Battleship NJ Museum
Category
History and STEM
(Members only. Registration closes once capacity is reached.)
Trip Overview
Located on the Camden Waterfront, The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is a unique venue for families to visit, learn about the life of sailors, and garner a greater appreciation for those who served our nation. You will step into history and experience areas of the ship where commands were given, where sailors slept, and other integral parts of the ship. This is the United States largest and most decorated Battleship. It costs $10,000 per day to keep this ship afloat on the river so they accept donations to assist. The Battleship New Jersey is also referred to as Big J, BB62, and Black Dragon by many crew that served on her.
About the Tours
Tours will be separated into two sections. Younger children K-2nd grade and older children 3rd -12th grade.
Younger Group
(Pre-K through 2nd)
Little Sailors
60 Minutes
Ideal for the youngest sailors, this tour highlights 16" gun turret, helicopter, officer's wardroom, and captain's cabin. This tour only includes one ladder (stairs) for students to navigate. End the tour with a game of Sailor Says - a Navy twist on Simon Says!
Lunch
Bagged Lunch
Scavenger Hunt
60 Minutes
Students have the availability to explore the ship in small groups while looking for answers to clues.
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Older Group
(3rd through 12th)
Firepower Tour
90 Minutes
This comprehensive tour takes you through the captain's cabin, Combat Engagement Center, Navigation Bridge, and more. Students will learn about life aboard the world's greatest battleship and about her service history.
Lunch
Bagged Lunch
Circuits and Electricity
90 Minutes
This is a classroom experience where students will try their own hand at building circuits that power lights, motors, and more, following a tour of the ship's engine room.
Additonal Information
- Full tours are physical and require climbing and descending steep steps (called ladders by the Navy). You will also be stepping over "knee knockers" or high step openings along the tour. Little Sailors tour only includes one lader.
- No high heels or flip flops.
- Dress casually and wear comfortable or athletic shoes with non-skid soles. No backpacks can be worn aboard the ship. Please leave all backpacks or oversized bags in your car unless you need a pack for medical reasons. Lockers are also available in the Visitor's Center.
- Front carriers are required for infants and toddlers. You will have to leave your stroller in the ships Visitors Center or in your car.
- The Battleshop (Souvenirs) is located landside inside the Visitor's Center, and offers and assortment of Battleship gifts and merchandise, including USS NJ hats, models, books, themed plush animals, dog tags, and more.
- Black Dragon Café is located landside inside of the Visitor's Center for light snacks, coffee, and soft drinks. They also offer beer brewed by Farners and Bankers Brewery.
- Limited parts of the ship are wheelchair accessible - main deck exterior, anti-aircraft guns, and officer's ward room. Other parts of the ship may be difficult/impossible to access for those with mobility issues.
Education Connection
This field trip supports learning in:
Engineering: Ship design, propulsion, armor, weight limits
Science & Tech: Operating room, engine room, circuitry class
Math: Design challenges, understanding scale, building models
