Adventure brief
Ghost Patrol
Step into a real hearse and join an interactive, 40-minute mystery tour through Savannah's historic squares built for kids 13 and under. Small groups, playful storytelling, and local legends make this a memorable family outing.
On a short, theatrical spin through Savannah's brick streets, Ghost Patrol offers a 40-minute, family-first ghost tour that flips the script on spooky: it's built for kids. Meeting at the Owens Thomas House, the experience loads up to eight guests into a genuine hearse and moves through the city's pretty squares, moss-draped oaks, and low-lit alleys while a guide directs a live mystery game aimed at children thirteen and under. The vehicle itself is the hook - a real hearse transformed into a safe, playful stage - but the setting sells the trip.
Riders pass colonial and antebellum facades, ironwork balconies, and gaslight-scaled lamp posts that make Savannah feel theatrical after dusk. Guides layer short, age-appropriate legends about local characters and historical moments with interactive prompts: spot a secret marker, answer a riddle, or collect clues that resolve before the tour ends. The result is part museum-in-motion, part scavenger hunt, and wholly designed for little imaginations.
Important scene elements include the Owens Thomas House meeting point, the city's grid of small public squares, and the distinctive live oak trees heavy with Spanish moss that frame many viewpoints. The tour highlights architectural features such as iron balconies and brick cobbles, plus the occasional hidden courtyard where light and shadow play into the storytelling. Because the trip moves through active streets, the guide adjusts route and content for safety and family pacing.
Why book this with Ghost Patrol? The eight-seat limit makes the tour intimate: kids don't get lost in a crowd and guides can tailor interactions to ages and attention spans. The theatrical choice of a hearse is a clever, city-appropriate prop that avoids real scares while delivering atmosphere. For families visiting Savannah, it's a compact, memorable way to introduce children to the city's layered past without long walks or late-night programming.
Practical notes: check in at the Owens Thomas House; children must be accompanied by an adult; the program targets ages 13 and under. Seats are limited - book early, especially during weekends and festival weekends. The route and content may be modified for safety and timing, and wet weather or city events can affect scheduling.
Bring a light jacket for chillier evenings and comfortable shoes for steps on historic cobbles; the ride keeps walking minimal but there are exits for photo points. Parents appreciate guided pacing and the chance to preview stories before sharing them with sensitive children. Because groups are small, the experience suits families who want an easy, engaging taste of Savannah's past with a truly playful, spooky twist.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive early to check inessential
Check in at the Owens Thomas House at least 10 minutes before the listed start time to secure seating and meet your guide.
- 02Dress for cobbles and cool eveningsinfo
Wear closed-toe shoes for quick steps on uneven brick and bring a light jacket after sunset.
- 03Book a seat for every childwarning
Children must be accompanied by an adult and seats are limited to eight—reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
- 04Mind traffic and route changesessential
The guide may alter the route for safety or city events; stay with the group and follow instructions during street crossings.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Comfortable shoes
Helpful for brief steps on historic cobbles during stops.
EssentialLight jacket
Evening temperatures can drop; a jacket keeps kids comfortable.
fallPortable flashlight
Useful for boarding and short, dimly lit areas during evening tours.
summerCamera or phone
Capture moments at photo-friendly courtyards and square viewpoints.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Small courtyards off Pulaski and Warren Squares that offer quiet photo spots, East River Street near the Talmadge Memorial Bridge for a quieter riverside stroll
Local fauna
raccoon, great egret
Historic heritage
The Owens Thomas House dates to the early 1800s and sits inside Savannah's National Historic Landmark district, which gives context to many of the short historical stories told on the route.
Mindful exploration
Respect historic fabric by not climbing on monuments, keep squares litter-free, and follow city rules to protect fragile plantings like live oaks and understory flora.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Meet-up at Owens Thomas House for façade shots, A cobbled side street adjacent to the tour route for low-angle architecture, A Spanish moss-lined square for atmospheric portraits
- Subjects
- architecture, street scenes, children participating in the interactive hunt
- Best times
- Golden hour, Evening blue hour, Night
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How long is the tour?
The Ghost Patrol kids tour runs approximately 40 minutes.
Where do we meet?
Check in at the Owens Thomas House before boarding.
What ages is the tour for?
The program is tailored for children 13 and under; children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Is the tour scary?
No—the tour is designed to be family-friendly and playful with age-appropriate stories and surprises rather than real fright.
How many people fit on the tour?
Each hearse seats up to eight guests, making it an intimate small-group experience.
Can weather or city events change the route?
Yes, the guide may alter route or content for safety, timing, and local event considerations; booking notices will note cancellations or changes.