Our first air show as a family was a hit! I hadn’t been to an air show in years and was happily surprised at how much they had to offer. Three generations of our family enjoyed a perfect weather day celebrating America.
Amazing planes from the last century parked on the Tarmac for all to see and TOUCH! Very cool for B! Then later, these same planes were started up (hello gas and fumes!) and flown through the sky with finesse.
My favorite was a re-enactment camp depicting accommodations, weaponry and tactical gear from each of the major American wars from the last century complete with veterans in their official uniforms to tell their war stories. Another surprise was a WWII battle re-enactment with cannon fire and an ambush by the Germans. It seemed to be a HUGE hit for the young boys ages 7-9 years old (even more so than the bouncy house area)!
We brought a picnic of fruit, trail mix and PB&J sandwiches, a blanket, some folding chairs and enjoyed five hours of non-stop fun. B barely made it to the car before he fell asleep
(Very unlike him!) from the running around, sun and yes, bouncy houses. The Kid Zone was worth the trip in B’s opinion.
The real action was in the skies however, the aerobatic planes were incredible. Just watching from my spot on the ground made my stomach turn, I could only imagine actually being up there! AMAZING!!
Deets:
Admission is FREE for kids 15 & under. Adults $35 but I bought a Living Social deal for half off plus a deal on parking (usually $15). All told I spent $77 for four adults and one child to park and enjoy. I felt like I got MORE than my money’s worth!
For additional fees you could take a ride in an actual plane or dine in air conditioned comfort in a special luxe tented gallery. We did spend $10 for an all day pass, versus $3 per jump, for B to jump in the bouncy houses, which, in my opinion was 100% worth it. There were also rock climbing, bungee swings, tennis and other kid-centered activities. I feel confident that any child or adult could find something to spark their interest here. The day was perfect enough, where even an indifferent teen could simply relax and soak up the sun while the family browsed around. There was certainly enough security, military and fire safety personnel present to put a parents mind at ease.
Food: Check their website for any changes but this year (2013) you could bring in anything that did not require a cooler. No alcohol or barbecues of course 🙂
No Smoking! They real reason was because the planes on the Tarmac were going in the air and were fully fueled up causing fumes that are extremely flammable. I just thought it was great to be at an outdoor event and not have to choke through clouds of smoke – blech!
Bathroom: Port-a-poetry’s only for the general admission folks. There were running water portable sinks to wash hands at every cluster and they weren’t disgusting (as far a port-a-potty’s go) . B got to use his first urinal, because there was no way I was going to try to balance my toddler over an open hole of excrement. I was impressed at his skill! Of course he let daddy take him potty after that.
Charitable: Proceeds from the event went to funding the Yankee Air Museum http://yankeeairmuseum.org/ and the bomber plant where the original “Rosie the Riveter” became a National hero.
Have you ever been to an air show?
Detroit Family Fun 