The 10 Best Things for Kids to Do in Savannah, GA

The rich history and beautiful architecture of Savannah, GA, make it a must-see city. While this charming coastal city has numerous restaurants and bars, there are also plenty of things for kids to do in Savannah if you’re taking a family trip. As America’s first planned city, there are numerous shaded squares, parks, and spacious streets for walking.

If you have a Georgia vacation planned or are considering stopping in the “Hostess City of the South,” check out our list of the best things for kids to do in Savannah, GA.

The 10 Best Things for Kids to Do in Savannah GA

From beautiful parks to famous treats, Savannah, GA is a great place for your family to visit and has something for everyone. Make sure you bring sunscreen and some comfy shoes on your trip to this historic city in Georgia. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to visit while you’re in Savannah.

Savannah Historic District

The first stop on our list is the Savannah Historic District. Considering its rich history, part of experiencing all that Savannah has to offer is visiting some of the historic buildings, monuments, and museums in the Historic District. 

The Savannah Historic District covers the original plan for the town laid out by James E. Oglethorpe in 1733. Throughout the district, there are 22 park squares and numerous museums, monuments, and restaurants. Strolling through the historic district is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful culture and history of Savannah.

Historic River Street

While you’re strolling through the historic district, take your kids to Historic River Street. This cobblestone street is over 200 years old and gives you beautiful views of the water, cargo ships, and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

Be aware there are historic steps leading to River Street, but locals lovingly call them the “Stone Stairs of Death.” The 33 stairs are incredibly steep and require comfy shoes to make the trip down. If you don’t feel comfortable taking little ones down the steps, there are several alternate elevator entrances as well as a ramp for cars.

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen

You know you can’t go wrong if “candy” is in the name. Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is a place you have to stop while you’re in Savannah. There are two locations in the city, one on River Street and the other in the City Market. When you visit, you can try one of the famous Savannah Pralines for free.

It’s unlikely that you’ll make it out of the store without buying a few other treats. While visiting, you can even witness some of the conventions being made, which is a fun experience for kids. There’s a limitless number of Southern sweets in the store, and it’s definitely worth the trip.

Savannah City Market

In the early days of Savannah’s history, the City Market was a place for locals to shop, trade, and engage with others in the community. After withstanding fires, a hurricane, and the Civil War, the citizens of Savannah built a new City Market in the late 1900s.

Nowadays, the City Market in Savannah is one the most popular places to visit, and a great place to bring the whole family. No matter what you’re craving, there's bound to be a restaurant for everyone. They also have different holiday celebrations throughout the year to celebrate Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and more.

Historic Savannah Theatre

The Historic Savannah Theatre is located in Chippewa Square and is one of the oldest theatres in the country. Although it was originally built in 1818, the theatre was renovated several times after several fires and storms impacted the building over the years. You can purchase tickets for one of the family-friendly shows at the Savannah Theatre.

While you’re in Chippewa Square, stop by to see the spot where Tom Hanks sat in the beloved movie, Forrest Gump. The original bench is now in the Savannah History Museum, but you can still visit the spot where the scenes were filmed.

Savannah Children’s Museum

When traveling with kids, a children’s museum is always a great place to spend the day. The Savannah Children’s Museum is located in Tricentennial Park and is a great place for families and young children.

The entire museum is currently outdoors, so your children can explore while soaking up some Vitamin D. The Savannah Children’s Museum features numerous exhibits for children to explore. From an exploration maze to a sensory garden, little ones can use their imagination while playing and learning at the Savannah Children’s Museum.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is no doubt one of the most well-known destinations in Savannah, GA. This 30-acre park is home to the famous Forsyth Fountain, which was originally added to the park in 1858.

At Forsyth Park, you’ll find shaded walkways covered by majestic oak trees, two playgrounds, and a beautiful garden. There are plenty of spots to have a picnic with your kids or enjoy one of the live events in Savannah. The park is home to the Sidewalk Arts Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, just to name a few. 

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

To truly appreciate the history and architecture of Savannah, it’s worth taking a trip to the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This Catholic church has a history dating back to the 1800s and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Savannah, and often named one of the top historic sites in the country each year. 

The Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and murals are breathtaking, and even your children will be in awe. The cathedral is often referred to as the “Sistene of the South” due to the beautiful murals. The Cathedral is open throughout most of the day for self-guided tours. 

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

If you’d like to take a break from the city pace, check out the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Just outside of downtown Savannah, this Wildlife Refuge has over 30,000 acres of marshes and creeks.

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds but is also home to various fish, bobcats, and gators. There’s plenty of space to walk around to view the wildlife, and you can also take the 4-mile self-guided tour through Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive. 

Skidaway Island State Park

Skidaway Island State Park is just a short drive from historic Savannah and is a great place for camping, hiking, and exploring nature. This state park spans over 588 acres and has numerous trails that take you through the forest, leading to the boardwalk and an observation tower.

There are plenty of activities for the family to do at Skidaway Island, such as birding, geocaching, hiking, and riding bikes. You can rent bikes in the park per hour, and there are also playgrounds available for younger children.

Takeaway

Taking a trip to Savannah, GA can be exciting and memorable for the whole family. From delicious restaurants to historic sites, there’s no shortage of things to see or food to enjoy. There’s enough history in Savannah to keep your whole family engaged throughout the trip, and many of the activities can be fun and educational.

During your time in Savannah, you’ll spend a lot of time walking around the city. If you’re looking for a way to see the sites from a different perspective and give your feet a break, consider taking a trolley tour. Old Town Trolley Tours is just one of the many tours in Savannah. The trolley tours around the city allow you to see numerous sites in a day. Your family can have a memorable trip with any of the best things for kids to do in Savannah, GA.

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