If you’re looking for a charming Southern city with lots of history, great food, and fun things to do, then Savannah, Georgia should be at the top of your travel list!
Savannah is located along the coast and has a vibrant downtown with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and sprawling parks draped in Spanish moss.
From exploring haunted tales on a ghost tour to strolling along the riverfront, this guide covers 13 of the best things to do in Savannah GA with kids.
1. Take a Ghost Tour
Savannah has a spooky past full of ghosts and haunted houses. One of the top things to do in Savannah GA is to take a ghost tour at night to hear chilling tales of the city’s paranormal activity and visit famous haunted spots like the Sorrel-Weed House.
You’ll walk away with goosebumps! Some popular companies for Savannah ghost tours include Ghost City Tours and Blue Orb Tours.
2. Shop and Dine on River Street
Right along the Savannah River, River Street is lined with old cotton warehouses that now contain shops, restaurants, and taverns. This is one of the best areas for fun things to do in Savannah GA.
Go for a stroll, grab a bite to eat or drink at famous watering holes like Kevin Barry’s Pub, and peruse the shops selling everything from candy to Savannah-themed souvenirs. Don’t miss River Street Sweets for their legendary pralines.
3. Take a Cooking Class
Savannah has amazing Southern cuisine, so taking a cooking class is a delicious way to experience it. Cooking classes in Savannah allow you to learn how to make classic dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, biscuits, and more. Many classes include a meal of what you cooked along with wine or cocktails. Some popular cooking class options include The Cookery, Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table, and Savannah Food Tours.
Read More – 7 Best Places to Visit in Winter in USA For 2024
4. Tour the First African Baptist Church
An important Savannah landmark is the First African Baptist Church, which was built by slaves starting in 1773 and finished in 1859. It’s notable as one of the oldest black churches in North America. Visitors can take a guided tour to view the stunning Italianate auditorium and learn about the church’s history. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Savannah GA for history buffs.
5. Take a Trolley Tour
One of the easiest ways to see Savannah’s top sights and learn about its history and culture is to take a narrated trolley tour. Both Old Savannah Tours and Old Town Trolley provide hop-on, hop-off tours with stops at spots like Forsyth Park, City Market, and Bonaventure Cemetery. It’s a fun activity in Savannah, especially for first-timers.
6. Wander the Squares
Savannah was designed with a series of quaint public squares, originally 24 – today there are 22 remaining.
Each square has a unique personality, with fixtures like fountains, monuments, statues, and lush gardens.
Some of the most popular squares include Chippewa Square (known for the Forrest Gump bench), Johnson Square (the founding square), and Lafayette Square (with a striking fountain).
Wandering through these shaded squares is one of the most pleasant things to do in Savannah GA.
7. Take a Riverboat Cruise
See Savannah from the water! Riverboat cruises offer scenic tours along the Savannah River with views of the historic riverfront and landmarks.
Some companies like Savannah Riverboat Cruises have hop-on, hop-off options to dock and visit different areas. Sunset cruises are also romantic. These boat rides are great fun things to do in Savannah GA for kids and adults alike.
8. Stop for Photos at the Waving Girl Statue
One Savannah landmark to see is the statue of Florence Martus, also known as the Waving Girl. For 44 years, Florence waved a handkerchief as ships passed, greeting mariners until retiring in 1931. This statue on the riverfront commemorates her cheerful welcome to all who arrived by boat. It’s a quick but memorable photo stop while exploring downtown.
9. Eat Southern Food
Savannah has outstanding cuisine featuring soul food, seafood, barbecue, and other Southern fare. Some top restaurant picks include Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for family-style meals, The Olde Pink House for refined dining, and Zunzi’s for giant submarine sandwiches. Don’t miss luscious desserts like fresh-baked pies, homemade ice cream, and sweet tea cakes too. Eating your way through Savannah is a treat for foodies!
10. Relax in Forsyth Park
The heart of Savannah is 30-acre Forsyth Park, a beautiful escape with towering oak trees, walking paths, scenic fountains, and the iconic Confederate Memorial. Spread a blanket for a picnic, take a stroll, or just soak in the atmosphere of this idyllic green space. Don’t miss the photos at the iconic fountain. Spending time relaxing in Forsyth Park is easily one of the top things to do in Savannah GA.
11. Take a Dolphin Tour
One of the best things to do in Savannah GA with kids is to take a dolphin tour. Many companies like Savannah Dolphin Tours or Captain Mike’s Dolphin Adventure offer cruises into the coastal waters of the Savannah River to spot wild bottlenose dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. Kids will love watching them play and jump in the wake of the boat!
