Frontiers of Flight Museum
When time allows, we at Calendee like to take the opportunity to experience some of the events in our system. Of course just like so many families with young kids, time is always tight. Fortunately, appropriate events are never scarce. Using Calendee, it’s almost impossible to NOT find something to do in your area.
Usually, when you are looking for something to do, you want it to be close to home. However, this time, I was going to have both of the boys near downtown Dallas while their mother was at a doctor’s appointment. I had no idea where to go or what to do while we were down there. So, I pulled up Calendee and searched by the zip code of the doctor’s office (75209). I selected almost every possible activity. Lo and behold, I came across the Frontiers of Flight Museum just minutes away from where we were going to be. After reviewing their website, I realized we weren’t going to be able to make it to any of their kid oriented events. Despite this, I was sure the boys would love seeing all the planes on display.
Admission to the museum was a little more steep than I would have cared for. It was $8 per adult. Since each of my boys were under 3, they got in free. Because I was really just going there to kill a little time, I parted with my money a little grudgingly. However, I was soon to learn that the price was well worth it. Basically, the admission was just $2.67 per person.
Fortunately, when we arrived, we noticed a whole group of kids heading in the opposite direction of the planes. We decided to follow them and see what was going on. We passed the little cafeteria area that was closed and stumbled across an amazing kids play area. The play area was a mini-airport. There was a mini jumbo jet, an air traffic control tower, Jay-Jay the Jet Plane video viewing area, and several other airplane related activity areas. My oldest son was a bit leery of the jumbo jet at first. However, he quickly took to it and played “Captain”. He was steering the plane like crazy within a few minutes. He really liked pressing a button on the console and telling everyone to “Buckle Seatbelts!” just like on Disney’s “Little Einsteins”. The air traffic control tower turned out to be a climbing platform. It was great fun to climb to the top and see little model airplanes flying overhead. My youngest son spent most of his time playing inside a big plastic tree. He was really enjoying popping out and playing “Peek-A-Boo”.
After playing and watching videos for a while, we decided to tour the rest of the museum. On the same side as the play area, there is also a full size jet cockpit that you can climb up into. I think this was actually a Southwest Airlines jet at one point. We got to sit in the pilot’s seats and play with all the controls. Unfortunately, due to vandalism, the cockpit is locked most of the time. However, the attentive staff will be happy to open it up for you to enjoy. Don’t be shy, be sure to ask. Next, we toured the main part of the museum. They have an amazing collection of early and modern planes and jets on display. It’s incredible to see so many of them hanging from the ceiling. Even more interesting is the actual Apollo 11 space capsule on display.
We really did have a great time at the museum. As I said, unfortunately, we weren’t able to participate in any of the events they have going on. They host airplane design classes, Family Days, Once Upon a Flight Story Time, The WRIGHT Place education series, and several other lecture and special event programs. This is definitely more than just a stuffy, old museum. It’s got something for the entire family to enjoy together. Be sure to visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum and tell them that your heard about them on Calendee.
