Located at Pioneer Airport across from the EAA AirVenture Museum, KidVenture 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.
Highlights 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.
KidVenture is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shuttles run throughout the day between the Bus Park and Museum.
Check out these hands-on activities for aspiring aviators:
The hands-on mechanics activities area features activities from which the kids can learn a number of building tasks. After completing each station, kids get their work cards punched.
Kids who complete the Future A&P booths will receive a Future A&P pin, and if they are among the first 1,000 kids to complete the skills they will also receive a tool kit.
Riveting Booth
Supported by Van's Aircraft, this booth teaches how to buck solid rivets, using top-grade tools supplied by Avery Tools. Those wanting to learn more can work on a real RV-12 kit donated by Van's. The kids also can make a personalized metal riveted name badge.
Engine Booth
Features conventional four-cylinder engines the kids inspect and work on under the guidance of skilled A&P mechanics.
Electronic Troubleshooting Booth
Shows kids how to make simple wire circuits and also teaches about working with electricity.
Prop-Shaping Booth
Supported by Hartzell Propeller, kids take a wooden prop blank and shape it into a finished propeller. Volunteers then burn the EAA logo into the wood, and the kids can collect autographs from aviation greats around the grounds.
Wooden Rib Building Booth
Supported by Wick's Aircraft and run by EAA Chapter 43 (Denver, Colorado), this booth teaches kids how to make a 20-inch wooden wing rib exactly like a homebuilder does using the same material, jigs, and tools required for a full-size rib.
The flight education area, comprised of 10 booths, features a series of activities focused on what a young pilot should know, including:
- Regulations
- Weather
- Navigation
- Air traffic control
- Aircraft design
- Pre-flight inspection
- Post-flight debriefing
Electric R/C and control line flying is geared to more mature children, but any age level is allowed to fly once they have mastered the basics.
Members of the Northern Aces R/C Air Show Team run this area and allow the kids to fly a real electric-powered model airplane under their guidance.
Kids can also try their hand at control line airplane flying with the gas powered airplane models. Control line experts also perform daily demonstration air shows.
Other activities and attractions include:
- Be inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen in the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit panoramic movie theater, part of the CAF Red Tail Squadron.
- Replica of the Mercury 7 spaceship for the kids to sit in along with video of its flight into space.
- Talk on the KidVenture HAM radio station to other people around the country and the world.
