Fun Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia with Kids

Looking for things to do in Savannah, GA with kids? This beautiful southern city is one of the best places to take kids and is full of fun things to do from trolley tours to museums to town squares, historic homes, picturesque live oaks, and incredible food.

UPDATED 2024

Savannah, Georgia has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. It just radiates Southern charm and rich history, doesn't it? My first time visiting Savannah was in 2017. We lived in Northeast Florida and took a quick day trip.

I recently traveled to Savannah for a 2nd time, this time staying overnight with my youngest (who wasn't born yet the first time we visited), and my parents!

At first glance, Savannah may not seem like a kid-friendly destination. I'll admit, I wondered if I would be able to enjoy the live oaks, the historic sites, and the beautiful town squares in Savannah while wrangling my spirited offspring.

I'm glad I decided to judge for myself because my kids have all had a fantastic time in this historic Georgia city.

If Savannah is on your bucket list, and you would like to add it to a vacation itinerary or make a day trip, here are my best tips for getting the most out of a short amount of time. There are so many family-friendly things to do in this beautiful city!

Headed to Atlanta while on your Georgia road trip? Make sure to check out my post on What to Do in Atlanta with Kids.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Savannah with Kids Travcl Guide Quick Look:

Where to Stay

Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District

Best Things to Do

Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

See the City Squares

Play at Forsyth Park

Visit Wormsloe Historic Site

Wander River Street and Plant Riverside District

Best Places to Eat

The Pirates House (lunch or dinner)

Leopold's Ice Cream

The Baked Bear (dessert)

Goose Feather's Cafe (breakfast or brunch)

Cafe at City Market

Where to Stay

Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District

We stayed at the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District. We paid $336 for a standard room on a Saturday night.

My favorite thing about this hotel by far was the excellent location. While I wouldn't say there was anything inherently kid-friendly about this hotel, the location made it worthwhile. We were within steps of River Street and City Market.

Another thing I liked was that they gave us two free drink tokens when we checked in. Because Savannah has open container laws in the historic district, we got our drinks from the hotel bar, the bartender poured them into 16-ounce clear cups, and we could take them with us as we wandered the squares around sunset.

There is a restaurant in the lobby of the hotel, but breakfast is not included in your stay.

Check rates for Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District Here.

JW Marriott

I have not stayed here, but I wanted to include it on my list of recommendations for a few reasons.

First of all, it has an interactive dinosaur exhibit in the lobby.

In addition, the location right along the Savannah River is perfect for exploring River Street, the Plant Riverside District, and the entire Historic District of Savannah. Plus the views from the rooms and rooftops are pretty incredible!

They also have several restaurants on the property or nearby to choose from.

Check rates for JW Marriott here.

Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District

My last hotel suggestion is Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District. We didn't stay in this particular hotel, but we did stay at the Embassy Suites Charleston Historic District and there were a few reasons I really enjoyed the stay.

First of all, the location was excellent. I truly think that hotel location is so important in walkable cities like Savannah and Charleston, especially when you have kids with you. You want to be able to get to the sites and restaurants quickly.

Second of all, breakfast is included in your stay, along with a manager's reception every evening. The manager's reception usually includes snacks and free drinks. Having "free" food available at your hotel can really help save some money on a family vacation.

Find rates for the Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District here.

What to Do in Savannah with Kids

1. Old Town Trolley Tour

Trust me on this one - you're going to want to book a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour with kids.

You get on the trolley at the Visitors Center, then you can get off at any of the 15 stops to sightsee, eat, or just walk around. You can get back on at any of the trolley's stops when you're ready to do something else.

There are a few reasons why I think this is the best way to spend your first day (or your only day) in Savannah. First, you get free parking when you purchase your ticket, so you can leave your car in the lot for the entire day. It was so nice not having to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets or deciphering parking signs.

Second of all, my kids honestly thought they were on a ride at an amusement park the whole time we were on the trolley. They squealed with delight as I apologized to the retirees riding alongside us. My mom wouldn't stop singing, "Clang clang clang when the trolley..." while my kids pretended they were Daniel Tiger riding on his trolley.

Finally, the trolley cost was worth it to me because we could see the layout of the entire city and get a feel for Savannah. The drivers are also tour guides, giving fun facts, history lessons, and if you're lucky, plenty of jokes to enlighten you as you take in Savannah.

Cost:

Adults - $40.61 (if you buy online) // $42.75 if you buy in person

Children (4-12) - $19.95 (online) // $21.35 (in person)

Children (0-3) - FREE!

2. Take a Walking Tour and See the Squares

Savannah is designed around lush city squares with monuments, park benches, and beautiful gardens. Your trolley tour guide will point these out to you and give you the history behind them. It's fun to come back and walk through them after hopping off the trolley, or on the way to see the sights.

Some of our favorite of the many historic squares are Ellis Square (located at the entrance of City Market), and Franklin Square, named after Benjamin Franklin, which contains a monument to the Haitian soldiers who helped fight for American independence.

Chippewa Square is where the "life is like a box of chocolates" scene from Forrest Gump was filmed, but the bench is no longer there.

I also wanted to walk through some of the quaint neighborhoods around the city to take in some of the beautiful historic homes.

Another option would be to sign up for a walking tour instead of taking the trolley. You would still get to hear all of the information about the city from an expert while getting the opportunity to see things up close. If our kids had been a little older on this visit I think we would have gone with this option. With a baby and toddlers, though, I didn't want to disturb others on the guided tour, and wasn't sure we would be able to keep up!

If your kids are a little older and they like spooky things, you could even try going on a guided ghost tour!

3. Visit Forsyth Park

This would be my top recommendation for families spending a day in Savannah. This sprawling park is a great place for a picnic lunch, a leisurely stroll to enjoy the live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, or letting the kids get their wiggles out. This popular spot was one of my kids' favorite things to do in Savannah.

First, we let the kids climb all over the gigantic playground and pushed them on the swings. There are a lot of things to do in Savannah that are more geared toward adults like seeing historic sites and looking at old houses. This is an excellent opportunity to let kids get their wiggles out and act like kids!

This was one of our family's favorite spots in Savannah. I would highly recommend grabbing a coffee, strolling through the park, seeing the iconic fountain, then letting the kids play on the playground.

Afterward, you could get brunch at Collin's Quarter which is a popular spot right next to the playground.

4. Wander the Historic District of Savannah

Savannah's Historic District contains the original grid layout as designed by General James Oglethorpe when he founded the colony of Georgia. It's incredible to be walking the same streets as so many historical figures. It's the same feeling I always had when wandering through St. Augustine, Florida!

There are 23 squares to explore (I named a few favorites above), and a plethora of beautiful old homes and buildings. We especially liked Jones Street, which is dubbed the "Prettiest Street in Savannah" with its stately homes, live oaks lining the street, and immaculate gardens.

This walkable section of town also has boutiques, markets, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

5. Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is the estate of Noble Jones, one of the first settlers of Georgia and a contemporary of James Oglethorpe. The AP US History nerd in me geeked out about everything we learned here!

When you arrive, you head inside the Visitor Center, pay the entrance fee, and then you have the option to take the tram to the historic site or to walk a mile and a half.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but I would highly recommend walking, at least on the way there, because the walkway is lined with live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. It's one of the most iconic sites in Savannah.

Taking the slow walk down the oak-lined avenue will give you a chance to take some pictures and videos without other people in the background.

After your walk, you'll reach another smaller visitor center, then you can go down the walking paths to see the tabby ruins of the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

We brought our Zoe stroller, and it was fine, but a little bumpy with all of the tree roots.

Bring bug spray! There are bugs since you're near a swamp. Also, bring sunscreen and lots of water. It gets hot in Savannah (even in November when we went), and after all that walking you'll need it!

When you're done seeing the tabby ruins, you can take the tram back to the visitor center.

By the way, tabby is the material that was used to build the home of Noble Jones. It's a mixture of oyster, water, and sand.

6. Stop at Savannah Children's Museum

I wish I had known about this children's museum when I was planning my visit to Savannah GA! It's entirely outdoors with a maze, a sensory garden, interactive exhibits, and many more fun activities just for kids.

It's located in Tricentennial Park in downtown Savannah and does have on-site parking. The cost is $10 per person (ages 18 months and older), but this is a great way to spend a few hours if your kids need a break from the historical sites.

7. River Street

This charming area with cobblestone streets along the Savannah River combines historic buildings with modern fun, and you'll find tons of great things to do there!

If souvenirs are your thing, there are tons of cute little shops on River Street with fun gifts and trinkets to remember your trip. Each gift shop was cuter than the last! I also made a mental note to come back with my husband and grab a cocktail at one of the sidewalk cafes overlooking the river.

8. Visit Byrd's Famous Cookies

Byrd's is a cookie shop that was started in Savannah in the1920s by Benjamin Tillman "Pop" Byrd, Sr. It now has locations throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

You can sample every type of cookie they make from the Cookie Bar in each store, and I recommend stocking up on a few bags to snack on as you walk around Savannah. They also have incredible rice krispie treats that my daughter loved.

9. Plant Riverside District

Along the west end of the Savannah River, you'll also find Plant Riverside District named after the original 1912 power plant that is now a JW Marriott.

This is a newer part of town that is geared toward entertainment, including live music, bars, and restaurants. We found the ambiance to be young, modern, and lively.

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My youngest loved watching the cargo ships enter the port, along with the massive riverboats.

We found a great spot to eat here along the river called Riverside Burger. It's just an outdoor burger stand along the riverwalk where you can get smash burgers and seasoned fries. There are some outdoor tables, which is the perfect setup for a family with young kids. You don't have to worry about keeping your kids quiet or having them sit still.

10. Stop in Savannah's Candy Kitchen

The kids naturally loved Savannah's Candy Kitchen because they were literally kids in a candy shop, but also because it was so fun to watch the candy and taffy being made!

They make the taffy behind a giant window, then load it onto a train that travels along the ceiling before depositing the candy in a basket to be purchased. It was mesmerizing!

You can find this along River Street, but there's another location at City Market too!

11. Georgia State Railroad Museum

This museum is a National Historic Landmark and the perfect place to go if you have young children who are really into transportation! You can see steam engine locomotives up close, take a guided tour, or take a ride on a diesel locomotive.

The museum is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12. It also shares a location with the children's museum, so you can do both experiences at the same time!

12. Oatland Island Wildlife Center

This outdoor wildlife experience with animal exhibits, nature trails, and picnic areas is a great place to connect with nature and see animals like bison, donkeys, grey wolves, and more. It's open from 10-4, and admission is $5 for adults (ages 17 - 64) and $3 for children (ages 4 - 17).

13. Take a Riverboat Cruise

This was one activity we didn't get to that was high on my list. You can see the city from a different point of view on a Riverboat Cruise on the Savannah River.

There are dinner cruises, brunch cruises, sunset cruises, and more. Prices and availability will depend on the time of year, but I've read that it's important to book in advance.

We walked past the riverboats several times as we were walking on river street and they just looked so charming!

14. Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetary was on my itinerary for this visit to Savannah, but we simply ran out of time! We were driving up to Charleston and didn't want to arrive in the dark, and our visit to Wormsloe Historic Site took a little longer than we expected, so we decided to cut this out.

Bonaventure is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Savannah, and there are even cemetery tours to hear what makes this place so special and the stories behind those buried there.

15. City Market

City Market is an open-air market with restaurants, art galleries, shops, and live entertainment. It's a great place to wander around with kids. There are some pedestrian-only areas so it's safe for kids to walk around, and you can grab a bite to eat while listening to some live music.

This is also a perfect place to buy souvenirs!

Food and Drink

Goose Feathers Cafe

This was our favorite meal in Savannah! We got breakfast from Goose Feathers Cafe and we loved everything about it.

You order from the counter and they bring the food out to you. My mom had the most delicious asiago bagel breakfast sandwich (she let me try a bite), and I got a cinnamon bun which was so warm and gooey with tons of frosting. I also ordered a caramel latte that was perfect - not too milky or too bitter.

My daughter enjoyed a Belgian waffle.

We chose one of the tables outside on the sidewalk to soak in the beautiful Savannah weather and the atmosphere of the historic city. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant for breakfast or brunch. The food is so fresh and we all enjoyed our meals.

Leopold's Ice Cream

Wherever we go with the kids, we always have to find the best ice cream or donut shop in the area. In Savannah, that's Leopold's Ice Cream. It reminded me of an old-fashioned soda shop! It's a quaint ice cream parlor that was founded in 1919 and boasts tons of unique ice cream flavors.

Be aware that it's a tourist destination, and could be a little crowded. There is usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly.

Try Tutti Frutti, their signature flavor made with roasted Georgia pecans, or pick one of the many other flavors they have on hand.

Eat at the Pirates' House

There is plenty of fine Southern cuisine in Savannah - almost so many options it will make your head spin! However, if you're traveling with small children, you might not be looking for fancy or even the very best food. You're probably looking for a restaurant with decent food where you won't be mortified if your kids act like kids.

We chose The Pirates' House for lunch, and we were not disappointed! The food was great, but more importantly, the staff went out of their way to entertain our kids and make sure our experience was enjoyable. The history of the old seafarer's inn is fascinating, so take the tour if you're so inclined and have the time.

Rumor has it Robert Louis Stevenson wrote part of Treasure Island there and was inspired by the sailors and pirates who told tales of their adventures on the high seas over a pint.

Cafe at City Market

We ate here on our first night in Savannah. My daughter and I split a Margherita pizza, and it was divine!

The prices were very reasonable, and they had a kids' menu, which is surprisingly tough to find in the downtown area.

We sat outside and loved the atmosphere of City Market on a Saturday night. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather and the night life!

The Baked Bear

If you are in need of a filling dessert, look no further than The Baked Bear. They are famous for their custom ice cream sandwiches. You get to pick what kind of cookie you want on the outside (and you can pick 2 different ones - one for the top and one for the bottom). Then you choose what kind of ice cream you want, and whether you want to add any toppings.

I split one with my parents because they were huge! They even offered to cut it up into thirds for us, which was perfect.

Riverside Burger + Riverside Biergarten

This was our last meal in Savannah before leaving for Charleston. It's a really laid-back outdoor setting where you can order your burger and/or your beer and grab a table along the riverwalk. This was the ideal setting for families with loud children (like ours).

My daughter ordered a large soft pretzel from the Biergarten and it reminded me of Auntie Anne's pretzels. I got a smash burger from Riverside Burger, and some seasoned fries to share with the group.

If you have extra time in the Savannah area...

Take a Day Trip to Tybee Island

Tybee Island is one of Georgia's beautiful barrier islands located just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. There are several beautiful beaches to choose from, so you could easily spend all day relaxing and playing on the beach and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're looking for some family-friendly adventures to add to your itinerary, take a boat out to Little Tybee Island to visit an uninhabited nature preserve, do a dolphin excursion, or bike around the island.

Be sure to set aside time to visit Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn all about marine life by booking a beach walk, sea camp, or turtle talk where you can get the inside scoop about sea turtles!

Fort Pulaski National Monument

If you have a United States history buff or military history enthusiast in your family, you definitely want to include Fort Pulaski in your itinerary. It's the location of a turning point in the Civil War where the Union army compelled the Confederate Army to surrender using rifled canyons.

Aside from the monument, there are several hiking and biking trails to make use of in this park.

Skidaway Island State Park

Nature lovers will enjoy a day trip to Skidaway Island State Park along Georgia's Intracoastal waterway. This part of Georgia features a salt marsh and maritime forests with plenty of boardwalk trails to help you explore. You can go birding, rent some bicycles, or go hiking.

Go To Charleston, South Carolina

We added a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to our itinerary this time around. It's only a 2-hour drive from Savannah and there is so much history to see in this charming Southern town.

What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?

Spring and Fall are great times to visit this Southern city since the weather will be warm but not too hot. We visited in November, and while the mornings and evenings were cool, when the sun came out during the day it kept us warm and happy.

Summer gets pretty hot in this part of the country, so unless you plan to do a lot of indoor activities, you will want to limit your exploration to morning and evening when the sun isn't beating down on you.

There is so much to do in Savannah for the whole family.

Everyone is bound to find something they love, from history to nature, from ice cream and candy to gorgeous historic homes. Our entire family had so much fun walking around and exploring this charming destination.

Spending one day in the city was enough to whet my appetite, and now I want to go back and explore more of this region!