Growing up and living in New York City makes you overlook certain attractions or simply put them on your list of I’ll-do-it-one-day. Until the time has come to move away from New York and some of those attractions never happen. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was that one big attraction for me. Every time I drove on the Henry Hudson River Parkway I would look at the huge navy ship and be in awe of it and remind myself I need to visit this historical monument. Here’s my full adventure inside of the Intrepid Museum.
Twelve years later, I finally got a chance to explore it. But best of all, I did it with my family, and that was worth waiting for all along.
So if you are wondering what to do with kids in New York City, the Intrepid is a good addition.
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What is Like the Intrepid Museum Inside?
Is the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum a Good Kid’s Museum in New York?
The day we arrived, it was raining. Everyone kept telling me that Intrepid is an outdoor museum and I need to come back. But with a restrictive schedule, we decided to just go for it. I mean, it’s summer, the rain is warm, and it wasn’t pouring. A little rain never hurt anyone.
1. Weather – yes, there are certain parts of the museum that are outdoors. For instance what you see outside the jets that are sitting on the top platform. However, I’d say more than 75% of the Intrepid is really inside.
Don’t let the weather hold you back. We’re glad it didn’t stop us.
2. Exhibits – The boat is a historical monument and at one point was one of the greatest navy ships of all time during three wars. Over 6000 men lived and fought on here.
Every inch of the boat has a story to tell.
Plus there are tons of fun things to visit and learn about – Submarines, Rocket ships, Jets, to planes, and the boat itself.
3. Tours and duration of your visit – Without doing any extra tours (paid or not) the whole tour will take about 1.5 hours. However, there are so many attractions and specialized tours that you should give yourself at least three hours if decide to sign up for any of the last minute.
All tours and activities are listed below.
4. Hands On – my boys are three and nine. They aren’t exactly at the age to stand around and listen to long-winded tours and explanations, which would be really interesting for me and my husband. But they were so into the hands-on portions of the tour. You can check out different jets.
Go inside rocket ships
Get in the cockpits of jets and pretend to be a pilot – Alone
And with Mama
Visit the control deck of the boat
And best of all, pretend to be the captain and navigate the boat
5. The Upper Deck – as I said earlier, even though the museum looks like it would be mainly outdoors, aside from looking at the cool jets, you can’t enter any of them or do much else. So you will be mainly spending your time on the second level, one level below the upper deck, or in the captain’s quarters, which is also indoors.
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History about the Intrepid Museum
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The Intrepid was commissioned in August 1943. The boat participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, most notably the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
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In November 1944, two kamikazes crashed into the carrier, killing at least six officers and five crew members within five minutes.
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In her second career, she served mainly in the Atlantic but also participated in the Vietnam War.
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Because of her prominent role in battle, she was nicknamed “the Fighting I”.
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The Intrepid was the fifth Essex-class aircraft carrier to be launched and was sponsored by the wife of Vice Admiral John H. Hoover.
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After the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Intrepid was made the temporary emergency headquarters for the FBI.
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In August 2005, the Intrepid welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
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The Museum was founded by – Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher to honor the men and women who served in the armed forces, and their families.
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In 1978, they founded the Intrepid Museum Foundation to save the historic and battle-scarred aircraft carrier Intrepid from the scrap yard.
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The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum opened in 1982.
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Mr. Fisher’s devotion to his country can be summed up in the inscription on the Presidential Plaque presented to him by President Reagan: “To the tireless, dedicated work of many Americans, the Intrepid will serve as an inspiration. One man deserves special tribute, Zachary Fisher, a patriotic American who never forgot and cares so much.”
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The Museum is centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11), one of the most successful ships in US history, and now a national historic landmark and one of the most unique attractions in New York City.
Information About Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum
Phone: 877-957-SHIP (7447) or 212-245-0072
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St and 12th Ave
Hours: Spring/Summer Hours (April 1st – October 31st) – Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM / Saturday, Sunday & Holidays – 10AM – 6PM
Fall/Winter Hours (November 1st – March 31st) – Daily (including Holidays) 10AM – 5PM
Tours and Prices:
– General Admission – Access to Intrepid, Growler Submarine, and the film, Story of Intrepid.
Adult $24.00
Seniors (62+ w/valid ID) $20.00
US College Students (w/valid ID) $20.00
Youth (7-17) $19.00
Veterans $17.00
Child (3-6) $12.00
U.S. Active Military, Retired US Military, Members and Children Under 3 FREE
General Admission with Space Shuttle Pavilion Pricing
Adult $31.00
Seniors (62+ w/valid ID) $27.00
US College Students (w/valid ID) $27.00
Youth (7-17) $24.00
Veterans $24.00
Child (3-6) $17.00
U.S. Active Military, Retired US Military, Children Under 3 FREE
All Access Pass – Available for purchase on-site only.
Intrepid, submarine Growler, Space Shuttle Pavilion, and 1 Simulator Ride, and Audio Tour Rental
Adult $42.00
Seniors (62+ w/valid ID) $38.00
US College Students (w/valid ID) $38.00
Youth (7-17)$35 .00
Veterans $35.00
Child (3-6) $28.00
Simulator Pricing – G-Force – (Must be at least 48″ tall to ride) – $9.00
XD Theater – (Must be at least 38″ tall to ride) – $9.00
Transporter FX – (Must be at least 38″ tall to ride) – $9.00
Audio Tour Pricing – All audio tours include children’s content and history of the ship. Tours are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, and German.
First Audio Tour Rental $5.00
Additional Rentals $4.00 each
Guided Tours – Museum admission is additional
Adult $22.00
Child/Youth (3-17) $16.00
Members $10.00
9/11 Memorial/New York Water Taxi Package – Limited tickets – Just two tours daily.
Adult $51.40
Youth (7-17) $46.40
Senior (62 +) $47.40
College Student $47.40
Veterans $44.40
Child (3-6) $34.00
Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum – Museums for Kids in New York
I visited New York quite a few times but I never visited this museum. Great tip thanks, I will definitely visit next time I’m in New York.
We’re not really museum people, but my husband would totally love this one!
I’m not a museum person either!
It’s incredible to think that 6000 “men lived and fought” on this ship! This is a great suggestion! Thank you!
Hey Mary,
It’s pretty impressive! I can’t imagine living with 6000 men anywhere 🙂