Wandering through the moss-draped, cobblestone streets of the Hostess City of the South feels a bit like stepping into a storybook. But when you are traveling with toddlers who need to run or tweens who roll their eyes at historic architecture, you need more than just beautiful scenery to make a family vacation successful. You need practical, engaging, and high-energy activities to keep everyone happy. Thankfully, finding amazing things to do in savannah, georgia with kids is surprisingly easy once you know where to look.

Savannah is a city of incredible contrasts. It offers world-class maritime history right alongside circus-style baseball, and grand 18th-century mansions just blocks away from quirky eateries serving waffle fry nachos. The key to a successful family trip here is balancing the rich history with plenty of unstructured play, sweet treats, and strategic breaks to beat the Southern heat.

Whether you are looking for stroller-friendly squares, thrilling coastal adventures, or the best places to grab a famous praline, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate Savannah like a seasoned local. For even more resources, be sure to bookmark our complete City Guide: /city/savannah-georgia.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia with Kids

When building your family itinerary, you want a mix of indoor, air-conditioned respites and wide-open outdoor spaces. Here are the absolute best family-friendly attractions the city has to offer.

Immersive and Kid-Friendly Museums

You might hesitate to bring children to historical museums, but Savannah has several that are uniquely designed to capture young imaginations. Top of the list is the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Located in a massive, historic rail yard, this is an absolute dream for train-obsessed kids. Rather than just looking at exhibits behind glass, children can actually climb into vintage railcars, explore a fully operational handcar, and watch a massive turntable in action. It is mostly outdoors, so bring water and sunscreen. Tickets run about $15 USD for adults and $8 USD for children (ages 2-12). Plan to spend at least two hours here, and yes, it is entirely stroller-friendly.

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For a different kind of transportation history, head to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Housed in the elegant 1819 Scarbrough House, this museum features a world-class collection of massive ship models—some inside giant glass bottles that will leave kids wondering, "How did they do that?" The museum is surrounded by the largest private garden in the historic district, giving little ones a beautiful, enclosed space to walk around after viewing the ships. Admission is around $10 USD, and you can easily cover the museum in an hour.

If you are traveling with older kids or teens, the American Prohibition Museum in City Market is a massive hit. Far from a dry history lesson, this is a high-energy, immersive experience that uses lifelike wax figures, live actors, and detailed sets to tell the story of the roaring twenties and the temperance movement. It feels almost like walking through a movie set. Tickets are roughly $16 USD, and the engaging pacing keeps tweens off their phones for a solid hour.

High-Energy Entertainment and Sports

If you can snag tickets, taking the family to see Savannah Bananas Baseball is a mandatory experience. Think of the Harlem Globetrotters, but for baseball. Playing at the historic Savannah Bananas at Grayson Stadium, this is a non-stop, high-energy circus featuring choreographed dances, players on stilts, and rules designed to make the game incredibly fast-paced. It is loud, joyous, and perfect for kids who normally find traditional baseball too slow. Tickets sell out months in advance, so join the waitlist the moment you know your travel dates.

If your visit aligns with their schedule, the Hunter Army Airfield Air Show (when scheduled) is another high-octane spectacle. Featuring elite aerobatic teams roaring overhead and massive ground displays of tanks and helicopters that kids can get up close to, it is a thrilling day out. Bring noise-canceling headphones for toddlers and preschoolers, as the jets are incredibly loud.

Historic Sites That Kids Actually Enjoy

For families involved in scouting, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is the ultimate pilgrimage. However, even if your kids aren't Girl Scouts, this historic home offers surprisingly engaging, interactive tours tailored beautifully to young visitors. They focus heavily on Juliette's eccentricities, her love of animals, and her artistic talents, making history feel deeply personal and relatable. Tickets are around $15 USD, and you should book in advance.

For a completely different historical experience, drive a short way out of the city center to Wormsloe State Historic Site. Famous for its breathtaking 1.5-mile tunnel of ancient, moss-draped oaks, it is stunning for family photos. More importantly for kids, the site features wide-open nature trails leading to the tabby ruins of a colonial estate. It is a fantastic place for children to run off energy in the shade. Admission is around $10 USD for adults and $4.50 USD for kids.

Plan a Coastal Day Trip to Tybee Island

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah lies Tybee Island, a laid-back coastal community that offers a perfect break from city walking.

Start your morning at the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. This beautifully preserved 18th-century light station challenges kids to climb 178 steps to the top. The reward? Panoramic 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Savannah River. Children must be at least walking on their own to climb (no carrying babies in arms or backpacks on the stairs for safety reasons). Tickets are about $12 USD for adults and $10 USD for kids.

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After the lighthouse, burn off some serious energy with Savannah Surf Lessons (Tybee Island). This patient, high-energy surf school specializes in getting kids standing on boards in their very first session. The instructors are fantastic with nervous beginners, and the gentle waves at Tybee make it an ideal learning environment. Expect to pay around $70+ USD for a group lesson.

Where to Eat with Kids in Savannah

Dining in Savannah with children requires strategy. You want delicious Southern food, but you also need atmospheres that tolerate a few dropped crayons.

Start your day at The Collins Quarter. This chic, Australian-inspired café in the heart of Savannah is known for its world-class brunch. While it looks highly "Instagrammable" and sophisticated, it is surprisingly welcoming to families, especially if you grab a table outdoors. The avocado toast and spiced fried chicken are phenomenal. Expect to spend $15-$25 USD per entree.

For lunch or dinner, Treylor Park is a massive hit with kids and teens. It is a quirky, Airstream-themed eatery serving "elevated" trailer park comfort food. Your kids will be fascinated by menu items like PB&J chicken wings and pancake tacos. It gets loud and busy, which is perfect for drowning out noisy toddlers.

If you want a side of history with your meal, book a table at the Pirates' House Restaurant. Dating back to 1753, this legendary Savannah institution is where history meets high-seas kitsch. The building is a maze of dining rooms, and staff often walk around in pirate garb. The kids' menu is solid, and the legendary stories of secret tunnels leading out to the river will keep school-aged kids completely captivated.

Finally, no trip to Savannah is complete without dessert at Leopold's Ice Cream. This legendary 1919 soda fountain features walls covered in Hollywood memorabilia (the owner is a movie producer). The ice cream is rich, old-fashioned perfection. Parent tip: The line frequently stretches down the block and can take 45 minutes to an hour. Go right when they open, or split up—one parent waits in line while the other takes the kids to a nearby square to play.

Wrap up a sweet afternoon by taking the kids into River Street Sweets. You can stand at the windows and watch the staff flip giant slabs of fudge and hand-stretch pralines on massive marble slabs. They almost always hand out warm, free samples!

What to Skip in Savannah with Kids

Not every famous Savannah attraction is suited for a family vacation. Save your time, money, and sanity by skipping these overhyped or adult-focused spots:

• Intense Ghost Tours: Savannah is famously haunted, but skip the Savannah Ghost Tours (Sixth Sense Savannah) and the Ghost Trolley Tour (Old Savannah Tours). These nighttime tours lean heavily into graphic historical trauma, dark themes of murder, and hangings that are far too intense for young ears and will absolutely cause nightmares.
• The Slushie Bars: As you walk River Street, you will see Wet Willie's and Wet Willie’s (River Street). While the massive walls of colorful, churning slushie machines look exactly like a candy shop to children, these are fundamentally high-volume bars serving high-octane frozen alcohol. Avoid the confusion and tears by steering clear.
• Adult-Focused Dining: Savannah has an incredible culinary scene, but places like The Grey and Vic's On the River are best saved for date night. The Grey is a James Beard Award-winning destination with an $85+ coursed tasting menu, and Vic's leans heavily toward formal anniversaries. Similarly, while famous, skip The Lady & Sons. The wait times can regularly exceed two hours, which is a guaranteed recipe for a meltdown with hungry children.
• Party Vehicles: You will inevitably see the Savannah Slow Ride rolling down the street. This pedal-powered pub crawl is designed for loud music, drinking, and bachelorette parties. It is not a family sightseeing vehicle.
• Formal Recreation: Unless your family is deeply embedded in competitive golf culture, skip the Savannah National Golf Club. It is a historic, formal private club focused on serious play rather than casual family recreation.

Age-by-Age Guide to Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia with Kids

Tailoring your days to your children's developmental stages makes everything run smoother.

Toddlers (Ages 2-3): Savannah’s 22 historic squares are natural playgrounds. Plan your walking routes to hit a square every two blocks. Let your toddlers chase pigeons, collect fallen Spanish moss, and climb on the sturdy park benches. The massive fountain and wide-open green spaces at Forsyth Park are also perfect for toddlers who just need to run safely away from traffic.

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5): This age group thrives on tactile experiences. The Georgia State Railroad Museum is the absolute sweet spot for preschoolers who want to climb and touch everything. The Pirates' House Restaurant is also visually stimulating enough to keep them seated and entertained through a whole meal.

School-Age (Ages 6-10): Kids this age are ready for a bit more structure and story. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is fantastic for them, as they can comprehend the historical context. This is also the perfect age to book a morning with Savannah Surf Lessons on Tybee Island, as they have the coordination to stand up on the board.

Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-14): Keep teens engaged by leaning into the quirky and slightly edgy side of the city. The American Prohibition Museum offers the right amount of historical rebellion to keep their interest. Treylor Park’s bizarre menu will amuse them, and handing them a camera to photograph the hauntingly beautiful oak tunnels at Wormsloe gives them creative control.

A Perfect 3-Day Savannah Itinerary for Families

Day 1: Historic District Highlights Start your morning early at The Collins Quarter for a hearty brunch. Spend the late morning walking the squares, letting the kids stretch their legs. Head down to River Street to watch the cargo ships pass by and grab a warm praline sample at River Street Sweets. In the afternoon, explore the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Cap off the day with a wildly entertaining dinner at the Pirates' House Restaurant.

Day 2: Coastal Adventures on Tybee Island Pack your beach bags and drive out to Tybee Island. Start by climbing the Tybee Island Light Station before the midday heat sets in. Spend the late morning taking a family surf lesson, then relax on the beach. For a super casual, kid-friendly dinner, head to AJ's Dockside Restaurant. It is a quintessential Tybee seafood joint where the "decor" is the beautiful Back River and the main event is fresh, messy, delicious seafood.

Day 3: Trains, Treats, and Home Runs Dedicate your morning to the Georgia State Railroad Museum, allowing plenty of time for kids to climb the vintage cars. Grab an easy, quirky lunch at Treylor Park. In the afternoon, brave the line at Leopold's Ice Cream for a world-class scoop. If you planned ahead and secured tickets, spend your final evening cheering, dancing, and laughing at a Savannah Bananas baseball game.

Pro Tips from Parents for Visiting Savannah

• Use the DOT Express Shuttle: Do not underestimate how quickly little legs get tired walking on uneven cobblestones. Utilize the free DOT Express Shuttle to navigate the Historic District without the meltdowns. It is air-conditioned and runs every 10-15 minutes.
• Beware the No-See-Ums: Savannah is beautiful, but the biting gnats (locals call them "no-see-ums") are fierce, especially near the marsh and parks during dawn and dusk. Standard bug spray is an absolute necessity in your day bag.
• Rethink the Carriage Rides: Skip the horse-drawn carriage tours during the humid afternoon hours between June and September. The slow pace means absolutely no breeze, and kids will overheat rapidly.
• Explore the Starland District: Head south of the Historic District to the Starland District for a more local, relaxed vibe. It is home to the Henny Penny Art Cafe, a brilliant spot where parents can drink good coffee while kids do supervised craft projects.
• Park Smart: Avoid the stress of searching for metered street parking on Broughton Street or near the riverfront, especially on weekends. Head straight for the city parking garages (like the Bryan Street Parking Garage); it will save you 30 minutes of frustrating driving.

Traveling to the Southern coast with your family is incredibly rewarding when you know exactly how to pace your days. By blending train yards and lighthouses with sweet pralines and shady oak trees, you can create a vacation that feels both historically rich and playfully relaxed. Keep this guide handy, pack plenty of bug spray, and you will have no shortage of unforgettable things to do in savannah, georgia with kids.