Savannah works for big kids in ways that surprise parents who expect a city full of historic house tours and cobblestone squares. There are alligators in the actual wildlife refuge. There are escape rooms inside a genuinely old city. There are real wolves and cougars at a coastal wildlife center you've never heard of. And there are multiple free outdoor spaces where kids can run and explore without a queue or an admission gate. Here's what actually delivers for 6–12s.
Best Outdoor Adventures and Active Experiences
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (rated 4.6) is free and genuinely wild. The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is a 4-mile auto tour through 29,000 acres of coastal wetlands where alligator sightings aren't a maybe — they're a likely. Great blue herons, dozens of bird species, and the kind of big-sky marsh landscape that makes kids go quiet. Free entry; 4th graders get a free America the Beautiful Junior Pass through Every Kid Outdoors. Budget 2–4 hours. Combine with a stop at Savannah Coastal Refuges Visitor Center (free, rated 4.6) beforehand — the context makes the wildlife drive significantly better.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center (rated 4.7, family of 4: $25–$40) is the sleeper hit of Savannah. Kids walk shaded trails past actual native Southeast wildlife: wolves, bison, cougars, alligators, black bears. The natural coastal Georgia setting — Spanish moss, tidal marshes, ancient oaks — makes the whole 1.75-mile trail feel like a discovery. Arrive at 10am (opening) for the best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Bring water and snacks — no food on site.
Daffin Park (rated 4.6) is free and enormous — 86 acres with a central lake, athletic fields, basketball courts, tennis, and massive shade trees. This is where Savannah kids go when they need space to run without it being a scheduled activity. The lake perimeter path is excellent for a family jog or bike ride. Playgrounds at Daffin Park (free, rated 4.7) sits within the same complex. Budget 1–3 hours.
Lake Mayer Park (rated 4.6) is free to enter and built around a 75-acre lake with a playground, fishing dock, skate park, tennis, basketball, and paddle boat rentals. Big kids who fish, skate, or want to be on the water have multiple options in one spot. A fishing license is needed for anyone 16+ — get it online at georgiawildlife.com before arriving.
Cool Museums and Hands-On Learning
Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center (rated 4.7) is free and operated by NOAA — one of the most underrated free educational stops in Savannah. Kids learn about the federally protected marine sanctuary just off Georgia's coast, see what scientists actually study there, and understand the scale of what's happening underwater nearby. Open Tuesday–Friday only with a midday break; check hours before visiting.
UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium (rated 4.6, family of 4: $25–$40) is a working university marine science facility. Kids aren't just looking at fish — they're seeing tools and tanks used by actual UGA researchers studying coastal Georgia ecosystems. The touch tanks are where time disappears. Closed Sundays. Combine with Skidaway Island State Park for a full nature day near Savannah.
Georgia State Railroad Museum (rated 4.5, family of 4: $40–$60) is the legitimate train destination — actual historic locomotives, a working turntable, and a rail yard kids can walk through. The turntable demonstration when it operates is genuinely impressive to kids who've only seen trains in books. Adults $12–$15, children 3–18 $6–$8, under 3 free. Wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor rail yard sections.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center (rated 4.5, family of 4: $30–$50) sits right on a barrier island beach. Kids learn about sea turtles and shore birds and then walk outside to see their actual habitat. Adults $10–$12, children 5–17 $7–$9, under 5 free. Combine with Tybee Island beach access (free) for a full day at modest total cost.
Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum (CAM) (rated 4.5, family of 4: $50–$70) has a Children's Art Museum section specifically designed for making and doing rather than looking. Kids who typically shut down in museums find CAM engaging because they're always creating something. The Telfair Museums pass covers Jepson Center plus the Telfair Academy plus the Owens-Thomas House — best value if you're doing multiple museum days.
Entertainment and Can't-Miss Fun
Encryption Escape (rated 4.8, family of 4: $80–$120) has 610 reviews at 4.8 stars — that's one of the most consistently reviewed escape rooms in Georgia. The puzzle design and immersive storytelling are the specific things reviewers mention. For tweens who want a different kind of Savannah experience beyond squares and fountains, this is 60 minutes of genuine pressure and teamwork. Book a private room; the cost difference versus joining strangers is small and the experience is vastly better. Book directly on their website.
Fun Zone (rated 4.7, family of 4: $80–$140) in Pooler packs go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, bumper cars, and a large arcade into one outdoor-indoor complex. The go-kart track is the draw for kids 8+ — real speed on a real track. Budget go-karts at $10–$12/person, mini golf at $8–$10/person, arcade cards $10–$20 each, plus food $25–$40. Open Thursday through weekend only — check before going.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (rated 4.1, family of 4: $60–$90) is wall-to-wall trampolines, a foam pit, dodgeball courts, and a slam dunk zone. One hour of jump time runs $15–$20/person; two hours $20–$25/person. Buy passes online for the standard discount. Grip socks required — purchase Sky Zone brand once and reuse.
Best Value for Families with Older Kids
Savannah's free tier is exceptional. A family of 4 can do Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (alligators, herons, 4-mile wildlife drive), Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center (NOAA marine sanctuary science), Daffin Park (86-acre lake park with multiple activities), and Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm (free, rated 4.5 — towering bamboo groves) for $0. That's a legitimate full-day itinerary at zero admission cost.
Forsyth Park Playground (rated 4.9, free) next to Savannah's most famous fountain is worth the stop. The oak trees dripping with Spanish moss give the whole park a specific atmosphere — this is the photo your kids will have from Savannah. Morning visits are significantly more comfortable in summer heat.
Insider Tips for Visiting Savannah with Big Kids
- Wildlife refuge timing: Sunrise and late afternoon are peak alligator activity. Midday visits in summer are less productive. Bring binoculars.
- Oatland Island requires 2–3 hours. Don't combine it with another major paid activity on the same day — the 1.75-mile trail takes longer than expected with kids.
- Savannah heat is real. June–August feels much hotter than the number suggests due to humidity. Morning activities (before 11am) and late afternoon (after 4pm) are the comfortable windows. Midday belongs at indoor venues.
- Escape rooms require advance booking. Encryption Escape books out on weekends. Book the week before at minimum.
- Forsyth Park area has excellent cafes on Bull Street south of the park — Foxy Loxy and Back in the Day Bakery are the local favorites for a post-playground breakfast or lunch.
Plan Your Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best temperatures for Savannah. Summer works but demands morning scheduling discipline. Start with the wildlife refuge as your anchor outdoor day, add Oatland Island as your second nature day, and fill evenings with Forsyth Park and downtown squares. Big kids will leave with real memories from this city.