Exploring Savannah’s Family-Friendly Forsyth Park with Kids

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Savannah, Georgia is a perfect family trip destination, known for its beautiful parks and historic landmarks. When exploring the so-called “hostess city of the south,” Forsyth Park, in the heart of the South Historic District, cannot be missed. The Park is a great place to spend time outside in Savannah with your family. Let’s dig deeper into the wonders of visiting this historic park with Kids.

History of Forsyth Park

Savannah is a historic city, and this park is no exception. It was established in 1841 and named after John Forsyth, the governor of Georgia at the time. The 30-acre park is one of Savannah’s oldest and largest parks. The park is actually older than the better-known Central Park in New York City.

Where is Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park is located between Drayton and Whitaker Streets (east and west) and Gaston and Park Streets (north and south) in Savannah, Georgia.

Walking to Forsyth Park

The park is less than 2 miles from the City Market, and the Savannah Waterfront via River Street. The park forms the southern border of the Savannah Historic District, part of the larger Historic District of Savannah. If visiting with kids, the Savannah Children’s Museum is also within walking distance, about 1 mile from the park.

Trolley Tours

The Old Town Trolley Tour does stop at Forsyth Park, which is a great way to see downtown Savannah. Trolley tours are a great way to explore the city of Savannah, especially on a hot day when you don’t want to walk around.

Savannah offers lots of Trolley tours from Hop On Hop Off variety to Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tours, Comedy Tours and even a ghost trolley tour! The trolley can be a fun way to see the city without having to deal with parking or walking around.

Driving to Forsyth Park

There are parking lots located at Forsyth Park, but we parked on an adjacent side street with no issues. I liked the short walk to the park as we passed many beautiful historic homes and the streets were quiet, even on a weekend. The street parking was free on a Sunday morning and we found a spot quickly.

Forsyth Park Fountain

An iconic feature of the Park is its large fountain, aptly known as the Forsyth Park Fountain. It arrived in 1858, as a Parisian-inspired landmark ordered from a catalog. The fountain is now one of Savannah’s most photographed landmarks.

The water fountain is located at the northern end of the park, by West Gaston Street. Walking paths surround it and live oak trees showcase gorgeous Spanish moss. The fountain is photogenic from every angle, but the earlier you arrive, the less likely you will have other guests in your photos. Fun fact, each year the Forsyth Park Fountain water is dyed green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day!

Forsyth Park Band Shell

Located at the beginning of the South Lawn the Band Shell holds events year-round in Forsyth Park. Many musical acts visit the stage, including the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra.

Activities for Kids

Forsyth Park has plenty of activities to keep big and little kids entertained across its 30 acres with multiple play areas and easily accessible walking paths through Spanish moss covered live oaks.

Playgrounds

There are two playgrounds located next to each other within the Park. There is a newer play area, great for small children with newer plastic playscapes located adjacent to Collins Quarter Restaurant.

My kids loved this playground and spent a lot of time exploring it during our visit. There is plenty of shade over the playground, thanks to the gorgeous moss-covered trees. Parents grab your iced coffee at the Collins Quarter take-out window located within eyesight of the park and grab a shaded bench to relax and enjoy the view.

Located across the sidewalk is an older playground, more of the metal type with a few swings, a slide, and monkey bars. Lady A was in the midst of a big monkey bar stage so we did spend time at this smaller playground as well. It was less crowded, but with less shade and geared towards, and safer for, older kids in my opinion.

Splashpad

There is an area near the playgrounds where many kids were playing in ground-level fountains during our visit. The area is concrete with fountains coming out of the ground, so keep your child’s age in mind when deciding if it is a match.

Sports Fields

There are tennis courts and basketball courts located at the southern end of the park, by Park Avenue. Be on the lookout for volleyball nets set up in the park and plenty of people playing soccer across its grassy areas.

Walking and Biking Paths

There are several bike and walking paths around and through Forsyth Park. They are flat and easily accessible to make your way around the park.

Events at Forsyth Park

Be sure to check the Forsyth Park events calendar as the park hosts numerous events throughout the year.

Savannah Jazz Festival

The annual Savannah Jazz Festival takes place in Forsyth Park each fall, the last week of September. The event brings talented musicians to the park and other venues around the city. Food trucks and vendors also flock to the park for the festival, which lasts for 8 days.

Farmers’ Market

The Forsyth Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year-round, from 9 am-1 pm. The Market features local farmers and vendors selling fresh local organic produce, baked goods, jewelry, art, and more.

We visited on a random Sunday morning and there were several vendors selling art and jewelry on the sidewalks near the fountain. A painter was offering the most beautiful painting of the Forsyth Fountain and I am still mad I didn’t buy one. I will be making that a priority on our next visit.

Picnic in the Park with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra

Each Fall, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra hosts a picnic event in Forsyth Park. Located at the Band Shell, the event is called Phil the Park with a picnic competition and performances by The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sidewalk Arts Festival

Each April, Forsyth Park hosts the Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD) Sidewalk Arts Festival. Current SCAD students along with alumni and local high students create masterpieces with chalk along with Forsyth Park sidewalks. The art is judged with prizes for the winners.

Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K

Each spring the Park, specifically the Forsyth Park Fountain, serves as the finish line for the Savannah Women’s Half Marathon and 5K races. While men can also race, only women are eligible for prizes. This event features a Brooks Fashion Fitness Expo before race day and Yoga in the Square at Ellis Square after the races. Talk about an incredible way to see Savannah! This race is now on my bucket list, after researching for this blog post.

Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Forsyth Park

Collins Quarter at Forsyth is a bright and airy restaurant located next to the playground and visible from the fountain at Forsyth Park. With plenty of inside and outside covered seating, delightful servers, and amazing food, Collins Quarter is a great kid-friendly dining option for your visit to Forsyth Park.

Tips for Visiting Savannah’s Forsyth Park with Kids

Savannah can get hot and humid, so be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water
There is a lot of walking and exploring to do in Forsyth Park, so wear comfortable shoes.
Be sure to check the park’s events calendar to see what’s happening so you can time your visit