Kid-friendly Detours Near Savannah

Savannah is an easy-going city perfect for visiting with kids in tow. There are several amazing museums, including the Savannah Children’s Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum, located within the historic district, but there are also equally great attractions near Savannah. Here are a few of our favorites on the coast.

Savannah

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah

Located just 15 miles from downtown Savannah is the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, which is run by the University of Georgia. In addition to touring the beautiful spaces, they also offer classes for various ages.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah

Kids can get a free set of trading cards at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Ranger Station as well as a Jr. Ranger Booklet to help guide them through the fort. Check the website for special events with costumed interpreters.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah

Get the kids out for a walk in nature at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center by promising they'll see some cool animals like wolves, cougars, bison and flying squirrels. Come back with the little ones on Toddler Tuesday.

Savannah Bee Company Tour

Wilmington Island is just before you reach Tybee and is the headquarters for the Savannah Bee Company. For a few dollars, put on bee hats and take a Bee Garden Tour of the hives out back. Afterward, sample honey and mead inside the store.

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum, Savannah

For a short period in history, canals were built to transport goods from town to town. The Erie Canal in New York is the most popular, but there are also canals in Washington, D.C., and even one just outside Savannah. The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center has pathways with a view of the locks. Walk the wide banks, where mules towed the barges up and down the length of the canal, which is now a lush forest.

Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah

There are often re-enactments and other fun events at Wormsloe State Historic Site, but this is worth a stop just to drive the 1.5 miles between the grand live oaks. At the end is a museum and the tabby ruins of Noble Jones’ home. He was a carpenter who arrived to Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe, making him one of the first settlers from England.

Tybee Island

Tybee Island is just down the road from Savannah, and in addition to the beach, there are tons of kid-friendly detours.

The Crab Shack, Tybee Island

Sure you can get a great meal at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island, but you can also feed live alligators, see exotic birds that sing, and visit a cat condo all with a side of fresh-off-the-boat shrimp.

Tybee Island Pirate Fest

Each October, Tybee welcomes pirates from across the country to three days of pirate festivities at Tybee Island Pirate Fest. Kids 12 and younger are free, with a special petting zoo/bouncy house area just for them. Other entertainment includes music, a pirate parade and Thieves Market.

Pooler, Richmond Hill and the Suburbs

The towns outside Savannah aren’t just bedroom communities, they have an impressive list of fun activities worth a visit all their own.

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler

For an extra special adventure, book a Bunkin’ It experience at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force (and then mom and dad can spend the evening out in Savannah kid-free!). Kids go back in time as a member of the Eighth Air Force during WWII. Learn techniques of a bombing mission, take a tour by flashlight and get a bugle wake up call in the morning. Guaranteed, kids will walk away with a new appreciation for our armed forces.

Tom Triplett Community Park, Pooler

The Tom Triplett Community Park in Pooler has an 18-hole disc golf course, two fishing piers and nature trails perfect for meandering, plus benches for family picnics.

J.F. Gregory Park, Richmond Hill

J.F. Gregory Park is a favorite for Richmond Hill locals and an easy break for travelers on I-95. Let the kids run around on the playground, or stretch your legs on the three miles of walking trails. Be sure to stop at the Veterans Monument and say a silent thank you to those who have served.

ITPA National Telephone Museum, Hinesville

The ITPA National Telephone Museum in Hinesville houses a vast collection of telephones and telephone equipment from throughout history. Children and adults alike will find it fascinating to see the earliest examples of the communication devices and learn how they have changed to today's pocket-sized, touch-screen celluar phones.