


Savannah History Museum
About
The Savannah History Museum brings the city's rich past to life through interactive exhibits that keep young minds engaged. With dedicated scavenger hunts designed for children and touchable artifacts, it transforms history from boring textbook material into an exciting adventure that even reluctant learners will enjoy.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive scavenger hunts specifically designed to keep kids engaged while learning about Savannah's history
- ✓The bench from the movie Forrest Gump,kids love taking photos on this famous prop
- ✓Hands-on exhibits where children can touch replicas of historical artifacts and try on period clothing
- ✓Vintage railway cars and locomotives outside the museum that kids can walk through and explore
- ✓Civil War artifacts including cannons and soldier equipment that bring history textbooks to life
Pro Tips
- 1.Ask for the kids' scavenger hunt worksheet at the front desk immediately upon arrival,it makes the whole visit more engaging and gives kids a mission
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (9-11 AM) to avoid tour groups and have more space for kids to explore freely
- 3.The museum is located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway station, so train-loving kids will be thrilled by the vintage railcars outside,plan extra time to explore them
- 4.Download the museum's free app before visiting for additional interactive content and a digital version of the scavenger hunt
- 5.Combine your visit with a ride on the Old Town Trolley, which departs nearby and helps kids understand Savannah's layout before diving into its history
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9-11 AM offer the least crowds and cooler temperatures if you plan to explore the outdoor railway exhibits. Visit during spring (March-May) or fall (October-November) when Savannah's weather is mild and perfect for walking around the historic district before or after the museum.
What to Know
General admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 (under 6 free). Free parking is available in the adjacent lot on MLK Blvd. The museum has restrooms and a small gift shop, but no café,plan to eat nearby before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round with consistent hours (9 AM-4 PM daily). December features special holiday decorations showcasing Victorian-era Savannah Christmas traditions. Summer months (June-August) can be hot and humid, so visit early in the day and note that the outdoor railway exhibits may be uncomfortable in peak afternoon heat.
Nearby Eats
The Vault Kitchen & Market (5-minute walk) offers kid-friendly sandwiches, burgers, and mac & cheese in a casual atmosphere. For a quick bite, Leopold's Ice Cream (10-minute walk) is a Savannah institution serving hand-crafted ice cream that's been a local favorite since 1919.
More Activities Near Savannah
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument brings Civil War history to life with thrilling cannon firing demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and vast open spaces perfect for kids to explore. Children can walk through authentic brick tunnels, climb the fort's ramparts for stunning marsh views, and participate in ranger-led programs that make history hands-on and exciting rather than just something from a textbook.
Tybee Island Light Station & Museum
The Tybee Island Light Station offers an exciting adventure for active families who want to combine history, exercise, and breathtaking coastal views. Kids will feel like true explorers as they conquer the 178 steps to the top of Georgia's tallest lighthouse, where they're rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands. The museum complex also includes historic buildings to explore and hands-on exhibits that bring maritime history to life.
Old Fort Jackson
Old Fort Jackson brings history to life for kids with thundering cannon demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and hands-on exhibits they can actually touch. This 1808 fort along the Savannah River lets children explore authentic military quarters, handle reproduction muskets, and watch soldiers fire the fort's powerful cannons daily,making it an exciting outdoor history lesson disguised as an adventure.
American Prohibition Museum
The American Prohibition Museum offers an engaging journey through the 1920s with interactive exhibits and guided storytelling that brings the Roaring Twenties to life. While the subject matter centers on Prohibition-era history, the immersive experience includes recreated speakeasies, vintage vehicles, and theatrical elements that fascinate older children and teens interested in American history.