American Helicopter Museum & Education Center553

Families can touch down at the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center to see over 35 helicopters, autogiros, and convertiplanes on display, including the only tilt-rotor Osprey V-22 on public exhibition.

Winner of our 2009 Parents' Picks Award for Best Museum in Philadelphia, the facility features exhibits on the history of helicopters and the science of flight appeal that to visitors of all ages, and kids love climbing into and "flying" some of the helicopters. The sounds of planes taking off at the nearby Brandywine airport make the experience feel all the more authentic.

The museum has a staff of 150 volunteer docents, so someone is always on hand to show kids around and share their love of rotary flight.

For children six and younger, there is a toddler learning area. A control tower has plenty of knobs, gadgets, and puzzles to keep little fingers busy, and no kid can pass up a chance to "fly" the child-size helicopter with its flashing lights and helicopter sounds. In Transportation Town children can play with gears, design their own helicopter, or flip through books about helicopters.

Families and groups can go on a scavenger hunt through the museum, and see a movie about the history of helicopters in the museum's theater. Older kids will also enjoy the computer simulator.

There is a snack room with vending machines, but if the weather is nice, consider picnicing outside while watching aircraft take off and land at the Brandywine Airport. Birthday parties are also available. Contact the museum for information.

The museum offers Family Helicopter Rides on the third Saturday of every month from 11am-3pm. The rides cost $35 per person for a six- to eight-minute ride. Visit the museum's website for a complete schedule of events.