This attraction has appeal and purpose for so many reasons. First of all, teach your kids (and refresh yourself) on WWII history. Show them the serious side of service in the U.S. military. Then have a lot of fun literally crawling all over a 729-foot battleship that fought in the battles of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.

Two things to be aware of first: the battleship was not then, nor is it now, air-conditioned. Consider outside temperatures and then go nine floors below iron and steel.

Second — other than the visitors center and top deck of the battleship, it is not stroller-friendly, nor is it easy for toddlers to get around. There are lots of ladders and stairs, just like it looks like in old WWII movies.

For those who don’t wish to explore the entire ship, a nice grassy area outside is good for a while or enjoy a snack at a friendly 1940s era Coca-Cola snack bar.