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Day Trips from Georgia’s Golden Isles
The Golden Isles are located about an hour north of Jacksonville, FL, and about an hour south of Savannah, GA, making both cities easy options for day trips. Both Jacksonville and Savannah have a plethora of things to do with kids, which is why we love making the trip to either one.
Things to do with Kids in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Zoo - We love this zoo and buy a membership every year. It’s an easy enough drive that we can spend a few hours there in the morning or evening before making the drive north back home. If going in the evening, we pack the kid's pajamas for the drive home as they almost always fall asleep.
Jacksonville Hands-On Children’s Museum - This museum promotes hands-on participatory learning for children of all ages.
The Museum of Science and History of Jacksonville (MOSH Jacksonville) - Makes science, history, and innovation accessible to all. Whatever your age or interest, there’s always something to see and explore across three levels of exciting exhibits.
Catty Shack Ranch - An animal sanctuary in Jacksonville home to tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynxes, foxes, and coatimundis.
Explore Fernandina Beach - We love visiting this little beach town. They have great beaches and a Main Street area with many shops, bars, and restaurants.
Sensory Towne - An indoor sensory playground for children six months to eight years of age.
We recommend you check out the Jacksonville Mom, Jacksonville Beach Moms, and Fun 4 First Coast Kids websites for extensive information on visiting Jacksonville with kids.
Things to do with Kids in Savannah
Savannah Children’s Museum - The museum is currently entirely outdoors and features over a dozen exhibits designed to expand children's imaginations, including an exploration maze, a reading nook, and a sensory garden.
Explore Savannah’s River Street - This is Savannah’s heart and soul. The area is very walkable, with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore. Sign up for a tour or ride the riverboat!
Attend a Savannah Bananas Game - Finding tickets is not easy, but if you land tickets, you won’t be disappointed! They make baseball games fun for the whole family with dancing, games, and entertainment. Our kids had a blast and keep asking when we’re going again.
Children's Museum of Pooler - Eleven engaging exhibits for children ages 0-10! Learn and explore with hands-on, interactive, and educational exhibits!
Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah - A nature reserve that occupies over 100 acres of maritime forest and exhibits over 50 species of animals. Here is some helpful "know before you go" information.
Other Day Trip Experiences from the Golden Isles
Georgia Coastal Railway - Located in Kingsland, GA, just 2 miles west of I-95. Immerse yourself in history, fun, and adventure as you travel the rails on one of America’s oldest privately owned short line railroads.
St. Mary’s Railroad - Located in historic St. Marys, GA. Immerse yourself in history, fun, and adventure as you travel the rails through scenic woodlands and marshlands. Your 1 hour and 15-minute excursion brings you face-to-face with yesteryear, nature, and some great entertainment.
Cumberland Island - St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. They offer a Junior Ranger program - there are two Cumberland Island activity booklets for ages 5-7 and 8-12. Pick up your booklet and badge from the Mainland Visitor Center and Sea Camp Ranger Station. Complete the activities as you explore the island. Here is a great article on visiting Cumberland Island with kids.
Okefenokee Swamp - Okefenokee Swamp Park offers boat tours, train rides, interactive exhibits & animal encounters. Okefenokee Adventures, located within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, offers guided boat tours, kayaking, hiking trails and camping excursions.
