Living history re-enactors.
Fun with science.
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These are all part of the fun when the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force comes to life in the evening hours during Night at the Air Force Museum on Friday, Nov. 1, from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free.
Here are 10 things to do, see and experience at this event for the whole family:
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU ...
Interact with “Star Wars” characters and other fictional characters throughout the galleries.
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WATCH AS GALLERIES COME TO LIFE
Get a more personal history lesson with the help of costumed living history re-enactors throughout the galleries.
DRESS IN COSTUME AGAIN
Children and adults are welcome to come dressed as their favorite fictional or non-fictional aviator. Those costumes must be rated PG.
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ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Enjoy an up-close look at some of the Columbus Zoo’s animals. You can also stop by RAPTOR Inc.’s table to meet birds of prey up close.
Zoo animals will be there from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. in Building 4, with a program on the stage at 7 p.m. Raptors will be on view from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Building 4
VIRTUAL REALITY
The Air Force Research Lab will conduct STEM demonstrations and offer virtual reality experiences.
COSI SCIENCE SPOTS
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) will be on-hand with their “Science Spots” traveling science exhibitions, which provide guests with the opportunity to play, explore, and learn about science together. These “Science Spots” will cover a variety of topics such as “Air Cannon;” “Ball Launcher;” “Magnetic Levitation;” “Pyramids;” “Roller Coasters;” and more.
Representatives from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will conduct interactive activities on astronomy and gravity.
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PRETEND LIKE YOU WILL TAKE FLIGHT
Cockpits available to sit-in will include the A-7D; F-4D; F-16; FB-111A; and T-38, and the Air Force Recruiting Service will bring two pilot training virtual reality simulators.
Aircraft open for viewing will include the C-7A; C-133A; CV-22B; F-104C; SR-71; F-117 and Tacit Blue.
FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Other activities include balloon animals, a Bernoulli ghost hunt, jack-o-lantern cornhole, face painting and a coloring station. Children will also receive candy bags near the Space STEM Learning Node (while supplies last).
STROLLING PERFORMANCES
Air Force Band of Flight's Spirit of Freedom ensemble will provide a "strolling" performance throughout the galleries.
BONUS FEATURES
The Air Force Museum Theatre will feature a variety of films every 30 minutes from 5-9 p.m. at a discounted rate of $5 per ticket. Films being shown include “Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag,” “Rescue 3D” “Journey to Space 3D” and “Aircraft Carrier 3D.”
IF YOU GO ...
A few tips from event organizers.
Visitors planning to attend this free event are encouraged to arrive early, wear aviation-related costumes and enjoy all of the festivities. Below are some tips for planning your visit:
• Although the event will begin at 6 p.m., the Museum’s Café, Store and Theatre will remain open for visitors arriving at 5 p.m. (or earlier) who would like to eat dinner, shop for an aviation-related gift, or see a film before the event begins.
• Visitors may enter the museum through the main entrance gate off of Springfield Street, or the gate by the Armory off of Harshman Road (right turn only through Armory gate). Depending on attendance, visitors may need to park on the grass. However, golf carts will be available to transport individuals needing mobility assistance.
• All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition, all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives.
• A limited number of strollers, electric carts and wheelchairs will be available; please consider bringing your own if possible.
• Aviation-related costumes are encouraged, but all costumes must be family friendly and should not include weapons.
• For those interested in seeing inside any of the cockpits, it is suggested to visit those first.
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WANT TO GO?
What: Night @ Air Force Museum
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, from 6-10 p.m.
Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Cost: Free admission. Movies require tickets.
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