Things to Do in Savannah, GA with Kids: 20 Can't-Miss Activities

Look no further for the best things to do in Savannah GA with Kids. This Southern town with huge live oaks, historic squares, antebellum homes, and horse-drawn carriage rides is the perfect place for adults and kids. This list covers 20+ things to do in the downtown historic district - including kid-friendly museums, trolley rides, and restaurants - plus some hidden gems surrounding downtown.

Are you traveling through Georgia kids? Also read my Top Things to Do in St. Simons Island, Top Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta, and Top Things to Do in Jekyll Island.

Things to Do in Savannah GA with Kids

Are you wondering if there are fun things to do in Savannah GA with kids? This charming Georiga historic town is known for being a fun spot for drinking and adult gatherings like bachelor and bachelorette parties, but you might be surprised to learn that if you look in the right places there are plenty of fun things for kids to do too. Visiting Savanah with kids is possible and fun!

This town has a surprising number of kid-friendly activities including a children's museum, kid-friendly stores, splash pads, playgrounds, train rides, and more. If you look beyond River Street and City Market, you will find pockets of children everywhere in the town and fun hidden gems for them to do. This town won my kids over and they are still talking about meeting pirates, riding in a carriage, and watching the huge barges cross the river.

This guide covers the 20 best things to do in Savannah GA with kids in the downtown historic district. These are all within walking distance or easily accessible by the trolley. I've also included at the bottom of the list a handful of can't-miss activities if you are visiting and have a car to travel outside of downtown including Folly Beach, an aquarium and hidden gem nature preserves to get away from the hustle of the city.

Is Savannah Worth Visiting with Kids?

Yes! Savannah is a fabulous place for kids. The city has easily walkable streets intermixed with charming squares that have shaded trees and benches. While I would avoid River Street and City Market at night with kids, the rest of the city is great for families and has all sorts of charming kid-friendly spots intermixed with the more traditional adult Savannah activities. Everywhere we went they were accommodating to kids and they felt welcome.

If you are within driving distance of the city, it's worth the time to visit just to go to their charming and unique Savannah Children's Museum. But you could easily make a weekend trip or longer here as a family.

20+ Things to Do in Savannah GA with Kids

Let's dive into the top things to do in Savannah GA with kids. All of these activities are within the historic district and are generally walkable or accessible by trolley.

Savannah Children's Museum

Savannah Children's Museum tops the list of things to do in Savannah GA with kids, especially if your are on the younger side. This super charming spot is adjacent to the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Tricentennial Park and is packed with kid-friendly interactive things for kids to do. And unlike other children's museums that are indoors and feel claustrophobic, this one is outside and built into a cook historical building that is part of the Central of Georga Railway repair facility. It looks small but it is packed with things for the kids to do and someone who understands children set it up.

They have slides that lead into a fun play area with dozens of interactive things for the kids to do and play with including an exploration maze, huge building blocks, a nature kitchen, and a sensory garden.

They even have live reading and science experiments done for the kids daily. With it being outside, it was enjoyable for everyone.

There is also an adorable craft area with all sorts of crafts the kids can choose from. My son could have spent the entire day doing this.

This unique kids' museum was perfectly designed for kids and could have kept my kids entertained for an entire day. We loved it and highly recommend it for younger kids in Savannah.

Georgia State Railroad Museum

Another activity on the top of the list of things to do in Savannah GA with kids is the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Located in the historic Central of Georgia Repair Shops Complex and Terminal facilities this outdoor museum is the perfect place for kids to see old trains and learn a little history.

Our favorite part of the museum was riding one of the old train cars, which included a spin on the train rotator. They have a schedule for train rides daily, so check the times before you go. It's included in the admission and worth the time and effort to do.

They also have a cute wooden play-train area for the kids and a working handcar.

The Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Savannah Children's Museum share the same property and are both part of the Coastal Heritage Society and you can buy a combo ticket to see both. My kids loved seeing these and we could have packed a lunch and spent the whole day here.

Old Town Trolley Tours

Old Town Trolley Tours is a perfect addition to my list of things to do in Savannah with Kids. The trolley is fun for kids and the ideal way to see everything with the kids. Savannah is very walkable, but with little legs, it's hard to walk and see it all.

My kids loved riding the trolley and took in all of the tour guides' information. We were able to jump on and hop off a few times, making it a great way to see a bunch without wearing them out. If you plan your day, you can see all the things on this list by utilizing the trolley as transportation. My kids loved it!

The trolley tours are offered by two companies.

Trolley Tours

Carriage Ride

The other fun way to see Savannah with kids is to go on a classic horse-drawn carriage ride. You can go with a group, or book an individual tour. It's such a unique experience and all the guides are trained in the history of Savannah and offer a fabulous history lesson on the town. It feels much more intimate than the trolley and we enjoyed doing both. The tours last about 45 minutes, which is also perfect for kids' attention spans. Here are two companies that offer them.

Telfair Children's Art Museum

Another great addition to my list of things to do in Savannah GA with kids is visiting the Telfair Children's Art Museum. Savannah has a rich history in the art community including being home to Savannah College of Art and Design or SCAD, and while many of the art exhibits appeal to adults, this small part of the Jespon Center is designed just for kids.

The museum has all sorts of interactive play areas for kids.

Most notably, they have a walk-through less on Impressionism, which is entertaining for kids of all ages.

Walk Riverstreet

While I would avoid Riverstreet later in the day and at night, walking Riverstrett is a fun thing for kids to do during the day. The shops are fun and my kids enjoyed stopping for candy, and pralines and they got a huge kick out of the Christmas shop in June.

We also really enjoyed walking along the river itself and were lucky enough to see a few huge container ships pass by. Which was fascinating for everyone.

Along the river, you'll also find this cute kids' play boat and a small splash pad.

The play set is across the street from Wet Willies and the splash pad is in the newer area near the JW Marriott.

Visit JW Marriott Dinosauce Adventure

While you are walking Riverstreet make sure to stop in the JW Marriott. They have a dinosaur adventure area with a fabulous collection of fossils and dinosaur bones, making it a great natural science exhibit. It's completely unexpected and fun!

After looking around there, go to the roof and check out the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and Moon Deck which has fun light-up ice cubes for drinks and a slide to a dance floor. It's an adults-only place at night, but go for lunch and you're ok if you buy food and drinks. It's 21+ after 6.

Forsyth Park and Forsyth Park Playgrounds

Fortth Park has to top any list of things to do in Savannah GA with kids. This sprawling, gorgeous 30-acre park, is the perfect place for kids to run and play.

Check out the famous fountains and sprawling fields, but it also has two of the best playgrounds in Savannah. One is newer and for younger kids.

A second is for older kids, but still really fun. There is also a huge splash pad near the amphitheater.

Forsyth Park Farmer's Market

If you happen to be in Savannah on a Saturday, make sure to check out the sprawling Farmer's Market complete with all sorts of local food and craft vendors. They have great stuff for kids and adults to see.

Pirate's House

Looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Savannah? Try the Pirate's House, which is in a historic building that first opened in 1753 to seafarers, sailors, and pirates. They have pirates walking around and have a fun-themed menu.

They also give the kids their own hat and eye patch. My kids still think they met real pirates here!

Leopold's Ice Cream

Another great thing to do in Savannah GA with kids is visit Leopold's Ice Cream, which has been in this same spot since 1919. The premium ice cream is rich, creamy, and delicious!

This spot is super popular and often takes a very long time, so with kids, I'd recommend going earlier in the day as a special fun treat!

Get Praline Samples

Another addition to this list of top things to do in Savannah GA with kids is getting free praline samples. The Savannah Candy Kitchen on both City Market and River Street hand them out and it's so fun for kids to stop in! You can see if your kids like them and then buy a few to take home.

Visit Splash Pads

Downtown Savannah has a surprising number of fun and free splash pads for kids. One of the biggest is on Ellis Square, which is also home to a life-sized chess board.

There is also a great one in Forsyth Park and along Riverstreet. It's a great way to cool off in Savannah's notoriously hot summer weather.

Visit Savannah's Candy Kitchen

What kid doesn't love a huge wall of candy? This makes visiting Savannah's Candy Kitchen another addition to my list of top things to do in Savannah with kids. This candy shop is something else!

We let my boys pick up some candy, and they are still talking about it!

Peach Cobbler Company

Is there anything more iconic than eating Peach Cobbler in Savannah? I was determined to have my kids try some and we settled on the Peach Cobbler Company which offered hot peach cobbler and ice cream with charming outside seating.

It's another fun thing to do in downtown Savannah with kids!

Savannah Bee Company

While walking Broughton Street, stop in the Savannah Bee Company, which has some hidden gem spots for kids! They have super yummy honey tasting for adults and older kids, while younger kids can enjoy a cute hidden play area.

It's super cute and gave us time to walk around the store and enjoy it!

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Add a Savannah Riverboat Cruise to this list of top things to do in Savannah GA with kids. The iconic Georgia Queen or Savannah River Queen offers sightseeing, entertainment, and dinner cruises, which are fun for all ages. The tour goes all the way to Old Fort Jackson, giving you a great and different perspective on Savannah.

Lucas Theater

The Lucas Theater of the Arts is a gorgeous 1920's 1920s-era theater that is open to the public and oozes charm. If you need an indoor activity with kids or need some time of your feet, you can watch a movie here. The theater is even home to an old historic Wurlitzer organ.

Check their schedule ahead of time for kid-friendly options.

Cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is one of the more stunning churches in this country! It's reminiscent of visiting Europe, and worth visiting even with kids. We had a nice long talk about how to behave in a building like this my kids were in awe of seeing it! It's open to the public most days, but check their schedule before visiting.

Juliette Gordon Low House

If your kids happen to be Girl Scouts, visiting the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum is another must on this list of things to do in Savannah GA with kids. Juliette was the founder of Girl Scouts and started the organization from this home. The museum tells the story of how the Girl Scouts were born. There is also a fabulous museum shop with all sorts of Girl Scouts merchandise for girts.

Things to Do in Savannah GA with Kids - Outside of Downtown

While downtown Savanah is filled with fun things to do with kids, if you have a car and venture out of the historic district there are more fun things to do with kids. Here are some of the best ways to fill your time.

Visit Tybee Island - Kids love the beach, and Tybee Island is the nearest beach to Savannah and a great way to spend a day in nature. It's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah and is home to white sandy beaches, shops, restaurants, and a lighthouse. You can also go on dolphins tours here.
UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium - Located 30 minutes from downtown Savannah, this was Georgia's first saltwater aquarium and has 16 tanks showcasing wildlife native to Georiga including marine life like turtles, fish, and octopus. They also have interactive exhibits including touch tanks, outdoor picnic tables, and outdoor hiking trails including the Skidaway Learning Center and Jay Wolf Nature Trail. It's a great way to get away from the hustle of the city.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center- Located on Oatland Island, this outdoor nature center has an aviary, fox, bobcat, tortoise, and bison. There are over 150 different animals on 100 acres to explore. It's another great way to enjoy nature in the low country.
Old Fort Jackson - Old Fort Jackson is a historic landmark fort that has interactive exhibits and reenactments daily including cannon firing demonstrations.
Fort Pulaski National Monument - Another historic fort that has space for kids to explore and kid-friendly Jr. Ranger Bookles to help guide them through the fort.
Savannah Bananas- This uber-popular minor league baseball team is half baseball game, half comedy show, and is great for families. Make sure to book in advance because they have become widely popular in recent years.

Kids in Savannah

There are so many things to do in Savannah GA with kids! We spent three full days exploring just the downtown area and easily could have found activities to fill a week. The charming town is a great place to explore and the easy trolley ride made it fun for the kids and I to get around. I would recommend kids in Savannah, especially with just a bit of planning! I'd avoid the party areas at night, but mine were asleep by then anyway.

Savannah won our families over with its Southern charm! Add it to your kid-friendly vacation list.

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Things to Do in Savannah with Kids