USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: School-age children love aircraft, gun mounts, and simulators, yet many ladders need adult help and under-48″ kids miss engineering tours; plan snacks as no café weekdays.
Positives:
- Free Parking: Plenty of free parking is available next to the pier, making drop-off easy for families.
- Admission Perks: Children 6 and under enter free, and lockers are provided for stowing diaper bags.
Challenges:
- Narrow Passageways: Many decks have steep ladders and tight hatches; not all areas are stroller-friendly.
- Limited Baby Facilities: No changing tables or nursing rooms onboard; plan to use shore facilities before boarding.
What is USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum?
- A floating museum housed on the USS Hornet (CV-12), an Essex-class aircraft carrier built in 1942
- A naval vessel that served in World War II, supported the Apollo 11 recovery mission, and later saw action in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars
- A maritime heritage site retaining original flight decks, island superstructure and authentic naval architecture
What is so special about USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum for with kids?
- Hands-on exhibits like the gunners’ station and flight simulator engage kids ages 3–12.
- Guided Firepower and Island tours offer deeper insights for curious families.
- Open flight deck provides iconic Bay Bridge and skyline views.
- Affordable admission with free entry for kids under 6.
- Family-friendly amenities include free parking and lockers for stroller or diaper bags.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore multiple decks, join a docent tour, and try the flight simulator without rushing younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
Flight Deck Skyline Views:
Step onto the open flight deck for clear views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge.
Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and calmer winds; bring a light jacket.
Hangar Bay Gunners’ Station:
Climb into the interactive gunners’ station and learn how crew aimed deck guns.
Tip: Kids over 5 enjoy this; adults should assist with narrow ladders and watch small children closely.
Apollo 11 Recovery Exhibit:
See the command module replica and footprint display from the moon landing mission.
Tip: Encourage older kids to read the info panels; little ones can peer through portholes to spot details.
Docent-Led Firepower Tour:
Join a guided 45-minute tour to explore ship weapons and sailors’ daily life.
Tip: Book at Admissions upon arrival; tours fill quickly on weekends, so reserve early.
Flight Simulator Ride:
Pilot a carrier-style cockpit simulator for a 5-minute virtual flight.
Tip: Minimum height 38"; under-height kids can watch. Head here first to avoid long lines.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase general admission in advance to skip the ticket line and head straight to the decks.
- Map Your Route: Grab a deck map at Admissions to plan your path and prioritize key exhibits for your kids.
- Early Arrival: Arrive when the museum opens to secure spots on popular docent tours and the flight simulator.
Reviews of USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
angela sandhu
A must-see! The USS Hornet in Alameda is a massive aircraft carrier turned museum — nearly 900 feet long, with an F-14 and other aircraft on the flight deck. There's tons of space memorabilia, helicopters, and incredible history, including picking up the Apollo astronauts and quarantining them in an Airstream trailer.
Lawrence Chinn
What an amazing piece of history that you get to walk through! We have visited the USS Hornet several times now and been on multiple docent tours to various parts. Regardless, we still manage to find new sections to explore. All of the docents are friendly and knowledgeable. What's more incredible is that volunteers keep this museum running.
Andrea Herrmann
An absolute must for technology enthusiasts and anyone interested in military history. The USS Hornet is a decommissioned aircraft carrier and now a museum, staffed by young Marines and veterans. For me, it was an unforgettable afternoon – one of the veterans who had served on the ship personally showed me around. I learned so much about the ship, the technology, daily life on board, and its hist...
Douglas Aberdeen
Pleasant 3 hours spent learning about the shop, the aircraft, the stories including the Apollo connection. The best thing was it was really quiet. Very few people for a large ship. Maybe it's off the beaten track because compared to the USS Enterprise in NYC but I was surprised that it felt peaceful on a Saturday. Next time I would do a docent tour of the conning tower since that's normally off li...
Levent
I had a great experience in this place. Firstly, I have never seen and been in a ship, especially a retired battleship, this large and spacious. Not only that they are showcasing the aircraft and weapons used in World War II, this ship was also involved in the recovery mission of Apollo. During my visit, I was able to explore two floors (I was solo traveling without and docents or any other help),...
When is the best time to visit USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum (San Francisco, United States)?
Summer afternoons can be foggy and windy on deck; layer up. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Morning visits often mean shorter waits for tours and simulator.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General Admission (2 adults + 1 child 7–12) | USD 62 |
| Flight Simulator ride | USD 6 |
| Snacks and drinks | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 88 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
Address: 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA
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About USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space 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.
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