February 21–25 | 12pm, 2pm, 4pm | Wavertree | Free
Looking for family-friendly activities to enjoy while New York City public schools are closed for Mid-Winter Recess? The Seaport Museum is offering extended open days that each include expanded tours that teach you how to raise the sail on our historic 1885 tall ship, Wavertree.
Bring your family and friends to participate in a hands-on tour that will transport you and your kids into the fascinating world of 19th century sailors. In addition to getting to raise the sail, the tour will also show the young people in your life how sailors worked and lived aboard a 19th century cargo sailing ship—from the captain to the ship’s officers, cooks, and crew.
On your visit, you will explore the main deck that features the newly restored forecastle, where the crew bunked; the galley, where meals were prepared; the saloon, which acted as the captain’s living room and the ship’s office in port; and the quarterdeck, where you can man the helm, turn the ships wheel, and learn about the capstan. You will also get a look into the vast cargo hold, which stored bulk cargo on Wavertree’s many journeys to distant ports around the globe during her 24-year sailing career.
Advanced registration is required for sail raising tours as space is limited. All children must be accompanied by an adult; maximum four children per adult. Strollers cannot be brought onboard. Registration is required for each participating child and adult.
Sail raisings will take place outdoors on the deck rain or shine. Grab a coat and come enjoy this fresh air experience at the Seaport Museum. Extended open days will also include indoor activities, scroll down to learn more and plan your family’s visit.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
You are viewing an archived page for a program, event, or activity that has already taken place. In most cases these pages are no longer actively maintained and because of that may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information. These pages are left publicly viewable to preserve institutional memory and to allow the public to learn more about the types of programs, activities, and content created and made available by the South Street Seaport Museum throughout its history.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with your ticket to this event. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about General Admission tickets when you check in.
General Admission is available Friday through Sunday, from 11am to 5pm and brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
Meet the Hermit Crab
1–2pm, 3–4pm | 12 Fulton Street | Free with General Admission
Enrich your visit to the Seaport Museum’s Exploring Our Waters with Eric Carle discovery room by meeting a Hermit Crab! Huge immersive murals bring families into Carle’s book A House for Hermit Crab and the cargo-ship adventures of 10 Little Rubber Ducks. In addition to meeting a crab, visitors will enjoy driving ferries on a giant play-table and learning about cargo ships through the eyes of a rubber duck—all while exploring Carle’s use of color and pattern.
This activity is designed specifically for children aged 2–7 and their adults and is free with General Admission. No additional registration required. Stop by anytime between 1–2pm, 3–4pm, on February 21–25, to participate.
Her-story in Motion
11am–4:30pm | 12 Fulton Street | Free with General Admission
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the her-story of notable women from around the South Street Seaport Historic District. During your visit, stop by the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street to create your own movable craft inspired by these women. Learn about the lives of several women and then bring them to life by coloring and assembling your own paper doll.
This activity is free with General Admission. No additional registration required. Stop by anytime from 11am-4:30pm, on February 21–25, to participate.
Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree, built in 1885 was operated for many years as a cargo ship sailing around the world.