Charlestown Navy Yard
Rating
Family of 4
$0 for the NPS grounds, visitor center and USS Constitution.
Duration
Plan on 2 to 4 hours for the visitor center, USS Constitution Museum and ship area.
Best Ages
Ages 5 to 12 for the strongest mix of ships, exhibits and Junior Ranger activities
About
Charlestown Navy Yard gives families several kinds of history in one stop. Begin at the National Park Service visitor center in Building 5, where there are interactive exhibits, park information and public restrooms. From there, families can visit the USS Constitution area and the independently operated USS Constitution Museum.
The museum has hands-on activities about how the ship was built, sailed and preserved.
USS Constitution is still an active United States Navy ship and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat. Boarding is free, but it comes with more arrival friction than a regular museum. Visitors enter through a security checkpoint, and everyone age 18 or older should bring valid federal or state-issued photo identification.
Ship talks or tours may be offered first come, first served. The NPS currently describes tours as approximately 30 minutes, but schedules can change.
Children about 5 to 12 are the clearest fit. They are old enough to understand the ship stories and use the free Liberty Junior Ranger activity book. Families can pick up a handbook at the Navy Yard visitor center, complete the checklist and show it to a ranger for a badge.
Toddlers can enjoy the open grounds and large ships, but the historic vessels have steep stairs, high thresholds, tight spaces and uneven surfaces. The visitor center and USS Constitution Museum are accessible; the ships have limited accessibility.
Allow two to four hours. The exterior Navy Yard grounds are open around the clock, but that does not mean the buildings or ships are. Check the operating-hours page and current alerts before leaving. As of August 2026, USS Cassin Young is closed for pier maintenance during July and August, with reopening dependent on the work.
The NPS grounds, visitor center and USS Constitution are free. The USS Constitution Museum uses admission by donation. Parking and transportation are separate costs.
NPS recommends public transit, while validated garage parking has its own rates and requires a walk to the yard. Rain does not ruin the entire outing because the visitor center and museum are indoors, though ship access and walking between buildings are exposed to weather.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Unknown
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Visit during daytime building hours, preferably near opening, and check current ship schedules and alerts before traveling.
Wait Times
No official queue estimate is published. Allow a 15 to 30 minute planning buffer for security screening and first-come ship access.
Nearby Food
The NPS pages reviewed do not confirm a family dining facility at the Navy Yard. Plan food separately and check security rules before packing snacks.
Why Kids Love It
Children can see a working historic Navy ship, examine hands-on museum exhibits and complete activities toward a Junior Ranger badge.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Every visitor entering the restricted ship area goes through security, and adults age 18 or older should carry valid government-issued photo identification.
- Start at the Building 5 visitor center for restrooms, exhibits, maps and the current status of ship access.
- USS Cassin Young is closed for pier maintenance during July and August 2026. Check the NPS alert before expecting it to reopen.
What to Bring
- Valid federal or state photo identification for each visitor age 18 or older who wants to board USS Constitution
- Weather layers and water for time outside
- A compact stroller or child carrier, with a plan to leave it behind if ship rules require
Cost Info
Partially free — some areas or times are free
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 for the NPS grounds, visitor center and USS Constitution.
The USS Constitution Museum requests a donation.
Transportation, parking and food are extra.
Tips to Save
- Use public transit or the ferry instead of downtown parking when practical.
- The NPS grounds, visitor center, Junior Ranger activity and USS Constitution are free.
- Pick up free park information at the visitor center.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Monday through Sunday
- Navy Yard exterior grounds are open 24 hours; visitor center, museum and ship schedules vary.
