Do NOT Miss These 12 Aircraft At The National Air & Space Museum
If there’s one road trip our Double Decker Fam will procrastinate the bedtime routine for, it’s a day at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The minute we roll our big blue double decker RV anywhere near the National Mall, our kids all start buzzing (pun 100% intended) about rockets, biplanes, and fighter jets.
There’s truly nothing like standing beneath the very same aircraft that broke world records, changed history, and sometimes—changed the way we get everywhere. With half a dozen kids (ages 5 to 10!) plus two adults who still geek out over landing gear, I can safely say we’ve developed a solid game plan for maximizing your visit AND hitting the can’t-miss aircraft no matter how limited your museum time is.
If you’ve only got a half-day, a few hours, or even just your lunch break downtown, do NOT miss these 12 legendary aircraft at the National Air & Space Museum. They’re not just impressive—they’ll spark curiosity and a love for science in your kids and, honestly, in yourself. Trust me: even our twins stopped wrestling long enough to point and ask questions (high praise in our world)!
Table of Contents
- About the National Air & Space Museum
- How To Plan Your Visit With Kids
- Do NOT Miss These 12 Aircraft
- Bonus Tips for Family Travelers
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
About the National Air & Space Museum
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the National Air & Space Museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It’s home to the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts (source). The museum isn’t just for aviation buffs—there’s hands-on activities, flight simulators, and interactive STEM exhibits that even our youngest twins genuinely enjoy.
Admission is free, but you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (Smithsonian guidelines).
How To Plan Your Visit With Kids
- Strollers welcome: Navigating with little ones? Strollers are allowed.
- Snacks & restaurants: There’s no food allowed inside the exhibits, but there are food trucks and cafes right outside.
- Restrooms: Family and accessible restrooms are available.
- Start early: Arrive at opening for best crowds if you can!
- Divide and conquer: If your crew spans a range of ages (like ours!), pick one wing for your aviation fans and another for the space lovers.
- Download the map: Plan your path before you arrive for maximum efficiency.
Now, here’s how to tackle the museum’s highlights with your own crew.
Do NOT Miss These 12 Aircraft
Want to see the best? Here’s our can’t-miss list, in recommended touring order.
1. The Wright Flyer (1903)
Where: Early Flight Exhibit
This wasn’t just the first successful powered airplane—it’s one of the most significant artifacts in human history. The actual 1903 Wright Flyer, flown by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, is displayed here. The kids are amazed that something so delicate-looking actually left the ground, and we always take a moment to point out how much was accomplished with so little tech.
2. The Spirit of St. Louis
Where: Early Flight Gallery
Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis made the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in 1927. It’s easily one of the museum’s most recognizable aircraft, hanging prominently in the atrium. My kids love imagining what it must have been like to fly all night alone across the ocean!
3. Bell X-1 “Glamorous Glennis”
Where: America by Air
This bright orange rocket plane was the first to break the sound barrier, piloted by Chuck Yeager in 1947. There’s a replica at the Udvar-Hazy center too, but nothing beats standing inches away from the actual aircraft that broke scientific boundaries (Smithsonian fact sheet).
4. Apollo 11 Command Module “Columbia”
Where: Space Race Gallery
This is the real deal: the command module from the 1969 mission that first landed humans on the Moon. Its scorched exterior tells the story of both awe-inspiring exploration and the dangers of space. Our kids never skip this stop!
5. SR-71 Blackbird
Where: Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
The sleekest, fastest spyplane ever built, the Blackbird looks more like a spaceship than an airplane. You’ll see it right as you enter the museum, and every member of our family is always drawn to its mysterious, futuristic shape.
6. Douglas DC-3
Where: America by Air
Sometimes called the “plane that changed the world,” the DC-3 brought commercial airline travel to the masses. Stepping inside the authentic, walk-through DC-3 cabin exhibit is like traveling back in time (one of our top recommendations for younger aviation fans).
7. Boeing 247-D
Where: America by Air
This is one cool aircraft—the first modern airliner with an all-metal construction, retractable landing gear, and autopilot. I always appreciate how the museum lets families peek inside, and the interactive touchscreen displays give the older kids a deeper look into aviation history.
8. Lockheed Vega 5B “Winnie Mae”
Where: America by Air
Famous for Amelia Earhart’s solo transatlantic flight and Wiley Post’s round-the-world journey, this shiny red aircraft practically shouts “daring adventure.” Earhart’s resilience and bravery are always a good touch point for some quick, on-the-go learning.
9. North American X-15
Where: Space Race Gallery
The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft flown in the 1960s at speeds up to MACH 6.7—fast enough to qualify many of its pilots as astronauts! Our 10-year-old (and honestly, me) always stops to marvel at this trailblazing machine.
10. Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Where: WWII Aviation
This Japanese fighter, often simply called “the Zero,” was one of the most formidable foes of WWII. The exhibit explains its historical context, making it a must-see for those teaching kids about global history and innovation.
11. Enola Gay (at Udvar-Hazy Center)
If you have extra time—or a second visit planned—hop over to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport. Here you’ll find the Enola Gay, the B-29 that dropped the first atomic bomb. Its controversial role in history always sparks meaningful conversations with older kids.
12. SpaceShipOne
Where: Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
The first privately built, piloted spacecraft, SpaceShipOne, made history in 2004 by reaching the edge of space and back. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but think about what space travel for families might look like in our own kids’ lifetime.
Bonus Tips for Family Travelers
1. Take advantage of hands-on zones. Check out the “How Things Fly” gallery for interactive exhibits (sometimes there’s even wind tunnels and building challenges—that’s where we burn off kiddos’ excess energy).
2. Fuel up nearby. The museum has a grab-and-go cafe, but the National Mall is packed with food trucks (our go-to: lobster rolls for grown-ups, grilled cheese for the kids).
3. Don’t forget a scavenger hunt. If your kids are like ours, they’ll want a way to check off each aircraft as you go. The museum provides some printable activity sheets online or make your own before arriving!
4. Take breaks outside. The National Mall lawn is perfect for a picnic, cartwheels, or letting little ones decompress between galleries.
FAQs
Q: Is the museum stroller-friendly?
A: Yes! Elevators and ramps abound, so double strollers can navigate easily.
Q: How long does a visit take?
A: If you really want to take in the highlights and linger at each aircraft, budget about 2-4 hours. With kids under 8, 1.5 hours may be your max before someone needs a snack or a meltdown.
Q: Can we bring food into the museum?
A: No outside food or drinks inside, but plenty of options just outside the building.
Q: Are all the aircraft on display at the downtown location?
A: Most, but the Udvar-Hazy Center has several huge aircraft (like the Enola Gay and the Space Shuttle Discovery) you won’t see at the main museum.
Final Thoughts: Why These Aircraft Matter
The National Air & Space Museum is home to more then a collection of “old planes.”