Picture this: right in the bustling heart of the Big Apple (New York City), you stumble upon a huge ship on Pier 86. From the outside it looks like a big old ship resting on the water, but it is actually the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It’s not just any museum though, it’s housed on a ginormous aircraft carrier called the USS Intrepid! This floating beast has quite the story to tell, and it’s a perfect day out for you and your little ones or your whole family.
I recently visited (August 26th, 2023) with my small family and I loved it. The space is very spacious making it not overwhelming at all! It even had a private nursing room (we’ll get more into the pros later one).
When we went, it wasn’t so busy. We took the 1 train from the Bronx to 42nd street and had a 20 min to Per 86. We arrived there around 4:30 pm. and left around before closing time (6pm).
I enjoyed the museum and will definitely make a trip back when my baby boy is a little older.
Check out my vlog on my YouTube Channel:
Let’s talk about the epic history and timeline of The Intrepid!
A Floating Fortress:
The USS Intrepid, designated as CV-11, is one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. Commissioned in August 1943, it quickly established itself as a powerhouse in naval warfare. Throughout its active service, the Intrepid participated in critical battles across the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and raids on Japan’s home islands. Its air wing played a pivotal role in delivering air strikes against Japanese targets, contributing to the ultimate victory of the Allies.
More interesting facts:
- The boat participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, most notably the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
- In November 1944, two kamikazes crashed into the carrier, killing at least six officers and five crew members within five minutes.
- In her second career, she served mainly in the Atlantic but also participated in the Vietnam War.
- Because of her prominent role in battle, she was nicknamed “the Fighting I”.
A Hub of Innovation:
After World War II, the USS Intrepid underwent several modernizations to keep up with technological advancements. It played an important role in the Cold War era, serving as an anti-submarine warfare carrier and later as a recovery ship for space missions.
How can a ship be involved with space, you ask?
The Intrepid was involved in the recovery of astronauts from the Mercury and Gemini space programs, solidifying its connection to space exploration.
Vietnam and Beyond:
The USS Intrepid continued its service during the Vietnam War, where it was deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin to support air strikes. Over the years, the ship underwent further upgrades and changes, to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy. It was decommissioned in 1974 after nearly three decades of service.
From War and Rescue Vessel to Museum:
In 1982, the Intrepid found a new purpose as a museum and education center, with great hands-on activities for kids. Docked on the Hudson River, it opened its decks to the public, offering an interactive experience that brings history to life.
Today, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, space artifacts, and exhibits that celebrate the ship’s storied past.
Why The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is great for kids:
The Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
There are lots of things to see: Submarines, Rocket ships, Jets, to planes, and the ship itself.
It offers hands-on experience for adults and children (even my six month old baby wanted to participate)!
One of the area that offer hands-on activities for kids is The Exploreum Interactive Hall. It offers 13,000 square feet of interactive exhibition space, designed for kids of all ages. You can go inside rocket ships and get in the cockpits of jets and pretend to be a pilot.
Experience the virtual flight zone with three exciting simulators: G-Force Encounter, XD Theater, and the Transporter FX.
The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long. If you’re looking for activities for kids that keep them engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science, check out their website for more info.
Pros:
Free Admission for Kids Under 5:
It’s another free (budget-friendly) activity for kids! The Intrepid museum offers free admission for children under the age of 5. This makes it an excellent option for families looking to enjoy a day of exploration without breaking the bank.
An Immersive Learning Experience:
The Intrepid museum is an immersive learning playground for kids of all ages. From the moment they step aboard the aircraft carrier, they’re transported into the world of aviation, maritime history, and space exploration. The museum boasts a vast collection of aircraft, submarines, and space artifacts, providing a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about these fascinating subjects.
Catering to Young Minds:
For children who have an interest in space, submarines, or planes, the Intrepid museum is a dream come true. The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully designed to engage young minds and foster their curiosity. Interactive displays like virtual reality, simulators, and educational programs ensure that kids leave with a deeper understanding of the topics.
Diverse Attractions: The museum’s diverse range of attractions ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether your child is intrigued by the space race, fascinated by the inner workings of submarines, or in awe of fighter jets, the Intrepid museum has it all.
Cons:
Limited Stroller Access:
One potential drawback for families with young children is the limited stroller access throughout the museum. While strollers are allowed in certain areas, they are not permitted in some of the confined spaces, such as the submarine interiors. This limitation might require parents to carry or store their strollers at designated spots.
Crowd Considerations:
Like many popular attractions, the Intrepid museum can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Navigating through crowds with young children might require some patience and strategic planning.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
The Intrepid museum strives to provide a family-friendly experience by offering amenities that cater to parents and young children:
- Private Nursing Room: For parents with infants, the availability of a private nursing room offers a comfortable and quiet space to attend to their baby’s needs.
- Educational Programs: The museum offers various educational programs and workshops specially designed for children, enhancing their understanding of aviation, maritime history, and space exploration.
A Day of Discovery for Kids:
For families visiting the Intrepid museum, history comes alive as you step aboard this remarkable vessel. Kids have the opportunity to explore the flight deck, wander through the hangar deck, and even venture inside the aircraft on display. The museum’s exhibits offer insights into the daily life of sailors, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal moments in history that unfolded aboard this floating fortress.
In conclusion, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an incredible destination for families seeking an immersive and educational experience. While there are some limitations, such as stroller access and potential crowds, the museum’s pros far outweigh the cons. The opportunity for children to explore real aircraft, submarines, and space artifacts, combined with the museum’s commitment to offering a family-friendly environment, make it a top choice for an unforgettable day of learning and discovery in the heart of New York City.
