The first full weekend of each month means free weekend access to some of nearby museums through Bank of America’s Museums on Us program. Free admission is for the adult cardholder only. Regular admission applies to children and additional guests.

Free Bank of America Museum on Us 2015 dates are Sept. 5 & 6; Oct. 3 & 4; Nov. 7 & 8; Dec. 5 & 6.

Nearby participating museums include:

EdVenture Children’s Museum

EdVenture Childrens Museum in Columbia, S.C.
211 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

See our list of Things To Do in Columbia, SC With Kids by clicking here. 

Other participating museums include

Atlanta History Center
High Museum of Art in Atlanta
Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville

The Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville (MOSH), Fla.
Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, Fla

Who is eligible?

To qualify for Museums on Us, you must be a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card customer. Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain one free general admission to any participating institution. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission.

When is it available?

With qualifying identification, customers can enjoy free admission on the first full weekend of every month.

For a full list of participating museums, please visit the Museums on Us site.

We checked out the brand new Holiday Inn Resort on nearby Jekyll Island this summer & fell in love. Two words to describe this Golden Isles oceanside hotel: fresh & welcoming.

Our kids adored sleeping in a room with a full view of the Atlantic – then swimming in an elegant dark-bottom pool, playing on a playground & eating breakfast at an outdoor restaurant – all within sight and sound of the ocean.

The hotel grounds are graceful with newly redone landscaping, wind-sculpted oak trees and the island bike path that winds alongside the ocean. There’s also a fire pit, hot tub, baby pool, beach access & bike rentals.

Check availability here. 

You may love this hotel so much, you very well could opt to drop into one of the sleek pool lounge chairs with a book while your family hits Summer Waves water park and other spots on our list of top Jekyll Island things to do with kids.

The only drawback was that the hotel is so new that its indoor restaurant Beach House is not open until Fall 2015. The outdoor poolside restaurant is open & serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. So this worked out perfectly during our stay because we had great weather. But rain could send you out to one of the restaurants on the island.

Jekyll Island is an easy, roughly 90-minute drive down I-95 from Savannah. See our list of things to do with kids on on Jekyll Island here. 

Like the Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island on Facebook here to see photos and to stay updated about hotel specials and events.

Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island, 701 North Beachview Dr, Golden Isles, Georgia, (912) 635-2211 www.hijklresort.com On Facebook here.  Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

SouthernMamas.com regularly spotlights our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah is Charleston, SC. (about a 90 minute drive from Savannah).

For more favorite daytrips from Savannah, click here. 

Things to do with kids in Charleston, SC include:

1. South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor. Hours, daily events, admission rates & specials here.
Now open, Touch sharks & rays @ Shark Shallows. This new exhibit enables you to reach out & feel the skin of bonnethead sharks, cownose rays and southern stingrays. Details here.

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

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

4. The Center for Birds of Prey Avian Conservation Center , Awendaw SC

5. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant

6. James Island County Park Climbling Wall, Charleston – South Carolina’s tallest, outdoor climbing wall.

7. Pineapple Fountain & Splash Fountain in Waterfront Park,Charleston. Wading in these downtown fountains is permitted & encouraged.

8. Awendaw Passage (7 miles) of Palmetto Trail (Hike or mountain bike)

9. Fresh farm stand/u-pick farm (depending on the season) including
* Ambrose Family Farm: Wadmalaw Island.www.stonofarmmarket.com/ambrosefamilyfarm.html
* Boone Hall Farms: Mount Pleasant. www.boonehallfarms.com
* Rosebank Farms: John’s Island. www.rosebankfarms.com

10. West Ashley Bikeway 2.5 mile biking & walking path, Charleston

11. Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach

12. Waterparks
Splash Zone Waterpark in James Island County Park
Splash Island Waterpark, Mount Pleasant, SC

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Free trolley transportation

Free Public Transportation in Charleston via DASH Trolley

Charleston’s free public transportation – DASH Trolley – is operated by the city’s CARTA bus system and runs throughout the historic Charleston peninsula.
Route 210 (Orange) drives from College of Charleston to the Aquarium.
Route 211 (Green) drives to the waterfront, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and City Market
Route 213 (Purple) drives to Brittlebank Park, Riley Stadium, historic city center.
All three routes converge at the Visitors Center, Marion Park and Charleston Museum.
Wait at an official CARTA bus stop, denoted by the green signs.

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.

The new Pooler water park – Surf Lagoon – opens for the 2015 summer season on Sat. May 23. Surf Lagoon will open in phases. The first phase opening in May includes the first slide tower complex, lazy river, kid’s activity area, and two zero entry beaches. There are no height restrictions on Layback Lagoon, Shorebreak Beach, and Shortboarders. Riders must be taller than 48″ inches to ride all slides.

2015 Summer Season
Daily: May 23-Aug. 5. Open Memorial Day.
Weekends Only: Aug. 8-Sept. 7. Open Labor Day.
For hours, click here. 

Surf Lagoon Water Park
Located near 1-95 and Pooler Parkway
Exit 104 off I-95.
130 Towne Center Dr, Pooler, 31322
email: info@surflagoonpooler.com

Learn more here.

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More Water Parks Near Savannah

Splash In The Boro opens for the 2015 summer season this Sat. May 16.
45 miles from Savannah in Statesboro, Ga.
Water Slides – 2 body slides and 1 inner tube slide wind around each other and finish with a plunge into a common wave pool. The park has a double flowrider , a 5-lane mat racer, a spray pad and slides for toddlers, 3 tube slides, a lazy river.

2015 Summer Season
Weekends only: May 16 & 17.
Open daily starting May 23. For hours click here.

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Summer Waves opens daily for 2015 summer season this Friday May 15.
75 Miles from Savannah on Jekyll Island.

2015 Summer Season
Weekends only: May 2-10; Aug. 15-Sept. 20
Daily: Fri. May 15-Aug. 12. Open Memorial Day & Labor Day.
For hours, click here.
Summer Waves Water Park located on Jekyll Island with 11 acres of splashing summertime fun for the whole family. Nine exciting attractions including six water slides, wave pool, lazy river, splash zone and kiddie area.

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Charleston, SC Water Parks

Splash Zone Waterpark
79 Miles from Savannah in Charleston, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24 and August 15 – Labor Day.
•Daily: May 25-August 14. Open Memorial Day.
200-foot tube slide – 200-foot open slide – Caribbean play structure with slides, wheels, and sprays – 500-foot lazy river with an adventure channel featuring sprays and a waterfall – Leisure pool – open seasonally

Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark
87 miles from Savannah in North Charleston, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24. Open on Memorial Day. Aug. 15-Labor Day
•Daily: May 30-August 14
Fun for all ages, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park and offers seasonal, island-style water play packed into over 15-acres.
Coming Mid-Summer 2015: Rip Tide Run mat racer takes riders on an exciting head-to-head competition over gut wrenching bumps, accelerating riders towards the finish line. (minimum height of 42”)

Splash Island Waterpark
91 miles away in Mount Pleasant, SC
2015 Summer Season
10AM-6PM
•Weekends Only: May 2-24. Open Memorial Day. August 15 – Labor Day.
•Daily: May 30-August 14
200-foot water slide – 16-foot otter slide – Sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls – The Cyclone, a 10-minute swirling water ride – Recreational pool

Below are suggested forts, museums and battlefields near Savannah as well as others in Georgia for those that are up for a roadtrip. For directions and admission fees, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.

FREE Parking & Admission Pass

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

Forts near Savannah

Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
This beautiful park south of Savannah marked the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea and is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. On Saturday, May 23, watch a program about Civil War soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Nestled among giant live oaks and Spanish moss, this park is also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and boating. Cabins overlook the forest and marsh. For details on special Memorial Day Weekend family & kids events happening May 23 @ Fort McAllister click here. 

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum. Be sure to hike the pretty nature trail following the river and marsh. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. For a holiday getaway, cabins and campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

Other forts throughout Georgia

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett’s Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during General Sherman’s Georgia campaign. Water lovers may want to spend Memorial Day weekend nearby at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, where they can also visit Allatoona Pass Battlefield.

A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
This park is named for the Confederate Vice President, and his 1875 home, Liberty Hall, is furnished and open for tours. A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia. Families can also enjoy geocaching, fishing, hiking and boating at the park. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight getaways.

Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Park visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, Lake Blackshear Resort, golf and boating.

Toucan Tuesdays @ Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens in Columbia, SC

Every Tuesday this Summer: June 9, 2015-August 18, 2015

Enjoy BOGO admission at Riverbanks every Tuesday this summer with a donation of two cans of food to Harvest Hope Food Bank.

In addition to pay-one-price admission, guests who donate on a Toucan Tuesday also will receive hot savings for keeping cool: $2 16oz. ICEE’s, $2 16oz. fountain drinks and a 2-for-$20 special on misting fans sold at various locations throughout the park. Donations bins are located at both the Zoo and Garden entrance. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.

If you make the trek to Columbia, be sure to check out our list of Things To Do With Kids in Columbia, S.C.

SouthernMamas.com regularly spotlights our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah is Hilton Head Is.

Things to do with kids on Hilton Head Is. include:

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.

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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 regularly during summer (weather permitting) & periodically during spring. Details here. 

During Summer 2015, Gregg Russell will perform his free kid-friendly outdoor concerts:
8PM-9:30PM
May 22-24
May 27-29
May 31-August 28 (every night except Saturdays)
September 3-6

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.

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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

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4. The wildflower garden & hiking 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, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom. 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.

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5. 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. *Perfect rainy day activity

For Summer 2015, the free trolleys will run May 22 – Sept 6.

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6. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum

18A Pope Ave
(843) 842-7645
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.

Summer 2015 Hours: The Sandbox be open Mon-Sat.: 10-5 June thru August, Sunday: Closed. For hours, click here.

May 2015
05/21/15 | Imagination Hour
05/25/15 | The Sandbox at Lawton Stables
05/28/15 | Imagination Hour
June 2015
06/04/15 | Imagination Hour
06/11/15 | Imagination Hour
06/17/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
06/18/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
06/18/15 | Imagination Hour
06/24/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
06/25/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
06/25/15 | Imagination Hour

July 2015
07/01/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/02/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/02/15 | Imagination Hour
07/08/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/09/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/09/15 | Imagination Hour
07/15/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/16/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/16/15 | Imagination Hour
07/22/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/23/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/23/15 | Imagination Hour
07/29/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
07/30/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
07/30/15 | Imagination Hour

August 2015
08/05/15 | Parents Night Out (W)
08/06/15 | Parents Night Out (Th)
08/06/15 | Imagination Hour
08/13/15 | Imagination Hour
08/20/15 | Imagination Hour
08/27/15 | Imagination Hour

Details here. *Perfect rainy day activity

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7. Coastal Discovery Museum

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. *Perfect rainy day activity.
More info here.

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8. 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.

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9. 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

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10. 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.

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For more kid-friendly daytrips/weekend getaways from Savannah, click here. 

SouthernMamas.com regularly spotlights our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah is Beaufort, S.C.

Things to do with kids in Beaufort, S.C. include:

Shark Tooth Fairy Shark Tooth Hunts
Go to a shark tooth hunt in Port Royal with Beaufort’s famed Shark Tooth Fairy. Friend him on Facebook here to  stay updated on when the next public beach shark tooth hunt for kids will happen. Details here. 

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The Kazoo Factory museum tours
See how kazoos are made at this museum featured on National Public Radio show All Things Considered. Read the story here.  The museum tours show how kazoos are assembled, imprinted, packaged and shipped worldwide. Kids can also make their own kazoos to take home.
Admission fees:
No charge to browse the museum.
Guided tours: $5 per person.
Children 3 and younger are free.
12 John Galt Road
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 982-6387
www.kazoofactory.com

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Spanish Moss Trail
Bike this 12-foot wide, 5-mile paved pedestrian trail through neighborhoods, marshes and more. When completed, the trail will be 13.6 miles.
Free.
Parking trail head
Depot Road
Beaufort, SC 29902.
www.spanishmosstrail.com

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Parris Island Marine Graduation
Graduation ceremonies are open to the public and typically held certain Friday mornings throughout the year. For the exact dates of specific graduation ceremonies, click here for the 2015 schedule.
The ceremony begins at 9 AM and typically lasts about an hour.
To enter Parris Island, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and valid registration.
Free
283 Blvd De France
Parris Island, SC 29905
843-228-3650
http://www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/

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Hunting Island State Park and Lighthouse
For an admission of $2, visitors can climb the 167 steps and walk around the observation deck. Children must be 44” tall to climb the lighthouse, which is subject to close for repairs without notice.
2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, SC 29920
(843) 838-2011
Admission Fees:
Adults: $5
SC Seniors: $3.25
Children 6-15: $3
Children 5 and younger are free
www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingisland/

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Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground
Enjoy shaded play areas, restrooms, a grassy area for picnicking. Kids can watch fishermen showing their skills on the dock in front of the playground.
Free
1010 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
www.beaufort-sc.com/waterfront-park.html
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Pigeon Point Park playground
Includes fun playgroup equipment including a merry-go-around; restrooms; picnic tables; water fountains large oak trees that provide shade.
Pigeon Point Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
www.beaufort-sc.com/pigeon-point-park.html 

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Hwy. 21 Drive-In
End the day by taking  the kids to an old-fashioned drive in.
55 Parker Dr.
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-4500
Call the theater for ticket prices
http://hwy21drivein.com/

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For more kid-friendly daytrips/weekend getaways from Savannah, click here. 

Spring means time for exploring on daytrips or weekend getaways. We’ll start regularly spotlighting our favorite nearby daytrip spots to visit with kids outside of Savannah.

This week’s pick: Columbia, SC because one of our favorite museums – EdVenture – is free for Bank of America cardholders this weekend of March 7 & 8 (and the first full weekend of each month).

Columbia works best as a weekend getaway (meaning an overnight stay) versus a daytrip. While driving back and forth there in one day is doable – it is a lot easier to find an affordable motel and make a weekend of it.

EdVenture Children’s Museum
Home of EDDIE®, the world’s largest child. Also The South’s Largest Children’s Museum
Bank of America “Museums on Us” Weekend
If you are a Bank of America cardholder, enjoy free admission to EdVenture, on the first full weekend of every month!
Saturday, March 7 , 2015 – Sunday, March 8 , 2015

Museum Hours & Admission
Tues.- Sat.: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.
We are closed Easter Sunday
Children and Adults: $11.50
Seniors: (age 62+) $10.50
Military: (with ID) $10.50
Groups: (15+ w/RSVP) $8.50
Members: Free
Children under one: Free
More details here.

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Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Home to more than 2,000 animal. For an extra fee, kids can feed the girafees, lorikeets, ride the endangered species carousel, ride the spots & stripes train or conquer a rock wall or the 4-story vertical ropes challenge. There’s also a zip line canopy tour that includes seven zip lines ranging in length from 200 to 1,000 feet.
Admission
Adults (13 and up) — $13.95
Children (ages 2–12) — $11.50
Children (younger than 2) — FREE
Military (with military ID) — $12.95
Senior Citizens (ages 62 and up) — $12.95
Unlimited Daily Rides and Attractions Wristband** — $20.00 **Admission, Sky-High Safari and zip line are not included with purchase.*
Details here.

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Congaree National Park
No entrance or tour fees
Activities include hiking, primitive camping, bird watching canoeing & kayaking, Ranger guided interpretive walks and canoe tours, nature study, and environmental education programs.
Schedule of park events here. 
803-776-4396

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Carolina Children’s Garden
a two-acre green oasis and teaching garden located in northeast Columbia on the Clemson University/Sandhill extension campus. The garden has twelve theme gardens where children explore, play, and learn in a natural environment of birds and butterflies along with storybook characters like Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit; The Three Bears Garden, Old McDonald’s Farm, McGregor’s Carrot Patch, and an Alphabet garden displaying plants that start with each letter of the alphabet.
Hours of operation here.

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Saluda Shoals Park
A 400-acre riverfront park with educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, bird watching, nature hiking and more! Both paved and unpaved paths are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Also: geocaching, obstacle courses, bird walks, flower safaris
icrc.net
5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC | 803-731-5208
Details here. 

For more kid-friendly daytrips/weekend getaways from Savannah, click here. 

One of our favorite family daytrips from Savannah or weekend getaway spots is Jekyll Island, Ga. 

Rent bikes and pedal the more than 20 miles of flat trails on Jekyll & stop at some of these 6 must-visit spots: (Bike rentals next to the miniature-golf course).

Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Visit the state’s only rescue & rehabilitation facility to learn about the endangered sea turtles that visit our coast. Meet some of the turtle patients in the center’s hospital & learn their stories that brought them there.
During the nesting months of summer (June and July), the center leads nightly turtle walks.  After the turtles hatch in August, the center offers hatchling walks at dawn.
www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org or (912) 635-4444

Driftwood Beach
A beach teeming with sea-washed trees on the northeast tip of Jekyll that are not only majestic but also fun to climb on. Accessible from the bike paths. FREE.*

4-H Tidelands Nature Center
Guided kayak tours, nature walks, hands-on marine science adventures, and live coastal animal exhibits. The center’s reasonably priced family programs include seining—a naturalist casts a net in the water & talks about all the sea creatures uncovered ($5 per person, free for kids 3 and younger).
www.tidelands4h.org or (912) 635-5032.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Founded in 1887 by the Rockefellers, Pulitzers & Astors, this Landmark Historic District still boasts an elegant spirit as when Victorian-era millionaires once wintered here. In addition to the hotel and hotel bar/restaurant, there’s bookstore, croquet on the hotel lawn & an ice cream shop.
www.jekyllclub.com or (912) 635-2600

Summer Waves Water Park
Waterslides, wave pool and floating the lazy river. There’s a special pool for toddlers.
Opens for the Summer 2015 season on May 2 2015.
www.jekyllisland.com/summer-waves

Horton Pond
Check out the new observation deck @ Jekyll Island’s Horton Pond Conservation Project – located on the northern end of Jekyll Island across from Villas by the Sea. When the weather warms up, visitors can enjoy seeing alligators & turtles basking on the new reptile basking platform in the center of the pond. A small island provides a habitat for nesting wading birds. The .7-mile Tupelo nature trail loop will soon be complemented with plant-identification plaques. Passing near freshwater wetlands, the path leads to the only stand of black tupelo trees on Jekyll, as well as water oak, pond pine & wild blueberries. FREE.*

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*Jekyll Island Access (Fee):
Vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a valid parking pass which must be purchased at the Pay-In-The-Lane System or the Guest Information Center upon arrival on the island.  This pass allows you access to many of the island’s public outdoor areas, including picnic areas, beach parking and access points, playgrounds, soccer complex, National Historic Landmark District, fishing piers and marinas, bicycle and nature trails, and more. Multi-day passes and an annual park decal are also available for your convenience.  Bicycles and pedestrians can enter at NO charge.www.jekyllisland.com
Information is subject to change without notice.
One Day Parking Pass: $6* (tax included). Valid for 24 hours (*Parking ticket has barcode that can be scanned at pay-in-the-lane system for re-entry)
Weekly Parking Pass: $28 (Valid for seven-days)
Oversized Vehicles (over 8 feet tall): $10* (daily rate)
*Oversized vehicles are only eligible for daily or annual decals.

For more kid-friendly daytrips/weekend getaways from Savannah, click here. 

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.