National Museum of World War II Aviation

We had a ton of fun going to visit an aviation museum that is only about 10 minutes from our house.  We were looking for something to do on a Saturday and found this and thought it looked like something the boys would enjoy and we were right!  Our boys absolutely loved this museum!  They were so excited to get to walk around and see tons of planes from the World War II era up close!  Alden wanted to stop and read all the signs and loved getting to learn what all the planes were used for.  Anders just loved wandering around and seeing the planes. 

The demonstration of an old training simulator was fascinating and the kids were so excited that they had a simulator that you could fly.  I loved seeing the extent to which they have restored many of these planes.  They had pictures of planes that look completely destroyed and now the planes are fully functional and look close to brand new.  It is amazing to see how proud they are of their collection of planes and how much work goes in to this museum!  This was an awesome family outing for all of us!

 Getting to see the planes and read what they were used for.

 They did have a big variety!

 This was so interesting to see!  They actually have this functioning simulator that was used during WWII they have someone get in and demonstrate.

 The simulator actually spins a full 360 degrees and tilts.  It was fascinating to see!

 It is also connected to some mapping system on this desk that tracks the simulators movement.  

 The boys loved seeing all the big planes and guns!

 They had lots of different planes and it was neat to see the variety.

 This was a plane shot down in WWII and then shipped back to the US many years later.

Alden was so excited to fly in the simulator with Dad. 

 He was not very good at keeping his focus ahead, but with Dad's help he at least didn't crash!

 At the end of the museum that have part that you can only go to with a guide and it was amazing!  The planes in the back hangar have been restored beautifully and the kids were so excited to see them!

 The boys were so excited to see all of these planes!  I love the fact that they are all actually flyable.  They have restored them so well.

 The boys were so excited to find a plane that was "big Skipper."  My boys love the planes movies and they were so excited to see a plane that looked a little like Skipper and was painted blue.

They have so many planes crammed into the hangar but it was so cool to see!  This museum was such a fun day trip and everyone who worked there was so friendly and answered all of our questions wonderfully!  It was definitely worth our time to go!