The USS Midway is a retired aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum and now resides in San Diego. Like the USS Lexington, which we saw in Corpus Christi, the Midway is a place that can be fun even for young kids who aren’t history buffs yet. However, visiting a ship isn’t the same as going to a museum that is easily accessible and was created with visitors in mind. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you go:
–Like the USS Lexington, the ship has plenty of narrow hallways, steep stairscases, and raised door sills. Remember to watch where you’re going, and remind your children to do the same. It would be so easy for little ones to trip and fall…step up here, duck there. Just remember that navigating the ship can be challenging if you’re easily distracted…and “easily distracted” describes almost every kid I know!
–Although an elevator is available and a large portion of the ship is handicapped accessible, leave the stroller behind. (See above) Plus, the kids will have more fun if they’re free to roam a little, especially on the huge flight deck.
–Bring the camera. From the ship’s deck, you might get a glimpse of other aircraft carriers in the area. On the day we were there, we saw the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Carl Vinson nearby.
–Be sure to ask about the military discount when you purchase your tickets. All active-duty and reservist personnel receive free admission, and retired military are offered a discounted admission price. Just be sure to bring your I.D. card. Also, children five and under receive complimentary admission, so this can be a budget-friendly excursion for military families.
–This is a great rainy-day activity. Many of San Diego’s most well-known attractions are outdoors, so if the weather is bad, this is a great option. Although the flight deck is outside (obviously), the majority of the exhibitions are inside the ship. The day we went was very gray, cool, and windy, but the lousy weather didn’t spoil the fun at all.
Although I’m not terribly interested in military history, my husband said this was one of his favorite activities during our trip to Southern California. I would definitely recommend the USS Midway to families, especially military families.
All opinions are my own. We did not receive additional discounts at the museum (besides the standard military discount) and received no compensation for writing this post.
