The Hostess City of the South – a nickname given to Savannah – is as beautiful and welcoming as the name suggests. With travelers visiting from all over, Savannah is a charming Southern escape that offers something for everyone. A walkable historic town that is deeply immersed in nature is the perfect place to spend time with your family. From the historic Forsyth Park to the fascinating Savannah Children's Museum, there are many exciting things to do in Savannah with kids of all ages.
Continue reading for the ultimate guide to a family-friendly day trip to Savannah and plan a day you and your family will be sure to remember.
Play in the Parks
In Savannah, there are several charming squares, perfect for letting the kids run about after a long day of touring. At Ellis Square, there are fountains for the kids to cool off in, a large chess set, and plenty of room for them to play. A regular schedule of live music events is also offered, in addition to nightly light shows.
Home to the infamous Savannah Fountain, Forsyth Square is a scenic 30-acre park shaded with beautiful moss-laden trees. With two playgrounds – one for little kids and one for bigger kids – there is immense opportunity for family-filled fun! The park also has a concert and event venue which transforms into a lively splash pad on hot summer days. Don’t miss the Saturday farmer’s market, a great way to engage with local vendors and taste delicious local food.
Observe the Arts
One of the most exciting things to do in Savannah with kids is to visit the Savannah Children's Museum at Tricentennial Park. The museum is fully outside and has more than a dozen exhibits – thoughtfully created to include educational requirements as well as activities that are stimulating, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, enabling kids to learn through play. Attractions such as a maze, reading nook, water play area, and sensory garden are available to all children.
The Telfair Museum, the oldest public art museum in the South, is home to the amazing ArtZeum, an excellent hands-on interactive children's art museum that spans 200 years of art history. This is a fun and informative Savannah family activity where children may create and design their own works of art while learning concepts of art and life. Art enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate ArtZeum's numerous activities that examine what art is and why it should be treasured.
Explore Local Waters
Immersing in the Lowcountry waters is one of the many other enjoyable things to do in Savannah with kids. Only a 20-minute trip from Savannah, Tybee Island is known for its vast, sandy beaches. Children can swim, build sand castles, and search for seashells along the 5-mile-long shore. Or if you and your family are feeling more adventurous, you can go on excursions to watch dolphins and manatees.
You'll get the greatest view of the historic riverside on this quick, 15-minute boat voyage from Savannah River to Hutchinson Island. With the gorgeous Savannah Riverside acting as a backdrop, it is the perfect opportunity to capture some photos of your family that you will remember for a lifetime.
If you want to spend a longer amount of time on the water, the Savannah Riverboat Cruise is a 90-minute long expedition with panoramic views perfect for sightseeing. Appreciate the cooling river breezes while on an enchanting waterfront tour, savoring delectable local Southern cuisine with your family. Onboard entertainment and music are also included on the ship making for shared experiences and lasting memories.
Savor Food and Sweets
The Pirate’s House makes for a unique dining experience that your family, especially the kids, will enjoy. Founded in 1753, The Pirate’s House was originally a haven for seafarers, where pirates and sailors could dine, rest, and trade stories. Still cultivating a pirate culture that attracts patrons and their children, this eatery is nothing short of entertaining. Families can delight in Southern delicacies such as fried chicken and she-crab soup while children turn their menus into pirate hats to match their fellow pirates.
If the kids are craving fast food, but you don’t want to compromise on quality– make a visit to Betty Bombers. Inspired by the 1940s, the interior is decorated with World War II artifacts — intriguing to all ages. As you travel back in time, you and the kids can delight in their inventive burgers, sandwiches, salads, or tacos.
Want to indulge in a sweet treat after dinner? Byrd's Cookies, which are arguably the most well-known cookies in the South, are particularly popular with kids as they give out free samples. If you want a treat that will cool you down from the Savannah heat, stop by Leopold's Ice Cream. Be sure to stop by one of the country's oldest ice cream shops before leaving Savannah to savor a cone or order one of their renowned sundaes.
If You Loved Savannah – You’ll Love Palmetto Bluff Even More!
Savannah is an ideal destination for a family day trip as it only takes half an hour to drive there from Palmetto Bluff. When you choose to stay at Palmetto Bluff, Savannah and other coastal cities are only a short trek away– allowing for many road-trip adventures with your family. However, Palmetto Bluff offers you the best of the best when it comes to optimizing time with your family. At Palmetto Bluff, we provide a myriad of kids programs where they can explore outdoor adventures, create arts and crafts, and other engaging and educational activities. Our adults don’t miss out on adventures either as there are endless choices of luxury amenities for Members of the Palmetto Bluff Club to enjoy. Making sweet and lasting memories is one of our greatest treasures at the Bluff.
Want to learn more about what it’s like staying at Palmetto Bluff? Click the button below to get in touch with us and we’d be happy to help you plan your first visit.
