Students from a local JROTC unit stand for

inspection on the fantail of the KIDD.

School Tours

It has been said by every generation that you learn by doing.  Hands-on education is the key-word in today's university classrooms where the teachers of tomorrow are being trained.  And in teaching a course on World War II history and the United States' island-hopping campaign across the Pacific, or the Battle of the Atlantic where the threat of German U-boats loomed constantly, what better way to apply a hands-on approach than to take a field trip to the USS KIDD, a vessel which actually participated in those events?  Let

your students see where a Japanese kamikaze pilot crashed his plane into the ship, the conditions that their grandfathers lived in, and the dangers a U-boat posed to a ship with a hull only three-eighths of an inch think.

Price & Reservations Information

Reservations may be made by calling (225) 342-1942, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.  The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  Guided tours are not available on Armed Forces Day or July 4^th due to limited staff availability caused by special events held on these days.

Guided tours are available only for groups of 20 people or more and adequate adult supervision is required; at least one (1) adult per every ten (10) children.  Greater supervision by adults is needed for younger age groups for matters of safety.

Reservations should be made at least one week (7 days) in advance in order to guarantee a guided tour and discount rate.  Those groups looking for dates in the spring and summer should call ahead as soon as possible in order to determine if the desired time and date are available.  Group tours are staggered throughout the day, so please be prepared with secondary preferences for days and times.

The following discount rates are available for groups of 20 or more:

Pre-school children ages 2+ should be included in your numbers for paid admission and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Guided Tours & Duration

Tours are approximately 1½ hours in duration and include a guided tour of the USS KIDD and a self-guided tour of the museum.  Time spent shopping should be considered in setting your itinerary so as to avoid running late to your next stop.

There are a limited number of guides available to escort groups through a tour of the USS KIDD.  Please keep in mind that your guides have been called in specifically for

this tour; some are paid staff and some are volunteers.  If your group is running behind schedule, please give us

Students from Comite Christian Academy visit the

Louisiana Memorial Plaza during their field trip..

advance warning by calling ahead so that we can plan this delay around the arrival of other groups and functions.  Tardiness without communication results in frustration for everyone.

Students check out a 1940s-era diving helmet at

the USS KIDD Booth during LSU's Ocean Commotion.

Photo copyright 2000-2003, LSU Sea Grant Program.

Courtesy of Dr. Pam Blanchard.  All rights reserved.

Weather

In the event of rain, ice, or other inclement weather, you may wish to reschedule your tour.  If this is not an option, you may wish to "downgrade" your reservation to Museum-Only status.  This option allows you to tour the museum on your own (self-guided) without the need to worry about slipping hazards on deck or having your group getting caught outdoors in the rain.  See the table above for Museum-Only admission prices.

Cancellation Policy

Please notify us as soon as possible to cancel an existing reservation.  This will allow another group the

opportunity to enjoy the ship and the museum.  All groups that cancel without prior notification (i.e. no shows) are subject to a charge of $25.00 per tour guide scheduled for that tour.

Teacher's Materials

The USS KIDD is pleased to provide an information packet for those teachers bringing their classes to tour this historic vessel.  Included in the packet is a Teacher's Manual assembled by the Baton Rouge Junior League, as well as a pair of crossword and word-find activity sheets for use in the classroom before or after your visit.

ATTENTION:  Teachers!!!

Trying to plan a two-day field trip for your students?  Trying to find an affordable hotel?  Don't have enough hours in the day for all of the activities that you want your students to experience?  Well, here's how the USS KIDD can help.

Take us out of your schedule of daytime stops and instead take advantage of our Overnight Camping Program.  For just $21.00 per person (which

includes breakfast), you can spend the night aboard ship and receive a detailed, guided tour of this historic vessel.  You also have time to explore the veterans memorial and museum the next morning after breakfast.  All you need to bring is your sleeping bag, a pillow, and toiletries (showers are available aboard ship).

This is a great way to save a bit of money and make the trip more affordable for your students, while at the same time giving them a unique educational experience.  For more information, contact us at 225-342-1942 to receive a free Overnight Information Packet.

**Copyright 1997-2008 by Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission**