The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum ranks among New York City’s best family attractions, offering hands-on experiences that captivate children while educating them about history, science, and technology. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting with kids.
Age Recommendations
Best Ages: 5-14 Years
While all ages can enjoy the museum, children 5-14 get the most from the experience. They’re old enough to understand exhibits but still young enough to be amazed by the massive scale.
By Age Group
Toddlers (0-3)
- Pros: Free admission under 5
- Cons: Limited stroller access, long walks
- Best features: Exploreum play area, spacious hangar
- Skip: Submarine tour (not permitted)
- Duration: 1-2 hours max
Preschoolers (4-6)
- Perfect for: Exploreum interactive exhibits
- Love: Climbing in helicopter, touching displays
- Attention span: 2-3 hours
- Must-do: Flight simulators (if tall enough)
Elementary (7-11)
- Ideal age for full experience
- Can appreciate: History and technology
- Favorites: Space Shuttle, submarine, simulators
- Duration: 3-4 hours happily
Tweens/Teens (12+)
- Interests: Military history, space program
- Photo ops: Great for social media
- Independence: Can explore some areas alone
- Add-ons: Concorde tour, VR experiences
Kid-Favorite Exhibits
1. Exploreum (Must-Visit)
The Exploreum is designed specifically for families:
- Bell 47 Helicopter: Kids can climb inside and pretend to fly
- Interactive Submarine: Navigate underwater with periscope
- Wing Control: Move aircraft control surfaces
- Cargo Loading: Stack supplies on aircraft carrier
- Sound Tubes: Communicate like sailors
2. Space Shuttle Enterprise
- Massive scale impresses all ages
- Walk underneath and around
- Interactive displays at kid height
- Space suits and equipment to see
- Compare to Soyuz capsule size
3. Flight Deck Aircraft
Kids love:
- Walking among giant planes
- Cockpit viewing (some accessible)
- Finding different types of aircraft
- Helicopter variety
- Photo opportunities everywhere
4. G-Force Encounter
- Age requirement: 48 inches tall
- Experience: Feel fighter pilot G-forces
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Cost: $12 per person
- Thrill level: Moderate
5. Flight Simulators
- XD Theater: 4D movie experience
- Transporter FX: Motion simulator
- Stories of Intrepid: Historical film
- Cost: $9-12 each
- Height requirements vary by ride
Family-Friendly Amenities
Stroller Policy
- Allowed in most areas
- NOT permitted in submarine
- Elevator access available
- Can be parked at certain exhibits
- Narrow passages in some areas
Baby Care Facilities
- Family restrooms available
- Changing tables in restrooms
- No dedicated nursing room (use quiet corners)
- Welcome Center has seating areas
Food Options for Families
Aviator Grill (Welcome Center):
- Kids’ menu available
- High chairs provided
- Pizza, burgers, chicken fingers
- Can pre-order to save time
Intrepid Marketplace:
- Quick snacks and drinks
- Outdoor seating available
- Ice cream in summer
Picnic Option:
- No outside food in museum
- Can eat at nearby Hudson River Park
- Re-entry not permitted
Educational Opportunities
Learning by Age
Preschool Concepts
- Big vs. small (planes, ships)
- Float vs. fly
- Jobs on a ship
- Basic space concepts
Elementary Topics
- World War II history
- How aircraft carriers work
- Space exploration timeline
- Military service branches
- Technology evolution
Middle School Connections
- Physics of flight
- Cold War history
- Engineering challenges
- Navigation and radar
- Space race details
Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Create your own hunt:
- Find 5 different types of aircraft
- Spot 3 different country flags
- Count helicopters on deck
- Find the biggest and smallest planes
- Locate specific aircraft numbers
Special Programs for Families
Operation Slumber (Overnight)
- Ages: 6-17 with adult
- Cost: $150 adults, $120 children
- Includes: Dinner, breakfast, activities
- Sleep: On the hangar deck
- Activities: Flashlight tours, movies, crafts
- Dates: Select Fridays/Saturdays
Birthday Parties
- Package: Starting at $600
- Includes: 15 children admission
- Private space for celebration
- Activities included
- Additional kids: $35 each
Scout Programs
- Merit badge workshops
- STEM badges available
- Group rates offered
- Guided education programs
Practical Tips for Families
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking)
- Layers – flight deck can be windy
- Sun protection in summer
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks for before/after
- Camera/phone for photos
- Small backpack for belongings
What NOT to Bring
- Large bags (security check)
- Scooters or skateboards
- Balloons or balls
- Pets (except service animals)
Navigation Strategy
- Start with energy-dependent areas: Exploreum while kids are fresh
- Visit submarine early: Avoid afternoon lines
- Take breaks: Lots of walking involved
- End with gift shop: Promise it as reward
Safety Considerations
Important Rules
- Children under 16 must be with adult
- Stay together on flight deck (open sides)
- No climbing on aircraft (except designated)
- Hold hands in crowded areas
- Submarine has one-way route
Meeting Points
If separated, meet at:
- Information desk (hangar deck)
- Space Shuttle entrance
- Gift shop
- Welcome Center
Managing Expectations
Prepare Kids Beforehand
- Show pictures of aircraft carrier
- Explain military history age-appropriately
- Discuss submarine tight spaces
- Set behavior expectations
- Build excitement about space shuttle
Common Challenges
Long walks:
Wait times:
Overwhelming size:
Height restrictions:
Nearby Kid-Friendly Combo
Extend your day with nearby attractions:
- Hudson River Park: Playgrounds and green space
- Circle Line Cruises: 5-minute walk
- The Vessel at Hudson Yards: 20-minute walk
- Times Square: 15-minute walk
Budget Tips for Families
- Kids under 5: FREE admission
- Family membership: Pays for itself in 2 visits
- Skip add-ons: General admission plenty for first visit
- Pack snacks: Eat before/after visit
- Free activities: Scavenger hunts, photo challenges
- Avoid gift shop: Or set spending limit
Sensory Considerations
For Sensitive Children
- Loud areas: Flight deck (wind), simulators
- Quiet spaces: Space Shuttle Pavilion, exhibitions
- Crowded times: Avoid weekends if possible
- Overwhelming spaces: Take breaks outside
- Dark areas: Some exhibit spaces, submarine
Autism-Friendly Features
- Sensory bags available (ask at info)
- Quiet spaces identified
- Visual schedules can help
- Morning visits typically calmer
Age-Specific Itineraries
With Toddlers (1.5 hours)
- Exploreum (45 minutes)
- Space Shuttle viewing (15 minutes)
- Quick flight deck walk (15 minutes)
- Gift shop browse (15 minutes)
With Elementary Kids (3 hours)
- Submarine tour (30 minutes)
- Exploreum (45 minutes)
- Space Shuttle Pavilion (30 minutes)
- Flight deck aircraft (45 minutes)
- Simulator ride (15 minutes)
- Hangar exhibitions (30 minutes)
- Gift shop (15 minutes)
With Tweens/Teens (4 hours)
- Full submarine tour (30 minutes)
- Space Shuttle detailed visit (45 minutes)
- All flight deck aircraft (60 minutes)
- Concorde tour (20 minutes)
- Historic spaces exploration (45 minutes)
- Simulators and interactive (30 minutes)
- Special exhibitions (30 minutes)
Photo Tips with Kids
- Best family photo: In front of Space Shuttle
- Action shots: Kids in helicopter cockpit
- Scale photos: Kids next to massive planes
- Fun angles: Looking up at aircraft
- Memory book: Collect photos at each exhibit
Final Tips for Success
- Visit on weekday if possible (less crowded)
- Arrive at opening for best experience
- Download museum app for audio guide
- Make it an adventure, not a lesson
- Let kids lead sometimes
- Take breaks when needed
- End on a high note
Planning your family visit? Check our guides on best times to avoid crowds, family ticket discounts, and dining options. Return to our complete Intrepid Museum guide for more information.
