Unpopular opinion: Travel with a toddler doesn’t have to revolve around toddler activities! I looked into the Children’s Museum, Railroad Museum, and other child-specific activities, and they were either way too expensive, the timing didn’t work around nap time, or they just didn’t seem like something my daughter would like. So, we largely did our own thing, which has always worked for Iris and me. Here are the best things we did in Savannah–with a toddler!
Get Ice Cream at Leopold’s
This is quintessential Savannah, no matter your age. It’s been around for over 100 years, and its classic ice cream shop look and feel are fun. It’s also the best way to cool off on a hot summer’s day in Savannah! Of course, we split a large scoop of their peach ice cream–in a cup, because my girl likes to use a spoon–and it was a sure winner. You and your little one can choose from ice cream in a cone or cup, an ice cream sandwich (with choice of cookies!), sundaes, milkshakes, Coke floats, etc. Any trip to Leopold’s is truly a treat!
(Coming soon) Keep eating: The Best Places to Eat in Savannah (with a toddler)
Have a Coffee Date
Speaking of treats, my idea of a mom treat is coffee! I love a fun, flavored latte, and luckily for Iris, she loves a good whole milk and a croissant. We tried them all (almost), and it was fun to go on little “dates” with my little girl! My favorite mocha? Origin Coffee. Best with a little one? Henny Penny. Best croissant? Savannah Coffee Roasters. Best look? Franklin’s. We loved them all!
Also here: The Best Coffee Shops in Savannah
Experience SCAD Story
You’ll see SCAD literally everywhere throughout Savannah. It’s the Savannah College of Art and Design, and I happen to have a friend who graduated from there and is now my favorite jewelry designer. She recommended this interactive exhibit at the original SCAD building, Poetter Hall, at the corner of Bull and E Charlton Streets. It’s a 360-degree experiential show about the history of SCAD, and it was surprisingly interesting, even though the school has only been around about 50 years. Iris loved it! The show is free and only lasts about 20 minutes, so it’s just right for a toddler’s short attention span. Highly recommended.
Read on: Why Travel is More Important than You Think
Take a Ghost Tour
Is Savannah the nation’s most haunted city? Maybe! As a former ghost tour guide myself, I love a good ghost tour. I wasn’t sure how Iris would respond, but she did great! She didn’t really get the ghost parts, which I think makes this perfect for a toddler, as opposed to a 4-5 year old who may be more likely to get scared easily. We got to be outside, the walking distances between sites were short, and Iris was happy just being with me. Toddler moms, take advantage of that while you can–do things you want to do, and let your little one enjoy time with you!
Special thanks to US Ghost Adventures for hosting us!
More here: The Top 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday at Forsyth Park
I absolutely love taking Iris to farmer’s markets with me! She loves to meet all the people, people love to tell her how cute she is. We both get to try some samples, which helps me not only get a little extra food into her, it encourages her to try new things. There are always bright colors, good smells, and new sites and textures for her to experience. We split a fresh lemonade and tried out some pralines. We talked to a local soap maker and got some lotion that’s supposed to help her sleep! We took pictures and walked around. Did I mention she got a great nap that afternoon? The farmer’s market is open from 9-1 every Saturday, all year round!
Keep reading: The Best Snacks for Babies and Toddlers on a Plane
Hang Out at Henny Penny
I mentioned this place before in my coffee date suggestion, but it deserves its own place on this list, too! This is a coffee shop specifically geared toward parents with kids. Named in honor of the Henny Penny-Chicken Little story, you can order a coffee, lemonade, pastry, and/or lite bite here for yourself and your little one. Then, head over to the seating area off to the side. You’ll find all manner of children’s books to read, painting materials, toys, and more! Iris and I would be here at least once a week if we had an option like this close by!
Read on: The Best 10 Things to Do in Savannah
Play at Forsyth Park
I love all the green spaces in Savannah. The squares are stunning, with their mature trees and draping Spanish moss. The fountains and statues add to the overall historic feel of the city. But the real jewel here? Of course it’s Forsyth Park. Every time I see Forsyth Fountain through the trees, I feel like I’m in a movie, or that I’ve been taken back in time. My daughter? Very into their splash pad! Also very into the wide open space to run! She met very cute dogs, got some energy out, and this is also where we enjoyed the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning during our trip.
More here: Your Ultimate Guide to Savannah’s Historic Homes and Museums
Walk!
Now that my toddler can walk, it’s all she wants to do! And Savannah is the perfect place for it, as one of the most walkable cities in the country. We walked everywhere, from Forsyth to River Street, and back again. She does great on her “leash,” and she actually asks for it when she wants to go for a walk, because she knows it gives her a bit of freedom. When she needed a break, she found a stoop to sit on. When she was ready to be carried, she asked for that. But mostly, she enjoyed walking all over the Hostess City!
Keep reading: The Best Things to Love about Savannah
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