The 9/11 Memorial with kids: age guidance, a route and tips
Quick answer
The museum says its historical exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors younger than 10. With young children, the outdoor Memorial (free, 8am-8pm) is the better choice. Children 6 and under enter the museum free with a ticket. A family route takes 60-90 minutes.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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What age is right
The museum itself warns that the historical exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors younger than 10, and that adults with younger children should use discretion before entering. Know your children: some 11 and 12 year olds are ready, others are not. Talk with them beforehand about what they will see, and decide whether you would rather stay outside.
A 75-minute route with kids (outdoor Memorial)
- 1
0:00 · Memorial plaza
The pools
Explain calmly what happened and why there are two pools where the towers stood. The water and quiet help children ask questions.
- 2
0:20 · Memorial plaza
The names
Find a name together: people leave flowers and flags on each victim's birthday.
- 3
0:40 · Memorial plaza
The Survivor Tree
A story of hope suitable for any age: a tree that survived and grew again.
- 4
1:00 · Outdoor guided tour
Guided Memorial tour (optional)
A 45-minute outdoor tour runs at 1pm and 2pm daily. Museum admission is not included.
Practical tips for families
- For children 10 and older, consider part of the museum, such as Foundation Hall and the Last Column, and leave the Historical Exhibition for the adults.
- Youth and Family Tours run in the summer months, designed for young visitors with an accompanying adult.
- Children 6 and under don't pay but need a ticket.
- Keep a calm tone: this is a place of mourning for many people.
- With the AnyArt app you can point at a monument and hear its story at an accessible level.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the 9/11 Museum suitable for?
The museum states that the historical exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors younger than 10. Decide based on your child's maturity.
Do kids pay?
Children 6 and under enter free but need a ticket. For other ages, check rates on the official site.
What can I do with small children?
Visit the outdoor Memorial, which is free and doesn't require entering the museum.
Are there family tours?
Yes, Youth and Family Tours run in the summer, with an accompanying adult.