Are you searching for enjoyable and budget-friendly activities for kids in Savannah, Georgia? You’ve found the right guide! This article provides a wealth of details and suggestions for family-friendly experiences in this charming city. With so many options available, here’s a great starting point for your adventure.
1. Enjoy Ice Cream at Leopold’s: A Savannah Essential
No visit to Savannah is complete without a trip to the renowned Leopold’s Ice Cream, located at 212 E. Broughton St. Since opening in 1919, Leopold’s has remained a staple, with some of its classic recipes unchanged for over a century.
Be ready for a bit of a wait, as the line often extends out of the building and down the street. During our visit, we waited over 30 minutes for our ice cream, but it was definitely worth it.
I tried the Honey Almond & Cream, and it was exceptional. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the Chocolate Chewies & Cream.
To avoid the long lines, plan to visit during the first hour of operation, from 11 am to noon. And yes, you’re encouraged to enjoy ice cream before lunch—consider it a special treat!
2. Forsyth Park: A Family Favorite in Savannah, GA
A visit to Forsyth Park is a delightful addition to any family trip to Savannah, GA. This 30-acre park serves as a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
The park’s standout feature is its stunning fountain, built in 1858. Its beauty is truly remarkable and makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
Forsyth Park offers two playgrounds and expansive fields where kids can run and play. On Saturdays, the park hosts a Farmer’s Market brimming with local treats. Spread out a blanket and relax under the shade of the Spanish-moss-covered oaks while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
With its range of activities and scenic spots, Forsyth Park is an excellent choice for family fun in Savannah.
3. Ride the Free Trolley
During our entire stay in Savannah, we navigated the historic district effortlessly using the DOT trolley, which is completely free. I discovered this handy service just before our trip, and I’m thrilled I did!
The trolley operates with two routes and 24 stops throughout the historic district. We took advantage of it daily to give our feet a break, even though we still walked about 5 miles each day. With buses arriving approximately every 5 minutes, it’s a convenient option. While it doesn’t offer a narrated tour like a paid hop-on, hop-off trolley, it provides a cost-effective way to get around, saving a family of four over $150.
I had the DOT map downloaded to my phone, which proved invaluable for navigating the routes. Given how few passengers there were, I felt compelled to share this excellent resource.
4. The Paris Market
I had come across recommendations online suggesting that The Paris Market, located on Broughton Street, was a must-see in Savannah. As someone who doesn’t usually enjoy shopping, I was initially doubtful that any store could be that captivating. However, The Paris Market proved to be more of a splendid museum than a typical retail space. The displays are a visual delight, and wandering through the two floors offers a truly engaging experience.
My seven-year-old daughter was so enchanted that she wanted to visit the store multiple times during our stay! The charming café, serving espresso drinks and colorful treats like macarons, adds to the allure. It’s hard to resist such an inviting atmosphere.
I believe children aged seven and older would greatly enjoy exploring The Paris Market and taking in its distinctive charm.
5. Rent Bikes or Join a Bike Tour
One activity we aimed to try, but didn’t plan for early enough, was renting bikes to explore the city. This can be a fantastic family activity in Savannah, GA.
We had hoped to rent a two-seat electric bike from Savannah on Wheels, conveniently located near Forsyth Park. Unfortunately, the bike wasn’t available on the day of our visit. To avoid disappointment, I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you’re interested in renting a specialty bike.
6. Free Praline at Savannah Candy Kitchen
Sampling a famous Savannah praline at Savannah Candy Kitchen was a highlight of our visit. There are two locations to choose from: one on River Street and another in City Market.
We enjoyed a praline sample at the River Street store, as the City Market location wasn’t offering samples during our visit. Both stores feature a tempting array of sweets that are hard to resist. We picked up a small pack of candied pecans for $4 to bring back to my husband, who couldn’t join us on this trip.
7. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Savannah is known for its beautiful architecture, but the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist truly distinguishes itself. Although visiting a church with children might not be the first thing you consider, my daughter found the cathedral’s striking interior and exterior quite captivating.
Dedicated in 1876, this French Gothic-style church is a rare find in the United States. It’s a wonderful spot to explore during your Savannah visit.
A suggested donation of $3 is requested for adults, while admission is free for children. You can find the cathedral at 222 E. Harris Street.
8. Family-Friendly Dining in Savannah
Savannah is renowned for its culinary scene, making dining out an integral part of the experience. Here are some restaurants that stand out as top choices for families visiting Savannah, GA.
Eating out is a wonderful family activity, and Savannah offers a range of dining options suitable for all ages. These restaurants provide enjoyable experiences for both kids and adults, ensuring everyone has a great time while savoring delicious food.
9. Huey’s On The River
Our visit to Huey’s On The River was exceptional. The restaurant received stellar reviews, and it’s easy to see why—the ambiance was delightful, it catered well to families, and the food was superb.
The menu features authentic New Orleans cuisine, and my catfish po’boy along with red beans and rice were truly impressive—rivaling some of the best I’ve tasted in the Big Easy. My daughter enjoyed a kids’ meal of grilled cheese with fresh fruit for just $4, and our generous server even treated us to complimentary beignets at the end of our meal. Free treats always win me over!
Huey’s is situated at 115 E. River Street and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
10. Beer Parlor
Though the name “beer parlor” might not immediately suggest a family-friendly spot, Crystal Beer Parlor is an excellent choice for a family meal. As Savannah’s oldest restaurant, established in 1933 during the Great Depression, it offers a taste of history along with its food.
Exploring the original signs scattered throughout the restaurant provides a nostalgic experience, almost transporting you back in time. The food and service were outstanding. I enjoyed the shrimp and grits, which came highly recommended by our server, and it certainly lived up to expectations. I also tried a “Savannah Mule,” a twist on the Moscow Mule featuring local bourbon instead of vodka, which was delightful.
11. Gryphon Tea Room
I had heard positive reviews about Gryphon Tea Room, so we decided to visit for a light lunch. Managed by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the restaurant is situated in a historic building that once housed a pharmacy.
The space is charming, though small, with an elegant atmosphere. Unfortunately, both the service and the food did not meet expectations. Our lunch orders were disappointing compared to the high standards we had hoped for.
For a more satisfying experience, it’s best to focus on their tea menu. While our lunch was underwhelming, the tea service we observed at other tables looked delightful. The restaurant also offers kid-friendly specialty drinks, like blueberry lemonade. If you opt for high tea and experience better service, Gryphon Tea Room could prove to be a lovely outing.
12. Explore the Squares
Savannah is home to 22 historic squares, each with its own charm. Strolling through the city feels like a treasure hunt as you encounter each distinct square.
Every square features various elements like fountains, statues, or artwork. During our four-day visit, we managed to see most of them.
Many photographers are drawn to the squares because of their photogenic qualities.
I particularly enjoyed the grand live oaks adorned with Spanish moss in Chatham Square. The Southern atmosphere is palpable here. Visiting these squares is a fantastic activity for families and kids in Savannah, GA.
13. Visit Tybee Island
A fantastic outing for families outside Savannah is a trip to the beach!
Tybee Island, just 30 minutes from downtown, is often called “Savannah’s Beach.” Despite the windy and chilly weather on our visit, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The island has a relaxed atmosphere, avoiding the pretentiousness found in some beach towns. I look forward to returning when the weather is warmer. The pier is open to the public at no cost, so it’s a spot you shouldn’t miss. It will definitely be a top family activity for our future trips to Savannah, GA.
No trip to Tybee is complete without visiting the iconic lighthouse. As Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, it has an intriguing history. You can learn about it without paying the entrance fee, which is relatively high—$10 for adults and $8 for children over five.
14. Ships of the Sea Museum
The Ships of the Sea Museum features impressive replicas of vessels significant to Savannah and American history. While it isn’t large, it offers a captivating experience.
A heads-up if you’re visiting with children: make sure they understand that touching the display glass is prohibited and that they can follow these rules.
We didn’t prepare our daughter beforehand, and we were called out over the loudspeaker for touching the glass. An employee even followed us with Windex, which was quite a spectacle.
As long as your kids adhere to the rules, the Ships of the Sea Museum is an intriguing diversion in Savannah and a great way to spend an hour with the family.
15. Colonial Park Cemetery
While not exactly a “kid-friendly” spot, visiting a cemetery is a key part of the Savannah experience.
If a trip to the famous Bonaventure Cemetery isn’t feasible, Colonial Park Cemetery offers a similar ambiance right in the city. Located just south of Oglethorpe Avenue near the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, this site features above-ground monuments and Spanish moss that enhance its spooky charm. The graves, some dating back to the 18th century, include a few notable Savannahians.
For a family visit, there’s a playground at the south end of the park, which was a welcome relief for my daughter after exploring the cemetery. A brief stop here is definitely worth considering for families exploring Savannah, Georgia.
16. Exploring River Street and City Market
River Street and City Market stand out as the primary attractions in historic Savannah. Packed with shops, eateries, and landmarks, they offer a variety of experiences. If you love shopping, these areas are perfect for a family outing!
We decided to fully immerse ourselves and explore these areas. Although we didn’t make any purchases, River Street’s historical charm was definitely worth the visit.
17. River Street
River Street features cobblestone paths and historic steps that have been around for 200 years. Restored in the 1970s, this area feels like stepping back in time.
Take your time as the old brick streets can be challenging to navigate!
18. Waving Girl Statue
Located at the eastern tip of River Street, the Waving Girl statue commemorates Florence Martus. Between 1887 and 1931, she greeted ships entering the Savannah River with a waving cloth.
This statue represents a charming aspect of Savannah’s heritage and is well worth a visit.
19. Savannah Belles Ferry
Continue past the statue to reach the Savannah Belles Ferry Stop. This free ferry provides a ride across the river and returns you to the west end of River Street.
We planned to use it but miscalculated our timing. Be sure to have the ferry schedule ready to avoid a similar mistake.
Children will enjoy the boat ride, making it one of the top free activities for families in Savannah, Georgia!
20. City Market
City Market represents another key attraction in Savannah. As anticipated, it features an array of shops and dining options. Situated two blocks south of River Street, it lies between Ellis Square and Franklin Square.
This area offers several engaging stores for children, with many of them concentrated in this district. One highlight for me was The Georgia Tasting Room, where I thoroughly enjoyed sampling six regional wines for just $3!
If you have any interest in wine, this experience is highly recommended. The tasting is complimentary with the purchase of a bottle.
My daughter was naturally drawn to Rhen’s Nest, a toy store with an excellent range of toys and STEM activities.
Additionally, Broughton Street houses other shopping venues like The Paris Market and Leopold’s. If shopping is a preferred family activity, Savannah has plenty of options to explore!
21. Wormsloe Historic Site
After a morning drive from Orlando, we were eager to explore Savannah with our kids. Craving some time in nature, the Wormsloe Historic Site proved to be an ideal choice.
You’ve likely seen images of the grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss at Wormsloe Historic Site. The sight of these ancient oaks, their massive branches arching over the road, creates a truly remarkable visual.
We visited on a Friday afternoon in early August, and the site was relatively quiet. A few people were scattered along the roadside, setting up tripods or taking family photos. It was surprisingly easy to capture stunning photos of the Savannah oaks without others in the frame. We spent a good amount of time taking pictures and letting the kids explore. Though we intended to hike the 3-mile (4.8 km) trail, we had only about an hour left by the time we finished with the photos.
While we could have carried the kids and completed the trail quickly, we wanted them to have a chance to explore a forest environment, which was new to them.
They enjoyed seeing unfamiliar plants, especially the diverse mushrooms, which are quite different from those in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
22. Strolling Bull Street
After departing Forsyth Park with our kids, we headed north on Bull Street, admiring the historic architecture and the five notable public squares leading to the waterfront.
Bull Street features well-maintained squares, each adorned with trees and some form of monument, such as a statue. While city streets typically don’t make our list of family activities, Bull Street stands out as one of the most impressive city streets we’ve encountered globally.
23. Ellis Square Splash Park
On a hot, humid morning with temperatures in the high 80s, we visited Ellis Square at the eastern end of City Market. This public space features a small splash park.
Although we forgot bathing suits, we let the kids cool off in their underwear and enjoy this entertaining water feature in Savannah.
After walking nearly 3.1 miles (5 km) in the Georgia heat, they relished the chance to cool down. Once they were done, we walked a few blocks to catch the free DOT bus back to Forsyth Park, where our day began.
24. Hiking Skidaway State Park
After our little one’s nap at our Savannah rental, we drove 20 minutes to Skidaway State Park, recommended by the Visitor’s Center for a family-friendly hike near Savannah.
Short on time, we chose the Sandpiper Trail loop connecting to the Avian Loop. At just two miles, it’s one of the park’s easiest trails.
The Sandpiper Trail begins with a long wooden boardwalk over salt flats. From the railing, you can spot numerous Fiddler Crabs scuttling around.
The kids enjoyed watching the crabs, though their excitement led to a lot of noise, which scared the crabs away. Despite this, they had a blast!
The trail continues alongside tidal creeks and through a light forest, offering views of trees and Spanish Moss. We saw various birds, butterflies, and insects that kept the kids engaged and moving slowly. The Sandpiper Trail merges with the Avian Loop, which is brief but rewarding with opportunities to see Osprey hunting and dolphins in the river.
Though we didn’t have a guide, we spotted a large bird of prey, likely an Osprey. The highlight was seeing a dolphin swim by, an exciting sight for our 5-year-old.
This hike was ideal for young children, with a manageable length and plenty to see. However, the park has limited shade, so on hot days, be sure to bring sun hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
25. Bonaventure Cemetery
On our last morning, we visited Bonaventure Cemetery for a brief stroll before heading to Charleston. We enjoy exploring renowned cemeteries due to their beauty and historical significance.
Bonaventure gained fame from its appearance in the novel and film, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Upon arrival, we were struck by the grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Initially, the tombstones seemed rather ordinary and not particularly captivating.
Perhaps we’re becoming more selective about cemeteries, preferring those with elaborate and unique tombstones. Instead of walking, we slowly drove through Bonaventure, taking in the scenic surroundings.
Eager for our next destination, we moved on to continue our family adventures in Charleston.
26. Family Photo Session
During our global travels, we often had the chance to document our adventures with a professional photographer. These family photos have become some of our most cherished memories.
Though we missed this opportunity on our recent trip, you can arrange a family photo session in Savannah. A skilled photographer will help you feel at ease and guide you to the best spots for capturing beautiful moments in and around the city.
Conclusion
This concludes my list of 26 activities for children in Savannah, Georgia. I hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration for your visit!
