Bounty of Activities for Kids at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022
April 28, 2022 – EAA founder Paul Poberezny said it from the start: get the kids and families involved at the annual EAA fly-in and it will become an annual family tradition. The same holds true at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, as young people will find plenty to do and discover at Oshkosh on July 25-31.
Again this year, it’s free admission for all those age 18 and under, thanks in part from support by The Boeing Company.
Among the activities on the AirVenture grounds for kids and families in 2022 are:
KidVenture: Full activities return this year at Pioneer Airport. It allows young people to explore aviation from several different fronts. Learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, experience flight simulators, and learn aviation history. KidVenture highlights also include A&P booths where kids learn basic building skills, a simulated B-25 flight experience, and life-size replicas of the Mercury 7 and Gemini 7 space capsules.
Youth Education Center: EAA’s new youth education area adjacent to the EAA Aviation Museum will be open for exploration during AirVenture week. There will be opportunities to sign up for hands-on projects during the week.
EAA Aviation Museum/KidVenture area: This hands-on area is specifically for our younger visitors and is highly interactive. The centerpiece is the Raptor Gallery, which contains 16 interactive exhibits focuses on the world's most advanced airplane, the F-22 Raptor. It includes a half-scale model of the F-22 where young people can climb into the cockpit. KidVenture also features a scenic overlook from the Tower of Flight — a stunning observation deck for viewing activities on the grounds.
Young Eagles 30th anniversary: Located on the Four Corners crossroads at the center of the AirVenture grounds, kids and their parents can find out more about getting a free introductory flight in their home area.
Warbirds area flight simulators: Young people are invited to take the controls of virtual warbirds in the Quonset hut located just east of Knapp Street in the Warbirds area.
Vintage area kids’ tent: For all kids ages 8-12 who want to learn more about using tools! This workshop includes various stations that allow kids to practice the proper use of basic hand tools, such as hammers and pliers. Presented by Vintage volunteers, there are even more advanced, aviation-related stations such as safety wiring. Parents are encouraged to attend and watch their kids’ progress. Located outside of the Vintage Hangar on the south side, look for a white tent with tables underneath! More information will be available at eaavintage.org and facebook.com/EAAVintage as details are finalized in the coming weeks.
NEXTGEN Aviators: NEXTGEN Aviators will be hosting their ground-based programs at Aviation Gateway Park at AirVenture. Hands-on activities, flight simulators, and more are part of the daily schedule of events.
NASA exhibit: Discover the universe and space travel with the displays inside the NASA Pavilion, located in Aviation Gateway Park, just northwest of the FAA control tower
Pedal Planes! Young aviators can discover their inner pilot at the Aviation Products exhibit, just east of the EAA Wearhouse.
Air shows: Nine air shows in seven days are among the biggest highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Daily afternoon air shows with the world’s finest aerobatic pilots on July 25-31, with special night air shows (including fireworks) on July 27 and 30. In addition, Twilight Flight Fest returns to the Fun Fly Zone on July 25-26 and July 28-29.
More family-friendly activities! Evening programs at Theater in the Woods and aviation movies at the Fly-In Theater make it a full day for families on the AirVenture flightline!
