8/10Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

75 Greenmanville Ave

Mystic, CT 06355

860-572-0711

https://mysticseaport.org/visit/hours-tickets/

Something for everyone to enjoy at the Mystic Seaport 

A visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum is a great way to spend the day with the kids where the entire family can have fun while learn something about New England history, culture, sea life, tradesmen and enjoy views of coast.  As a family, I found that visiting with my husband, and both gendered kids, we all found something at this museum that interested us all.

Visitors are able to go on the massive sailboats and explore how 19th century people voyaged on ships as whalers and what their “living arrangements” looked like during their time at sea, many of their journeys lasted 3 years at a time.  There are knowledgeable actors on the ships explaining details such as tools the sailors used and how items were transported across the ocean even if by mistake.  Watching the role play is quite informative due to the captivating skits and demonstrations.  Both my children found the reenactments interesting. My husband is handy so for him a big draw is the seaport village where you can see how tradesmen worked hard to make barrels, iron works, ropes and ships.  Professionals demonstrate these skills with explanations along the way.  My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the blacksmith since it involves watching malleable glowing metal be reshaped into numerous products.  The process is pretty interesting to watch. For my son who enjoys animals the whaling exhibit and being able to canoe out in the Mystic River watching the birds and ducks swim was a hit.  Paddle boating, canoeing or sailing (experience required for the sailing) is actually included with admissions- season permitting of course!  Definitely take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy Mystic Seaport from a water view, it’s beautiful! 

At Mystic Seaport Museum you can also find a small hands-on children’s museum with abundant pretend play options involving maritime.  There is a shipyard inspired playground and a planetarium for enjoying shows about the stars.  We watched a show about the aurora borealis that was vibrant and fascinating!  As adults it is great to visit places like this to simultaneously learn alongside our children.

Special event offering at Mystic Seaport 

During the year Mystic Seaport offers various special exhibits.  We visited twice during these temporary displays.  The winter event consisted of ice themed activities with reindeer, indoor sock “ice skating”, ice sculpture carvings and more.  During a more recent summer visit we saw the ‘Voyage Under the Sea’ exhibit that showcased a submarine, sea-life, and numerous interactive activities for children.  Both visits were informative and enjoyable.   If your kids enjoy learning about history, culture and coastal living, be sure to take them to Mystic Seaport for a thrilling and unique day out they will love!

 

The Skinny:

• Weather : Visiting on a nice day will allow for more attractions
• Parking : FREE plentiful parking
• Admissions: Pricing changes by the day and season.  For ages 3 and up this ranges from $21-31. 
• Location :  This vast museum is comprised of several smaller building on a beautiful property on the Mystic River where people can learn all about the history of Maritime in our area.
• Hours : Hours also change depending upon the season.  Most days are 10-5 but others can be 10-6.  Not all offerings are available during the weekdays or season so check the website or call for more details.
• Duration :  We stayed about 2-3 hours or so with each of our visits.
• Tips and Recommendations :  If you want to get a discount on this ticket, when you buy a Mystic Aquarium and Seaport Museum pass you will be able to visit both which is nice because they are rather close to one another.

Jewel : 👍🏼                       Jamison : 👍🏼

If your children liked Mystic Seaport Museum, you will likely enjoy Newport another coastal community there you should check out their small, hands-on Save the Bay Aquarium.