Your knowledge andunderstanding of the aviation world will reach new heights with a visit to theAir & Space Museum, one of Balboa Park’s mostpopular attractions since it opened in 1963. It’s home to dozens of aircraft.View a hot air balloon from 1783 and the actual Command module used on NASA’sApollo 9 mission. See a model of the bright red Lockheed Vega in which AmeliaEarhart set two of her aviation records. The model was used in the 2009 filmAmelia, starring Hilary Swank.
Make your way throughexhibits dedicated to the planes of both World Wars, and examine the aircraftthat contributed to the Golden Age of Flight. Compare these to the hi-tech,supersonic rockets of the modern era, in the Modern Jet and Space Age Gallery.The museum also has the only GPS satellite on public display in the world.
TheEducation Center in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight hosts monthlyfamily days, when children can participate in guided activities such asbuilding their own gliders or miniature hot air balloon. Ask at the ticket deskor the Balboa Park Visitor Center for details.
Some of the museum'ssimulators include a 4-D experience that will take you to the moon, fly you ona jetpack adventure or send you on a mission to Mars. Rides on the simulatorscost extra.Ifyou don’t have time for an extended visit, go to the Theodore Gildred Rotundaarea for a smaller display of planes. The San Diego Air & Space museum isopen daily, with extended hours in the summer. It is closed on Thanksgiving andChristmas.
