National Museum of the Air Force
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91 family found this helpful
"Rivals the Smithsonian....."
The Dayton Air Force Museum rivals the National Air and Space Museum for it's display of planes and in a way surpasses it if you count the outdoor rocket displays and the Air Show every year.
There are so many things to see that are suspended on the ceiling, plan on frequently looking up. My kids like the planes and space modules that you can get into and interact with the best.
The best thing about the museum is that it is free and you can literally spend an entire day/weekend there and never get bored.
I would suggest mostly for older kids if you actually want to read and look at exhibits but if you just want somewhere to go and be in the air conditioning and give your tiny kids a change of pace, that's ok, too.
You see grown men walking around with their mouths open more at this type of museum than any other so you shouldn't have too much problem coaxing the men in your life to go.
Highly recommend!!
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0 families found this helpful
"Excellent bargain, but not for all kids"
I have 4-year-old twin daughters, and I helped chaperon a field trip with their preschool class to the Air Force Museum. 20 years ago, I did the exact same in my preschool class, and their reaction was similar to mine at the time - "meh".
Don't get me wrong, the museum itself is fantastic, and I enjoy it now as an adult more than I ever could have as a little girl, but it just isn't everyone's cup of tea. Though I was, and raise my girls not to conform to gender stereotypes, aircraft just does not interest them in the least (space does, incidentally, but the focus there is more on the vehicle and less on planetary science). The children who were interested, however, had an absolute blast. Even the ones who weren't still had a pleasurable time, but it wouldn't be their first choice of activity if given one.
I still recommend visiting at least once, to perhaps pique your child's interest in aerospace science, and as a treat to yourself ;). And at the low price of free, its hard to say no.
1 family found this helpful
"Our Favorite Family Vacation"
We love the airforce museum, and it is FREE! My husband is a pilot and airplane buff, but me and my 3 girls love it too! Make sure you do not miss my favorite part of the museum. Once there, sign up for the special tour. They will bus you over to a hanger on an active military base where you can go inside the air force ones of our former presidents. A must see!
0 families found this helpful
"Kid Friendly History"
The Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio has something for kids of all ages. One of the best parts of the museum is that it is free. The museum has a scavenger hunt for the kids (ages about 7-12). Grandpa and grandma will love sharing stories about their life as they view some of the older planes. Lots of war information and a great section about the Holocaust, with video clips from people who lived through that horrible ordeal.
There are planes you can walk through and many video clips to hold everyone's attention. The museum is very large so prepare for lots of walking. There is a cafeteria there and you can even buy Moon ice cream.
The Imax theater is in the same building but it is not free.
You can spend as much time as you want in the museum as it is very rarely crowded and there are plenty of volunteers available to answer questions. A must see if you are ever in Ohio!
0 families found this helpful
"Great Museum"
My family had a great time at this museum. It is free which was perfect since we have younger kids. We could look around until their attention span ran out and then come back another day. There were about 5 huge hangars full of airplanes, videos you could watch everywhere.
If you have kids, in Dayton Ohio you can do a program where if you visit 6 places that have to do with Aviation History (mostly Wright Brothers sites) you can get a free stuffed pilot bear. You can get the brochure at this museum and the museum counts as 2 of the 6 places.
0 families found this helpful
"Hubby could spend a week"
My husband could live there for a week and still not want to leave. You really can't see it all in one day, but it's ok since it's free! Great learning tool for school age kids. They have history, science, aviation,and aeronautics. It's amazing how much exhibits they have!
1 family found this helpful
"great place for older kids. "
This was a hard place to tear yourself away from because it was so intriguing. The kids didn't enjoy it so much and it was a little tiring. I would say like 9 and up would really enjoy this museum. There are many interesting things to learn and see. Lots of old planes and very interactive! There are different simulators to try out. There is a large Holocaust exhibit that was a little tough for the 8-10 year old range. But the rest of the museum is great and they have some really cool gift shops with all kinds of different aviator themed things.
'11, '12, '13
0 families found this helpful
"Calling all airplane fanatics"
This has to be the most amazing display of airplanes - more than 400! Seven different hangars full of planes represented in each of the wars as well as plane prototypes and even Presidential planes. Being able to walk aboard the President's plane was definitely great experience. Since Dayton is considered the birthplace of aviation, it is only fitting that the museum also dedicates a section to early flight with replicas of the Wright brothers plane as well as early military aircraft. Our little guy loved roaming around under the huge planes and seeing the fighter planes and running around the outdoor displays. His favorite was being in the rocket silo and seeing how large they really are! The best part is that this place is free! Pack a lunch and dine in the memorial park outside for a fun day trip. There is an IMAX theater that does have an admission price, but there is plenty to do if you are looking for a free, fun event.
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