The Museum of Flight

Take Flight at The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight, located in Tukwila, Washington, is the largest private, non-profit air and space museum in the world. Just a short drive from downtown Seattle, this remarkable museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history of aviation and space exploration. With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft on display, hands-on exhibits, and immersive experiences, The Museum of Flight is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking an unforgettable day of discovery.

Highlights of the Museum

• Iconic Aircraft Collection: From the sleek Concorde to the legendary Boeing 747 and military aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress, the museum’s collection spans the evolution of flight. Visitors can get up close to a diverse array of planes, each with its own story, and even step inside some of them.
• Space Exploration Gallery: The museum’s space exhibits feature everything from early rocket models to full-scale NASA space shuttles. The centerpiece is the Space Shuttle Trainer, where astronauts once prepared for missions. Guests can explore the trainer and imagine themselves preparing for a journey to space.
• Personal Courage Wing: Dedicated to military aviation, this section highlights the bravery and ingenuity of pilots during World Wars I and II. With immersive exhibits and rare fighter planes, the wing tells the stories of the courageous individuals who soared through the skies during some of history’s most pivotal moments.
• Flight Simulators and Interactive Exhibits: For those who want to experience the thrill of piloting, the museum offers flight simulators that let visitors try their hand at controlling an aircraft. There are also interactive exhibits that engage both kids and adults in the science and engineering of flight.
• Restored Aviation Pavilion: This expansive, covered outdoor gallery showcases larger aircraft, including jumbo jets, airliners, and cargo planes. The pavilion offers a chance to explore the interiors of planes like the Air Force One used by presidents from Eisenhower to Nixon, and even board a Concorde supersonic jet.

The Vibe
A Journey Through the Skies and Beyond
Walking through The Museum of Flight feels like stepping into a living history book. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring, with towering aircraft that capture the imagination and displays that celebrate the ingenuity of engineers and pilots. The museum’s friendly guides and volunteers add to the welcoming atmosphere, ready to share stories and answer questions, making every visit an enriching experience.

Good to Know
Beyond the Exhibits: Events, Programs, and More
The Museum of Flight is not just a museum; it’s a vibrant educational center with programs and events for all ages. Visitors can participate in STEM workshops, aviation camps, and even overnight experiences. Special events, such as lectures by astronauts and themed tours, keep the calendar packed with engaging activities. There’s also a café for a quick break, and a well-stocked gift shop where you can take home a piece of aviation history.

Final Thoughts: Soar Through History
An Unforgettable Adventure for All Ages
The Museum of Flight offers an immersive and comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of aviation and space exploration. Whether you’re walking through the interior of a historic plane, gazing up at a spacecraft, or testing your skills in a flight simulator, every corner of the museum holds a new discovery. It’s a place where dreams take flight, making it an essential stop on any Seattle Southside adventure.

Read one visitor's experience at The Museum of Flight:
We started our exploration of the world famous aviation museum in The Great Gallery. You can actually sit in the cockpit or two fighter jets. It’s a great photo op!
Next, we headed to the interactive Flight Zone; kids can touch, climb, sit, and push all kinds of buttons. Oftentimes, on weekends there is a story or craft activity for kids. Also in the Flight Zone is a hang-gliding chair older kids, teens and adults enjoy. My three-year-old was too young to appreciate it, she thought it was a swing but my son was really focused and enjoyed the demo. Older kids and thrill-seeking adults can climb into a simulator for a small fee. The simulators allow you to engage the enemy in a high-tech dog fight that will literally have you spinning.

The Personal Courage Wing is devoted to WWI and WWII and is filled with teaching opportunities about our nation’s history for older kids. We walked into the Personal Courage Wing. Our eyes were drawn to the dramatic old fighter planes. My daughter gasped and said "Oh planes are bee-you-tee-full!" She skipped over to see my favorite plane "O'Riley's Daughter" took one look at the plane with teeth on it and exclaimed "Oh that's an angry plane." Cue the bullet sounds on the big speakers. My daughter scattered for cover. I coaxed her out and from behind a display and explained the sounds were just pretend. She “hit the deck” twice while in this wing.

Families with kids may want to do the photo op in the Great Gallery, Flight Zone and then head straight to the pedestrian bridge to visit the Aviation Pavilion with a Concorde and former Air Force One. Both my 3yr and 11yr old waited patiently in line. They were so curious to see the inside of those planes.

9 Quick Tips for Visiting The Museum of Flight
1.To get the most out your family outing have kids fed and napped prior to your visit or arrive early and plan on leaving before they get hungry and tired.
2.Don't expect to stroll through the MOF with small kids in tow and read all of the detailed displays explaining the history and significance of the exhibits. Younger kids will be stimulated visually and may have a struggle standing still for long periods. They may want to stay moving to see all the planes.
3. If you struggle with claustrophobia don't go in the Concorde or Air Force One. The isles are narrow and the ceiling low.
4. Noise Level: my daughter got loud in the Space exhibit. Happy cries of "It's a rocket ship!!" and "ooh the earth" caused people to smile at the sight of a little girl jumping up and down excited to see a rocket ship and the earth. I didn't feel pressure to keep the kids silent. It's a Museum not a library.
5. Food: lunch at the Museum in Wings Café was $26 for the three of us. I had a delicious portabella mushroom veggie sammy on Ciabatta bread. Kids had hot dogs, apple, milk, and ice cream.
6. The Museum of Flight is stroller friendly.
7. Parking is free (Bonus!).
8. We were there for 2 hours and 45 minutes which included our meal time.
9. For a coupon to The Museum of Flight, download the free Seattle Southside Savings Pass

Since our first visit we returned and purchased a membership. It’s a tremendous place to take friends and family when they visit. There you have it people. Enjoy! Take lots of pictures. Have fun and please share your stories with us on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear about your visit!