Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah

Looking for an outdoor activity to do with your child?

Each week, Toddler Tuesday – a program @ Savannah’s Oatland Island Wildlife Center for 1-4 year-olds & their caregivers – focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. (See upcoming themes above)

Register online. Details here.

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Here are a few new kid-friendly spots to check out in Savannah & the Lowcountry that have opened in 2021.

New location of The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Is. 

Lowcountry Celebration Park – which opened in December 2020 – includes Adventure Playground for kids, a discovery trail, pavilion and lawn for festivals, exercise stations, Wi-Fi, restrooms.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum has moved there, too, to its new location (pictured above).

Purchase tickets to the Sandbox Children’s Museum online here.

The Sandbox will have 3-hour play sessions! Hours vary by day so check out the availability on the Sandbox calendar.

(Please note the new address below)

The Sandbox Children’s Museum HHI,
80 Nassau St.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-7645

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New Skidaway Island State Park Visitor Center, Savannah

The new visitor center @ Skidaway Island State Park includes floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the maritime forest and marsh plus birding from a screened porch; a 20-feet high giant ground sloth skeleton, a replica of an ancient fossil found within the park in 1822; nature exhibits including turtles and snakes; a gift shop is filled with clothing, toys, books, camping supplies, jewelry and local foods. The visitor center also includes meeting space, classroom space and staff offices.

Skidway Is. State Park regularly offers kid-friendly events. Find the schedule here. 

Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

Skidaway Is. State Park
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411

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Bike rides in Savannah

Savannah mom-tween bonding on bikes during Downtown Savannah Tree Tour? Read how that turned out here in our newspaper column.

Just want to check out the Downtown Savannah Tree Tour by bike? See the map & detailed description of each stop on Bike Walk Savannah here. 

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Mohawk Lake trail, Savannah

Mohawk Lake Trail
The 17-acre lake (pictured above) located at 1132 Mohawk Street now has a new walking/jogging trail and dog park that opened in July 2021.

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Savannah’s Truman Linear Park Trail

A roughly three-mile section of the proposed six-mile public Truman Linear Park Trail runs between Lake Mayer and East DeRenne Avenue, parallel to the Truman Parkway and Casey Canal. Part of the trail includes a boardwalk (pictured below) that runs through a woodsy section of Magnolia Park neighborhood. Learn more here. 

Truman Linear Park Trail, Savannah

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Both Skidaway Island State Park (Savannah) & Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill) offer Junior Ranger Saturdays this summer 2021. Parents can drop off kids ages 6-12 on certain Saturdays to participate in hands-on programs at the state parks. Details on that as well as other kid-friendly events at both state parks below.

Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

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Upcoming kids’ happenings @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah:

Junior Ranger Saturdays @ Skidaway Is. State Park 
On every Saturday this Summer 2021 @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah, participate with hands-on programs and work on earning your Jr. Ranger badge at Junior Ranger Saturdays.
Weekly events include birding, hiking, archery, exploring the park’s Interpretive Center and meeting the park’s live critters. Be sure to pack a lunch, snack, water bottle, bug spray and sun screen.
Each Saturday will be limited to 15 Junior Rangers. For ages 6-12.
The day begins at 8:30AM and pick up is at 4PM. The last Saturday is July 31.
Cost: $15. Parking: $5.
Learn more here. 

Reading Ranger @ Skidaway Is State Park, Savannah
Free
Fri. June 4 2021, 3PM
Listen to Skidaway Is. State Park Ranger read aloud the children’s books “Fun with the Fairway Foxes”. This book is written by a local of Skidaway Island, Sara Lucas, she also took all of the pictures shown in the book. Please pre-register by calling the park’s office: 912-598-2300

Archery @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Fri. June 11, 2021, 10-10:45AM
Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on our archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Advance registration required as space will be limited to 4 participants, and social distancing will be required. Call:  912-598-2300. Cost: $10 plus $5 parking.

Father’s Day Movie Night @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Fri. June 18, 2021, 8:30PM
Bring the family out for a movie under the stars. We will be showing “Kicking & Screaming” starring Will Ferrell. Be sure to bring your own chairs or blanket and favorite movie snacks. The movie will be located behind the visitor center. Please pre-register for the program by calling the park’s number:  912-598-2300

Father’s Day Card Craft @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Sun. June 20, 2021 at 11AM
Make your Dad a festive Father’s Day card using what you find in the park. Art supplies and paper will be provided. Please pre-register for the program by calling our park’s office:  912-598-2300

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Upcoming kids’ happenings @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Junior Ranger Weekend (Saturday) Camps 2021 @ Fort McAllister State Park
10AM-4PM June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24. Learn more here.

Night Fort Tour @ Fort McAllister State Park
Friday, June 18, 2021 8:45-9:45 PM
Come experience the beauty and tranquility of Fort McAllister at night on this ranger-guided tour of the fort. We will recount history and tell stories of Georgia’s last battle of the Civil War. Space is limited to 10 people. Pre-register and pay admission before 6:30PM in person, or by calling the park office at 912-727-2339. 912-727-2339.

Crabbing @ Fort McAllister State Park
Sun. Jun 20, 2021 11AM-1PM
Limited space available, Please RSVP. Want to go crabbing? We will learn the different kinds of traps to use, what to use for bait, and the best times for crabbing. Please bring a bucket for crabs, chair, water, and sunscreen. We can provide 1 Crab trap and bait per family, but you may also bring your own. *Georgia Fishing license required. $5 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Independence Day Celebration @ Fort McAllister State Park
Sat. July 3, 2021 10AM-3PM
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Join us for an old-fashioned celebration with living history demonstrations and musket demonstrations. $9. 912-727-2339.

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Come to Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for a day of enchantment: the annual Fairy & Gnome Festival on Sat. May 1 2021, 10AM-2PM.

This family-themed festival is all about the “wee folk” getting up close with the natural world and encouraging imaginative outdoor play.

Socially distanced activities will include a scavenger hunt, fashion show, gem mining, fairy and gnome home building and food trucks. Bring the family and stroll through Oatland’s magical trails and maybe you will catch a glimpse of a fairy or gnome looking for a place to call home.

Reservations are required for this popular annual event and can be made here.

Cost: $5 for ages Age 4+ (Ages 0-3 are FREE)

Additional fees may apply and all proceeds go to feeding our magical animal kingdom.

Fairy & Gnome Festival 2021
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandown Rd.
Savannah, 31410
(912) 395-1500

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

You’re invited to Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s first ever Family Fest fundraising event on Sun. April 11, 2021, 5-7PM.

Featuring the musical talents of Knot Done, playing tunes that will delight young and old. Enjoy a Spring evening with some music and food and have an outdoor picnic at Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.​​​​ Food trucks will be on hand, slinging up some of your dinner favorites, but you are more than welcomed to bring your own basket of goodies. Alcohol is not permitted, and the trails will not be open for this outdoor concert event.

Sunday, April 11 2021, 5-7PM
Gates open at 4PM​​

Bring your own blanket and chairs for this outdoor family fun event!

$25 per carload/ 7 person maximum

Pre-registration is required due to social distancing and payment is due upon invoicing ​for your carload to be on the list to attend.​​

Register here now​ with Friends of Oatland.

Since this event is completely outdoors, Family Fest is a weather dependent. In case of a weather cancellation, registrants will be notified via the email they registered with.

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser ​

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Spring Celebration & Shearing 2021 @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah, March 20 2021

From the animal’s body to the finished wool product. Observe and participate in the magical creation of a woolen shawl through all the stages of wool processing. Members of The Fiber Guild of the Savannah’s join Oatland staff and volunteers in making this traditional spring celebration fun for the whole family. ​

The Oatland angora goats will be sheared throughout the day with demonstrations of carding, spinning, dying and weaving the wool.

Crafts, games, and other children’s activities as well as a ​food truck will be available.

Spring Celebration and Shearing next event will be on March 20 2021 from 10AM – 2PM @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center.

Reservations for this annual event are available online @ Friends of Oatland Island. Click on the book online calendar, then click on March 20 to reserve your tickets for the Spring Celebration online.

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Spring Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Astronomy Night 2021, Savannah

Join Oatland education staff for a magical night of astronomy.
Winter Constellation – Fri. Feb. 12 2021, 6:30-8PM
1 hr 30 min
Cost: $5, proceeds benefit the care and upkeep of Oatland animals.
Book now online here.

Learn the prominent winter constellations, drink hot chocolate, and chat with friends around the fire. Park in the main parking lot at Oatland’s main building and walk around the side where the amphitheater is to find the roaring fire.

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah 

The traditional Harvest Festival @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah will not be happening in 2020,  but cane grinding will take place this Saturday Nov. 21 from 10AM-3PM with interpretation stations, a take home craft, animal visits and syrup sales.

Register online as space is limited.

Online ticketing reservations are required and can be reserved here.​

The Center for Wildlife Education and and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern in Statesboro will reopen on Mon. Oct. 5, 2020 after closing in March due to COVID-19.

Find visitor guidelines regarding the reopening here.

Come check out the new waterfowl observation deck. This walk-in deck is now open to the public and allows for up close encounters with the center’s waterfowl.

The center’s collection has grown both in number and in species, making the Wildlife Center home to one of the largest waterfowl aviaries in the state of Georgia.

Other features of the Wildlife Education Center include a Discovery Trail which includes a opossum and skunk; a Habitat Walk includes a live bald eagle in her nest; 10 displays housing several live birds; a wetland preserve with ducks and wading birds, a playground; and “Discovery Logs” where kids can crawl inside and see encased ladybugs, grasshoppers, frogs, beetles and more.

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 9AM-4:45PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed to the public.

LEARN MORE HERE. 

OATLAND ISLAND WILDLIFE CENTER IN SAVANNAH IS REOPENING

Oatland Island Wildlife Center will reopen to members only on Thurs. Sept. 10 2020. Hours will be 10AM-4PM everyday.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center will reopen to the general public on Mon. Sept. 14 2020.

BECOME A MEMBER ONLINE HERE. 
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​IMPORTANT INFO YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR VISIT:
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Pre-registration is REQUIRED with timed entry windows. Pre-register online here. 
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MEMBERS – check your email to find the promo code for free tickets with your current membership. Be prepared to show membership card on arrival. If you’re a member and didn’t receive the email, contact Oatland.
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The main building will be closed with the exception of the gift shop which will be open for cold drinks, snacks, bug spray, and souvenirs. Masks and temperature checks will be required to enter the gift shop.
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Restrooms will be available in the GA Barnyard area.

Remember to  practice physical distancing and stay an alligator apart.

Learn more here. 

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 
​

Take a walk on the wild side with Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s new animal face masks.

Available in both child and adults sizes for $10 each. Choose from cougar, barred owl, gray wolf, and opossum.
​
​Order online here.

Proceeds from Gift Shop sales support Friends of Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s mission to assist Oatland Island Wildlife Center in the day to day needs of animal care, preservation of the ecosystem, continuation of education programs and maintenance of the animal enclosures and grounds as a community asset.

Friends of Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Are you ready to GO BANANAS??🍌🍌🍌

Now’s your chance to get tickets to The Savannah Bananas game AND support Friends of Oatland FOO, the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the staff and animals of Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.

FOO Night at Grayson Stadium in Savannah is Tues. July 28 2020 and tickets are on sale NOW.

Let’s fill the stadium with FOO Fans and animal lovers – get your tickets 🎟before they sell out.

Attendance for all Bananas games are limited to half capacity for the season so this might be your best (or only!) chance to get tickets.

GO BANANAS WITH FOO. Order tickets online here. 

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Add this to your list of online learning for kids during the COVID-19 school closures: FOOVENTURES – which connects kids online with the animals of Oatland Island Wildlife Center via Facebook Live!

This FREE online kids’ nature virtual program will be live at 11AM on weekdays via the Friends of Oatland Island Facebook page here. 

FREE & open to kids of all ages.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more here.

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

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FOR MORE FREE FAMILY EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

UPDATE: THIS CAMP IS NOW CANCELLED FOR SUMMER 2020. Details here. 

Summer Camp 2020 Applications for Oatland Island Summer Camp in Savannah are available here.

Weekly summer camps will be offered June 1-July 17 2020, Monday-Friday 9AM-3PM. Earliest drop-off is 8:30AM. (Extended care offered 3-5PM). For rising kindergarteners through rising 8th graders,

Cost: $145 for each week of camp.

Find the weekly camp programs here.

Questions? Contact Summer Camp Coordinator Pam Hewatt at (912) 395-1513 or via email pam.hewatt@sccpss.com

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandtown Rd.
Savannah, GA 31410

Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Come to the Fairy & Gnome Festival 2020 @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for a day of enchantment, Sat. April 25, 2020, 10AM-2PM

This family-themed festival is all about the “wee folk” getting up close with the natural world and encouraging imaginative play. Dress in costume and flaunt your wings in our fashion show; mine for magic gems; frolic in the enchanted forest for a fairy surprise; construct a fairy village; enjoy games and crafts inspired by the natural world.

Bring the whole family and stroll through Oatland’s magical trails and maybe you will catch a glimpse of a fairy or gnome looking for a place to call home. Additional fees may apply. All proceeds go to feeding our magical animal kingdom.

Cost: regular admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center as well as some extra fundraising activities during the event. Find admission costs here.

Fairy & Gnome Festival 2020
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandown Rd.
Savannah, 31410
(912) 395-1500