Walking tour Self-Guided: With Kids
We are pleased to provide a safe environment for kids to explore. Kids (and adults) are allowed to touch most of the planes here—with respect of course.
Aviation is full of advanced technology and we have plenty to offer in terms of inspiring young minds. We believe the airplanes speak for themselves and they have a lot to say. As you know, kids' interests change as they grow (which is why you'll want to bring them back again and again). According to 2012 "The Art of the Family Vacation" research by H2R Market Research, to optimize a museum visit with kids base the activities on the age of the child, specifically:
- Ages 1-4 Creative play (learning through play, fantasy, exploration)
- Ages 4-7 Interaction, education and variety
- Ages 8-11 Interaction combined with processing (kids asking questions and then being able to explain things in their own words)
- Ages 12+ The challenge, intensity and authenticity that teens "crave."
The following is a brief summary of suggestions to pique kids' natural curiosity by the aforementioned age groups throughout the museum. As some activities appeal to several age groups, they are color-coded to help families with children of more than one age group.
Ages 1-4 Creative play (learning through play, fantasy, exploration)
Ages 4-7 Interaction, education and variety
Ages 8-11 Interaction combined with processing (kids asking questions and then being able to explain things in their own words)
Ages 12+ The challenge, intensity and authenticity that teens "crave."
Before you visit, experts recommend involving kids with virtual tours. We love ours and hope you and your kids will too.
We also have a scavenger hunt:
- Animals in Aviation, that you can download and print out at home. (Here are the answers too.)