There are many fun things to do with your kids in New York City, and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is not to be missed.
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is a National Historic Landmark. It is located at Pier 86 on the Hudson River in Hell’s Kitchen. The museum welcomes over 1 million visitors a year. So, it is a good idea to purchase tickets in advance and plan your visit ahead of time to skip long wait lines.Through its collections, exhibitions, and programming, the museum aims to promote awareness and understanding of history, science, and service. Its mission is to honor our heroes, educate the public, and inspire our youth.
Take your kids on a dynamic educational journey and let them have fun while leaning through the many exciting experiences available. For instance, they can marvel at the world’s first space shuttle. Then, they can view the world’s fastest military jet and spy plane. After that, they can explore the only American-guided missile submarine open to the public. Maybe they would want to spend most of their time stepping aboard the iconic aircraft carrier, the Intrepid. The opportunities for fun at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum are endless. The family-friendly interactive exhibits and activities offered all year long are sure to keep children engaged and entertained.
Main Exhibits at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Aircraft Carrier Intrepid
Kids will be excited to walk the decks of the Intrepid. The historic aircraft carrier is the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. It was launched in 1943 and used to fight in World War II, successfully surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. The ship later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Finally, the carrier served as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s until it was decommissioned in 1974.
Space Shuttle Pavilion
The Space Shuttle Pavilion offers kids the ability to immerse themselves in the history of the space shuttle Enterprise. The Enterprise was the prototype NASA orbiter that launched America’s space shuttle program. In addition to the space shuttle, there are seventeen dynamic exhibit zones, featuring original artifacts, photographs, audio, and films for your kids to explore.
Submarine Growler
The Growler is the only American guided missile submarine open to the public. That means you can give your kids a unique opportunity of first-hand experience at life aboard a real submarine. So, let them get up-close and personal with this “top-secret” missile command center during your visit to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
British Airways Concorde
Let your kids get an up-close look at this record-breaking plane. On February 7, 1996, the plane only took 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds to cross the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it holds the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing by any Concorde.
Air and Space Simulators
The simulators at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum are a no-brainer for fun and excitement. Kids can experience the virtual flight zone with three exciting simulators: G-Force Encounter, XD Theater, and the Transporter FX. They can jump into the cockpit of a supersonic jet plane, or go on a training mission with the Screaming Eagles flying a Navy fighter jet. After that, they can even experience the high-performance turns and maneuvers of the Blue Angels flight, or become immersed in experience by the true stories of Intrepid aviators. Some height restrictions apply, limiting rides to those over 38”.
Emploreum Hall
One of the most popular kid-friendly attractions at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is the 13,000 sq. ft. Exploreum Interactive Hall. It is located in the Museum’s hangar deck and is one of the most visited areas of the ship, encouraging visitors to climb in an actual Bell 47 helicopter, navigate through an interactive submarine, and steer the wings of an airplane.
Overnights
Operation Slumber gives your kid the opportunity to spend the night aboard the Intrepid. Therefore, your child can live like a sailor while enjoying exclusive access to the ship and sleeping among the aircraft. Each youth participant receives dinner, snacks, and breakfast, along with a souvenir t-shirt. With flashlight guided tours of the flight deck, unlimited simulator rides, planetarium shows, and hands-on educational activities, sleeping overnight at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is sure to please all young aviation fans.
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Rain or shine, there is always something fun happening for kids at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. From the Museum’s fun themed birthday parties, full day camps where history and STEM combine, and guided tours for a deeper insight into the exhibits, the educational journey is fun for all ages throughout the whole year.
