Mystic Seaport Museum with Kids
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut, this unique museum offers an immersive experience that takes you back in time to explore America’s rich seafaring heritage. Visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum with kids is a must do when you are visiting Mystic Connecticut.
Visiting Mystic Seaport Museum With Kids
If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids in Mystic a trip to Mystic Seaport Museum is perfect for the whole family. During our trip to Mystic Ct, we took a visit to the Seaport Museum to have some fun and learn some history.
While this outdoor museum is large everything that you will want to see is within walking distance once you walk into the museum area.
The Mystic Seaport Museum has the perfect combination of adult and child-friendly exhibits so the whole family will love their time spent here. There are many things to do when you are visiting Mystic Seaport Museum with kids that will keep them having fun and entertained.
The Mystic Seaport Museum provides a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages to learn about and engage with America’s maritime history and my kids loved this adventure.
Museums to Visit with Kids
- Jamestown Settlement Museum
- American Revolution Museum at YorktownÂ
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- Strong Museum of Play in Rochester
- Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale Florida
Our Visit to Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic Ct
We explored as many different areas of the museum as we could on our trip. I definitely wish I had planned more time for the stop so we could have gone more in-depth in our exploration.
Exploring the Wake of the Whalers Museum
We started our visit with the indoor Voyaging in the Wake of the Whalers Museum. The section of the museum dedicated to whalers offers a wealth of information for visitors. It provides an engaging experience for children through videos and interactive screens, allowing them to explore and learn about whaling.
The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including general information about whaling, the process involved, and the various resources obtained from whales.
Exploring the Ships at Mystic Seaport Museum
Then we moved to the outside exhibits and checked out the ships that are in what used to be a working shipyard. Our first stop was walking on the deck of the Joseph Conrad ship. My mom was with us on this trip and she told me that as a kid she used to go to an overnight camp that was staying on the Joseph Conrad ship and while we were there we got to walk on the deck of the Joseph Conrad ship!
We then went over to explore the Charles W. Morgan ship where we were able to not only walk on the deck but walk in the different areas of the ship. As you explore the Charles W. Morgan, you’ll witness the ship’s authentic interior and get a sense of what life was like for the crew. You can see the cramped crew quarters, the captain’s cabin, the galley, and other areas of the ship, which provide a glimpse into the realities of long voyages and whaling operations.
Exploring the Village
From there we walked around the historic village. exploring the meticulously recreated seaport village during our visit was amazing! The buildings you encounter are not mere replicas. They are authentic trade shops and businesses from the 1800s, carefully transported to the Mystic Seaport Museum from various locations across New England.
As you wander through the Seaport Village, you’ll witness a vibrant array of maritime trades. From skilled ship smiths and coopers to talented woodcarvers and riggers, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how America’s maritime history has shaped our present-day lives.
Exploring the Children’s Museum
We ended our time in the Children’s Museum and Hannah playing the outdoor play space with small wooden boats.
Inside the children’s museum, there is a boat equipped with life jackets, fishing gear, and a map for “swabbing the deck.” Additionally, you’ll find an old-fashioned kitchen, a cozy reading area, engaging puzzles, and more.
The girls thoroughly enjoyed their time exploring and playing on the bunks within the children’s museum. Their earlier encounter with the bunks on the old whaling ship added to their excitement and connection to the experience.
Why We Loved the Mystic Seaport Museum
The Museum is interesting. One of the things that can be tough when taking kids to a museum is if the exhibits are boring. When you are exploring the different indoor exhibits not only will you see artifacts but you will also have movies that you can watch. I find that having the kids watch the short movies in a museum gets the more interested than if they are just reading signs.
Getting to explore the ships. You are able to get on some of the ships and not only walk on the above deck but also go below the deck. You are able to see different rooms of the ship and explore
Fun for everyone. This attraction in Mystic has something for everyone no matter their age. The whole family will enjoy exploring the ships, and the indoor exhibits, and the kids will for sure love the Children’s Museum.
Interactive. Hands-on learning and fun are something my kids always love. Being able to walk thru the ship and touch things in different places around the museum kept them interested and enjoying our trip.
What is the Seaport Museum in Mystic?
The Seaport Museum in Mystic refers to the Mystic Seaport Museum, located in Mystic, Connecticut, USA. It is a maritime museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting America’s maritime history. The museum is situated on a 19-acre waterfront site along the Mystic River and features a wide range of exhibits, historic vessels, and interactive experiences.
The Mystic Seaport Museum showcases the seafaring heritage of New England and offers visitors a chance to explore various aspects of maritime history. The museum’s collections include over two million artifacts, including historic ships, maritime art, navigational instruments, ship models, and more.
Visitors can tour several historic vessels, such as the Charles W. Morgan, a wooden whaleship from the 19th century. The museum also has a recreated 19th-century seafaring village where visitors can experience life in a maritime community through exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and historic buildings.
Where is the Mystic Seaport Museum?
The Mystic Seaport Museum is located in Mystic, Connecticut, in the United States. The museum’s address is 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355. It is situated on the banks of the Mystic River, providing a picturesque waterfront setting for visitors to enjoy. Mystic is a historic coastal town known for its maritime heritage, and the museum is one of its main attractions.
What is there to do at the Seaport Museum with Kids?
Children’s Museum. They have a dedicated Children’s Museum area where kids can engage in hands-on activities related to maritime history. Encourage your children to participate in interactive exhibits, dress up in period costumes, and try their hand at knot tying or toy boat racing.
Historic Vessels. Touring the historic vessels is a highlight of the museum. You can step aboard iconic ships like the Charles W. Morgan or the Joseph Conrad. You will learn about the maritime history associated with these vessels and get a sense of what life was like at sea.
19th-Century Seafaring Village. Visit the recreated 19th-century coastal village where you can explore authentic buildings and interact with costumed interpreters.
Exhibits and Galleries. The museum houses a variety of exhibits and galleries that delve into different aspects of maritime history. Explore collections of maritime art, ship models, navigational instruments, and artifacts related to seafaring. These exhibits offer insights into shipbuilding, navigation, exploration, and the impact of maritime industries on society.
Live Demonstrations and Performances. Throughout the day, the museum hosts live demonstrations and performances that showcase maritime skills and traditions. You can witness traditional crafts like coopering, blacksmithing, and sailmaking, as well as performances of sea shanties, storytelling, and reenactments that bring maritime history to life.
Boat Rides and Cruises. Take a boat ride or short cruise on the Mystic River aboard historic vessels. This offers a unique perspective of the museum and its surroundings and allows you to experience being on the water.
Educational Programs. The museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops for all ages. These programs cover topics such as maritime history, boatbuilding, navigation, and more. Check the museum’s schedule for any special events or workshops happening during your visit.
Tips for Visiting Seaport Museum With Kids
There are some tips for visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum with kids even easier and more enjoyable.
- Plan your visit. Before you go, check the museum’s website for information about exhibits, shows, and special events. Take note of the museum’s opening hours, as well as any age restrictions or guidelines that may be in place.
- Get the kids involved. Engage your children in the planning process. Show them pictures or videos of the museum, read books about ships and maritime history, and discuss what they are most excited to see. This will help build anticipation and make the visit more meaningful for them.
- Start with the highlights. Begin your visit by exploring the main attractions of the museum, such as the historic ships, including Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. This will capture your kids’ attention and provide a good introduction to the maritime history the museum showcases.
- Utilize the resources. The museum provides maps, guidebooks, and audio tours to enhance your visit. Take advantage of these resources to navigate the museum and learn more about the exhibits.
FAQs
How long should I plan my visit?
Mystic Seaport Museum is a large outdoor museum with many exhibits and activities to explore. Plan for a full day or at least several hours to fully experience the museum without feeling rushed. We only planned a few hours for our visit and should have planned a much longer time than we did.
What are the hours for the Museum?
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. You are able to walk around outside the grounds until 6 p.m..
How much do tickets cost?
Adult tickets are $29, Kids (ages 4-12) are $19, Youth (ages 13-17) $25, and seniors are $27.
Is parking available at the museum?
Yes! There is free parking in the parking lot across the street from the museum.
