A Weekend in Savannah with Kids

What to do in Savannah with kids

Explore the city’s squares and parks
One of the nice things about Savannah is how walkable it is — a stroll through its charming squares offers both a glimpse into the city's history and ample space for kids to run and play. Forsyth Park, the largest park in Savannah’s historic district, features a large playground, an iconic fountain and Collins Quarter at Forsyth, where you can enjoy brunch on a patio surrounded by oak trees. My seven-year-old loves watching the artists that line the walkways.

Take a trolley or boat ride
Give little legs a rest and tour the city at your own pace with the hop on-hop off trolley tour, which makes more than a dozen stops. You can also board a Savannah Riverboat Cruise for a one-and-a-half-hour ride that will teach kids all about the city’s riverfront. Or, opt for the free Savannah Belles Ferry, which leaves from the Westin Savannah Harbor every 10 minutes or so during peak times — it's a quick, fun way to go from poolside to downtown and back.

Walk along Riverside Plant District
Savannah’s riverfront entertainment center has something for everyone, including 12 eateries, a spa, a riverfront park, a cobblestone walking path, hotels, retail shops and live music. The main attraction for our family, however, is the lobby of the JW Marriott, with its 135-foot chrome-dipped dinosaur, fossils and minerals. The space is an old power plant that’s been repurposed as a contemporary hotel — and a truly unique property that’s worth checking out.

Visit a kid-approved museum
With little ones, you’ll want to balance the history lessons with educational fun. Enter Savannah Children’s Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum, conveniently located next to one another on the city’s west side (you can even get a combo ticket to save money). When you finish reading the historical plaques in every city square, let the kids ride on an old steam train and discover children’s museum exhibits like the exploration maze and sensory garden.

Go bananas at a baseball game
This isn’t your standard baseball game: The Savannah Bananas play banana ball, a game that’s nothing short of wildly entertaining. They play ball, they dance, they wear kilts — and they even honor a banana baby at each game. Home games are played at Grayson Stadium in Midtown, February through October.

Head to the beach
If you want to spend one day in the city and one at the shore (or if your weekend happens to be a three-day weekend) take the drive over the bridge from downtown to Tybee Island. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to this laid-back, family-friendly coastal city with sandy beaches and tons of places to grab a bite. The local Marine Science Center even hosts guided beach walks for kids to learn about the ecosystem and wildlife.

Where to eat in Savannah with kids

The Pirates' House
This restaurant truly caters to kids (and history buffs, like my husband). The site used to be an inn for visiting sailors and yes, pirates. The Pirates' House leans into its past, with themed décor, costumed servers telling tales of their adventures and regional staples like fried chicken and shrimp.

Public Kitchen & Bar
If you want kid-friendly but not kid-themed, Public Kitchen & Bar strikes the perfect balance. Ask for a table outside so little ones can act little — and get a to-go cup to enjoy a cocktail while you wait (Savannah has an open container policy). The menu has all your food groups covered and is one of the few menus I’ve found with a dedicated kids’ section. The fresh seafood never disappoints — I can still taste the drum fish.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a Savannah institution that serves up Southern favorites at round, communal tables. Securing a seat can be challenging due to its popularity, but the experience of sharing a meal with other visitors and locals makes it worth the wait. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, is closed on weekends and is only open from 11 am – 2 pm Monday-Friday.

River Street Sweets
Savannah has no shortage of candy stores, including this one located right along River Street — just follow your nose. Pralines, fudge, saltwater taffy, throwback candies — all the good stuff is here. We tend to head straight for the caramel-chocolate apples.

Leopold’s Ice Cream
I'm a sucker for an old-school ice cream shop, and this one has all the kitsch. Besides the décor, which includes items from the original 1919 store, you’ll find old-fashioned fountain and ice-cream sodas, banana splits and more than two-dozen different scoops. It’s a must on those hot Savannah days.

Remember, Savannah summers are hot and humid. Be prepared and opt for a hotel with a pool when traveling during this time of year. We love visiting in March/April when spring excitement is in the air and temperatures can be ideal for strolling.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Savannah. In need of further inspiration? Check out Megan Cash’s guide, 3 Days in Savannah.