15 Surprisingly Fun Things To Do With Teens In Savannah

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Savannah might not be the first place your teen begs to visit for spring break, but hear me out. We just spent several days exploring this historic city, and even my sometimes-hard-to-impress teenagers said it was one of their favorite trips. It surprised all of us in the best way.

Between ghost tours, cool art stores, and unforgettable food, Savannah turned out to be full of teen-friendly fun that didn’t feel forced. If you’re trying to plan a trip the whole family will enjoy, this list of surprisingly fun things to do with teens in Savannah is a great place to start.

Some of the activities on this list are definitely touristy, and that’s okay. They’re popular for a reason. I’m breaking down why each one worked for our teens, and how you can plan your own Savannah itinerary without second-guessing if your kids will be into it.

What Makes Savannah Teen-Friendly?

Things to Do with Teens in Savannah 1 Between ghost tours, cool art stores, and unforgettable food, Savannah turned out to be full of teen-friendly fun that didn’t feel forced. If you’re trying to plan a trip the whole family will enjoy, this list of surprisingly fun things to do with teens in Savannah is a great place to start.

At first glance, Savannah might not scream “teen hotspot.” It’s historic, it’s slow-paced, and there are a lot of cobblestone streets. But that’s exactly what makes it work.

Savannah blends spooky stories, quirky shops, and really good food in a way that kept our teens genuinely interested. There’s enough structure to feel safe and easy to navigate, but enough freedom for teens to explore, snap photos, and make their own discoveries.

We found that the mix of ghost tours, riverfront strolls, and unexpected stops like honey tastings and interactive museums hit a sweet spot. Not too childish. Not too adult. Just right for that in-between stage.

And let’s be real. When teens are well-fed, mildly creeped out, and a little curious, you’ve got their attention.

Best Things to Do with Teens in Savannah

You’ll find a mix of classic tourist stops and off-the-beaten-path gems here, and that’s on purpose.

While some of these may already be on your Savannah must-do list, I’m sharing why they actually work for teenagers.

Whether it’s the history that sparks their curiosity, the food that keeps them happy, or the surprises that make them laugh, these are the stops that our family genuinely enjoyed.

I’ve also grouped the activities in a way that helps you plan your day — starting with easy sightseeing, moving into fun foodie stops, and ending with creative, cultural, and seasonal experiences that teens will remember.

Old Town Trolley Tour

This is the best way to get your bearings in Savannah. The hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour gives you a chance to sit back while someone else does the driving and storytelling. Our teens appreciated getting the lay of the land without walking a million steps on day one.

The drivers are full of quirky facts and stories, and the freedom to hop off at any stop kept everyone happy. We learned about General Oglethorpe and his unusual founding rules for the city, which turned into a fun family trivia moment later in the trip.

Buy Old Town Trolley one or two-day tickets here.

Walk the Waterfront

There’s something weirdly satisfying about watching massive cargo ships glide past you on the Savannah River. Teens loved this part more than I expected. We browsed trinket shops, checked out historical markers, and snapped some great photos along River Street.

This is a good spot for teens to explore a little independently while you grab a coffee. It’s also where you’ll find a few sweet shops like Savannah Candy Kitchen and easy access to riverboat cruises.

View of a modern glass building and a brick building along a waterfront, with cloudy skies above. Greenish water and a decorative white railing complete this scene near some of the most unique places to stay in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah Riverboat Cruise

If your teens are like mine, they’ll roll their eyes at the idea of a riverboat cruise, until they’re on it. It’s a relaxing way to see Savannah from a different perspective.

The commentary adds just enough interest without overwhelming them, and the views of the historic waterfront are genuinely pretty.

You can book a daytime sightseeing cruise or go for a sunset option if you want something a little more special. Either way, it’s a solid break from walking and a memorable way to experience the city.

Reserve your Savannah Riverboat Cruise here. Tickets often sell out during spring and summer.

A large white fountain with statues and spraying water stands in the center of a circular pool, surrounded by a black iron fence, trees, and people walking—one of the top things to do in Savannah with teens.

Forsyth Park and Garden Squares

Savannah’s historic district is filled with shady squares, cobblestone streets, and historic homes, but Forsyth Park is where it all comes together.

This massive green space in the heart of the city was a great place to stretch our legs and give the kids room to roam. There’s an arboretum, plenty of photo-worthy spots (yes, that famous fountain), and places to sit and regroup.

Our teens especially liked spotting the different architectural styles on the surrounding homes and using the park as a jumping-off point to explore nearby squares.

A glass sundae dish filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, and a chocolate-covered cookie—a sweet treat to enjoy while exploring fun Things to Do with Teens in Savannah. A spoon rests on the plate beneath the dish.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Leopold’s is a Savannah institution and for good reason. This classic soda-fountain-style shop has been scooping since 1919. It’s still run by Stratton Leopold, a Hollywood producer who brings some Tinseltown flair to the décor with movie posters and memorabilia throughout the shop.

There’s usually a line out the door, but it moves fast. My kids went straight for the Girl Scout–inspired flavors (yes, the Samoa Sundae is as good as it sounds), and I loved the old-school vibe. It’s a fun reward after a morning of exploring.

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room

If your teen is always hungry, you won’t want to miss this one. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is all about southern hospitality and all-you-can-eat comfort food. It’s served family-style, with strangers around a big table, and dishes being passed until everyone is full.

It’s cash only and popular, so arrive early and be ready to wait. But it’s worth it. My teens were a little skeptical at first, but once the mac and cheese and fried chicken hit the table, they were all in. Don’t skip the gift shop — the cookbooks make a great souvenir.

Read my full review of Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room here.

Pirate Statue at the Pirate House Savannah Georgia

The Pirate’s House

Savannah has a lot of historic buildings, but The Pirate’s House might be the coolest one for teens. Originally an inn for seafarers, this 1753 tavern is now a restaurant packed with character — and a few ghost stories. Each room has a different theme, and some of the original structure still stands.

We went for the lunch buffet, which offers a solid sampling of southern favorites. The stories behind the building were what really hooked my kids, though. A real-life pirate tunnel? That’s the kind of thing teens remember.

Savannah Candy Kitchen

This stop was a hit before we even walked through the door. The smell of fresh pralines, fudge, and pulled taffy fills the air and pulls you in from blocks away. Savannah Candy Kitchen is more than just a sweet shop — it’s an experience.

Teens will love watching the staff pull taffy by hand or try free samples of southern treats. It’s a great stop after a museum visit or to reward good behavior during a walking tour. Just be prepared for sugar-fueled energy afterward.

Starland District and Teen-Friendly Shops

If your teens are into artsy vibes, thrift finds, or anything that feels a little different from the usual, head to the Starland District. This creative neighborhood is full of colorful murals, indie boutiques, and some of the city’s coolest small businesses.

Starlandia Art Supply is a standout. It’s part art store, part upcycled wonderland, and totally inspiring for creative kids. We also wandered into vintage stores and local galleries — all low-pressure but fun to explore.

Cool Coffee Shops and Bookstores

Sometimes you just need a break — and Savannah has some great spots to recharge. Our teens loved grabbing a latte or Italian soda and flipping through books or people-watching in cozy, tucked-away corners of the city.

Favorites included Foxy Loxy Café for its artsy courtyard and E. Shaver Booksellers for its charming reading nooks and shop cats. The Coffee Fox and The Book Lady Bookstore are also solid picks, especially if you’re near Broughton Street.

These stops are low-key, teen-approved, and perfect between bigger attractions.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

If you’ve got teens who love ghost stories or just enjoy a little thrill, this is a must. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour takes you around Savannah after dark, sharing some of the city’s most haunted history from the comfort of a trolley.

It’s spooky without being over-the-top scary, and our teens were totally into it. The storytelling is dramatic and fun, with just enough suspense to keep everyone entertained. The tour ends at a haunted site, which added to the atmosphere and sparked some fun conversations afterward.

Book your Ghosts & Gravestones Tour here.

Savannah Bee Company

This stop was an unexpected hit. Savannah Bee Company is more than a store — it’s a full sensory experience. You can sample different varieties of honey, try beauty products, and even learn a little about how bees play a role in Georgia’s agriculture.

My teens weren’t sure what to expect, but the honey tastings won them over. It’s a quick stop that feels unique to Savannah and makes for an easy souvenir opportunity.

Girl Scout House

You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to appreciate the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. This historic home is beautifully preserved and offers insight into the life of the founder of the Girl Scouts and into Savannah’s own history.

It’s a guided tour, but it moves quickly and includes plenty of personal stories. Plus, the onsite shop sells Girl Scout cookies year-round, which might be the biggest draw of all for cookie-loving teens.

Cemeteries: Colonial Park and Bonaventure

Savannah’s cemeteries are full of stories, and they’re not just for history buffs. Colonial Park Cemetery is walkable and right in the historic district. In addition to being one of the city’s historic sites, did you know that Savannah’s history is more than just the Civil War? I learned it played a big part in the American Revolution as well.

Bonaventure is larger and a little more dramatic, famously featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

One quick note, the iconic Bird Girl statue featured on the book cover isn’t in Bonaventure anymore. To preserve it, the statue was moved and is now on display at the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center for the Arts. If your teens are into photography or art, it’s worth a visit to see it in person.

Our teens were curious once they realized how many ghost stories and local legends tie back to these places. The statues, moss-draped trees, and unusual headstones gave them plenty to talk about and made for some great photos, too.

American Prohibition Museum

Yes, your teens are too young to drink, but don’t let the name fool you. The American Prohibition Museum turned out to be one of the most engaging stops on our trip. Spread over two floors, the museum is packed with interactive exhibits, costumed guides, and surprising facts about American history.

Our kids especially liked the old-time mugshots and hearing about how speakeasies worked. At the end of the tour, there’s an actual speakeasy. While adults can enjoy a cocktail, minors get to try homemade sodas, which was a fun touch.

Get your Prohibition Museum Tickets here.

SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) gives the city a creative, youthful energy, and the SCAD Museum of Art is one of the best ways to experience that vibe. The exhibits change regularly and include works from students, alumni, and contemporary artists.

It’s not your average art museum. It feels fresh, modern, and more approachable for teens. If your kids are into design, media, or digital art, they’ll likely find something here that grabs their attention.

Pin Point Heritage Museum

For families looking to go deeper into Savannah’s cultural history, Pin Point Heritage Museum offers something special. Located just outside the city, this small but powerful museum highlights the Gullah/Geechee community that has deep roots in the region.

Through personal stories, artifacts, and local guides, it brings an often-overlooked part of Savannah’s story to life. It’s especially meaningful for teens learning about diverse cultures and American history beyond textbooks.

Savannah Film Festival (Seasonal)

If you’re visiting in late October, check the schedule for the Savannah Film Festival. Hosted by SCAD, it brings filmmakers, actors, and industry pros to the city in a way that’s still approachable and family-friendly.

For teens who are into film, media, or pop culture, this is a fantastic opportunity to see premieres, attend Q&As, and maybe even spot a celebrity or two. Tickets go fast, so planning ahead is key.

Tips for Visiting Savannah with Teens

Let Them Help Plan

Involving your teens in the planning process can make a huge difference. Let them browse a few activities, pick a restaurant, or choose between a museum and a ghost tour. When they feel like they have a say in the itinerary, they’re much more engaged.

Pace Your Days

Savannah is incredibly walkable, but it’s easy to overdo it. We found the best rhythm was to mix walking tours and museums with downtime in parks or cafés. Starting the day with a trolley tour helped us get our bearings without wearing anyone out too early.

Know When to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit. The weather is comfortable, flowers are blooming, and the city isn’t as hot or crowded as the peak summer months. We went during spring break, and it struck the perfect balance — enough going on to keep everyone busy, but not so hectic that it felt overwhelming.

Book Ahead When You Can

Popular spots like Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, and the Prohibition Museum can fill up fast, especially during school breaks. Booking tickets in advance gave us peace of mind and helped keep our days on track.

Final Thoughts on Savannah with Teens

We weren’t sure what to expect when we planned this trip, but Savannah surprised us in all the best ways. It’s a city that sneaks up on you — full of charm, layered history, quirky fun, and just enough spooky vibes to keep teens curious.

Even the more “touristy” stops had something extra that made them worth doing, and the offbeat places we discovered ended up being some of our favorites. If you’re looking for a destination that balances education, entertainment, and excellent food, Savannah is a solid pick.

So go ahead — let the kids pack their phones and earbuds, but be ready for them to pull them out less than you think.