Let Your Kid Be the Pilot

Kids of all abilities can explore our children's play area located in the Side Gallery, adjacent to the Great Gallery. Young intrepid flyers can strap into flight harnesses to test their piloting skills in one of two hang gliding simulators. An aircraft instrumentation area helps kids learn what it takes to control a flying machine. Sit in the cockpits and operate the controls of a real Rotorway Scorpion helicopter, Thorp T-18 homebuilt aircraft, and a P-47D replica. Conduct high-speed aerodynamic experiments examining the performance of a variety of shapes in a wind machine. 

With working models of engines, see what keeps a plane roaring and see how aircraft are built with a close-up view of flying grade materials, components, and fasteners. Younger children of preschool age can taxi by a mini-air traffic control tower with plush airplane toys on a soft runway floor mural.

And in celebration of the Museum's new exhibition, Art+Flight, we've added a few fun, creative activities to the mix. Create your own FLATstronaut or take your pick of several coloring sheets, featuring work from artists featured in the Art+Flight exhibition. Or Make Your Own Art Gallery magnet activity where you can pick from several items from the Museum's Collection to place into your 'Gallery.'


There's something for kids of all ages in the Art+Flight Zone!

Please Note: Sections of the Flight Zone may be closed to the public for special events and/or pre-scheduled programs. Please check at the Admissions Desk when you arrive for that day's closures.