Flying Objects Kids Day

Flying Objects Kids Day

National Warplane Museum

Flying Objects is the National Warplane Museum’s hands-on STEM event designed to spark curiosity and introduce young people to aviation through interactive projects, demonstrations, and real aircraft encounters.

Hands-On Steam Activities

Participants explore the four elements of flight—Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag—through stations such as:

• Build-and-fly kites
• Coffee-filter parachute drops
• Airplane chip-clip crafts
• Finger-painted “planet” art with rockets/airplanes
• Wooden glider assembly and flight
• Children’s book reading: Duffy’s First Plane Ride
• Scavenger hunt throughout the museum
• Guided walk through vintage aircraft exhibits

Live Aircraft Demonstrations

Throughout the session, Emcee announces a “FLYING OBJECT” arrival. The pilot will taxi, park and engage with visitors who can see their aircraft up close and ask questions.

Expected participants include:

• Finger Lakes Soaring Club – static glider & tow-in flight
• Rochester Flyers – hang-glider, paraglider, potentially powered ultralight
• National Guard – helicopter display
• Lunar Lander replica display
• Local rocket, drone, and model airplane clubs

Community Engagement

• MOOG volunteers host a paper-airplane design contest.
• NWM volunteers support craft tents and activity stations.
• Giveaways include kites, balloons, frisbees, and Red Wings goodies.
• Families can enter a drawing for two 2026 Geneseo Airshow tickets by completing a short event survey.

Event Logistics

• Date: Saturday, May 30
• Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Location: National Warplane Museum, Geneseo, NY
• Audience: Families, especially children ages 4–10
• Admission: Pre-registration required
  • Adults: $10.00
  • Kids (Ages 4-18): $6.00
• Weather: Activities move indoors/tented if needed

Why It Matters

Flying Objects brings accessible, aviation-centered education to a rural region where many families cannot attend large aviation events. With local poverty rates as high as 17.7%, this program offers an affordable entry point into aviation and STEM learning. It also strongly appeals to the Greater Rochester Homeschool Community, which values interactive, low-cost educational experiences.