National Aviation Day is August 19^th

National Aviation Day is a day when we celebrate the development and progression of aviation. In 1939, President Roosevelt issued the first presidential proclamation designating Aug. 19, as National Aviation Day. This date was fitting as it was birthday of Orville Wright, inventor (one of two brothers) of the airplane.  Since then, the aviation industry, museums and organizations recognize this day of importance and host special events and activities.  Here are a few ways to join in on the fun:

Watch a Movie
Gather up the troops and kick back for a classic movie night. Let the kids choose one of their favorite aviation movies and serve up movie snacks (or peanuts). My picks would be UP or Planes.

Where is Orville? – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 
Orville the Squirrel is NASA Aeronautics’ official mascot. NASA invites kids to take Orville around this weekend by downloading his picture, printing it and then taking a selfie with Orville wherever you are. Although the picture doesn’t have to be aviation-oriented, make it fun by including a toy plane or two. Use the hashtag #WhereIsOrville when positing. Learn more about the program and print Orville’s picture.

Visit Your Local Aviation Museum
Kids like to  watch movies and read books but nothing is better than to see these fairy tales come to life. Take them on a trip to the aviation  museum where they can see planes of the past, present and maybe even prototypes for the future.

Build A Plane
Hit up your local craft store and grab just what you need to build a toy/model plane. Or choose a cheaper option and teach the kids how to make a paper airplane. After all the planes have been made turn it into a game and let them race.

Watch the Airplanes Take Off 
Grab a snack and head over to the scenic overlook at your local airport and watch the planes take off. Kids will be full of questions as they witness dozens of planes come and go.

Aviation Day Events in the DC Area

National Air and Space Museum

Making STEM Magic: Airplane Design (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center- Virginia)
Aug 20; 10am -3pm
Making STEM Magic is a new program that introduces young visitors to engineering in a fun and creative way. Learn by doing. Design, build, and test a prototype that solves a given challenge. August’s theme is Airplane Design. This program will be held each Saturday and is sponsored by Micron Technology Foundation, Inc.

Story time: Away in My Airplane by Margaret Wise Brown (Washington, DC)
August 20; 11am & 1:30pm
Museum staff read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity.

Celebration At PAX River Air Museum
Aug 20; 10am – 5 pm
Build airplanes, play games and so much more.

Flight Trampoline Park – Springfield 
Present a valid airline employee ID and receive a Flight water bottle with the purchase of a jump ticket! Bring your most creative Flight paper airplane and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win (2) 30 Minute jump passes.

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