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USS Constitution ('Old Ironsides')

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Hours:Hours Vary see below
Ages:Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:Indoor, Outdoor
Cost:Free see below
Category:Historic Landmarks
Other Ideas: Old North Church - North End; Paul Revere House; Minuteman Trail National Park; Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum (for kids and adults); Swan Boats


uss constitution 'old ironsides' photoOld 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.

Experience 19th-century sleeping quarters at sea when your guided tour takes you to the previously-unavailable Berth Deck. From 4:00pm - 6:00pm, visitors are invited to conduct self-guided tours of USS Constitution's top deck.

Get an insider's view of The USS Constitution Museum and Bunker Hill in our Adventures in Charlestown with Kids guide for some great ideas on all the fun things you can see & do.

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.

In 2015, Old Ironsides underwent a nearly 2 year restoration project in drydock. The project finished up in July 2017 and you can view a time lapse video of the restoration process below.



Other attractions that are between 7-15 minutes away include Quincy Market, Old North Church, Boston Children's Museum, The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum, The USS Constitution, Boston Public Garden,The Boston State House, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park.

Find lots more ideas on fun things to do with kids in Boston.

For more ideas about Free Things to do in Boston, visit our handy guide to seeing Boston on the cheap!

For more ideas on places to visit in Boston, our Things to do in Boston guide is a great place to start! We've compiled some of our favorite spots for you right here.

HOURS↑ top

SUMMER HOURS
April 1 to October 16
Monday - Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm Guided tours start at 10 am and continue every eight minutes.
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WINTER HOURS
October 17 to March 31
Wednesday - 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.


COST↑ top

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


WEBSITE↑ top

www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/ussconst.htm

LOCATION↑ top

Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA map
Phone: 617-426-1812

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↑ top

  • 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.
RELATED LINKS↑ top

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