A family summer vacation is one of life’s greatest memory-makers. Think of those long, warm days spent sitting on a porch, relaxing with the family, and visiting a city with unique museums and attractions.
One of the preeminent childhood memories is Leopold’s Ice Cream. The soda shop has served generations of youngsters since 1919. Leopold’s has a flavor for every family member - from Tutti-Frutti to Lemon Custard to Peanut butter Chippy to plain old vanilla.
Then there’s those old-fashioned milkshakes, hand-crafted ice cream sodas, floats, sundaes, and banana splits. For a special treat, order the ice cream sandwich made with fresh-baked cookies with a scoop of premium ice cream in between. A trip to the soda fountain brings out the kid in us all.
If the thought of visiting a museum has your kids yawning, prepare to be amazed. With a dozen outdoor exhibits, the Savannah’s Children’s Museum is a place kids love to explore. Open 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, the Children’s Museum includes an exploration maze, reading nook, and sensory garden.
It’s located adjacent to the Georgia State Railroad Museum. If there’s one thing kids love, it’s railroads. The Railroad Museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Kids can explore historic railcars and take a train ride on Saturdays and Sundays.
If it gets hot, no problem. The fountains at Ellis Square at Barnard and West Congress streets keep kids cool with jets that shoot water in patterned sequences. The fountains are free and open to the public. While the kids play in the water, parents can take a much-needed respite on a shaded park bench.
Celebrate the brand-new $7.5 million Tybee Island Marine Science Center as it opens in phases through May 1. The facility offers beach views from its Ship Watch Loft, a sea turtle workshop, educational exhibits, aquariums, and a gift shop.
For a bonus, the Marine Science Center shares a parking lot with the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
Ready for some entertainment? Get tickets to a Savannah Bananas baseball game. The players perform choreographed dances, and the team owner wears a yellow tuxedo. Games take place at Grayson Stadium, which is an old-style baseball park with a rich history.
You don’t even have to be a sports fan to enjoy it. But, if you are a baseball fan, even better. The team has won the Coastal Plain League Championship, and the stadium has hosted some of baseball’s legends, including Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Jackie Robinson. Tickets are available for games beginning June 1.
Of course, most picture-perfect memories are made in those quiet, family moments.
Our three-bedroom Gaston Gem property offers a private, heated pool and is located just steps from Forsyth Park. Sit on the porch swing that overlooks a tree-lined street. Or sit on the sun porch and watch the kids swim. The spacious kitchen offers a center bar with plenty of space for preparing family meals.
The four-bedroom Seona House also has a private, heated pool, along with a large gourmet kitchen with a sit-down bar, a separate, smaller kitchen off a family room, and a large balcony and patio with an outdoor grill.
Make memories with the family this season during a Savannah vacation.
