Come donate some new or gently used books, then pick up a few new ones @ the Savannah Children’s Book Drive & Local Author Fair, 10AM-2PM Sat. Oct. 7 in Johnson Square in downtown Savannah.
Savannah authors, representing a variety of genres, will do book signings and sales while Book Nation of Dreamers collects book donations. The event is free and open to all ages.
Wag-O-Ween is a pet-friendly community event in downtown Savannah that attracts 2000+ yearly participants. Funds raised help to support local animal rescues, community spay and neuter programs, and support community educational programs.
Participants – dogs and their humans – dress up for and go trick-or-treating throughout the downtown and Starland districts of Savannah with participating businesses.
You’ll need one ticket (wristband) for each dog attending Wag-o-Ween. Each ticket includes a goody bag full of fun for both you and your pet.
Oct. 14 2023, noon – 4PM @ UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island, Savannah
Free and open to the public
Come to Skidaway Marine Science Day, a popular, annual can’t-miss event for all ages, on Sat. Oct. 14, from noon to 4PM on the UGA Skidaway Marine Science campus, located on the north end of the island. The campus-wide open house will be presented by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
As part of Skidaway Marine Science Day, the UGA Aquarium will be open to visitors with no admission fee. Aquarium educators will offer an afternoon full of activities, including a hands-on reptile exhibit, behind-the-scenes peeks of the aquarium and lab studies on the dock behind the facility.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Shellfish Research Lab will provide behind-the-scenes tours of Georgia’s only oyster hatchery and share efforts by researchers to make oyster aquaculture a more durable and sustainable coastal industry.
In addition, environmental organizations and researchers studying important coastal issues will have tables with a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day are free. Food will be available for purchase.
Questions? Contact Cindy Lingebach at calingeb@uga.edu.
Children and their grown-ups will be immersed in STEAM activities, such as chemistry, engineering, biology, and art, all disguised as magical classes inspired by the beloved book series. Various activities will be led by community partners, including Lowcountry Turners, Callaway Critters, Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education, Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital, and Live Oak Public Libraries.
Tickets for this event are $15 for CHS members and $17 for non-members and can be purchased online here (sales open today for members, and on Monday, 9/18 for non-members).
Be there for a day of magical learning!
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The annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival – which will be Fri & Sat Oct. 6 & 7 2023 – features a Run Forrest Run 5K, a charity shrimp race with rubber shrimp, unique shrimp dishes, live entertainment, arts & craft market & more.
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is @ the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort SC
Check out the new toys, the stage, dress-up gear and puppets at this new toy store in Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood off Waters Avenue: The Magical World of Toys.
You’re invited: Family Game Night, Puppets & Kids Karaoke, 6-8PM on Thurs. Sept. 21 @ The Magical World of Toys. Plus, live kids’ music.
Toy store owner Dante Pierson plans to host regular community kids’ events at the store.
Each year Calvary Day School’s STEM night allows students, families, and community members to explore Calvary’s STEM department and STEM and Nature Center.
You are invited to attend Calvary’s STEM Night 2023, 5-7PM Tues. Sept. 26. @ Calvary Day School, 4625 Waters Ave, Savannah.
Visitors can participate in hands-on educational activities with community partners (Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Children’s Museum of Pooler, Snapology of Savannah, Short Circuit: Specialty Electronics and Robotics, Georgia Southern University Center for STEM Education, Savannah State University, Center for Education Integrating Science Math and Computing (CEISMC), Coastal Financial Consultants – Thrivent, UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, and Lynch Associates Architect).
If you or someone you know works in a profession that would be interested in hosting a table and hands-on activity, organizers would love for you to attend. Contact Natalie Helbling at nhelbling@calvarydayschool.com.
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Come to a free Savannah Children’s Theatre open house packed with kid-friendly fun this Sat. Sept. 23 2023 11AM-2PM.
Savannah Children’s Theatre is opening their doors and sharing all they do- musical theatre classes, aerial arts, camps, field trips, audition shows open to all ages (7 and older) in the community as well as SCT’s new Pooler classes.
There will also be face painting, craft making, aerial demos and interactive singing and games with the children that attend.
Bring a buddy and introduce them to all the ways they can join in the fun.
No reservations needed for this free open house.
Savannah Children’s Theatre is @ 2160 East Victory Drive next to High Cotton Kids and Planet Fitness in the Starbucks shopping center.
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Savannah Children’s Theatre is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
For ages crawlers to age 4 @ Savannah Sharks Savannah gym, 9AM-10:20AM & 10:30-Noon Mondays & Fridays.
These “play dates” are unstructured playtime with age-appropriate toys, swings, slides, a bouncy house, and more. It is a great way to get your child out of the house and around other children in a safe, clean and fun environment.
An adult is required to be present to supervise your child at all times as supervision is not provided.
Parents and children together are invited to a Kindermusik Savannah “On the Farm” playdate to engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more.
For children ages 0-7 & their caregiver.
Limited spaces.
Claim your child’s spot before it fills
Every enrolled child will get:
*A 40-minute class packed with learning, love, and laughter
*A Kindermusik instrument/prop to take home
*A $5 coupon for our weekly studio classes
More details:
*Ages 0-7: Our class is geared toward newborns all the way up to 7-year-olds! Multiple caregivers are welcome, so bring the whole family along!
*Limited capacity: Our September musical playdate will be held TWICE on Saturday, September 23, 2023: 10am and 11am. Don’t delay in enrolling, as spots are limited and will be closed as soon as the spaces fill. Typically our playdates fill before the date so grab your spot now!
*Cost: $20 for first child; only $12 per sibling
*Location: Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano Studio; 183 Deerfield Rd W, Bloomingdale GA 31302
Sign up your child for a free fun event hosted by Sheltair Aviation in Savannah.
The Southern Wings Chapter of WAI presents the 2023 Girls in Aviation Day, 10AM-2PM Sat. Sept. 23 2023.
This FREE event will be packed with activities and inspiring experiences. Girls in Aviation Day is all about empowering girls to explore the amazing world of aviation.
The event features hands-on activities including flight simulators, aircraft displays, a drone demonstration and the chance to meet female pilots, engineers, mechanics and more!
Whether you dream of flying high in the sky or want to learn more about aviation careers, this is the event for you.
Register online here for Girls in Aviation Day 2023.
Anyone ages 8-18 are encouraged to attend! Students younger than 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Student registrations must include the parent or guardian information to complete the registration.
Reminder: Savannah Children’s Museum – an all outdoor museum – has started on the School Hours schedule. which means SCM will be open Wednesday – Sunday from 9AM -3PM (weather permitting) and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for field trips.
For the most up-to-date information, please check SCM social media.
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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Plant Riverside District in Savannah will hostthe third annual Oktoberfest celebration from Wed. Oct. 4 through Sat. Oct. 28, including the return of the popular Savannah Wiener Dog Races. These family-friendly festivities will take place at Plant Riverside District, located on Savannah’s historic riverfront at 400 W. River St.
On Sat. Oct. 7, Plant Riverside District will host the 2023 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, which will be organized by Savannah’s Waterfront. Registration begins at 9AM; with races starting at 11AM in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront.
The grand prize winner will receive a special trophy as well as a $100 credit for Yappy Hour at Electric Moon. $25 entry fee per dog. The official entry form is available online here.
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Oktoberfest Festivities
Every Saturday from 1-4PM during October, Plant Riverside District will feature a range of free German-themed activities. The Rhinelanders will perform live polka music at 1 p.m., followed by a Cupcake Walk Competition at 1:30 p.m., Keg Bowling Competition at 2:30 p.m. and Stein Holding Competition at 3:30 p.m. Special prizes will be awarded to winners in each category.
Oktoberfest 2023 at Plant Riverside District will officially kick off on Wed. October 4 at 7 p.m. with a free outdoor concert featuring the Uni-Big Band Halle in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. This special live performance will feature talented musicians from Halle, Germany, which is Savannah’s “sister city,” and is co-presented by Plant Riverside District and the Teutonic Council of Savannah and sponsored by The Halle Foundation of Atlanta.
Throughout Oktoberfest, restaurants at Plant Riverside District will serve specialty beers as well as German food.
Find more information about Oktoberfest 2023 at Plant Riverside District or to view a complete entertainment schedule here.
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Opening ceremonies for The Buddy Walk will be 10AM; Buddy Walk starts at 10:30AM. The Family Fun event after the walk will be 11AM-2PM and will kick off with the car raffle drawing and announcement of the raffle winner.
Participants will walk a mile around Forsyth Park. This event is a time of celebration and community, raising support and awareness for those with Down syndrome. Following the Buddy Walk, the Savannah Philharmonic will host its annual Phil the Park concert that evening.
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is partnering with Grainger Honda and Grainger Nissan of Savannah to sell tickets at $100 each for a chance to win a new SUV from Grainger Honda & Grainger Nissan. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the winner will choose between a 2023 Nissan Rogue and a 2023 Honda CRV. Both cars are valued at $33,000. All fees including tax, tag, and title will be paid by Grainger Honda & Grainger Nissan. You can buy your raffle tickets here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/ubQ/i/_Auction/mfyC/
The money raised at the Buddy Walk benefits Camp Buddy, two summer camps in Effingham and Chatham to help students retain their skills over the summer break. It also goes towards LDSS’s monthly Family Support meetings, new parent packets and educational opportunities for local families and advocates.
Registration for Buddy Walk 2023 is $15. Those who register will also receive a Buddy Walk T-shirt. When registering, you can either join a team or create your own. Register here.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education, and advocacy. LDSS holds a monthly support meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30PM at 1525 Dean Forest Road in Savannah. There is an informational speaker and light refreshments. The event is also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society.
Looking for the perfect place to celebrate your next special occasion? Fun Zone is a great location to party for all types of groups including schools, youth groups, sports teams, businesses, organizations, and more. With Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, and an Arcade, everyone is sure to have a blast! Our private party rooms and various packages help to ensure your celebration is a success. There’s something for all ages!
Each party booking includes a 90-minute Party Room rental for 10 participants with the option to add extra guests. Additionally, each participant will get a 16-oz. drink and two slices of pizza. All packages provide access to all of Fun Zone’s attractions including two recently updated Miniature Golf courses, three Go-Kart tracks, and our Arcade Room with recently added games, including King Kong VR, HYPERpitch Major League Pitching, Minecraft, and Hungry, Hungry Hippos!
Visit https://poolerfunzone.com/parties/ to view our different party package options, pricing, and our party guidelines. If you’d like to see all that Fun Zone has to offer for your next party, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PoolerFunZone. To get Fun Zone updates delivered straight to your inbox (including monthly specials!), join our email list by signing up here.
Ready to party? Let Fun Zone help you celebrate your next occasion! To reserve your date, book online at https://poolerfunzone.com/parties/ or give us a call at (912) 330-9860. Online bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the party. Don’t miss out on the perfect venue for your celebration.
In celebration of the October release of Reba’s upcoming lifestyle book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots and companion album Not That Fancy, Poppell Farms honored the long-time legend in their 10-acre maze.
Poppell Farms in Odum Ga. will open Sept. 30 2023 for fall weekends through October. Enjoy giant bubbles, animals at their petting zoo, apple-cider slushies, pumpkin hunting.
This afternoon class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing and painting skills, build a portfolio, and begin the process of developing good art-making habits. Students will focus on measurement, proportion, perspective, use of value, and color to create volume and space. Lessons and projects will work on site and at outdoor locations near the museum. All materials are provided.
This afternoon class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing and painting skills, build a portfolio, and begin the process of developing good art-making habits. Students will focus on measurement, proportion, perspective, use of value, and color to create volume and space. Lessons and projects will work onsite and outdoor locations near the museum. All materials are provided.
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Digital Photography Class
For ages 12-16
Session : Fridays 4:30-6PM Sept. 15-Oct. 20 2023
Session 2: Fridays, 4:30-6PM | Nov. 3–Dec. 15 (no class Nov. 24) 2023
Join us at the Jepson Center to develop your young person’s skills as a photographer. We believe that all young people are artists. With that in mind, we will approach photography as professionals do, studying the elements of art. The camp will meet outside as much as possible as we explore our environment in Telfair Square and other nearby locations. We will use DSLR digital cameras and learn about exposure, and a few historical methods involving film. Photography is fun and accessible to everyone.
Toddler Tuesday is a program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program meets at the picnic pavilion and includes singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is called for, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered your child with.
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10AM-10:30AM & 11AM-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps us speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime! Find out more information here!
If you are a preschool or day care you will need to call 395-1510 or click here to book a private program as this program is designed for the general public.
Find links to the registration forms for each session here.
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Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Congratulations to Coastal Pediatrics’ Dr. Dudley Stone, Jessica Glover, and Punam Sheth for being named the “Best of Savannah 2023” from Savannah Magazine.
Best Pediatrician Runner Up: Dr. Dudley Stone Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Jessica Glover Best Nurse (NP) Runner Up: Punam Sheth
If you’re looking for a pediatrician, give Coastal Pediatrics a call: 912.353.7744
They’d love to have the opportunity to show you around their Savannah & Pooler offices and provide care for your family.
Best Pediatrician Runner Up: Dr. Dudley Stone