Visiting the Intrepid in 2021

New York City is opening up more and more each day and this New Yorker is excited about that. I’m also glad the City and most establishments are taking measures to ensure the health and safety of visitors and employees.

We had a day free of classes and zoom lessons and needed something to do. One of our favorite places in New York City to visit is the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Complex, and we weren’t able to visit last year, so I looked up the floating museum’s availability to see if we could pop in.

The Intrepid is an aircraft carrier that took to the seas in World War II in 1943. During World War II, the Naval vessel survived 5 kamikaze attacks and 1 torpedo strike. The ship was also used during the Vietnam War and the Cold War and as a NASA recovery vessel. During the Intrepid’s long history, over 250 men perished for their country. It was decommissioned in 1974 and became a museum in 1982.

My kids and I enjoyed our visit to the Intrepid, even though there was a large group visiting the day we chose. We’re used to wearing masks properly and were unphased by the mask-wearing rules. Signs were up throughout the museum to stay socially distant, but the groups that were there didn’t seem to care much.

One of our favorite aspects of visiting the museum is the opportunity to talk with volunteers who served in the armed forces. My kids always have a lot of questions for the Veterans. The only two Veterans we got the chance to talk to were in the Bridge. We had a great time chatting with them, but we didn’t get to have those random conversations throughout the museum.

If you are planning to visit the Intrepid, here are things to know.

Tickets: You must buy ahead of time. If you are a member of the Intrepid or an ASTC member, contact before you go. I’m an ASTC member and there isn’t a way to get your ticket online. I was told I could visit and to give my information at the ticket counter, which I did with no problems.
Wear your mask over your mouth and nose. It isn’t hard.
In some areas, such as the bridge and flight control area, there are one-way signs posted. Follow the signs to keep from getting clustered.
If seeing the space shuttle is high on your list of things to do, give yourself time because the line gets long.
Because of Covid, audio tours and simulators are closed.
Eating areas are closed. We used to pack snacks and have them on the stern, but “No Eating” signs are posted. Save your appetite for when you step off.
Exhibits inside the hanger are closed. My kids love to pretend to be pilots or manning the ship but will have to wait till next year.

In a nutshell; plan and adhere to the rules and you’ll have a good time.