Intrepid Museum NYC: Aircraft Carrier, Space Shuttle & Submarine

Walk real decks, see legendary jets and submarines in NYC

You’ll walk real warship decks on the Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York City, squeeze through Growler submarine hatches (if you’re tall enough), and stand beneath the space shuttle Enterprise—all included with your ticket. Expect hands-on exhibits, stories from guides who know their stuff, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Intrepid Museum exhibits

• Visit Intrepid aircraft carrier
• Explore Space Shuttle Pavilion
• Tour Growler submarine
• Watch 'The Story of Intrepid' film
• Watch 'Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light' film

The Experience

I thought I’d just be wandering around looking at old planes, but the Intrepid Museum in New York surprised me right away. The moment we stepped onto that huge aircraft carrier—Intrepid herself—the metal under my feet had this cold, solid feel, and there was this faint smell of oil and sea air. Our guide, Marcus (he used to serve on a ship like this), pointed out scorch marks from WWII attacks. He told us how the Intrepid survived five kamikaze hits. I caught myself running my hand along one of those battered railings, thinking about what it must have felt like back then. It’s weird how quiet it gets sometimes, even with all the families around.

The Growler submarine was tighter than I expected—honestly, I almost chickened out when I saw how narrow the hatch was. Some kid behind me said “whoa” as his dad ducked through. Inside, everything smelled like metal and old rubber hoses (or maybe that was just my imagination). There’s a height limit for kids—makes sense once you see those ladders. Li, our friend from Queens, tried to explain some of the controls but mostly we just pressed buttons and laughed at ourselves. The main keyword here really is “day trip Intrepid Museum New York”—it’s way more hands-on than any museum I’ve done before.

We finished in the Space Shuttle Pavilion—standing under Enterprise made me feel tiny in a good way. There’s this hush when you look up at it; even noisy school groups kind of go quiet for a second. I didn’t expect to get emotional about a spaceship but…yeah. We watched both short films included with admission (“Kamikaze: Day of Darkness” stuck with me). By the time we left, my phone was full of blurry photos and my head full of stories.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to New York’s Intrepid Museum with access to all main attractions—the aircraft carrier itself, Growler Submarine (for those over 40 inches tall), Space Shuttle Pavilion with Enterprise on display—and all temporary exhibitions plus two short documentary films shown onboard.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Intrepid Air & Space Museum

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Top questions

Is entry to the Growler submarine included with an Intrepid Museum ticket?

Yes, access to the Growler submarine is included if you meet height requirements.

Are children allowed inside the submarine?

Children must be at least 40 inches tall to enter the Growler submarine.

Is the Intrepid Museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum is mostly wheelchair accessible except for parts of the submarine and some ship areas.

Does admission include seeing the space shuttle?

Yes, your ticket includes access to the Space Shuttle Pavilion featuring Enterprise.

Are films included with admission?

Yes, two short films are included: “The Story of Intrepid” and “Kamikaze: Day of Darkness.”

Can infants or toddlers visit?

Infants and small children can visit; children ages 4 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the museum.