Sunday, March 29, 2009

Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum

Last week I was discussing thrifty beach vacations, but as I mentioned also, the ideas mentioned are not exclusive to the gulf coast. I hope that you will take a moment and look into your own "backyard", if you will, of things that are available in your area.
That being said, another activity that we took advantage of while on our beach vacation with the children was the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum, not far from the Alabama gulf coast. It was perfect for a rainy day activity. The museum is free of charge and houses a wealth of information of our nations history as well as military history.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the largest Naval Aviation museum in the world and one of the most visited museums in the state of Florida. Share the excitement of Naval Aviation's rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed both inside the Museum's nearly 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds.
Kids and Adults alike, will enjoy the "adventure" of the Flight Simulators. Also be sure to check out the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and catch all the drama and power of the amazing IMAX films.
There's so much to see and do, you'll want to stay all day! Admission is free! There is a cafe in the museum. Hours of operation are 9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week, 362 days each year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.


As a side note, if you live in central Alabama, be sure to check out the Blue Angles Show at the Tuscaloosa Airport this weekend. Tuscaloosa Regional Airport is to host Blue Angels air shows April 4-5, 2009. If you have never seen the Blue Angles, I highly recommend going. It's a great show, one that will entertain adults as well as children.

http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

10 comments:

abeachcottage said...

i love days like those, my boys love museums and nothing better when you are on a budget...you got me thinking to a trip out next school hols

Sarah

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Great Post!
I love thrifty travel ideas, they are the best! Cindy

Derek said...

The Blue Angels are flying this coming weekend at the Tuscaloosa Airport. Here is the link from the City of Tuscaloosa website for more info. Hope everybody will come. It should be a fantastic weekend!

http://www.tuscaloosa.com/index.asp?nid=894

Kim said...

Very cool photos! We love aviation museums! We've been to Wright Patterson in Dayton OH at least four times. Wanted to visit the Smithsonian Air & Flight Museum but didn't have time when we were in D.C. Hubby noticed a little museum in Cordoba, where the Argentine air force is headquartered so he wants to check that out soon too. Our son gave his dad flight simulator software for Christmas but we're having trouble loading it onto the computer.

Unknown said...

reading all this great info makes me wish we werent going out west this summer for vacation!

Bama Belle said...

Great post and pictures!!! Hope you are well! Let's try to catch up soon!

Unknown said...

I have been to that museum and the guides in there are awesome. What cool family vacation ideas.

Cynthia

Kristin - The Goat said...

I watched the slide show a few times thinking that I had seen that all before. Then I finally read the title -- Pensacola. I HAVE been there!

Looks like you all had a blast.

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Susan said...

It's so fun down there!!!!