Things to Do With Kids in Savannah, Georgia

This outdoor museum is in the ruins of the old Georgia Railroad Repair Shop. This magical space is set over two levels with more than a dozen interactive exhibits. Kids are encouraged to run and shout on the playground and slides. For the shy there is a reading nook and sensory garden, and for the inquisitive – a life-sized maze to find a way out of. Museum staff run daily programs for families. Located inside Tricentennial Park, tickets are usually $8 and can be purchased online. Check the museum’s website for seasonal hours.

This 30-acre park is definitely picturesque, with its majestic milky colored fountain surrounded by trees hung with Spanish moss. What makes it even better for parents are the two playgrounds; one for younger kids and the other for older ones. Once that boundless energy has been exhausted a little, grab something tasty from the cafe and picnic on the grass. On Saturdays families can enjoy the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, which sells fresh produce and flowers. The park is located on the southern edge of the Historic District.

At Oatland Island Wildlife Center, two miles of walkable trail wind through marshes and forests, passing several different exhibit areas. Bring some snacks and get ready to see the animals up close. In Wolf Wilderness see the gray wolves, Predators of Georgia contains the fierce cougar and bobcat, and in the Bird of Prey Aviary gaze upon owls, hawks and the stately American bald eagle. Kids will be thrilled getting hands-on at the Barnyard with cows, pigs and sheep. The Wildlife Center is just 15 minutes from the city and is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 10am to 4.45pm. Last admission is at 3.45pm. Tickets range from $3 and $5.

This modern art museum is worth a visit for its artwork alone. This serene 64,000-square-foot space has an impressive permanent collection, including work by Jeff Koons, and rotating exhibits. The attraction for families is ArtZeum, an interactive gallery with 14 activities that encourage kids to get hands-on. Special magnets transform 2D to 3D, or you can step into artwork reproductions and play at being a curator and choose which art to display. The museum is open daily, 10am to 5pm, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets are $20 for adults, children 6 to 12 years-old are $5 and under 5s are free.

Stratton Leopold became a top producer in Hollywood long after his family had already made their name in ice cream. Today there are props and posters from his 50 years in the industry in the shop. Sometimes he can even be found behind the counter scooping ice cream! Kids will delight in sampling the seasonal and original flavors, such as Japanese Cherry Blossom, Rose Petal Cream or Sugar Plum Fairy. The most famous even inspired lyricist Johnny Mercer’s hit Tutti Frutti! Lines can get long so try ice cream for breakfast and then let the kiddies run off the sugar high for the rest of the day.

Opened in 1773 The Pirates’ House was originally an inn for seafarers and became a meeting point for pirates. Children are greeted with menus shaped like pirate hats, eye patches and gold coins. Make sure to request a visit from one of the pirates from the server. After dinner, take a tour of the historic restaurant with a pirate who will go through the history – and the hauntings. Stop by the gift shop for some pirate booty for the little buccaneers. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.