One of the best field trips we took this school year was to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The museum is a companion to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. This museum is packed with science and airplane artifacts that kept my children completely engaged. I loved that there were full size airplanes and a Rocket for kids and adults to view up close and personal. Being able to learn about the vehicle wonders in the sky fascinated me and my family.
Did you know National Family Month is from May 12 to June 16. In celebration of your family we encourage you to do an activity together. Similarly, my husband, daughters, and I traveled to the Udvar-Hazy Center where we learned about the air-crafts of the past, and the IMAX movie we watched while their gave us insight in the air craft capabilities that are to come.
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Here are some of my favorites from the Air and Space Museum’s extensive collection:
You can view all of my favorites from the collection on Youtube are in the video above.
The top three fascinating facts I learned at the Udvar-Hazy Center Air and Space Museum were:
1. There was once an airplane that could transform into a car.
In fact, in 1950 Robert Fulton Jr., designed an air vehicle that could also change into a car. In fact, the Airphibian became the first roadable aircraft. ⠀
2. Currently, it takes about five hours for an airplane to fly from LA to DC. But there was once a plane in the air that could glide from DC to LA in only 1 hour and 4 minutes. The Lockheed Blackbird is not only stunning to look at, but it has an amazing history to go along with it too.
3. It was amazing to see the Space Shuttle Discovery up close. At first glance, the shuttle itself looks as if it was made from old scraps of metal. In fact, while I was there I heard some other visitors discussing it. One lady said, the shuttle looks like a replica made from recycles or a model created for display. She was right. From our naked eyes, we could see the flattened sheets of metal and the nails that kept the pieces together. It was surreal to even imagine that the aircraft I was standing next to and exited earths atmosphere.
[Space shuttle Discovery was] the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles was the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles.
Definitely check out this Air and Space
Museum the next time you’re in the Virginia or DC areas. Just being in the building made me feel like I had a first class ticket on Mr. Rogers Trolley. I really loved every minute of my experience.
Location
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Phone: 703-572-4118
Hours & Admission
Regular Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Admission is FREE
Parking $15 Before 4:00 pm
Open Every Day Except December 25
Visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center website to learn even more.
