USS Constitution ('Old Ironsides') & Museum

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Historic Landmarks

Official Website: USS Constitution ('Old Ironsides') & Museum
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA directions
Phone:617-242-5670
Hours: Hours Vary see below
Ages: Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor: Indoor, Outdoor
Cost: Free see below

Others to Consider: Regent Theatre, Fenway Park Tours, Boston Haymarket, The Hatch Shell, Bunker Hill Monument

Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. A tour of this 200-year-old ship may give your little landlubber a chance to get his sea legs for the first time.

Now you can explore USS Constitution's decks two hours longer and see areas previously closed. Experience 19th-century sleeping quarters at sea when your guided tour takes you to the previously-unavailable Berth Deck. From 4:00pm - 6:00pm, conduct self-guided tours of USS Constitution's top deck.

The USS Constitution staff recommends the 'Speed Line' for their littlest visitors (no strollers on deck, as they tend to roll with the waves). The full 40-minute tour includes climbing up and down stairs and ladders and is not recommended for little children. Nonetheless, you'll get a view of the harbor atop this beautiful sailing vessel and the chance to meet a real U.S. Navy Sailor.

The USS Constitution Museum is just steps from the ship and houses over 3000 original artifacts, as well as artwork and opportunities for hands-on activities (toddlers can turn the wheel of a ship). Check the calendar for periodic family events. There is room enough for strollers and a large ladies room.

Hours

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Ship’s Hours (The Ship is closed Mondays, and on President's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.)
April 1–October 31: Tuesday–Sunday. 10am to 5:50pm, tours every 30 minutes (last tour at 4:30pm)
November 1– March 31: Thursday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Guided tours start at 10:30 am and continue every half hour. The last guided tour of the day starts at 3:30 pm.

Museum Hours
April 1 – October 31: 9am to 6pm
November 1 – March 31: 10am to 5pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Cost

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Ship admission free; call to confirm
Museum admission is by donation. The Museum is handicapped accessible.

Location

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Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA map

There is no parking on Pier One. Additional parking is available at the following locations:
Nautica Parking
Phone: (617) 723-1488
Location: Constitution Rd., opposite the Navy Yard visitor's center. Validated parking is available at the Bunker Hill visitor center.

Flagship Wharf
Phone: (617) 241-7640
Location: In front of Ship Yard park in the Navy Yard.

Constitution Plaza
Phone: (617) 242-8716
Location: Constitution Rd., next to the Navy Yard visitor's center

Shipyard Parking
Phone: (617) 242-9377
Location: 13th Street, opposite the Massachusetts General Hospital Research Facility in the Navy Yard.

*Note*
All locations are within five to ten minutes walking distance of Pier One.

Tips

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It is a good idea to arrive at least a half-hour early to allow time to get through security, which is required for all visitors. Please read the http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil?'>screening procedures to assist in the process.