Tybee Island with Kids: Gentle Beach Days + Hotel Tybee (Parents’ Guide)
💙 Why Tybee Feels So Easy with Little Ones
Tybee is where beach days feel simple again: shallow, gentle surf; a classic pier for stroller walks; and playground breaks just when tiny legs need them. Parents love how compact everything feels, with snacks and bathrooms never too far away. When you’re ready to exhale, this island lets you slow down—sandcastles in the morning, pier popsicles in the afternoon, and balcony sunsets when bedtime finally sticks.
Kid highlights: Tybee Pier & Pavilion strolls, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center touch-tank and turtle talks, and shaded pauses at local playgrounds.
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Tybee (Oceanfront, Two Pools & Balconies)
Why parents rate it high
- Beach-first setup: Walk straight from the property to the sand—no long hauls with wagons.
- Two outdoor pools: Perfect for windier afternoons when kids want calm water play.
- Balcony rooms: Naptime view therapy—sip coffee while watching the waves.
- Simple add-ons: Tiki bar, beach chairs, bike access to explore the island.
Good to know: Room types with ocean views/balconies are popular—book early for weekends and school breaks.
Booking tips
- Prioritize oceanfront balcony if you’ll be doing midday naps (parents’ sanity saver).
- Ask about adjacent rooms if traveling with grandparents.
- Check seasonal pool hours and any on-site family activities.
Looking for a quieter pace? North Beach puts you close to the Marine Science Center and Fort Screven, with convenient boardwalk access.
🗓️ A Gentle 1–2 Day Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Settle & Splash
- Morning: Check in and head straight to the beach; keep it to 60–90 minutes with toddlers.
- Midday: Pool break (less wind, easy snacks). Naps + balcony downtime.
- Late afternoon: Stroll the Pier & Pavilion; bring scooters for bigger kids.
- Evening: Casual seafood within walking distance; end with sandy toes and a sunset photo.
Day 2 — Curious & Calm
- Morning: Tybee Island Marine Science Center for touch-tanks and turtle talks.
- Lunch & playground: Picnic at a nearby park; let kids reset on slides and swings.
- Afternoon: Back to the beach for shell-hunting; save a treat stop for motivation.
- Optional Savannah detour: If weather turns, try Savannah Children’s Museum or the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
🍦 Easy Eats & Sweet Treats (Walkable or Short Drive)
- Boardwalk bites & pier snacks for quick wins between beach and pool time.
- Family-friendly seafood shacks with outdoor seating—bring crayons and let them color while you order.
- Ice-cream stops for post-dinner bribes (works like a charm for one more sunset stroll).
Peak weekend lines move faster early or just after typical dinner rush; consider splitting lines (one adult orders, the other walks kids on the pier).
🅿️ Parking, Pier & Playgrounds — The Practical Bits
| Island-wide Parking | $4.00/hour via kiosks or Park TYB app. (Cards/app preferred; coins are no longer accepted by the City.) |
| Pier & Pavilion | Classic stroller-friendly strolls, fishing, and shade—open daily. |
| Parks & Playgrounds | Two spacious public parks with playground equipment for wiggle breaks. |
Timing: Mornings are mellowest for little ones. Plan shade breaks and aim for sunset beach walks when the sand cools.
🧺 Packing & Rain Plan (Calm is the goal)
Beach-day checklist
- Reef-safe sunscreen, long-sleeve rash guards, hats
- Mesh bag, baby powder (sand-removal hack), clip-on fan
- Foldable wagon + small umbrella stroller for boardwalks
- Mini first-aid: saline, bandages, kids’ antihistamine
Rain-friendly backups
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center (hands-on exhibits & programs)
- Savannah Children’s Museum (open Wed–Sun, daytime)
- Georgia State Railroad Museum (daily hours; trains & roundhouse)
Sources (for parents who like to double-check)
- Hotel Tybee official site — oceanfront location, two outdoor pools, private balconies, easy beach access. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center — North Beach location & program info. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Tybee Island parking (City of Tybee) — $4/hour, app/kiosk payment; coins no longer accepted (since Aug 1, 2024). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Tybee Pier & Pavilion — daily access and visitor info. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Parks & Playgrounds on Tybee — playground options for kids. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Savannah Children’s Museum — hours & location; note weather policy. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Georgia State Railroad Museum — hours & tickets. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}