College Park Aviation Museum

Located at the world's oldest continuously operating airport, the College Park Aviation Museum brings flight history to life for young aviation enthusiasts. Kids can explore vintage aircraft up close, pilot flight simulators, and participate in hands-on exhibits that make learning about the Wright Brothers and early aviation exciting and interactive.

• ✓Flight simulators where kids can experience piloting their own aircraft
• ✓Vintage aircraft collection including early 1900s planes
• ✓Interactive wind tunnel and other hands-on aviation experiments
• ✓Observation deck to watch real planes taking off from the historic airfield
• ✓Reproduction Wright Brothers workshop area

1. 1.Visit on weekends when weather demonstrations and special programs are more likely to be scheduled at the adjacent working airport.
2. 2.Let kids bring a notebook to earn their Junior Aviator certificate by completing the scavenger hunt available at the front desk.
3. 3.Park in the small lot directly in front of the museum for easiest access with strollers and young children.
4. 4.Check the museum's calendar before visiting for special Family Fun Days with craft activities and flight-themed storytimes.
5. 5.Step outside to the observation area where kids can watch small planes taking off and landing at the active airport,a huge hit with young plane enthusiasts.

Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10:00-11:30 AM) offer the quietest experience with fewer school groups. Weekends are busier but often feature special demonstrations and activities that make the crowd worth it.

Admission is very affordable (around $5 for adults, $2 for children). Free parking is available on-site. There's no café, so plan to eat before or after your visit, though there's a small picnic area outside.

Open year-round except Mondays and major holidays. The museum hosts special events during National Aviation Month (August) and holiday-themed activities in December. Summer is popular with day camps and tour groups, so expect more crowds June through August.

Head to nearby College Park for family-friendly options like The Board and Brew (casual dining with kid favorites) or Busboys and Poets (diverse menu with a children's section), both about 10 minutes away on Route 1.