Parents visiting Georgia often wonder about the best things to do in Savannah with kids. Known for its charming coastal landscapes, restored architecture, and rich history, this Southern city is perfect for your next family vacation. Around town, you’ll find opportunities to relax, get active, and immerse yourself in Savannah’s incredible past. Whether you want to unwind at Forsyth Park, take an Old Town Trolley Tour, or enjoy a dolphin tour on Tybee Island, Savannah has it all. Older and younger children alike will treasure the memories they make in this gorgeous destination, even if it’s just grabbing a delicious treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream. Of course, with a city that has so much to offer, you may find it hard to decide. That’s why we’ve used our parent-approved suggestions to compile this guide on the Best Things To Do In Savannah With Kids. Keep reading for our helpful advice!
RELATED: Best Hotels in Savannah for Families
Best Outdoor Things to Do in Savannah With Kids
When the weather in Savannah is nice, don’t hesitate to spend some time outdoors with your family. From city parks to walking tours, here are our suggestions on the best outdoor things to do in Savannah with kids!
Immerse Yourself in History at Tricentennial Park
A visit to Tricentennial Park will please history buffs of all ages. Located in Savannah’s downtown district, this 25-acre museum complex is definitely worth the visit. Not only is it home to some of the city’s best museums, but it’s also picturesque and brimming with history. Between your visits to the Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, and the Savannah Children’s Museum, be sure to explore the grounds. You’ll pass beautiful gardens, statues, and fountains along the way. Families can also explore Battlefield Memorial Park, a section of Tricentennial Park that houses Price Of Freedom. This stone memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives during the American Revolution. For more information, feel free to take a Battlefield Tour. Kids will love watching actors reenact battle scenes in period clothing! Tricentennial Park is also a great place to park your RV overnight and explore downtown Savannah.
Find Historic Downtown Savannah vacation rentals on VRBO.
Relax in a Scenic Setting at Forsyth Park
If you’re looking for a scenic setting in Savannah, look no further than Forsyth Park. Spanning 30 acres in the city’s historic district, this family-friendly destination is well-known for its beautiful surroundings. It’s also the perfect place to relax for a spell with kids, as there are tons of things to do. (Plus, free parking!) Stroll one of the paved paths to the fountain near the park’s northern end, surrounded by a gorgeous patch of manicured flowers. Two massive playgrounds also provide space for little ones to run around, featuring sprinklers to cool down during summertime! Kids can also play on the basketball and tennis courts inside the park. Or, settle down in the open grass to play frisbee and enjoy a picnic. If you’re hungry, there’s also a restaurant/cafe to grab a snack. On Saturdays, explore the Farmers’ Market. Don’t forget seasonal events like Picnic In The Park!
What Our Families Say
“Forsyth Park and the famous fountain is a must-see when in Savannah. Short walk from the main river street bustling with restaurants and shops makes for a charming stroll viewing the Spanish moss, weeping willows, and historic architecture.”
– Shanna Sullivan
Stroll River Street in the Historic District
Savannah’s historic River Street is one of the city’s most popular hubs. Always bustling with passersby, families should definitely save time to visit this cobblestone street near the Savannah River. It’s a particularly great spot for younger children, as the paths are stroller-friendly and easy to walk. Everyone will find something on this dynamic street, which houses centuries-old buildings turned quaint antique shops, delicious restaurants, and elegant inns. Browse kiosks at the River Street Market Place, pass historical monuments like the “Waving Girl,” and taste local honey at Savannah Bee Company. Not to mention, there are also some killer dessert spots on River Street! During your visit, stop by one of two candy shops, like Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can enjoy free praline samples! Bull Street is another popular location nearby. You can also see Savannah’s historic district on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise.
RELATED: Best Hotels in Savannah for Families
Say Hi to Animals at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Say hello to animals at The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge! Located in Chatham County, this wildlife refuge houses freshwater marshes, rivers, creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. A few miles north of downtown Savannah, you’ll find its visitors center, featuring a small wildlife exhibit, gift shop, and information desk. One way to explore the park is with the four-mile auto tour, where you’ll spot wildlife directly from your car. It’s perfect for families to explore at their own pace, and there’s even a radio station with an audio tour. Watch out for waterbirds, bobcats, and gators! Prefer to explore on foot? There are paved paths throughout the property! Take a hike, and be sure to stop for a picture in the photo blind along the Cistern Trail. Families can also hunt deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Or, fish in freshwater tidal creeks. This activity is suggested for kids over six years old.
Enjoy a Savannah Dolphin Tour on Tybee Island
Animal enthusiasts of all ages shouldn’t hesitate to visit Tybee Island! Well-known for its beautiful beaches, this barrier island is also famous for its dolphin sightings. Make your excursion a two-for-one by taking a Dolphin Tour before you settle down on the beach. Multiple family-friendly companies offer it, such as Tybee Island Dolphin Adventure Tours or Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours. Depending on which you choose, the tour should last about an hour, including an entertaining voiceover by one of the guides. Children of all ages are welcome, including little ones under two. Both companies also offer the option of a daytime or sunset tour. We suggest the latter, since you’ll be treated to an incredible view and the sight of dolphins. Either way, kids will love watching the friendly dolphins swim right beside them and try to earn their attention! Afterward, enjoy a seafood lunch at The Crab Shack nearby.
Cheer for a Game at the Historic Grayson Stadium
Baseball fans will be in heaven at the historic Grayson Stadium. Dating back to 1926, famous players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jackie Robinson have all played here. Now, it’s home to the Savannah Bananas, which you can see in action during the summer. Grayson Stadium offers single-game tickets for families who want to experience the magic at least once. It’s a great way to bring the whole family together, plus it’s super exciting too! Expect fun music, dancing, and maybe even some free food. Don’t forget to buy kids a banana jersey on your way out! As one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids, this excursion is recommended for children over four years old who will find it more entertaining. However, admission for children under three is free. Just remember to buy your tickets early, because they tend to sell out fast!
Go on the Grave Tales Ghost Tour
Savannah is often known as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Paranormal lovers can take in this incredibly rich history on The Grave Tales Ghost Tour, an absolute must for anyone visiting Savannah. Designed to keep children interested throughout the entire experience, this Savannah walking tour starts in Johnson Square and passes through the city’s most haunted sights. A spooky narrator will convey lost tales, striking a perfect balance between educational and thrilling. During your tour, you’ll visit points of interest like Savannah’s haunted mansions, cemeteries, a war battlefield, and more. Who knows, you may even spot some ghosts! This 90-minute experience is offered nightly at 7, 8, and 9 pm. It’s not for the faint of heart, however. Though The Grave Tales Ghost Tour is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages, children under six years old may find it scary. Please use your judgment.
Book your own Savannah Ghost Tour through Viator today!
Explore Old Fort Jackson
Old Fort Jackson is a treasure trove for history buffs visiting Savannah. Built in 1812, this restored fort sits on the city’s East River, once serving as protection from sea attacks. Today, it houses the Fort Jackson Maritime Museum to help guests learn more about this dynamic history. From exhibits detailing unknown facts about the American Civil War to attacks on escaped slaves, we guarantee you’ll learn something new during your visit. Please note you need special base access to see the museum. However, any visitor can explore the Old Fort. Children will especially love taking a walking tour of the grounds, where they can run free. Stay long enough for a reenactment and you’ll even get to witness actors march, assume their positions, and fire a cannon or musket. Just remember to bring some bug spray – the insects can get feisty!
Lounge by the Ellis Square Fountains
If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah with younger kids or toddlers, Ellis Square is your answer. It’s located near the City Market in the historic district, providing the perfect place to relax. Between shaded tables, nearby restaurants, and a life-size chess set, kids of all ages will surely have a blast here. During the warmer months, there’s even a cascading fountain where children can cool down! Luckily, there are also public restrooms in the square, so you won’t have to worry about finding the bathroom. Want to explore Ellis Square in a different and exciting way? You can also rent CAT Bikes here to help you navigate Savannah. Ellis Square is also popular for its live musical performances, so be sure to check the schedule to see if there’s a show while you’re in town. Don’t forget to catch the marvelous nightly light show!
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Indoor Things to Do in Savannah With Kids
Searching for indoor things to do in Savannah with kids? If it’s a rainy day or the heat becomes unbearable, don’t worry. The city features lots of things to do inside as a family. Here are our suggestions!
Tour the Davenport House Museum
The Davenport House Museum offers families an authentic glimpse at life in the “Old South.” Located in Savannah’s historic district, this two-story home is one of the city’s architectural marvels. It’s also an immersive and entertaining way to learn more about Savannah’s history, as the museum showcases multiple artifacts from the 1800s. Families will have the best experience on a tour with a knowledgeable docent, who’ll spice up the story through humor and fun facts. Not only will you learn more about the people who lived in the Davenport House, but you’ll also learn how they lived. Children of all ages will enjoy their time here, especially since there’s a back garden where they can roam free. Plus, older kids between ages eighteen and twenty-one can even get a discount on admission! The Davenport House Museum is certainly one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids.
Reserve your Savannah tours here from Trusted Tours and Attractions!
Learn Something New at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Ocean lovers can’t miss The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Located slightly outside of Savannah on Skidaway Island, this kid-friendly research center is the first saltwater aquarium in Georgia. Here, you’ll find sixteen unique exhibits to discover the state’s wildlife, plus a public touch tank to interact with sea creatures! Kids will have a fantastic time petting snails or crabs, then walking around to spot colorful schools of fish. There’s also an outdoor nature trail, which you can stroll past salt marshes, a river, and wildlife like deer along the way! Make a day out of it and bring a picnic, since there are tables outside. Families also love visiting the aquarium on days when special programs are running, such as catch-and-release crab lessons. Be sure to check the event’s calendar for information on your visit. Right now, the aquarium is only accessible via reservation for a group visit.
Visit the Savannah History Museum
Visit the Savannah History Museum for a glimpse at the city’s rich past. Located in the historic district right off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, this family-friendly museum showcases more than 10,000 artifacts. In fact, it’s one of the largest collections in the coastal area! We’re not surprised it’s one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids. Between Civil War Uniforms, Forrest Gump’s iconic bench, and Native American artifacts, there’s plenty to keep kids interested during your visit. Even younger kids will appreciate the informative exhibits, though it’s recommended for little ones six and up. There are also multiple hands-on play and trivia quizzes to stay immersed in the material as you move along. Another easy way to bring history to life here is by taking a tour through the museum, such as The Revolutionary War Tour. If you have time, definitely stay for a reenactment!
Watch a Show at the Historic Savannah Theatre
If you have time in Savannah, catch a play at the Historic Savannah Theatre. Located in Chippewa Square, this gorgeous location seems straight from an Old Hollywood movie. There’s truly no bad seat in the house, and though it’s sizable, it still feels intimate. Kids will love sitting in the plush red chairs while you watch a performance, which will be memorable no matter the season. In addition to incredible Christmas productions and musicals such as Mamma Mia, the theater also showcases unique shows. Currently, they’re showing Legends Live On, a musical extravaganza paying homage to legends like The Beatles. Nothing beats seeing a wonderful show in a two-hundred-year-old theater! Remember to arrive early and save time for parking. Children as young as six years old can attend, but ensure the themes are age-appropriate. It’s no surprise this is one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids!
Appreciate the Architecture at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Architecture buffs should visit The Cathedral Basilica of St. John The Baptist. Near Lafayette Square in historic Savannah, this stunning sight is among the tallest buildings in the city. It’s known for its French Gothic facade, with a breathtaking interior showcasing Savannah’s religious history. Between murals, stained glass windows, and a grand pipe organ, there’s plenty to entertain children. For a more immersive experience, families can take a tour. A friendly guide will walk you through the space, allowing you to learn more about its construction. You can even make it into a fun scavenger hunt by seeing if kids can spot a small error in one of the Stations Of The Cross! Feel free to also stay for mass. Though it may not entertain younger children, older kids interested in history will enjoy it. After all, it’s one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids!
Unleash Your Creativity at the Savannah Children’s Museum
The Savannah Children’s Museum is perfect for curious young minds. Located in Tricentennial Park, this family-friendly destination is entirely outdoors. Save it for a sunny day and you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous Savannah weather as well! Kids will love running around the playground, interacting with the sensory garden, or relaxing in the reading nook. Adventurous little ones can even stroll through the Exploration Maze, which tests their motor skills to teach them how to navigate the world. Water activities provide a chance to cool down in the Georgia heat, and there are also slides or arts & crafts. Not to mention opportunities to play dress-up! There’s also an interactive program for children with rotating activities such as scavenger hunts. Whether you have toddlers or middle schoolers, your kids will find something to play with here. In fact, the Savannah Children’s Museum welcomes kids as young as eighteen months old.
What Our Families Say
“The Savannah Children’s Museum is a unique mix of indoor fun and outdoor exploration – so try to go when the weather is nice!”
– Megan Tucker
Take an Old Town Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to explore Savannah is through an Old Town Trolley Tour! Though the city is extremely walkable, getting insider knowledge from a local never hurts. Whether you’re exploring at your own pace or need a hands-on guide, you’ll find an option for you. From the Visitor’s Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, a trolley tour will take you past Savannah’s most iconic landmarks. Pass by the Bull Street Corridor, Madison Square, the Massie Heritage Museum, and City Market, among other places. Since the Old Town Trolley is hop-on, hop-off, you’ll be able to explore each location for as long as you want before boarding the bus again. Of course, whatever guide you get can make or break your experience, as there’s a fine line between educational and boring. We recommend booking a tour with Captain Phil, as he’s a family favorite among our FLT contributors.
Book your Savannah Day and Night Old Town Trolley Package through Trusted Tours and Attractions!
Get a Sweet Treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream
Visit Leopold’s Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth! Situated in Savannah’s historic district, this retro ice cream parlor is a must for families. Expect creamy, unique flavors alongside some classics such as Butter Pecan or Chocolate. Some other must-try flavors include the lemon custard or Savannah socialite. There are also more inventive options offered seasonally, such as Japanese cherry blossom. Plus, if you’re actually hungry, you’ll be pleased by the small menu of homemade soups, salads, and other baked treats. Leopold’s also boasts a soda fountain, which kids will love. Try an old-fashioned ice cream soda, float, or milkshake! The staff here is always friendly, and the owner even hands out water to customers. Though there’s usually a line outside, don’t let that discourage you. Leopold’s Ice Cream is definitely worth the wait! It’s no wonder this is one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids.
What Our Families Say
“Leopold’s Ice Cream could be the best ice cream our family has ever had! The shop had a line around the corner, but it’s worth the wait for sure! Try the seasonal flavors along with the menu mainstays.”
– Megan Tucker
Where to Stay in Savannah With Kids
Headed to Savannah with kids? We guarantee you’ll find amazing accommodations for your family! Families searching for the ultimate luxury hotel in the area should stay at Montage Palmetto Bluff. Located a short drive outside of Savannah, this elegant resort offers rooms ranging from spacious one-bedroom suites to Southern-style cottages. Some even come with kitchens, which makes it easy to save money by cooking your own meals. Other family favorites include the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District or The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Families who travel in larger groups may prefer to rent homes in Savannah’s surrounding areas for more space.
Use Travelocity to reserve your room at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District or The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa today!
Book your suite at the Montage Palmetto Bluff with Hotels.com now!
Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this list of the Best Things To Do In Savannah With Kids! Whether you’re visiting for a short weekend visit or have an extensive trip planned, this Southern city will surely win your heart. Enjoy visiting Savannah with your kids!
For information on visiting Savannah with kids during Spring Break, check out our article on the Best Family Spring Break Destinations.
*Please note that due to COVID-19, some of the things to do with kids in Savannah on this list may be closed. Ensure availability before making your decision.
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*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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