Savannah, GA is often thought of as an adult vacation spot. It is well-known for its historical and cultural sites and for its fabulous southern eateries. However, living in the area for over two years with our crew of kids has allowed us a unique perspective and opportunity to explore what Savannah has to offer more fully. If you plan a trip to the Savannah, GA area with your children in tow, have no fear! There is plenty to keep those little minds occupied and to weary those little feet for a good night's sleep. Here are 10 of our favorite things so far:
A Walking Tour of Downtown Savannah
Check out the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist which dates back to the 1800s. There are tons of historical buildings, monuments, and sites sprinkled all over the city. The Old Savannah Cotton Exchange is another historical landmark in the city located in the historical riverfront district.
Be sure to explore spooky and historical old cemeteries like Bonaventure and Colonial Park dating back to Colonial America.
2. Historic River Street
Be sure to watch your step if you choose to walk down one of the historic and narrow stairways to the riverfront area. It is amazing to imagine people using these steps and walking along the cobblestone streets over 200 years ago. If you choose to visit Savannah during one of our popular holidays like the 4th of July or New Year's, you may witness fabulous fireworks on the river. New Year's Eve may be a more adult-friendly time to visit since the festivities revolve around drinking alcohol. Savannah's recent New Year's tradition involves raising a big cup like the ones you are allowed to carry around the city with alcoholic beverages from various establishments.
3. Ride Savannah's Georgia Queen Riverboat
While there are a few other locations for River Street Sweets, this is the original location. If you are lucky, you will get to see them making fresh salt water taffy and making and passing out samples of their famous pecan pralines. On a hot day in Savannah (those are pretty common), you may enjoy a yummy ice cream or gelato treat. They have great flavors!
5. Eat Lunch or Dinner at The Pirates' House (you may want to make reservations here because it is always busy)
Little ones will enjoy the sites in this historic old restaurant and will enjoy dressing up like a pirate too.
6. Take a stroll through Savannah's largest and most famous park, Forsyth Park
The Forsyth Park fountain is a beautiful neoclassical design that serves as a perfect centerpiece to this beautiful park with its wide paths lined with moss draped live oaks. On a hot summer day, your little ones will enjoy cooling off in the large splash pad area adjacent to the concert pavilion where there may be a summer concert happening. If not, you can use the covered stage as a cool place to hang out and have a picnic. Don't forget towels and swimsuits! The kids will also love this huge playground with some unique and fun equipment. My kiddos always love a merry-go-round, and the large saucer swing is a hit too.7. Visit Tybee Island, Savannah's Beach
Don't forget to take advantage of Savannah's close proximity to the ocean. Just across the inlet from the city is the island of Tybee, a small local attraction that has plenty to offer. The kids will love seeing this large shark mouth outside of a local beach shop and will love getting their feet wet in the ocean while you may enjoy swinging nearby. Parking may be limited during peak seasons, but the beaches are enjoyable here nearly year round.8. Eat at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island We just happened upon this little gem on our first visit to Tybee when we were looking for a place to live. It was January and pretty chilly in the area, but even this open air eatery was warm and toasty inside. The cool decor and yummy plate of low country boil makes even a cold January day feel like summer.9. Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument
On your way out to Tybee Island, you will pass the turn off for this national treasure. We love taking our kids to our national parks and landmarks. The kids have their National Passport book to collect their passport stamps at these national treasures too. 10. Visit the Savannah Children's Museum
Shortly after moving to the area, I needed to find something to do to celebrate my 2 year old's birthday. I found this little gem which is easily accessible to tourists as it is next to the Visitor's Center in downtown. It is also connected to the Railroad Museum which may be an interesting site for older children and adults. For our younger children, a day at the Savannah Children's Museum was perfect. The museum is located in the ruins of an old brick factory building preserved for historical significance while being made safe for children to play around. There is a maze and all kinds of nooks and crannies for kids to hide in.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Savannah's many kid-friendly sites to explore, and I hope you will take advantage of the southern hospitality this city has to offer. Happy travels!
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