Just ask any kid and they'll tell you: Ships are cool.
Almost every kid dreams of sailing to explore distant lands, battling pirates or voyaging beneath the sea in a submarine. For my 10-year-old nephew, the sight of any huge vessel on the open sea makes his eyes grow wide. "Why don't they sink?" he asks. "What's all that stuff sticking out of them?" Now, thanks to a few visits to maritime parks, his questions have been answered.
At these seafaring museums, which often combine land exhibits with actual boats to tour, families get a firsthand look at the workings of ships and their roles in history. But perhaps the best part about climbing aboard is the sense of adventure your kids will feel as they smell the salt air and feel the sea rolling beneath them.
Your family is sure to enjoy a day trip to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
At Hyde Street Pier, hop on board the Balclutha, a 19th-century, three-masted square-rigger, and three other National Landmark ships. Then check out the Maritime Museum where you'll find ship models, figureheads and other authentic artifacts such as sextants and chronometers.
Kids will also love peering through the periscope of the USS Pampanito, a fully restored World War II submarine moored nearby. Admission to Hyde Street Pier is $5 for adults and free for kids under age 17. The museum is free. Admission to the Pampanito is $9 for adults, $3 for kids ages six to 12 and free for kids under six. For more information, call 415-561-6662 or click here.
Roxanne Nelson is a freelance writer with a home port in Sausalito, California.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
