Savannah Family Activities: 8 Spots to Play, Learn and Explore
One of the top 10 World’s Best Cities by Travel and Leisure, Savannah draws visitors from all over to experience history, entertainment and a things to do. The whole family will enjoy trying something new and spending time with loved ones in this historic city. Popular activities range from outdoor recreation, fun attractions and ways to connect to Southern culture. To get started, check out these Savannah family activities.
Top 8 Savannah Family Activities for Fun and Adventure
Explore the Historic District
Start with a visit to Savannah Historic District. The district offers a mix of history and modern amenities, and houses art galleries, museums, a theater, monuments, and forts. In addition to the sites, families have several places to shop and dine in this 20-block area, providing them everything they need.
Take a Tour
One of the best ways to see Savannah Historic District and surrounding areas is by taking a tour. The city offers families dozens of options – from walking and trolleys to horse-drawn carriages and Segway tours.
Visitors can pick tours that best suit their interests, including architecture, food, ghosts, history, photography and cemeteries. Those looking to explore the great outdoors should take an eco-friendly tour with options including biking, riverboat, airboat and nearby Tybee Island. For guidance, read about the best Savannah sightseeing tours.
Play at the Beach
Located less than 20 miles from Savannah, Tybee Island ranks as a top beach destination on the Atlantic Coast. Visitors will find accommodations on the island, or they can plan a day full on the beach while staying in Savannah.
Tybee Island features miles of coastline perfect for relaxing on warm sand, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife-watching, and surfing. Families can also book charter and dolphin tours, and rent their own paddleboards and jet skis to ride the open waters.
Connect With Nature
Animal lovers enjoy Oatland Island Wildlife Center, which offers walking trails, exhibits and interactive programs for all ages. The center has three distinct areas where guests learn about animals, the environment and conservation efforts. A few animal residents include Gray Wolf, armadillos, Southern Flying Squirrel, large cats and birds of prey. Families with toddlers should attend Toddler Tuesdays, which offers up-close interactions and activities each week.
Find Fun at Forsyth Park
Among the top Savannah family activities is Forsyth Park, the largest park in Savannah Historic District. The park measures 30 acres and welcomes visitors to see live entertainment, socialize, play and relax, all in one place.
Two must-see spots in the park include Forsyth Park Fountain dating from 1858, and the Confederate Monument, a site dedicated to those who served the Confederacy during the Civil War. Other fun family activities at Forsyth Park include playing basketball and tennis, taking photos, and attending the St. Patrick’s Day celebration when water is dyed green.
See the Forts
Families will also find two historic forts in the Savannah area: Old Fort Jackson in Savannah and Fort Pulaski near Tybee Island. Old Fort Jackson is Georgia’s oldest standing brick fortification and was used in both War of 1812 and the Civil War. Located within proximity to Savannah’s historic district, visitors see daily cannon fire, interactive programs and scenic views of the city’s riverfront.
At Fort Pulaski National Monument – which led to a turning point during the Civil War – visitors tour the monument and stroll a park full of plants, animals and ecosytems that represent area history. To see the best of both indoor and outdoor attractions, take a guided fort tour and nature walk. When combined, the tours last less than two hours.
Let Kids Play
Savannah Children’s Museum ranks as a top spot for families with children. The entire museum is located outdoors in a space designed to encourage activity, play and education. Younger children have a blast climbing, swinging, sliding, creating, building and even playing dress-up. Other sites at the museum include an exploration maze, reading area and sensory garden.
Ride the Tracks
After a stop at the children’s museum, head to Georgia State Railroad Museum. This national landmark features historic rail cars, a handcar, and steam and diesel locomotives. Families can even hop aboard a train and ride through the area.
Older children enjoy cranking their way up the tracks, meeting conductors and getting an up-close view of the operational turntable track. Both the children’s and railroad museum are located in TriCenntial Park, which also houses Savannah History Museum and Pin Point Heritage Museum.
For more Savannah family activities, read about top Savannah museums. Then find a vacation rental in Savannah.