Visiting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum With Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Have you ever thought about visiting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, but you were concerned about how kid-friendly it is? Let me share my insights.

Hi, Heather here, homeschool mom of 5 with ages ranging from 14 to 1. Planning vacation outings is a process to make sure it doesn’t end in chaos.

• Will my teenagers get bored too quickly?
• What about nap times?
• Diaper changing areas?
• Stroller or baby carrier?
• Can I bring snacks? (This is so important for all kids!)

So many little factors play into the planning, including the cost for a family of 7! Thankfully, Patriots Point offers many online discounts, and the best part is that children under 6 are completely FREE!

For $3, the kids can do a scavenger hunt. We personally did not try this, but my teenagers did try the simulator ride for $10 each, which they loved!

When you go, be sure to wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking!

My stroller was a must, and I was able to get around most exhibits; however, there are a few that are foot traffic only, so having a baby carrier is very helpful. If you aren’t attached to your stroller like I am, I would recommend using a baby carrier instead.

One thing that helped me plan our route ahead of time was the interactive map on the Patriots Point website. Many restrooms, water fountains, and concession stands are available on different levels of the USS Yorktown, and you can see exactly where the restrooms, elevators, and tour stops are before you even set foot on the ship. Knowing this made it so much easier to map out a stroller-friendly path and know where to head if you have smaller children who need a diaper change or a break.

We spent our entire day here because there is a lot to see, plus we took lots of walking and snack breaks. Also, if you wear a hat, just be careful on the top deck because my daughter almost lost hers.

Now, let me share my kids’ favorite things about our visit. The things they enjoyed most on the USS Yorktown:

• Climbing up to the Captain’s Chair and pretending to steer the ship
• Exploring the interactive engine room
• Going up and down ladders and through narrow passages, where every corner felt like a brand new discovery

Of course, they loved running around the Flight & Hangar Decks learning about each aircraft, and the highlight was getting to sit inside the Apollo 8 Capsule Replica.

The USS Laffey Destroyer was extra special for my kids to explore because their great-grandfather was with us. He was stationed on a very similar vessel during his time in the Navy, and we soaked up every story he shared as we stepped into each room.

They had a blast using the Combat Information Center, but the siren kept going off, so I don’t think we were able to defend against an attack.

Patriots Point got its start back in the 1970s, built around the USS Yorktown, a real WWII aircraft carrier, as its centerpiece. Since opening in 1976, it’s grown into one of South Carolina’s most visited attractions, welcoming more than 300,000 guests a year. Beyond the Yorktown, the museum is also home to a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial, and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the entire country.

One of my favorite things to explore was the Vietnam Experience exhibit. I was able to let the kids run free as they explored and interacted with each display. There was a video you can watch with interviews from Vietnam veterans, and I highly recommend taking the time to watch it. It moved me to tears.

At the end of the day, we were very tired, but everyone had a great time and enjoyed every bit of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. My kids enjoyed it so much that we are now planning to visit another battleship in Wilmington, North Carolina.