Fantasy of Flight

[John Pleisse]

We visited recently. This is one of the most kid friendly places I have seen for aviation. The collection of aircraft is astounding (I live in DC with the two Air and Space Museums nearby..this was on par). The place is so clean you could eat off the floor. The food is great, it wasn't crowded and the staff was enthusiastic. Kermitt hit a homerun. I could have spent more than a single day there. If you are in Florida, you gotta go.

[Bennett]

Another suggestion as to where to take kids to an aviation museum - this one on the West Coast.  The Hiller Aviation Museum is right on San Carlos Airport (San Carlos, CA is about 10 miles south of San Francisco Airport) is truly set up for kids, with quite a few simulators (and instructors to teach and quide kids about flying) on the second floor.  Hiller, of course, was a helicopter manufacturer, but the exhibits are far more comprehensive than just helicopters.  Many of the exhibits relate to  early local  aviation efforts, including an amazing, pre Wright Brothers, lighter than air "device", engine driven, that actually flew. The facilities have a good sized aviation related gift shop, that again is more than just kid friendly.  Worth a stop if you are in the area. I've taken quite a few young folk there ( and a good number of adults) over the past several years, and they all seemed to enjoy the experience. By the way, the Hiller Museum used to have "Vertical Challenge" airshows every year around Father's Day, but because of the FAA's restrictions, and insurance expense, there is a new format this year: static displays, and various concessions for food (and wine - hardly appropriate for an airport in my opinion - bad message about alcohol and flying). If you fly in, transient parking is across the field, and an easy walk to the museum. 

[1964-M20E]

For all of you who are going to Sun & Fun go by Fantasy of flight.  It is not far from Lake City and is a wonderful place to visit.  It is owned and operated by Kermit Weeks who is financially independent and the aircraft on display are immaculately restored and in airworthy condition.

 

Unfortunately as I understand it will be closing to visitors this year after Sun & Fun due to lack of visitors.  I have been to the museum twice over the last year very nice place to visit.

 

It will be sad to loose access to these wonderful planes.

[kris_adams]

Agree.  FoF is definitely worth a visit.

[Jeff_S]

We went a few years ago when the EAA Warbirds group had a private dinner there. It was awesome, made more-so by the fact that Kermit gave us a private tour behind the scenes in his shops with all the projects going on.  Makes me wish I had inherited a lot of money so I could pursue stuff like that!

[flyboy0681]

Another suggestion as to where to take kids to an aviation museum - this one on the West Coast.  The Hiller Aviation Museum is right on San Carlos Airport (San Carlos, CA is about 10 miles south of San Francisco Airport) is truly set up for kids, with quite a few simulators (and instructors to teach and quide kids about flying) on the second floor.  

 

Doesn't Hiller have the nose section on display of "ship one" of the L-1011?

[Bennett]

I believe the outdoor display is the nose section, and a bit more, of a Boeing 747. Kids, (and adults) can sit in the pilot's area, and if I recall correctly, on weekends docents (usually former airline pilots) explain the various instruments, and a talk a bit about the 747 lore. I should mention that that HIller has a number of simulators set up on the mezzanine level, and I believe that on weekends, instructors volunteer their time to work with the kids at the multiple simulators. Very positive for GA, as the simulators are set up (or at least they were the last time I was there) as Cessna 172s. The kids can "take off and land" at San Carlos Airport.

[Oscar Avalle]

FoF is the best aviation museum I have seen. The Air and Space is great, but to big. FoF gives you the hands on experience that you need. Even my two Teenage sons (who could not care less about their dad's obsession with flying) mentioned that this had been one of their best museum experiences. While we were there they flew a Fiesler Storch, perfectly restored. Very impressive.