Docked at Pier 86 is the Intrepid (W. 46th St., at 12th Ave., 212/245-0072, www.intrepidmuseum.org [1], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, with extended weekend hours in summer, closed Mon. in winter, adults $19.50, veterans, students and seniors $15.50, youth 3–17 $14.50, active and retired military, children under three, free).
A former World War II aircraft carrier now devoted to military history, the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum houses lots of hands-on exhibits, most designed to appeal to kids. The decks are strewn with small aircraft and space capsules; permanent exhibits explore the mysteries of satellite communication and ship design; special exhibits focus on such subjects as women pilots and Charles Lindbergh.
Links:
[1] http://www.intrepidmuseum.org