Best Family Activities in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a wonderful family destination — and one that often surprises parents who expect it to be primarily an adult city. The combination of walkable history, nearby beaches, wildlife encounters, and genuinely kid-friendly attractions makes it one of the best family travel destinations in the South.

Here's a guide to the best family activities in Savannah, Georgia.

The Savannah Children's Museum is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century railroad building and features interactive exhibits designed for children ages 1-10. The outdoor play area is particularly popular, with a water play section and climbing structures.

Ages: Best for children under 10. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM.

The Telfair Museums complex includes three venues: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Jepson Center. The Jepson Center has a dedicated children's gallery with hands-on art activities. The Owens-Thomas House offers a fascinating look at life in 19th-century Savannah — including the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there.

Tip: A single ticket covers all three venues.

Old Fort Jackson, located on the Savannah River about 3 miles east of downtown, is Georgia's oldest standing brick fortification. The fort offers cannon firings, living history demonstrations, and hands-on exhibits that bring the Civil War era to life for kids.

Ages: Great for children 6 and up.

Located in a restored 19th-century train shed, the Savannah History Museum covers 10,000 years of local history with exhibits on the Civil War, the cotton trade, and Savannah's role in American history. The museum also houses the original Forrest Gump bench.

Forsyth Park is a natural gathering place for families. The large open lawn is perfect for frisbee and picnics, and the park has playground equipment for younger children. The Saturday farmers market (April–December) is a fun family outing.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the perfect family beach day. The waves are gentle, the water is warm from late May through September, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers excellent educational programming for kids.

Tip: The North Beach area near the lighthouse is quieter and better for families with young children than the more crowded South Beach.

Several outfitters offer family-friendly kayak tours through the salt marshes surrounding Savannah and Tybee Island. These tours are excellent for spotting wildlife — dolphins, herons, egrets, and sea turtles are commonly seen. Most tours are suitable for children 8 and up.

About 15 minutes from downtown Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park offers hiking trails through maritime forest and salt marsh, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park has a small nature center and is a great half-day outing for families.

The legendary South African-inspired takeout spot is a hit with kids — the food is flavorful and approachable, and the casual format works well for families.

A sprawling outdoor seafood restaurant on Tybee Island with a festive, casual atmosphere that kids love. The "Low Country Boil" is a fun, hands-on meal.

Leopold's on Broughton Street has been serving ice cream in Savannah since 1919. The flavors are made from scratch using family recipes, and the vintage soda fountain atmosphere is a delight for kids and adults alike.

Stay in the Historic District. The walkability of the Historic District is a major advantage with kids — you can easily return to the hotel for naps and breaks without needing a car.

Plan around the heat. Savannah summers are hot and humid. Schedule outdoor activities for the morning and evening, and plan indoor activities for the hottest part of the afternoon.

Bring a stroller for young children. The Historic District is stroller-friendly, though the cobblestones on some streets can be bumpy. A sturdy stroller with good wheels is recommended.

Take the trolley. The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to orient the family to the city and cover a lot of ground without wearing out little legs.

The SpringHill Suites Savannah Downtown / Historic District is an excellent choice for families — the suites are 25% larger than standard hotel rooms, giving families the space they need. The on-site Toasted Barrel restaurant means you don't have to go far for meals.

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• Savannah Attractions — kid-friendly landmarks →
• Tybee Island day trip guide →
• Forsyth Park: complete visitor guide →
• Best outdoor activities in Savannah →

Savannah is a city that rewards curious minds of all ages. The history is accessible, the outdoor spaces are beautiful, and the pace is relaxed enough for families to actually enjoy themselves. It's one of the best family travel destinations in the American South.