Crawford Aviation/Automotive Museum050

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum showcases nearly 200 antique, vintage, and classic automobiles and aircraft ranging from an 1897 Panhard et Levassor (the first enclosed automobile) to Bobby Rahal's 1982 March Indy Car (the first winner of the Cleveland 500). The collection documents the technological and stylistic development of the transportation industry, with a focus on early automobiles created in Cleveland. Between 1898 and 1931, more than 80 automotive models originated in the Cleveland area.

Few folks know that Cleveland hosted the National Air Races from 1929-1949; fewer still have probably seen an Airphibian (the world's first-ever flying car). Crawford celebrates Cleveland's automotive and aviation history and how the two are intertwined.

Unless your kids are real motorheads - in which case, they'll show you around - we suggest steering the family toward Fulton's Airphibian, the first ever flying car. Only 11 Airphibians were built, and like all of the vehicles here, this one runs, but we're not sure it flies. Speaking of flying cars, ask the Harry Potter fans in your clan if they recognize the a 1959 Anglia as Ron Weasley's flying car. (Yes, it runs; no, it doesn't really fly.)

The Crawford collection is one of the top ten in the nation, according to Car Collector magazine; the museum has the largest collection of automobiles 100 years old or older in the country. (Hint: take the kids here before they get their drivers' licenses; they'll be more appreciative of driving a car that's just a few years old!)

If your kids are real motorheads, consider Crawford's Youth Initiative Program, the Crawford Pit Crew. The Pit Crew is designed for older kids - the rules aren't hard and fast, but it's unlikely to appeal to anyone younger than 14 or so - who are serious about automotive technologies and their influence on the world. The program includes an intensive lecture series; after each lecture, students are given hands-on mentoring, working on classical vehicles. At the conclusion of the classroom portion of the program, students are assigned their own individual restoration projects. For additional information or to apply, call the museum's office.