This "museum" is really a collection of three ships plus a lighthouse, all docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Families can tour all four facilities for the price of one ticket, and each has something to recommend it.

The Coast Guard cutter Roger B. Taney is the only ship still afloat that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. Torsk, a state-of-the-art submarine circa 1944, has the distinction of being the last ship to bring down an enemy craft in a hostile confrontation in World War II.

While the Lightship Chesapeake lacks similar bragging rights, it's a gorgeous, 1930-vintage communications vessel with a polished wooden deck and brass wheel. Each ship and the lighthouse, which was moved to the Inner Harbor after years of service in the Chesapeake Bay, offers opportunities for kids to climb, explore, touch and learn.

Kids love seeing the bunks stacked to within 24 inches of the ceiling in the Torsk and wiggling through its narrow passages to the torpedo room. They love the Lightship's awesome black anchor, the size of a Volvo. They love the mess halls and map rooms.

You'll have to be vigilant, though, as there are plenty of places for kids (and grown-ups who forget to duck through low doorways) to get bumped and "stranded" in tight spaces.

-- by John Kelly and Craig Stoltz

Words to the wise: This is not for babies in backpacks or kids under 5, or anyone who is not spry and energetic. Also, go to Pier 3 to get tickets first; many people approach individual ships for a tour, only to learn
they must go to the ticket booth.

Notes: Since access for the disabled is poor, those with wheelchairs or canes will have to pass on this one.

Food: The Inner Harbor is packed with places to eat.

Parking: Inner Harbor lots are $3 for the first hour, $7 for three hours and $10 for the day. You can try
on-street parking in Little Italy, just east of the harbor, but finding a spot can be tough. You also can save a few bucks by parking in a lot a few blocks away.

Nearby: Fort McHenry, Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Harbor Ferry as well as Little Italy.