Savannah is steeped in history — Photo courtesy of Linda Tanner
Most people visit Savannah for its historic attractions, and there’s no reason that should change just because you’re traveling with kids. Savannah has numerous historic sites that are family-friendly and that will delight visitors young and old. Because many of Savannah’s best attractions are spread out, you will need transportation to get from one place to another.
A 50-minute narrated tour with Carriage Tours of Savannah is a great way to see the Historic District — Photo courtesy of Carriage Tours of Savannah
Begin your day at the gazebo in City Market, where you will take a 50-minute narrated carriage tour with Carriage Tours of Savannah (you may want to make a reservation beforehand to secure a spot). Seeing Savannah’s Historic District sites by horse-drawn carriage is a great way to learn about the city’s history and see all the major attractions, plus kids love the novel form of transportation.
The Roundhouse Railroad Museum is fun for both kids and adults — Photo courtesy of Coastal Heritage Society
Once you’re back in City Market, grab a sweet treat at Savannah Sweets, then head on over to the Roundhouse Railroad Museum on Lousiville Road. When you enter through the gift shop, ask for a special ticket that will include admission to all of the museums managed by the Coastal Heritage Society. The three-day ticket includes admission to the Railroad Museum and adjoining Children’s Museum, Old Fort Jackson, the Savannah History Museum and the Pin Point Heritage Museum.
Kids have a blast exploring the interactive exhibits at the Savannah Children's Museum — Photo courtesy of Savannah Children's Museum
Enjoy the next hour or two exploring the Railroad Museum–the largest existing 19th-century railroad repair facility in the country–and the Children’s Museum, an outdoor space with life-size blocks, a giant maze, two-level slides and more.
For lunch, walk across the street to the Coastal Heritage Society’s WhistleStop Café, where you can dine in a converted 1941 Pullman train car. The café serves up Southern-style favorites including fried green tomatoes, barbecue chicken and pulled pork.
Kids can explore real cannons at Old Fort Jackson — Photo courtesy of Old Fort Jackson
The yummy lunch should keep everyone satisfied on the 8-minute drive to Old Fort Jackson, where you can continue to use the ticket you purchased at the Railroad Museum. The National Historic Landmark, perched on the Savannah River, is Georgia's oldest standing brick fortification and offers a fascinating glimpse into Savannah’s role in the Civil War. In addition to touring the ramparts and taking in a video, guests can see actual cannon firings daily during the summer and on the weekends throughout the year.
Kids and adults love the Crystal Beer Parlor — Photo courtesy of Crystal Beer Parlor
At the end of the day, head back to the Historic District and grab an early dinner at the Crystal Beer Parlor, a family-friendly restaurant steeped in history. Adults will enjoy looking at the old photos and memorabilia that line the restaurant’s walls, and kids are sure to love the Crystal Beer Parlor’s juicy burgers and homemade potato chips.
By the time you return to your hotel, you and your kids will be full of knowledge about Savannah’s history without feeling like you had a history lesson.
