Traveling to Tybee Island with your kids; get some great info on how to keep them entertained!
It has been wonderful to see families back at the beach this summer, and two of the frequent questions we get from families that come to visit are “What are some of the best Tybee Island attractions for kids?” and “What are some of the best things to do in Savannah, GA with kids?”
Those of us at Oceanfront Cottage Rentals want to help visitors keep making memorable family vacation moments, so we thought we would outline some of our favorite activities and attractions for kids, both on and off the island. Certainly we don’t have everything listed, but check out these top kid-friendly things to do on Tybee Island and in Savannah GA. Have questions? Contact us, we would love to help you plan your kid-friendly vacation. Click on the links below to view full descriptions of the attractions & activities.
Must-Try Kids Attractions On Tybee Island:
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Fort Pulaski
- Tybee Island Lighthouse Station & Museum
- Tybee Beach Pier & Pavilion
- Little Tybee Island
- Eat at the Crab Shack (& See Alligators)
- Ice Cream!
FREE Kids Activities on Tybee Island
- Beach Time/Sand Castles
- Playgrounds/Parks
- Fishing (For Kids under the age of 16)
- Dolphin Watching
- Beach Biking
Visit Savannah, GA with Kids:
- Savannah Children’s Museum
- Forsyth Park
- Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Lowe
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
- Georgia State Railroad Museum
Your kids are going to LOVE Tybee Island! Nothing beats a summer vacation at the beach, but Tybee offers more than just the traditional, peaceful beach destination; it also offers families multiple opportunities to explore unique attractions only found on Tybee or in nearby Savannah, GA. Experience history, nature, and the great outdoors like only the Georgia coast can offer! Join us today and book your Tybee Island Vacation Rental now!
Tybee Island Kids Attractions
Tybee Island Marine Science Center – Take your kids to visit the brand new facility now located on the North part of the island and completed for 2021! Dedicated to preserving the natural resources of coastal Georgia, this interactive center offers an amazing opportunity for children to explore and learn first-hand. Experience marine life up close with a variety of exhibits or plan a beach ecology trip where staff educate children by showing them animals and other things that they might not otherwise notice! The program takes kids out along Tybee Island beach looking for fossils/shark teeth, collecting specimens, looking for dolphins, and discussing many creatures’ habitats and life cycles. Learn more about this amazing Tybee Island attraction for kids on the Tybee Island Marine Science Center website.
Fort Pulaski – Learn the history of the Civil War! This kid friendly attraction offers a great opportunity to teach and entertain children of all ages. The very informative staff provides guided tours of the bunkers, musket/soldier demonstrations, and cannon firings on Saturdays. The fort became a national monument in 1924, initiated by President Calvin Coolidge. The greatest battle that Fort Pulaski succumbed to lasted over 30 hours, as Union soldiers pounded the south wall with cannons. General Olmstead eventually surrendered. The stories and history of this fort provide an engaging and educational attraction for kids, right here on Tybee Island. Learn more about Fort Pulaski.
Tybee Island Lighthouse Station & Museum
A landmark of the island, the Tybee Island Lighthouse has guided ships safely into the Savannah River for more than three centuries. One of the most complete lighthouse complexes in the country, the station and museum offer a unique opportunity for children and families to explore a still operational facility. Climb the 178 steps to the lamp house to see how the historical lighthouse still functions, and take in spectacular views of the surrounding area. Ask questions and dive deeper into the history of both the island and the lighthouse all chronicled in the renovated keeper’s quarters and Tybee Museum also on site.
Tybee Beach Pier
The original Pier & Pavilion stood for 75 years as a landmark along the Atlantic. Built in 1891 it was a well-known destination for day-trippers, seasonal visitors, and Big Band entertainers, during a time when Tybee was considered the Premier South Atlantic Resort. Fire destroyed it in 1967 and it was rebuilt in 1996 by the local community. Today the pier and pavilion offers great fishing, amazing views, and hosts a variety of performances and special events with it’s open air dance floor & space. A great place for families with children, the premises offers picnic tables, restrooms and a snack bar in addition to being an excellent location to teach kids how to fish. It is open daily and admission is free except sometimes for special events.
Little Tybee Island
This uninhabited barrier island offers nature explorers beautiful beaches, salt water marshes, and fabulous wild habitat. It is home to loads of shorebirds, bald eagles, and a variety of migratory bird species that pass through at various times during the spring and fall seasons. Little Tybee Island is the perfect day excursion for nature hikes, bird watching, and beachcombing, but note that the only way to get there is by water, so you’ll need to plan for a boat rental, kayak, or schedule a local tour to take you.
Eat at the Crab Shack
“From Fishing Camp to Tybee Staple” the Crab Shack is a must see dining and history experience that encompasses great seafood and so much of the unique personality of Tybee Island. An extremely welcoming and family friendly establishment, kids love the outdoor waterfront setting topped with baby alligators in the lagoon. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to eat at one of Savannah’s best dining destinations, right here on Tybee Island.
Who Doesn’t Like Ice Cream?
Ice cream and sweets make everything amazing. And Tybee takes its treats seriously! With more than xx places to get ice cream on the island, you can make your vacation and taste adventure…sure to win over kids of all ages. Learn More about your choice of Ice Cream Shops on Tybee.
FREE Kids Activities on Tybee Island
Lets face it, some of the best things in life ARE Free! And traveling with kids to Tybee Island doesn’t have to be an expensive venture. Check out these great free kids activities on Tybee Island.
- Beach Time & Sand Castles – The island offers loads of beautiful shoreline with public and private access, allowing fun filled days at the beach to be an easy adventure, everyday you are here on Tybee. Sand toys, sand castles, boogie boards, kites, oh my… these are the heart and soul of a beach vacation. Many vacation rentals offer their guests access to complimentary beach equipment, or these items can be easily purchased or rented to help facilitate amazing kid friendly beachtime!
- Parks & Playgrounds on Tybee Island – Memorial & Jaycee Parks offer guests a wide variety of family-friendly activities highlighting nearly everything you could want in a free public park.
- Memorial Park Facilities Offer:
- 2 lighted outdoor tennis courts
- 2 lighted beach volleyball courts
- a lighted basketball court
- kid’s playground
- restroom facility
- a great picnic area with grilling
- Jaycee Park Facilities Offer:
- scenic waterway
- ½ mile jogging track
- children’s playground
- lighted soccer field/lighted softball field
- outdoor basketball court
- concession stand and bathrooms
- picnic facility with grilling areas
Fishing – What kid doesn’t want to throw a line in the water and learn to fish? Tybee offers wonderful fishing opportunities, and for any child under the age of 16, there is no license requirement. So consider grabbing a pole and heading to the pier for some fantastic kids fishing!
Dolphin Watching – Certainly you can pay for a dolphin watching excursion, but honestly dolphins can be frequently found riding the waves along any of the beachlines, and they are especially often viewable from the beaches of the Northshore of Tybee. So plan so quality kid time, and take your children dolphin watching while playing on the beach.
Beach Biking – Tybee Island is a bike-friendly community and you can travel nearly anywhere by bike, including along the beach. So bring, borrow, or rent a bike for easy transportation and as a great kid-friendly activity.
What to do in Savannah with Kids
Savannah, GA is just a short drive from Tybee Island. And just as many locals and visitors to Savannah visit us on the island, many of our Tybee visitors and families like to make the day trip over to the mainland in order to enjoy the larger sites and sounds of the city. If you need ideas on what to do in Savannah with kids… here’s our list of favorites!
Savannah Children’s Museum – Outdoor and interactive, the Savannah Children’s museum offers numerous fun and educational activities that inspire kids and adults alike. Particularly popular with all ages is the fun maze. Learn More
Forsyth Park – Located in the heart of the historic district of Savannah, GA, Forsyth park sprawls over an impressive 30 acres of area and offers locals and tourists a beautiful setting to enjoy concerts, sports, picnicking, people-watching, and good old relaxation. On Saturdays there is typically a Farmer’s Market. The experience is family friendly and a must-see if you are traveling through Savannah. Learn More
Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Lowe – The Andrew Lowe House is an architectural and cultural treasure that shares the remarkable story of the life and legacy of the Girl Scouts’ Founder Juliette Gordon Lowe. A variety of fun tours and engaging programs help bring to life real history. Check out the Andrew Lowe House.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum – Check out miniature ships and artwork featured in its nine galleries. The ships featured are from different eras in Savannah’s history. This is also home to the largest private garden in the historic district of Savannah. Learn more about Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
Georgia State Railroad Museum – Take a ride on a 1947 diesel locomotive or a 1913 steam locomotive. Kids will learn about the many railcars and rolling stock that are on display. This is believed to be the largest railroad repair facility still in existence. Learn more about the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
