This is FREE fun – there’s no admission for any age! The museum is HUGE so depending on your interest level, you could spend hours there. Or you can take in a little bit at a time and come back later for more since it’s free! Scroll down to see an itinerary to make a day of it in Dayton!
Where is the Air Force Museum?
š 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431 located near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, east of downtown Dayton. The Museum is open 9 am to 5 pm EVERYDAY, excluding some holidays.
The museum is a great place to meet up with friends in other towns because its near:
- 1hr from Cincinnati, OH
- 1hr from Columbus, OH
- 2hrs from Indianapolis, IN
What to Expect at the Air Force Museum
- This place is huge, so bring a stroller for little legs who may get tired and expect to walk far from the parking lot.
- There is a place to get food, but I wouldn’t recommend staying for lunch.
- You can explore several different hangars filled with planes and memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Presidential Air Force One planes, fighter jets from recent days and simulation machines.
- Not sure where to go? Don’t worry, there is a ton of signage and volunteers everywhere. Many of the volunteers are retired Air Force members who are happy to show you where to find something, tell you a story about a specific plane or just give a friendly smile.Ā
Events at the Air Force Museum
There are some really cool events that happen at the Air Force Museum, year round. Check here –> for the Air Force Museum Event Calendar. There is an open aircraft day once a month on Saturdays, that allow a guided look inside the cockpit, airplane talks and more. This is a great reason to go, but beware of crowds. The museum itself is HUGE, so that is helpful on more popular days and times.Ā
Captain of the Kids Itinerary: The Air Force Museum
If you’re coming from Cincinnati, start your day early and stop for donuts on your way through Centerville before you get to the Air Force Museum.Ā
Bill’s Donut Shop: 268 N Main St, Centerville, OH 45459
Get there early to avoid crowds – the museum opens at 9am. If you want to see more ‘current’ planes, head straight back.Ā
If it’s a nice day, it’s a perfect opportunity to get lunch at Young’s, about 25 mins east. This place is open year-round. TRY THE CHEESE CURDS and the Ice Cream! Make an afternoon of it by feeding the goats, playing in the new barn store, and playing play putt putt at Putters and Udders. Or test your swing at the driving range or the batting cages!Ā
Less than 15 minutes away, Boonshoft is a science and natural history museum & zoo all in one! If your crew is up for it, this museum is a great way to keep the fun going before heading back home. Get all the details on admission and exhibits here: Boonshoft Museum.
Follow this Google Map from Cincinnati with a stop at Bill’s Donut Shop, The Air Force Museum, then lunch and play at Young’s Jersey Dairy.
