9 Things to do with Kids in Savannah

Savannah's old-world charm, thriving culinary scene and historical sights aren't limited to activities that only adults appreciate. You'll find something here for travelers of any age group, making Savannah one of the top places to vacation in the U.S. From interactive art galleries to candy shops, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do that add some variety into your trip.

To help, we've compiled a list of some of the best things to do with kids in Savannah.

Courtesy of Visit Savannah

The Jepson Center and Telfair Children's Museum offers a wide assortment of things for families to see and do: art displays that kids can touch, manipulate and explore; full suits of armor; Rembrandt and other old master paintings; sculpture galleries and contemporary art displays. The Children's Art Museum is a separate museum, but a ticket purchase gets you admission to the three Telfair museums on the complex. Many kids also enjoy the "non-kids" side of the art museum, so don't hesitate to take them to see the classic works as well as the hands-on displays.

Visit Savannah / Geoff L Johnson Photography

This is a stop that's poised to delight kids from 2 to 102. An old-school ice cream parlor complete with a marble bar and soda fountain, Leopold's has been around for years--and it's a local favorite. Leopold's is nestled into the heart of the Savannah Historic District. Choose from classic flavors like butter pecan, mint chocolate chip and double chocolate, or try something a little more novel: Savannah Socialite, rum bisque and lemon custards are all favorites. Leopold's does have gluten-free and dairy-free options on the menu, as well, so there's truly something for everyone at this classic spot.

Visit Savannah / Geoff L Johnson Photography

The entirely open-air Savannah Children's Museum leaves plenty of room for movement, free play and exploration. This museum will appeal the most to the under-12 set. It's an ideal place to sit down and relax while kids just let loose and play. A large outdoor sandbox, oversized building blocks, a huge play kitchen, multiple climbing structures and countless hands-on activities make this a great low-stress stop in the midst of a day or week of exploring the area. You could spend an hour or a day here; it's clean, well-maintained and refreshing for both adults and kids.

Courtesy of Visit Savannah

Tybee Island isn't exactly an island; it's attached to the mainland, just a short drive east of Savannah. But once you're there, you might end up feeling like you're at an island escape far from the rest of the world. Tybee Island is the perfect local spot for a beach day and it's indisputably one of the top family activities in Savannah. Clean, fresh sand, cool Atlantic breezes, plenty of shells to find and an array of small shops and food trucks make this a welcome respite when you just need to get out of town. Stop by the Tybee Island Light House and Museum for a taste of the area's history while you're there. Make it even easier with a Day at the Beach experience that picks you up in historic Savannah and delivers you to Tybee Island, along with all the refreshments and beach supplies you need to make unforgettable memories.

Courtesy of Visit Savannah

It’s possible to experience Savannah just like many of the city's earliest inhabitants did: by water. Take a 90-minute cruise on the Savannah River aboard a huge classic riverboat. You'll enjoy drinks and live music along the way; food is available for purchase, or you can reserve a ticket that includes a buffet dinner at an extra cost. This is an enchanting way to see the city and it's a family-friendly outing that kids will love just as much as the adults on board. The voyage includes a narrated tour of the sights you'll see as you cruise by; it's an easy way to learn more about the city and see sights from a perspective you just can't get on dry land. On your way, enjoy the shopping, dining and historical sights of Savannah's River Street.

Visit Savannah / Casey Jones

The Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a lovely, accessible escape from the sights and sounds of Savannah's downtown. Here, you'll enjoy zoo-like exhibits of many local and endangered creatures and learn more about southern Georgia's wildlife, from the birds of prey to wolves and cougars. Though the center isn't huge, it consistently exceeds expectations in terms of the variety of wildlife and the lovely setting; it's a fabulous place to get outside and take kids on an engaging walk through gorgeous exhibits, all without breaking the bank. If you have toddlers in tow, try to visit on a Tuesday, when they have special activities for the youngest kids.

Visit Savannah / Geoff L Johnson Photography

Sometimes the only thing kids love even more than ice cream is some extra-special candy. Savannah's Candy Kitchen has it all, from beautiful caramel apples to every variety of fudge imaginable. You'll also find old-school candies, a Great Wall of Candy with offerings sold by the pound and pralines and caramels galore. This is a brilliant stop if you're in the midst of exploring historic Savannah and it's easy to stop by either Franklin Square or Ellis Square afterwards to enjoy the fresh air and your treats.

Visit Savannah / Geoff L Johnson Photography

Not all kids will love the Webb Military Museum, but if you have history buffs along for the trip, they'll likely be enthralled by this stop. The Webb Military Museum features a huge variety of memorabilia spanning the decades from the American Civil War to Desert Storm. You'll get to see original uniforms, old military equipment and gear and fascinating photographs on a self-guided tour that's welcoming to kids and adults alike. Active duty military and kids under 8 always enjoy free admission.

Getty Images / Witthaya Prasongsin

This is one spot that kids of all ages are sure to love. Though it's not a huge aquarium, it's beautifully clean, well-maintained and features many beautiful specimens of life in the Atlantic waters. Learn about the environmental issues facing Georgia's coastline and see octopus, pufferfish, sea horses, reef fish, whelks and more up close. After taking an hour or two to explore the aquarium, it's worth stepping out the door and onto the Jay Wolf Nature Trail for an enjoyable, short hike along the coast.

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