History Lesson #3: National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio and 6 Other Air Force Museums

Kids may see aircraft in history films or movies.  You can help bring it alive by taking them to a museum.  When you walk onto an aircraft, the kids begin asking questions about the stories behind the planes.  It's a great opportunity to discuss war, freedom, and appreciation for all who have served in the military. 

I've been to the Air Force Space & Missile Museum and National Museum of the United States Air Force.  These large museums have so many displays that you can make it a full day event.  Plus, military museums and bases provide me the chance to hear stories straight from veterans at the museum, including my Dad and Uncle. 

The National Museum of the United States Air Force serves as the world's largest military aviation museum.  It's right in the heartland, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, north or Dayton, Ohio.  With it's size and numerous programs, no wonder it attracts over 1 million visitors per year.  Plus, the free parking and admission makes it a deal you can't beat.  

With 19 acres of indoor exhibit space, you may not see the entire museum in one day.  I suggest timing your visit with one of their tours.  Each tour has a theme and takes approximately one hour 15 minutes.  Tours also offered at no cost!

1) Early Years, WWI and WWII

2) Korea and SE Asia Galleries

3) Space, Research, & Development, Global Reach and Presidential Galleries

4) Cold War Gallery

If you have additional time, consider visiting their theater.  They offer multiple shows and tickets cost approximately $10 per person.

Here's 6 other Air Force museums you can visit with your kids:

1.  Air Force Space & Missle Museum, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida (FL), outdoor rocket garden http://afspacemuseum.org/

2.  South Dakota Air and Space Museum, Ellsworth AFB, Box Elder, South Dakota, bus tour $8 adult, $5 children http://www.sdairandspacemuseum.com/btours.htm

3.  Eighth Air Force Museum, Barksdale AFB, near Bossier City, Louisiana, free admission http://8afmuseum.com/

4.  Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden, Utah, over 90 aircraft, http://www.hill.af.mil/library/museum/index.asp

5.  Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, decomissioned Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois, over 40 aircraft, day camp programs  http://www.aeromuseum.org/

6.  Strategic Air and Space Museum near Ashland, Nebraska, southwest of Omaha, check site for events  http://sasmuseum.com/