Museum of Flying050

Note that as of February 2012 the museum is open again. The Museum of Flying spans the history of American aviation with more than 30 airplanes on display. Housed in a hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, it offers tons for kids to see and touch. In the main exhibition area, highlights include the World War II fighter planes, looking as spiffy as the day they first flew. Aircraft such as the Gee Bee Racer from the film Rocketeer demonstrate Hollywood's blue-sky contributions.

Videos and knowledgeable tour guides (usually veteran pilots) complement the ample historical information provided on exhibit placards. But it's the Airventure room where the young ones have the grandest time. Kids can climb into plane and helicopter cockpits, where throttles and buttons can be pushed and pulled. The Venturer II flight simulator features an enclosed capsule that bobs and rocks along to a video of a fictitious flight, a white water raft, a space landing, and other moving adventures; it is suitable only for kids over age five, and costs $3.

At the back of the museum is access to the airport grounds. After seeing the many specimens of vintage air travel, kids will be geared up for the drama of real planes taxiing and taking off. And for $100, visitors can take a ride in a real bi-plane!

The Museum of Flying has a gift shop, and several clean bathrooms.

Summer camp and birthday parties are also offered; call 310.392.8822 X 118 for registration and/or information.

The museum offers a great program for kids called The A's Awards Program. Any Southern California kid in grades K-12 who achieves at least one academic "A" or equivalent on his/her report card can receive a free plane ride. The caveats: Must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian; must bring proof of most recent report card to the Museum of Flying; must turn in completed information form; must have parent or legal guardian sign a pre-flight release form before flight; must be in good health.