Georgia Road Trip with Kids: War, Wonder, and Worship (Day 10)
Welcome to Day 10 Coastal Georgia – Savannah & Surrounding Areas
Explore wetlands, WWII history, chalk art, mossy cemeteries, and Georgia’s state dance with faith connections.
If you’re reading along with Ethan and Oliver, today moves from the quiet beauty of Georgia’s wetlands to the thunder of WWII bombers, from chalk dragons to moss-draped cemeteries, and finally into the joyful rhythm of Georgia’s state dance. It’s a day about stewardship, service, and stepping into someone else’s world with an open heart.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Augusta ➡ Savannah, Georgia
Total Drive Time: ~3 hours
Activity Time: ~8–9 hours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Stop 1: Phinizy Center for Water Sciences – Augusta
What to Expect
A peaceful boardwalk through wetlands teeming with wildlife, the Phinizy Center offers a close-up look at how nature cleans our water. Visitors can explore the science behind water treatment, wildlife habitats, and environmental stewardship. Even without a guided homeschool day, the family created their own lesson based on the center’s “Follow the Flush” theme, discovering how small choices—like what we flush—impact entire watersheds.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Science: Wetlands as natural water filters.
- Environmental Science: The Three Ps rule (pee, poop, toilet paper) and its effect on ecosystems.
- Geography: Watersheds and how local actions affect global oceans.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What’s one small habit you could change to help protect the environment?
Faith Connection
Genesis 2:15 – God calls us to care for His creation. Stewardship starts with the smallest daily choices.
Stop 2: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force – Pooler/Savannah
What to Expect
This immersive museum honors the courage and sacrifice of one of WWII’s most decorated air forces. Families can experience “The Mission Experience” film, tour real bombers, explore exhibits on the Tuskegee Airmen, and complete kid-friendly scavenger hunts.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- History: Role of the Eighth Air Force in WWII.
- Character Education: Courage under extreme circumstances.
- Geography: Global scale of the war and mission routes.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What does courage look like in everyday life compared to wartime?
Faith Connection
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Stop 3: Forsyth Park & Sidewalk Arts Festival – Savannah
What to Expect
A vibrant, 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah, Forsyth Park hosts the annual Sidewalk Arts Festival, where artists create massive chalk masterpieces right on the pavement. Families can stroll under mossy oaks, enjoy street performances, and taste local treats.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Art: Temporary art and the creativity behind chalk murals.
- Community: How public spaces bring people together.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- If you could create a giant sidewalk mural, what would you draw and why?
Faith Connection
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Art can reflect God’s creativity.
Stop 4: Bonaventure Cemetery – Savannah
Website: bonaventurehistorical.org
What to Expect
One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, Bonaventure is famous for its live oaks, Spanish moss, and Victorian monuments. Guided tours reveal the history, symbolism, and stories of those buried here.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- History: Victorian-era customs and notable Georgians.
- Art History: Symbolism in funerary art.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- Why is it important to remember the stories of people from the past?
Faith Connection
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 – There’s a season for every purpose under heaven, including remembrance.
Stop 5: Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Savannah
What to Expect
Once a month, Sacred Heart transforms into a hub for Georgia’s official state dance—square dancing. Families are welcomed with live music, friendly partners, and an introduction to this lively piece of Southern culture.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Music & Movement: Learning rhythm, steps, and coordination.
- Cultural Heritage: State dance traditions and community gatherings.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What new cultural activity would you like to try in another state?
Faith Connection
Psalm 149:3 – “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”
What We Learned
- Small choices—like flushing smart—can protect ecosystems.
- WWII airmen showed courage both in and out of battle.
- Art can be powerful even when temporary.
- Cemeteries tell stories worth remembering.
- Joy and worship can be expressed in many forms—including dancing.
Did We See State Symbols Today?
- State Tree: Live Oak (Bonaventure Cemetery)
- State Dance: Square Dance (Sacred Heart)
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Georgia’s On My Mind Road Trip Map
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations — including Roadtrippers. We simply use and enjoy their trip-planning tool and share it as a resource for fellow travelers.
