USS Hornet Museum
add photos8 Reviews for USS Hornet Museum
38
14
'11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"History and Hardship"
Nothing impresses a young boy more than an aircraft carrier full of authentic WWII aircraft. The grand scale of this ship alone is destined to make an impression. Visitors enter the ship, sit through a brief safety briefing, and can then explore the open areas on their own or in smaller guided tour groups.
The carrier is not for the frail or physically timid, or for those chasing small children. Even accessing the main areas (other than the main deck and flight deck) involves steep staircases and narrow walkways at considerable heights.
But if you're game for an adventure, visiting the Hornet will impress upon your youngster that those who serve in the military do so at great personal expense. The living quarters are impressionably sparse, the planes impressive and menacing, and the exhibits pay homage to those who lost their lives in military service.
Also on display are exhibits showcasing the Apollo 11 and 12 missions, which were recovered by the USS Hornet, with fascinating historical video and the quarantine trailers where the astronauts were sequestered after their landing.
The depth of history in the ship is palpable. If your children have an appetite for adventure, a good pair of walking (and climbing) shoes, and can be patient with areas being inaccessible due to lack of docents, this is a great museum to visit.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
1 family found this helpful
"USS Hornet Museum"
Definitely an activity better suited for little boys. My husband, brother-in-law and stepson loved it. I was a little bored after an hour or so. It was interesting to go on the tour to the engine room and hear the history but I got a little worn out wandering around looking at the different displays. There is a lot to see and a lot of walking is involved, so be prepared.
0 families found this helpful
"Really fun for boys"
This is a real aircraft carrier used in WWII. I took my husband just a month ago and he was just as giddy as a small school boy. There are so many things to see, you can even get into the captains chair. You can tour the kitchen, bunks, bathrooms, briefing room, planning room, among others. Plus its just fun to be on a boat.
3 families found this helpful
"USS Hornet fun for 8 and over"
We belong to the local cub scout troop and were lucky enough to get to spend the night on this ship. We slept in the bunks on sub-level 3 and I will never again forget my earplugs! Kids up late, parents snoring, thudding from anything moving. I was lucky to get 3 hours sleep. OK, just had to vent a little. The thin mattresses hung from chains off the ceiling were actually pretty comfortable. (newfound respect for our sailors of WWII). Here's hoping the new ships have better sleeping quarters for our guys!
Aside from that, this was a fantastic trip! Lots of things to look at. Real fighter jets and helicopters in hangar bay as well as a space capsule from the Apollo missions. This is the ship that picked up Neil Armstrong and his team after walking on the moon for the first time. You can even walk in Armstrongs first footsteps back on earth that are painted on floor.
Like on the first line of the info sheet says, everything on this ship is hard steel so no running is allowed. I'm 6-2 and had to duck almost every step of the way. All of the stairs are very narrow and very steep so this is not a tour for any children under say about 7 or who have difficulty navigating ladders. For my son the gift shop was VERY interesting. Don't miss the chance to get real dog tags made. They have an original dog tag machine and can create personalized tags for you for $5 each. Also, don't miss the bridge, flight deck, torpedo bay, engine, and anchor rooms. These are must see areas.
0 families found this helpful
"Visit History"
Our family really enjoys visiting this kind of 'attractions': they have a life, a history and it is a very enjoyable way to teach our kids about history and for us to learn new things. They offer lots of special events during the year and you can even sleepover on the ship. The ship is supposedly haunted so that really creeped my kids...
1 family found this helpful
"Amazing!"
Kids will love the airplanes and the fun of roaming around a huge ship. Older kids (and parents) will get a great educational and historical experience aboard this famous ship. There are veteran volunteers aboard who love to talk about the Hornet and can tell you some amazing stories of their experiences. It's very unique and worth a trip!
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
An authentically restored aircraft carrier with numerous sea, air, and space exhibits focused on World War II and Apollo moon landings. The variety of craft includes fighter jets, propeller and jet helicopters, and more. Most of the docents are Navy vets, many were naval aviators, and some served on the ship in WWII or in Vietnam.
On the third Saturday of every month, Living Ship Day recreates life at sea, with planes being moved by giant elevators to the flight deck, PA announcements echoing throughout the hangar bays, and guest speakers sharing their sea stories.
1 family found this helpful
"Educational and fun!"
The USS Hornet is like a giant metal jungle gym with historical interest! The tours have you walking, climbing and squeezing your way through the inner workings of an aircraft carrier. Lots of interesting things for adults and kids old enough to be interested in boats, military things, history, etc.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near USS Hornet Museum »
Find Activities near USS Hornet Museum »
Find Restaurants near USS Hornet Museum »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
