Battleship USS Iowa Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Battleship USS Iowa Museum?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: School-age children love the free Vicky scavenger hunt and big guns, and staff offer STEM camps, but open ladders, narrow doors, and hard steel decks demand close adult supervision.
![[13] Battleship Iowa (BB-61) Museum Day Trip](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p3voT3X2lJg/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Interactive learning: Kids can operate mock controls in the engine room and read kid-friendly history panels.
- Veteran volunteer stories: Volunteers share real service stories you can ask about in the captain’s cabin and deck.
Challenges:
- Narrow passageways: Many corridors have steep ladders and low overheads; carry younger kids and use a front carrier.
- Exposed decks: No shade on upper decks; bring sun protection, hats, and refillable water bottles.
What is Battleship USS Iowa Museum?
- A floating naval museum occupying the decommissioned USS Iowa (BB-61) battleship
- The lead ship of the Iowa class, commissioned in 1943 and active in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War
- A moored landmark in the Port of Los Angeles at San Pedro showcasing original warship architecture, armament, and engineering
What is so special about Battleship USS Iowa Museum for with kids?
- Free scavenger hunt with Vicky the Dog engages kids ages 4+
- Hands-on engine and gun turret tours spark STEAM interest
- Kid-friendly menu with harbor views at Vicky’s Doghouse Café
- Audio app and clear signage make history fun and accessible
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours lets your family explore decks, complete the scavenger hunt, and grab a bite without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Victory “Vicky” the Dog Scavenger Hunt:
Follow paw print clues across multiple decks to find Vicky the mascot.
Tip: Pick up your scavenger sheet at the entrance and start on the main deck.
Self-Guided Tour:
Wander through officer quarters, gun turrets, and the captain’s cabin.
Tip: Use the free USS Iowa audio app for narrated stories in English or Spanish.
Vicky’s Doghouse Café:
Enjoy kid-friendly hot dogs, sandwiches, and harbor views from the fantail.
Tip: Call ahead at lunch rush to hold a table for your family near the railing.
Big Guns Engineering Tour:
Join a small crew-led tour into the gun turrets and engine rooms.
Tip: Book this add-on online early; best for kids 8+ due to tight spaces.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- Skip lines: Buy tickets online to avoid waiting at the ticket booth.
- Preload audio: Download the USS Iowa audio app before arrival for seamless self-guided tours.
- Early visit: Arrive at opening to explore quieter decks and enjoy cooler morning air.
Reviews of Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Grumpy Scot
Fascinating tours of an iconic warship. There are both self guided and guided tours. You can see most parts of the top decks, the lower decks are closed off. Its amazing how flat out HUGE these ships are. The 16in and 5in guns are still aboard as are the Harpoon and tomahawk missile launchers. a lot of the quarters and messdeck are kept operational because groups can camp there. Knowledgeabl...
Jimmer Wagner
Came here March 2025 on a Saturday when they were doing a tribute to police K-9s day. Pretty cool. The museum is quite amazing. Not only is the ship remarkable but also the exhibits and displays inside are fascinating. Right next to the cruise terminal and port facilities, which provided a nice backdrop for this big beauty. Well worth the hour to hour and a half we spent and the cost of admission....
Nicole Y.
We had an amazing time exploring the Battleship IOWA in Long Beach. The ship is massive and well-preserved, offering a fascinating look into naval history. The self-guided tour was easy to follow, with lots of informative signs and interactive displays. Standing on the deck and seeing the huge guns up close was incredible. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to a...
Marek Minecki
This was a lot of fun especially for the kids... we did the self guided tour and it took about 1.5 hours. It is a part of history that the kids only know about from books and seeing and touching the real thing really gives them a connection to the effort and sacrifice it all took. The place is well curated, maintained and the volunteers are very helpful...
John Van Horn
What an amazing piece of history. The staff were great, and helpful. We’re from Iowa, so it was fun for us to learn about this legacy of a ship. It was a self guided tour but very easy to guide around the ship. There are a lot of steep stairs. Well worth the time to take a detour to see this amazing piece of history.
When is the best time to visit Battleship USS Iowa Museum (Los Angeles, United States)?
In summer, enroll kids in STEAM at Sea camps and bring hats and sunscreen for exposed decks. Winters are mild but breezy; pack a light jacket.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult general admission | USD 55.12 |
| 2 child general admission | USD 30 |
| Family meal at Vicky’s Doghouse Café | USD 34 |
| Total Estimated | USD 120 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA
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About Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 310-971-4462Average price
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