If you’re like me, you love Savannah and are constantly looking for ways to escape there with your significant other. However, life tends to get in the way. Don’t let that stop you from visiting this active coastal town; it’s one of those Georgia vacations you MUST take on.
Sure, there are tons of romantic and “grown up” things to do…but there are TONS of things to do in Savannah Ga with kids, too!!
We recently spent a weekend here with our kids, primarily in the Historic District. And you know what? It was so relaxing, and so STREE-FREE! We track our steps below, so that you can also have a great time (and learn from a few of our mistakes).
FRIDAY – THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH GA WITH KIDS
TRAVEL FROM ATLANTA
If you’re leaving Atlanta, expect about a 3 – 3.5 hr ride to Savannah, via Macon. I always like to remind people that the I-16 part of the trek is a little desolate, so don’t forget to fuel-up and snack-up before getting too far down that interstate. Ideally, you can leave bright and early in the morning…our first stop opens at 9am.
Want to make this just one of a number of stops on an East Coast vacation? We love these road trip ideas from We 3 Travel!
SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Since becoming a travel writer, I have heard nothing but amazing things about the Savannah Children’s Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum. In fact, it was the impetus of this entire trip…
HOWEVER, we didn’t get to go and it was all my mistake.
We started our day on the trolley tour…and we were having so much fun that I decided to push the museum to ‘after lunch.’ Well, turns out they close at 2pm! Oh no!
We will be making a day trip to Savannah shortly just to visit these museums, because I desperately want to go. In the mean time, learn from my mistake!
Start your day at the kiddo museum. It opens at 9am, so you have cooler weather and plenty of time to explore.
The museum is currently entirely outdoors and located in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop lower level and upper courtyard. The museum features over a dozen exhibits designed to expand the imaginations of children including an exploration maze, a reading nook and a sensory garden. — From the website
Also part of this family of museums is Pin Point Heritage Museum (highly recommended by a 365 Facebook fan), Old Fort Jackson, and the Savannah History Museum. (We ran into a friend in Savannah with young kids who had just returned from the Savannah History Museum. His 9yo was raving about it!)
Fun fact from Sue about Old Fort Jackson:
Savannah was started and still is a port town. It only makes sense that a trip includes some time on the river. Savannah Riverboat Cruises are a great way to do that, and get some history during your leisurely ride. Pro-Tip: Go on the 3:30 pm tour, when you pass Old Fort Jackson they’ll shoot a cannon from the fort at the boat. (Don’t worry, it’s a blank.)
Read More: 23+ SAVANNAH TOURS ACTUALLY WORTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY
DISCOUNT TICKETS: Savannah TourPass is the way to see Savannah affordably. Pick a 1, 2 or 3-day pass which gets you 2, 3 or 4 Featured tours PLUS unlimited entry into all the Standard tours. Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson and Pin Point Heritage Museum are all part of the Standard tour offerings. Buy here.
MRS. WILKES DINING ROOM
After the museum, it’s time for lunch. I know you’ll want to stay as late as possible, but you can’t! Mrs. Wilkes isn’t open on the weekend (so you have to go NOW), and they stop serving lunch at 2pm. Leave the museum between noon and 1pm, and head down for lunch.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room offers old-school Southern style eats in a communal dining room for a flat fee (discount for kids). Hours are 11am – 2pm, and you’ll need to prepare yourself for the line, but it will be worth it.
Fun fact…President Obama visited once. They “protect” the chair he sat in. No one is allowed to sit in it. Regardless of your politics, it’s pretty cool!
Read More: Best Places to Eat In Savannah: Cocktails and Great Food in the Historic Districts
CHECK INTO YOUR HOTEL
Roll yourself out of Mrs. Wilkes and head to your hotel. We love a hotel with a pool (not that this itinerary won’t keep you busy in the city)! Here are a few in the Historic District:
- Embassy Suites Savannah: Outdoor pool, restaurant, free buffet breakfast (hot) and WiFi. This hotel received a Gold Award from Hotels.com.
- Hampton Inn & Suites: Outdoor pool, free on-the-go breakfast (cold), and free WiFi
- Kimpton Brice: Outdoor pool, restaurant, free WiFi, pets stay free
- DoubleTree by Hilton: Outdoor pool, restaurant, free WiFi
- Holiday Inn Express: Outdoor pool, free buffet and WiFi
If you really want a treat, then try the Printmaker’s Inn in the Victorian District. The bed & breakfast features a Button Suite, with a king bed, queen bed and fold out couch – accommodating up to four kiddos.
It is a little pricier per night, but includes free breakfast, free wifi, and free parking. It also features a fridge and microwave, a living room, a seating area, a private balcony/patio…not to mention that it is simply ADORABLE!
Read More: 29+ HOTELS IN SAVANNAH GA IDEAL FOR BRINGING THE FAMILY (B&B, ON THE WATER, BUDGET AND MORE)
PIRATES AND PEDICABS
I hope you were able to swim off a little of that lunch, because it’s time for an unforgettable dinner at The Pirate’s House. You could walk…..but the MOST FUN is by Pedicab!
We all rode together from the hotel, with the boys in our lap. It was so much fun to whiz by everyone, get great views of the city, and feel the wind in our hair. Our hotel was a few blocks away, and the trip was $10 (plus we gave him a $5 tip). Easy and exciting for the kiddos.
Ok – now dinner.
I’ll be honest: I’d heard mixed reviews about The Pirate’s House….about it being touristy, etc. However, our experience was incredible!
I recommend making reservations so that you can be seated without a wait. Kids will love this place! The boys were greeted with kiddo menus in the shape of pirate’s hats, an eye patch and a few “gold” coins, which pre-occupied them for the entire meal.
Hubs and I started with rum drinks, and the boys followed suit with adorable kiddo mocktails in bright colors and wild flavors.
The trout with crab was delicious…with veggies and mashed potatoes. Hubby had the signature pecan-crusted fried chicken. WOW! If you don’t get this, someone at the table must. It’s amazing…and there is more than enough to share.
Afterward, we took a tour of the restaurant with a pirate (tip your corsair, please) and then headed upstairs to check out the gift shop. Of course we left with a hook-hand and trick dagger. lol.
TAKE A GHOST CITY TOUR
If your littles are able to stay up late then purchase tickets ahead of time for the Ghost City Grave Tales Ghost Tour. It starts at 9pm…which is why I add the caveat.
This is a kid friendly, family friendly tour with about 90 minutes of walking through Savannah’s haunted mansions and historic homes, haunted cemeteries, burial grounds and battlefields. It’s also one of Savannah’s most highly-rated tours.
Ok – now off to bed with you! We have a big day tomorrow.
Read More: 25+ SAVANNAH GHOST TOURS & PIRATE EVENTS GUARANTEED TO THRILL
DISCOUNT TICKETS: Savannah TourPass is the way to see Savannah affordably. Pick a 1, 2 or 3-day pass which gets you 2, 3 or 4 Featured tours PLUS unlimited entry into all the Standard tours. Several ghost tour experiences are part of the Featured Tour offerings. Buy here.
SATURDAY FAMILY FUN IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
THE COFFEE FOX
Many of the hotels we mention have a restaurant, but you can always head out on an adventure of your own. We spent breakfast our first morning at The Coffee Fox. In all honesty, it was because my son has a love affair with foxes…but it turned out to be a REALLY great coffee shop.
I highly recommend the iced horchata – it was the bomb. The boys had chocolate milk and pastries. Dan went for a mini quiche and I had a cheese plate with fruit. Perfect breakfast fuel.
OLD SAVANNAH TOURS
Now you are ready for the trolley tour. This, my friends, is my secret weapon!
There is no way we would have had SUCH a good time without Old Savannah Tours paving the way. You need tickets for the Historic On/Off Tour. Go ahead. Get them now (link below), and trust me. Kids 4 and younger are free, and check the specials before you make a purchase.
You can call ahead and get a free shuttle to the starting point from your hotel. They just need a few moments notice.
Book It: Old Savannah Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
WHY WE LOVE THIS TOUR WITH KIDS
You learn a great deal of history about the city from the tour, which is much better than walking around and trying to read a travel brochure.
You can hop on and off the trolley at any time you want…so you can explore any areas of interest and then jump back on for the tour.
If your kids are getting antsy then just jump off to explore. BUT, if you take our suggestions, you probably won’t run into that issue. Our kids are the antsy-est of all and they were just fine!
DISCOUNT TICKETS: Savannah TourPass is the way to see Savannah affordably. Pick a 1, 2 or 3-day pass which gets you 2, 3 or 4 Featured tours PLUS unlimited entry into all the Standard tours. The trolley is part of the Featured Tour offerings. Buy here.
READY? HERE IS HOW WE WORKED THE TROLLEY FOR A STRESS-FREE SATURDAY
You start at the Welcome Center (Stop 1), across the street from the kiddo museum. You’re going to enjoy all the stops and characters and history…and hop off where we suggest. Let’s do it…
Stop 2 – Chippewa Square
Stop 3 – Sorrell Weed House
Stop 4 – Forsyth Park. Get off here!
Forsyth Park is where the famous Forsyth Fountain is located. You NEED a family photo here. After that, if you’re visiting in summer time, head to the playground and spray fountain.
We let the boys play in the water splash pad without their shirts. It was so warm outside, that they were all dried out in no time (even though they were soaking wet.)
Then, we walked to the far side of the park where we found the Saturday Farmer’s Market. We opted for King of Pops to stave off a little hunger and explored some great veggies and treats. This is a SUPER farmer’s market! Definitely worth visiting.
Walk back to the place you got off and get back on the next shuttle. You’ll be wearing a sticker on your shirt, so they know to expect you. Just hop aboard.
Stop 5 – Massey School
Stop 6 – Cathedral of St. John
Stop 7 – The Pirate’s House
Stop 8 – Owens-Thomas House
Stop 9 – Tefair Academy. Get off here!
We jumped off here to head into the Jepson Center because I wanted to see The Bird Girl. They were celebrating Juneteenth when we arrived, so we got in for free. Yay! (Kids 12 and younger are always free.)
The museum does offer Free Family Days, so check back to see if you’re visiting during one of these free days!
Grab Ice Cream – A Savannah must-do!
Then walk to Leopold’s Ice Cream. It’s an almost-mile walk, but very easy. If your kids are complaining, jump on a pedicab…but our kids were so excited for ice cream that it was a non-issue.
Leopold’s is a Savannah tradition – they’ve been crafting their award-winning, homemade super-premium ice cream since 1919!
In peak tourist season, right after lunch…the line will be down the block. Don’t worry, it goes pretty fast. Plus, you just can’t skip this! It’s like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower!
We tried the chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip and peppermint…every flavor was divine. Next time, I’m getting the chocolate nut sundae…or maybe a milkshake…and an ice cream sandwich…too many options!
Now, eat your sweet treat as you head back to Stop 9…and jump on the bus!
Stop 10 – City Market
Stop 11 – Reynolds Square
Stop 12 – River Street
Stop 13 – River Street Marketplace
Stop 14 – Exchange Bell
Stop 15 – City Hall
Stop 16 – Franklin Square
Departure
So, we hopped off at Stop 15, which was across the street from our hotel. If you are staying near the water, any of these stops will do. You can simply head back to your hotel for dinner…or take the tour all the way back to your starting point and get a shuttle back to your hotel. What ever is best for you!
If you’re not keen on the hop on/hop off bus tour then here are two other great options for exploring. Try the Savannah Trolley Tour, which is 90 minutes of touring without any stops. Reserve Tickets Here. OR…the Savannah Land and Sea Combo Tour, which includes 90 minutes on the open air trolley and 90minutes on the famous Savannah riverboat. Reserve that combo ticket here.
TRAVELING WITH TWEENS??
If your kids are a little older than mine, then you have a bit more flexibility…though still not the freedom that comes with traveling with teenagers or other adults. Here are some alternative ideas to the afternoon plan above.
LAND AND SEA: Try a Land and Sea Combo Tour, which is 90 minutes of history and sightseeing on an open-air trolley. This isn’t a hop on/hop off bus, though. Follow that up with another 90 minute tour of Savannah from the water aboard the famous Savannah Riverboat. More details + tickets here.
SAVANNAH BIKE TOURS: Savannah Bike Tours has a number of offerings, but their Peddle Through History tour is great for kids (even kids as young as 4yo are welcome, if they can ride a bike.) I also love that kids 11 and younger are only $10! The tour is only about 2 hours and covers 3 miles and about 10 different stops. More details + tickets here for the day time tour….or try this kid-friendly HAUNTED bike tour with the same folks.
HISTORIC SEGWAY TOUR: Your kids have to be 16yo+ for this one, but if they are it’s a ton of fun. Pick the short or extended tour, and glide around the city. More details + tickets here.
DINNER AT MOON RIVER BREWING
Moon River Brewing Company is known for being one of the most haunted buildings in Savannah! It was visited by several famous ghost hunter groups, too.
Not only was it the first hotel in Savannah, but it was also home to the first branch of the United States Post Office in Savannah. It was also a hospital during the yellow fever outbreak..and so much more until 1999 when Moon River took over. Ask your server for a peek upstairs, and see if you get chills like we did!
There is an inside restaurant here, as well as a more informal beer garden outdoors. We opted for informal and sunshine, so the beer garden it was! I highly recommend it.
Kids can choose hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled cheese. We opted for a hamburger (grass-fed beef) and pulled pork sandwich. I loved the Texas caviar…a tad spicy which is divine!
They also brew their own beers (the Captain’s Porter was AWESOME!) and have a full bar.
AFTER DINNER
After dinner, walk across the street to the River Street Area. We stopped in Savannah Bee Company and sampled some honey, then found our way to Wet Willie’s for a frozen adult beverage…and pop your head in any restaurant for a lemonade “to go” for the kiddos.
Near Wet Willie’s you’ll find a “playground” for the kids. It’s actually just a large boat they can climb in, but it is FILLED with kids. We sat on the bricks enjoying our drinks while the boys played for well over an hour.
Be sure to bring several singles…people along the river walk will sing, play the trumpet, offer magic tricks, make balloon animals…and the kids will be amazed by all. You’ll need a buck or two to cover their gawking.
FREE FERRY RIDE
Once they start getting restless, you can catch the Savannah Belle’s Ferry right there by the playground area. This is public transportation offered by the city, so hop aboard for free.
Ride from the playground to the hotel over on Hutchinson Island then to the Waving Girl statue and back to the playground….a nice triangle of free exciting water adventure for the kids! Plan to be on the water about 30 minutes for the complete triangle.
ECHO SQUARE
One last adventure that you can’t miss before leaving River Street is Echo Square. It’s located across from Bob’s Your Uncle.
This simple gray square in the concrete holds an amazing mysterious experience. Have your kiddo stand in the square and speak…he can hear his voice echoing, but you can’t! Switch places and “hear” the echo chamber at work!
WRAPPING UP SAVANNAH WITH THE KIDDOS
Wake up! This is your last day here!!
Time for coffee and a cinnamon roll the size of your head, at Savannah Coffee Roasters. I recommend the French press so you can taste the full flavor of their coffee.
I’m going to give you three options before heading out of the Savannah Historic District…coffee and cinnamon roll in hand. You pick what’s best for your family and kid’s temperament.
a) Take a stroll along Jones Street. The tree lines and 19th century architecture have won it notoriety as one of the prettiest streets in the US. Chances are you have left your hotel now, so you are driving. No worries. You can park on Jones Street with a cheap meter rate OR around the corner on Abercorn for free. Bring your camera!
b) Visit Cathedral of St John the Baptist for Mass. Honestly, we are not “go to church” people, but the architecture is so gorgeous that I was almost compelled. If you want to see inside and take pictures then jump off this stop on Saturday’s trolley tour…don’t take them during Mass, please.
c) Didn’t get all the photos you wanted in this gorgeous town? No worries. Pedicab drivers love to take you on a Pedicab Photo Tour. Prices range from “pay what you want” to about $45. They take you around to the best photo spots…let you jump off for pictures, and then jump back on to head to the next spot. No stress!
WORMSLOE HISTORIC SITE
Ok – time to head back home. Before you do, take a short detour to Wormsloe Historic Site. There are often re-enactments and other fun events here, but my desire was simply to drive the 1.5 miles between the grand live oaks you see in the photo above.
No photo of these trees can do them justice! Stop, pull over…take a few dozen photos.
Then, head to the back of the park where you can tour the museum, and see the tabby ruins of Noble Jones’ home. He was a carpenter who arrived to Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe, making him one of the first settlers from England. Wormsloe’s tabby ruin estate is the oldest standing structure in Savannah.
MORE IN SAVANNAH WITH KIDS
This is by no means an exhaustive list of kid adventures in Savannah. We haven’t even scratched the surface on Tybee Island yet! Have no fear – we’ll be back soon with more for your next vacation. In the meantime, here are a few places you might want to consider visiting beyond the above itinerary.
- Fort Pulaski
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- River Street Sweets
- McQueen’s Island trail
- Telfair Museum
- A Savannah Banana’s game
- East Coast Paddleboarding
- Bonaventure Cemetery
- UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
- Skidaway Island State Park
- The Juliette Gordon Low House (Founder of the Girl Scouts)
- Tybee Marine Science Center
- Old Fort Jackson
- Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
- Ellis Square Water Fountains
- American Prohibition Museum
Another thing that looks really fun and that I think kids would love is renting a Moke to travel around in! The Alida, Savannah’s boutique hotel on historic River Street, has partnered with WeMoke, a company offering open-air street legal vehicles for rent.
Bright white in color with a black canopy roof, the British and Caribbean-inspired cruiser is available to book for anyone ages 21 and up for $125 per hour. The first of its kind in Savannah, the Moke can be rented through the company’s website on an hourly, daily or even weekly basis. How fun would that be?!
If you are looking for more ways to vacation on the Georgia Coast with kids, we can help, just read our article on 47 Things to do with Kids on the Georgia Coast.
SAVANNAH WITH KIDS FAQ
Is Savannah a good place to take kids?
Yes, Savannah is a great place to take kids! Filled with history and natural beauty, this southern town is also filled with amazing things to do for all ages.
Is Savannah a walkable town?
Historic Downtown Savannah is walkable, and you’ll be able to visit some of the historic squares, along with shops and restaurants too. River Street is also especially well known as a walkable area.
What is the best month to visit Savannah?
If you’re looking for milder temps, consider visiting Savannah in the spring or fall. The summertime is a great time to visit Savannah as well, but expect it to be hot.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- GULLAH GEECHEE SAVANNAH GA: Understanding The True History Of Savannah
- CLOSE TO SAVANNAH BEACHES: Beaches In Savannah: 7+ Spots Near Savannah Perfect For Fun In The Sun
- TYBEE ISLAND: 19+ Relaxing And Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island On Your Next Family Vacation
- SPRING BREAK: 13+ Perfect Spring Break Ideas For Fun-Loving Families In 2023
WHERE TO STAY IN SAVANNAH
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With a lifetime of journeys that span multiple countries and over 30 states in the US, her passion for travel was sparked by a nomadic lifestyle.
Lesli thrives on unearthing lesser-known, eccentric, and unique destinations, and engaging with locals to reveal hidden gems. Whether she's adventuring across the country in her RV, trekking through the forest, or delving into the local whiskey scene, Lesli's exploratory spirit remains unquenchable.
She travels with her two young explorers - Cooper and Elliot - and her husband, soulmate, and business partner, Dan. Currently, they're enjoying an extended stay in the rugged west, but Atlanta is still close to her heart. Her extensive travel experience and profound love for Atlanta give Lesli an unparalleled advantage when it comes to serving the South (and the world's busiest airport) with travel content from around the globe.