Thursday, August 18, 2011

Battleship Cove- Another Penny Squisher Adventure...

Battleship Cove located off exit 5 from Route 195 in Fall River, Massachusetts is the largest naval ship museum.  It offers a hands on and up close tour of 4 vessels: the USS Massachusetts, the submarine the Lionfish, the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and the East German Hiddensee.


It gives you a whole new appreciation for what the naval officers have done and seen.  They have a touching memorial in the USS Massachusetts with the names of those who served along with a video of their experiences in World War II.  There is also an outdoor movie called the Pearl Harbor Experience during which aqua-technics give you a sense for what it may have been like being on the ships during an attack.

Adjacent to the site is the The Fall River Carousel, of which I have vague memories of my visit with my grandparents during my childhood.
Though we had a pretty good time, comparing height and weight of the children to the humungous anchors and chains and checking out the bunks, I would throw out some recommendations:
  • Go on a not-so-hot day.  It gets stuffy and you will get sweaty walking and climbing through all of the vessels.
  • Not recommended for claustrophobes.  Tight spaces, especially in the sub.
  • After having my stomach in a knot for most of the visit, fearing one of my not-so-graceful children would trip and fall under the wide-gap netting plummeting them into the water 50+ feet below, I would recommend at least 6 years and up, if not 7.  The other reason for considering older children is that is ends up being A LOT of climbing up and down ladders and steep steps, approximately 2 1/2 hours to tour the 4 vessels.   Also, it is not stroller, wheelchair or walker friendly.  Its also recommended not to use baby backpacks for risks of head bopping into metal.
  • There is a concession stand, but we always pack a lunch and plenty of drinks.
  • There is a penny squisher! Bring 4 quarters and a penny for the souvenir.
  • Adults were $15 per person, 6-12 are $9, and under 6 is free.  Click here for a $1 off coupon.  Bring your AAA card for a $2 discount.


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