Savannah may be known for its historic homes, oak-shaded squares, and Southern charm, but it is also a rewarding destination for families and you can find many things to do with kids in Savannah, GA. Children can explore interactive museums, see native wildlife, play in spacious parks, watch ships along the riverfront, and spend a day at nearby Tybee Island.
Savannah is a good destination for families with children of different ages.
Top family choices include Forsyth Park, the Savannah Children’s Museum, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Old Fort Jackson, River Street, and Tybee Island. Most families need two or three days to combine historic Savannah with parks, museums, wildlife, and coastal activities.
The main challenge is not finding activities. It is choosing the experiences that best match your children’s ages, interests, available time, and energy levels. This guide explains which attractions are worth considering, how long to allow, and how to build a family itinerary without making the trip feel rushed.
Who This Savannah Family Guide Is For
This guide is designed for first-time visitors, weekend travelers, families with toddlers or school-age children, and multi-generational groups looking for activities that adults and children can enjoy together.
| What Your Family Wants | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Outdoor play | Forsyth Park |
| Hands-on learning | Savannah Children’s Museum |
| Animals and nature | Oatland Island Wildlife Center |
| Interactive history | Old Fort Jackson |
| A beach day | Tybee Island |
| A rainy-day activity | Jepson Center |
| A free Savannah experience | River Street and the historic squares |
Is Savannah a Good Destination for Families?
Yes. Savannah offers parks, interactive museums, wildlife experiences, historic attractions, and nearby beaches that can suit toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers.
The Historic District is relatively compact, so families can combine several attractions without spending most of the day driving. Parks and squares also provide natural breaks between museums, tours, and historic sites.
Families often enjoy Savannah because it offers:
- Interactive spaces where children can learn through play.
- Large parks with playgrounds, lawns, and shaded walking paths.
- Wildlife experiences featuring animals native to coastal Georgia.
- Historic sites with demonstrations rather than display cases alone.
- Riverfront entertainment, shops, public art, and ship watching.
- Easy access to Tybee Island for beach and coastal activities.
Savannah also works well for multi-generational trips because many attractions appeal to both children and adults.
Best Things to Do in Savannah with Kids
The best family attractions combine active play, hands-on learning, wildlife, history, and time outdoors. The right choices depend on your children’s ages, the weather, and how many days you have.
- Savannah Children’s Museum
- Forsyth Park
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Jepson Center
- Old Fort Jackson
- River Street
- Savannah Riverboat Cruise
- Wormsloe Historic Site
- Plant Riverside District
- Tybee Island
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Dolphin cruise
- Leopold’s Ice Cream
- River Street Sweets
Quick Comparison of Kid-Friendly Savannah Attractions
| Attraction | Best Age | Time Needed | Cost Level | Setting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Children’s Museum | 2–10 | 1–2 hours | Paid | Mostly outdoor | Hands-on play |
| Forsyth Park | All ages | 1–2 hours | Free | Outdoor | Playground and picnic time |
| Oatland Island Wildlife Center | 5+ | 2–3 hours | Paid | Outdoor | Animals and nature trails |
| Jepson Center | 4–12 | 1–2 hours | Paid | Indoor | Art and rainy days |
| Old Fort Jackson | 6+ | 1–2 hours | Paid | Mostly outdoor | Interactive history |
| River Street | All ages | 1–2 hours | Free to explore | Outdoor | Ships, shops, and river views |
| Tybee Island | All ages | Half or full day | Mostly free | Outdoor | Beach time |
Best family experiences at a glance
- Best for toddlers: Savannah Children’s Museum
- Best free activity: Forsyth Park
- Best wildlife experience: Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Best rainy-day attraction: Jepson Center
- Best family day trip: Tybee Island
- Best historic attraction: Old Fort Jackson
1. Savannah Children’s Museum
The Savannah Children’s Museum is one of the strongest choices for families with younger children. Instead of asking children to move quietly through traditional galleries, it encourages them to climb, build, create, experiment, and explore.
Its open-air learning spaces make it especially useful when young children need active play after sitting in the car, eating at a restaurant, or visiting quieter historic attractions.
Best for: Ages 2–10
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Parent tips:
- Visit in the morning during warmer months.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and hats.
- Check operating hours before planning your day.
- Allow extra time if your children prefer unstructured play.
2. Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park gives families a welcome break from structured sightseeing. Children can use the playground and open lawns, while adults enjoy the shaded paths, fountain, and live-oak scenery.
The park works well as an early-morning stop, a picnic location, or a late-afternoon break after museums and historic attractions.
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free
Parent tips:
- Visit early or late during hot weather.
- Bring a picnic or pick up food nearby.
- Use the park as a low-pressure break between paid attractions.
- Check whether events or markets are scheduled during your visit.
3. Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a good option for children who prefer animals and nature to traditional museums. Wooded trails connect habitats featuring native and regional wildlife.
The experience feels more like a nature walk than a conventional zoo, so families should be prepared for time outdoors and a fair amount of walking.
Best for: Ages 5 and older
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Setting: Outdoor
Parent tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring water and insect repellent in warm weather.
- Allow extra time for children who enjoy observing animals.
- Check trail and operating conditions before visiting.
4. Jepson Center
The Jepson Center is one of the most useful indoor options for families. Its art-focused spaces can appeal to children who enjoy building, drawing, creative activities, and interactive exhibits.
It is particularly valuable on rainy days or during hot afternoons when extended outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable.
Best for: Ages 4–12
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Setting: Indoor
Parent tips:
- Review the schedule for family programs before arriving.
- Pair the museum with lunch or another nearby Historic District attraction.
- Use it as a flexible backup when the weather changes.
5. Old Fort Jackson
Old Fort Jackson makes history easier for children to understand because they can see the setting, explore the fort, and attend demonstrations rather than only read exhibit labels.
Cannon demonstrations are often the highlight for school-age children, although sensitive children may find the noise intense.
Best for: Ages 6 and older
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Parent tips:
- Check demonstration times before leaving your hotel.
- Prepare younger children for loud cannon fire.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- Combine the fort with River Street later in the day.
6. River Street
River Street combines Savannah views with activities that keep children interested. Families can watch large ships move along the river, browse candy shops, listen to street performers, and explore the waterfront.
The historic paving can be uneven, so families using strollers should choose smoother access routes and use available ramps or elevators rather than steep historic steps.
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free to explore
Parent tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon or evening during summer.
- Use public garages rather than searching for the closest street space.
- Watch for uneven paving near the riverfront.
- Plan a snack stop rather than trying to cover the entire area at once.
7. Savannah Riverboat Cruise
A riverboat cruise gives families a break from walking while offering a different view of Savannah. Children may enjoy watching port activity and large ships as much as the narrated history.
This is a useful option for families who want sightseeing without another long walk through the Historic District.
Best for: Ages 4 and older
Time needed: About 90 minutes
Parent tips:
- Reserve ahead during busy travel periods.
- Choose outdoor seating for views when the weather is comfortable.
- Bring a light layer for evening departures.
- Confirm boarding time and location in advance.
8. Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe is best known for its oak-lined entrance, but families can also explore trails and learn about Georgia’s colonial history. The scenery may appeal more to adults and older children than toddlers, so it is usually best for families who enjoy history, nature, or photography.
Best for: Ages 6 and older
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Setting: Outdoor
Parent tips:
- Visit in the morning for cooler conditions.
- Bring insect repellent during warm months.
- Do not plan the visit only around the entrance photograph.
- Pair it with another attraction in the same general direction.
9. Plant Riverside District
Plant Riverside District offers restaurants, public gathering areas, river views, entertainment, and indoor spaces that can help families escape the heat. Children may be especially interested in the large displays and visually dramatic interiors.
It is a flexible stop because families can spend a short time exploring or stay longer for a meal and evening entertainment.
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Parent tips:
- Use it as a dinner stop after River Street.
- Review the event schedule before visiting.
- Expect a busier atmosphere during evenings and special events.
10. Tybee Island
Tybee Island gives families a change of pace from Savannah’s museums and historic streets. Children can swim, build sandcastles, walk along the beach, and enjoy a less structured day.
The drive from central Savannah is usually manageable for a day trip, but traffic and parking can add time during busy weekends and summer travel periods.
Best for: All ages
Time needed: Half or full day
Parent tips:
- Leave early during summer and holiday weekends.
- Confirm parking rules and payment requirements before arriving.
- Pack sunscreen, water, towels, and beach toys.
- Choose a weekday when possible for a calmer experience.
11. Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center introduces children to Georgia’s coastal environment through exhibits and educational programs. It works best as part of a Tybee Island day rather than as a separate trip from Savannah.
Best for: Ages 4–12
Time needed: About 1 hour
Parent tip: Check the program calendar before visiting because available activities may vary.
12. Dolphin Cruise
A dolphin cruise can become one of the most memorable parts of a Savannah family trip. Children get the excitement of a boat ride and the possibility of seeing wild dolphins in their natural environment.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so it is best to present the tour as a coastal boat experience rather than promise a specific number of sightings.
Best for: Most ages
Time needed: About 1.5–2 hours
Parent tips:
- Reserve ahead during spring and summer.
- Morning departures may offer calmer conditions.
- Bring sun protection and a light layer.
- Ask about age, safety, and accessibility requirements before booking.
13. Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream can be a fun reward after a morning of sightseeing. It is best treated as a short dessert stop rather than a major attraction.
Popular times may bring long lines, so families with tired children may prefer visiting earlier, choosing a quieter time, or keeping an alternative dessert stop in mind.
14. River Street Sweets
River Street Sweets gives children a chance to watch candy-making activity while choosing a treat. It fits naturally into a River Street walk and does not require a separate block of itinerary time.
Free Things to Do in Savannah with Kids
Families can enjoy several of Savannah’s best-known places without paying admission, including Forsyth Park, River Street, the historic squares, and public areas along the riverfront.
- Play and picnic at Forsyth Park.
- Walk through Savannah’s historic squares.
- Watch cargo ships from River Street.
- Explore public areas of Plant Riverside District.
- Look for free seasonal events, performances, and festivals.
- Take a self-guided walk through the Historic District.
Free activities are especially useful when traveling with younger children because families can leave whenever attention levels drop without feeling pressured to complete a paid experience.
Best Indoor Activities for Rainy or Hot Days
When rain or summer heat changes your plans, use museums and indoor riverfront spaces to create a comfortable half-day itinerary.
- Explore family-friendly exhibits at the Jepson Center.
- Spend time inside Plant Riverside District.
- Choose a relaxed lunch in the Historic District.
- Visit local bookstores or other indoor stops between attractions.
- Move outdoor sightseeing to early morning or evening.
The Savannah Children’s Museum includes open-air areas, so it should not be treated as a fully indoor rainy-day backup.
Best Savannah Activities by Age
Choosing attractions by age helps families avoid overplanning and makes it easier to match each day to children’s energy levels and interests.
Best for Toddlers Ages 2–4
- Savannah Children’s Museum
- Forsyth Park playground
- Short visits to River Street
- Tybee Island beach time
- Open spaces in Savannah’s squares
Best for Children Ages 5–8
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Jepson Center
- Old Fort Jackson
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Dolphin cruise
Best for Children Ages 9–12
- Old Fort Jackson
- Wormsloe Historic Site
- Savannah Riverboat Cruise
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Tybee Island lighthouse and coastal activities
Best for Teenagers
- River Street
- Plant Riverside District
- Tybee Island
- Riverboat or dolphin cruises
- Historic walking experiences matched to their interests
Before You Visit Savannah with Kids
- Limit most days to three or four major activities.
- Check current hours before leaving for an attraction.
- Reserve cruises and popular tours during busy travel periods.
- Carry water and sun protection in warm weather.
- Use parking garages when exploring busy parts of the Historic District.
- Plan playground, snack, and restroom breaks before children become tired.
- Keep one indoor backup activity for rain or extreme heat.
One-Day Savannah Family Itinerary
With one day, choose attractions that are close enough to combine without spending too much time in traffic or searching for parking.
Morning
Begin at Forsyth Park so children can play before the day becomes warm or crowded. Continue to the Savannah Children’s Museum for hands-on activities.
Lunch
Choose a casual restaurant or café that does not require a long formal meal. Leave enough time for children to rest before the afternoon.
Afternoon
Visit Old Fort Jackson if the demonstration schedule works with your day. Then continue to River Street for ship watching, river views, and a snack.
Evening
Finish at Plant Riverside District or another family-friendly dining area near the riverfront. Add ice cream or candy only if the children still have the energy for another stop.
Two-Day Savannah Family Itinerary
Two days gives families enough time to experience historic Savannah and add a coastal outing without making both days feel rushed.
Day 1: Historic Savannah
- Forsyth Park
- Savannah Children’s Museum
- Lunch and rest break
- Old Fort Jackson or the Jepson Center
- River Street
- Plant Riverside District
Day 2: Tybee Island and the Coast
- Morning beach time
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Casual lunch
- Dolphin cruise or lighthouse visit
- Early return to Savannah before children become overtired
This plan balances structured attractions with unplanned time, which usually works better for families than a tightly packed schedule.
Family-Friendly Restaurants and Sweet Treats
Meal planning matters because hungry or tired children can quickly change the pace of a sightseeing day. Choose casual locations near the attractions already on your route instead of crossing the city for a single restaurant.
- Look for cafés near Forsyth Park for breakfast or lunch.
- Use Plant Riverside District when your group wants several dining choices.
- Choose pizza, sandwiches, or other quick meals in the Historic District.
- Stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream when the line fits your schedule.
- Add River Street Sweets during an existing riverfront walk.
- Consider a picnic when weather conditions are comfortable.
Planning Tips for Parents
Use the Cooler Parts of the Day
Savannah can feel hot and humid from late spring through early fall. Schedule parks, wildlife trails, forts, and long walks in the morning. Use museums, meals, and rest breaks during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Choose Comfortable Shoes
Families can cover several miles while exploring the Historic District. Comfortable footwear is more useful than trying to dress for formal sightseeing.
Plan Fewer Attractions
Three well-chosen stops are usually better than six rushed attractions. Children often need time for snacks, playgrounds, restrooms, and unexpected discoveries.
Check Schedules Before Leaving
Demonstrations, cruises, programs, and operating hours may vary. Confirm current details directly before building the day around one specific activity.
Planning tip
Build each day around one priority attraction, one flexible activity, and one unstructured break. This gives the family a clear plan without making the schedule difficult to adjust.
Savannah Family Trip Checklist
- Check attraction hours and closure notices.
- Reserve riverboat or dolphin cruise tickets when needed.
- Pack sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Carry snacks for delays and long lines.
- Use a lightweight stroller for younger children when appropriate.
- Plan indoor activities for hot or rainy periods.
- Review parking options before driving into busy areas.
- Leave room for playground and restroom breaks.
- Keep a portable phone charger available.
Common Mistakes Families Make in Savannah
Trying to See Everything
Savannah is better at a slower pace. Rushing through a long attraction list can leave children tired and adults frustrated.
Ignoring Heat and Humidity
Outdoor sightseeing can become uncomfortable during warm afternoons. Move demanding outdoor activities to the morning and keep an indoor backup plan.
Underestimating Walking Time
The Historic District is walkable, but family travel moves more slowly than an adult-only trip. Add time for uneven surfaces, traffic crossings, snacks, and restrooms.
Planning Tybee Island Too Late
Traffic, parking, and beach preparation can make a Tybee outing longer than expected. Treat it as a half-day or full-day plan rather than a quick side trip.
Building the Day Around Unverified Schedules
Do not assume that a demonstration, tour, or program will operate at the same time every day. Confirm the current schedule before traveling to the attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah good for toddlers?
Yes. The Savannah Children’s Museum, Forsyth Park, Tybee Island, and Savannah’s open squares provide space for toddlers to play and explore. Keep museum and walking periods short and schedule frequent breaks.
How many days do families need in Savannah?
Most families need two or three days. Two days can cover major city attractions and Tybee Island, while a third day allows a slower pace or additional museums and wildlife experiences.
What are the best free things to do in Savannah with kids?
Forsyth Park, River Street, the historic squares, public riverfront areas, and self-guided walks through the Historic District are among the best free family activities.
Is Savannah stroller friendly?
Many sidewalks, parks, and major attractions are manageable with a stroller. River Street and some historic surfaces can be uneven, so use smoother routes, ramps, and elevators where available.
Is Tybee Island worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Tybee Island is worth adding when your family wants beach time, coastal wildlife, or a break from historic sightseeing. Allow at least half a day and plan for traffic and parking.
What is the best Savannah attraction for younger children?
The Savannah Children’s Museum is one of the strongest choices for younger children because it emphasizes movement, exploration, and hands-on play.
What should families do in Savannah when it rains?
Use the Jepson Center, indoor areas of Plant Riverside District, a relaxed meal, and other sheltered Historic District stops. Keep the Children’s Museum for dry weather because much of it is open-air.
Final Recommendation
Savannah gives families more variety than its historic reputation may suggest. Children can play in parks, explore interactive spaces, see wildlife, watch ships, experience living history, and spend a day at the beach.
Families with younger children should prioritize the Savannah Children’s Museum and Forsyth Park. School-age children may enjoy Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Old Fort Jackson, and a boat experience. Families with two or three days can add Tybee Island without rushing the city portion of the trip.
Bottom line
With one day, focus on Forsyth Park, the Savannah Children’s Museum, River Street, and one historic attraction. With two or three days, add Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Tybee Island, and a riverboat or dolphin cruise for a more complete family itinerary.
The best Savannah family trip is not the one with the longest attraction list. Choose a few experiences that fit your children’s ages, leave room for breaks, and allow the city’s parks, squares, and riverfront to become part of the experience.
