Have your kids ever dreamed of piloting their own jet or helicopter? Are they obsessed with all things airplanes
Then they will love the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier in San Diego, California.
At 968 feet in length (almost three football fields long!), this historic ship houses over 30 aircraft and more than 60 exhibit areas. More than enough to keep your kids entertained while you explore and learn!
Are you considering a visit to the USS Midway on your next San Diego vacation with kids? I think you should! I share my five main reasons to visit the USS Midway Museum with kids below!
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USS Midway Museum Location and Parking
The USS Midway is anchored in the San Diego Bay along the Embarcadero at 910 North Harbor Drive.
It is within walking distance from the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Seaport Village, so if you only have one day in San Diego, you can see a lot without leaving the waterside!
There are many places to park near the USS Midway, including a paid parking lot adjacent to the ship. There are also metered spots located along Harbor Drive. Some of the parking lots and spaces have time limits, so make sure to pay attention to the signs when you park.
USS Midway Museum Hours and Admission
The USS Midway Museum is open every day except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Entrance to the museum is available from 10 am until 4 pm. The museum officially closes at 5 pm.
Admission to the USS Midway Museum ranges from $12-$26, depending on age. If you purchase your tickets directly from the USS Midway website, you will receive discounts on other activities in the vicinity.
If you are planning on visiting other San Diego-area attractions, consider purchasing a Go City San Diego Card. You can receive a discount of up to 20% off the price of admission if you have two or more activities. Or up to a 55% discount by purchasing a 1-7 day card. Click here to learn more.
Why You Should Visit the USS Midway Museum with Kids
The History!
After almost 50 years of service, the USS Midway has some stories to tell! Kids will love to learn more about the ship’s history and the locations it has traveled. From the sub-Arctic to the Persian Gulf, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, this ship has sailed many parts of the world.
And it’s not just the ship’s history that is interesting to learn about, but the aircraft that is housed on the carrier as well. Planes that have completed rescue missions or ones that have have been flown by a US President are just a small sample of what you can expect to see on this floating museum.
Dedicated Audio Tour for Kids
Upon entering the USS Midway Museum, one of your first stops will be to pick up a free audio tour player. The players allow guests to take a self-guided tour of the museum, stopping along the way to listen to stories told by some of the sailors who served on the ship.
Kids have their own version of the tour! At the various stops, kids can scan the green portion of the tour. Airman Sam Rodriguez will share information that kids want to learn about! It is the perfect way to keep the kids engaged and learning, without overloading them with too much information.
The Junior Pilot Program
Would your kids love to earn their wings? All they have to do is participate in the Junior Pilot Program!
The Junior Pilot Program gives kids even more incentive to listen to the audio tour. At the information desk by the entrance of the ship, kids will receive a sheet of questions. The way to find the answer is to visit specific audio tour stops. Ask the volunteer docent which stops the kids should look out for.
After your child completes the quiz, they can take the Junior Pilot oath and receive their wings! It’s fun a process, and keeps kids interested during their entire visit!
Hands-On Exhibits
Throughout the ship, there are tons of exhibits that kids can climb in or get their hands on. They can get a feel of what life was like for the sailors on the USS Midway, including day-to-day activities and jobs. On the hangar deck, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the cockpit of a plane or helicopter!
Other Unique Experiences
Would your kids love to experience what it is like to pilot a fighter plane? On the USS Midway, there are two options for kids (and adults!) to experience flight simulation. Both simulators are not included with admission. Prices are listed below.
The first is the Screaming Eagles Virtual Reality. Kids can launch their fighter jet off of the ship and hit various targets to complete their mission. Pilots must be at least 38″ tall to fly. Flights are on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $7 per pilot.
The other simulator option is not for those who easily get motion sick! The Air Combat 360 places pilots in an enclosed simulator, and twists, turns, and even flips the riders while simulating flying missions. Pilots must be at least 42″ tall to ride with an adult, and 48″ tall to ride without an adult. Double-occupancy is required, so make sure your young pilot has a co-pilot willing to board! Flights are on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $8 per pilot.
Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum with Kids
- While a vast majority of the ship is wheelchair/stroller accessible, some of the ship is not. Areas in the lower decks require stepping over doorway thresholds, and there are steep stairs to the lower decks.
- You cannot bring outside food onto the ship. Plastic water bottles are allowed, but if you are visiting around mealtimes, plan on stopping by the grab-and-go market on the hangar deck for sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- Plan to spend a minimum of 1.5-2 hours aboard. This ship is HUGE, and there is a lot to see!
- Wear comfortable footwear. Climbing up and down the steeper steps, in addition to all of the walking you will do, your feet will thank you not to be in heels or unsupportive shoes.
- Purchase your tickets ahead of time. Skip the lines at the ticket booth with a pre-purchased ticket or Go San Diego Card. The weekends can get busy, and this will save you time!
Our Thoughts on Visiting the USS Midway Museum with Kids
We loved visiting the USS Midway! The kids were amazed and in awe of all the aircraft onboard. They loved climbing in some of the planes and helicopters and pretending to be a pilot.
They especially loved all of the mannequin displays throughout the ship. Their favorite was in the bathroom! You’ll know it when you see you see it.
Lastly, they were SO PROUD to become Junior Pilots and take the oath to earn their wings. Your kids will love this floating museum too! We highly recommend visiting the USS Midway Museum on your next visit to San Diego.
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