Regular weekly event: Imagination Hour. Enjoy  an hour of fun story time every Thursday followed by a craft project. Program is included with cost of admission to museum. First-come, first-serve, so sign up when checking in at front desk. 10:30am-11:30am. More info by clicking here. 

Admission rates & deals

Day Rates: Adults: $6; Seniors (65+): $5; Active Military: $5; Groups of 10 plus*: $5; Children (1+): $6
(0-12 Months): Free; Members: Free

Saturday Stimulus for Locals: Locals can come play on Saturdays at The Sandbox for only $5 per person (under 1 free). A driver’s license with a “299” zip code must be presented when registering.

Membership benefits: $75 Membership Includes: 20% discount on birthday parties. Discounts on Parent’s Night Out, and our signature events. Refer a member and receive a $10 gift certificate at The Sandbox gift shop.

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

HOURS & ADMISSION TO THE SANDBOX

Tues-Sat: 10-5 September thru March, May
Mon-Sat.: 10-5 April, June thru August
Sunday: Closed (Open on Sundays during July 2014)

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, www.thesandbox.org, 18A Pope Ave. (located behind St. Andrew’s By the Sea Methodist Church), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Tel: 843-842-7645 email:crinehart@thesandbox.org The Sandbox is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

A state-of-the-art maritime center is scheduled to open in May off S.C. 170 at the site of the former Lemon Island Marina near Beaufort, Bluffton & Hilton Head Is. S.C. (and a roughly 45 minute to an hour drive from Savannah).

The Port Royal Sound Maritime Center will feature touch-screen exhibits, classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and other areas where everyone can learn and celebrate the uniqueness of the Port Royal Sound and have diverse and fun opportunities to experience and connect with the Port Royal Sound area.

We can’t wait!

Picture 8-foot-wide jaws of a megalodon shark in the reception area; exhibits of suspended models of a tiger shark, a loggerhead sea turtle, bottleneck dolphin & cownose rays; a 2,400-gallon tank with cobia, red drum & small sharks;  a shallow tank with fish & rays for visitors to touch; a moon-and-tides exhibit featuring interactive displays explaining Port Royal Sound’s large tides; a sounds exhibit that will allow visitors to listen to the songs of dolphins & fish picked up by a submerged microphone near the center – according to the Island Packet.

Read more here.

Stay connected to Port Royal Sound Foundation & informed when there’s a scheduled opening date by liking the foundation on Facebook here.

Now that Spring is almost, spend the day “playground hopping,” visiting some of our top picks for playgrounds in the Greater Savannah, Ga. area & Hilton Head Is./Beaufort, S.C. area or just picking one and spending the day there.

Here are our picks for the best playgrounds in Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, S.C. To see our ENTIRE list of playgrounds (the best & the so-so), click here.

Forsyth Park
Two playgrounds with restrooms, café, spray pool, paved sidewalk for walking, biking. Pack a lunch (or eat at the café) & spend the day in this landmark, historic park. Check out the gated fragrant garden for the blind if it’s unlocked, the park fountains. Kids can dance to their heart’s content on the bandshell’s canopied stage. Toddler playground at Forsyth Park (next to the Visitors’ Center cafe) includes a rocking toucan
700 Drayton Street, Savannah 31401

Mother Mathilda Beasley Park:
Two playgrounds with new equipment, large grass-covered field, a baseball field, multi-purpose trail and dog park, picnic tables. Drawbacks include lack of shade & the beautiful new pavilion with restrooms is often locked & inaccessible.
500 E. Broad Street Savannah, 31401

Hull Park 
Playground, sheltered picnic area, spray pool, baseball field. A great, popular neighborhood playground with a merry-go-round perfect for playdates. Drawback: no restrooms and not a lot of shade.
55th St./Atlantic Avenue, Savannah 31405

Lake Mayer
Playground includes three climbing structures complete with climbing walls, tunnels; swing sets, baby swing sets, swivel seat, twirling toy, see-saw, mulch; picnic tables, two pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, 1.5 jogging/bike paved trail with fitness course, lake, boat ramps, restrooms, baseball field, lighted hockey rink, dog exercise area.
1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, 31406

Memorial Park Playground, behind Tybee Is. Library, Tybee Is.
Fenced playground, bath rooms, covered picnic area, faux pirate ship, see-saw whale rocker, climbing wall, swings.
405 Butler Ave., Tybee Island 31328

J.F. Gregory, Richmond Hill
Fenced playground, picnic tables, restrooms, covered pavilions available for rent, 335 acre multi-use recreational area with a lake, walking trail, birding tower, and two restored Henry Ford era homes.
521 Cedar St, Richmond Hill, 31324

Tom Triplett Park, Pooler
Playground, two Pavilions available for rent, conference room available for rent, tennis courts, lake, 1.5 jogging/bike paved track with fitness course, restrooms, dog exercise, disc golf course
Tom Triplett Rd Pooler, 31322

West Chatham YMCA playground
Chatham County’s first play facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and features a music station, a tractor, a climbing wall and therapeutic swings for special-needs kids.
off Pooler Parkway between the YMCA and Pooler’s new municipal recreation complex

Hilton Head Is/Beaufort, S.C.

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

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground, Beaufort, S.C.
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, Beaufort, S.C.
Age appropriate playground equipment that includes merry-go-around, restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, age appropriate playground equipment, large oak trees that provide shade
Pigeon Point Road Beaufort, SC 29902

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

Shark tooth hunts are so cool & totally worth the roadtrip to 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 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.

Find out when the next shark tooth hunt will be 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 Island here.)

Here are our favorite picks for nearby spots outside of Savannah that are well worth the trip:

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

1. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Is., Ga (closed Mondays ). Hours, admission rates, directions and more details here.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Lawton Stables, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head. Is. S.C. (open everyday except Christmas) Lawton’s free animal farm includes goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, ponies, rabbits, 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

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.

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

This looks like a fun daytrip from Savannah: The Kazoo Factory, also known has Kazoobie Kazoos, in Beaufort, S.C..

We’d love to hear comments from anyone who has visited this spot with kids. Feel free to comment on our Facebook page by clicking here.

The Kazoo Factory offers museum tours where kids can see how kazoos are made. The museum tours show how kazoos are assembled,
imprinted, packaged and shipped to all corners of the world. Kids can also make their own kazoos to take home.

Factory Tour Hours
Monday – Friday
10 AM and 3:00 PM
Admission: $4.00 per person (includes a build-it-yourself kazoo)

This might be a good activity to pair with a visit to the lighthouse at Hunting Island near Beaufort.  Info on Hunting Island here.

For more kid-friendly daytrip suggestions from the Savannah/Hilton Head Is., click here.

The Kazoo Factory, 12 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906,  (800) 326-0358, http://www.thekazoofactory.com/