New England Air Museum offering full slate of vacation programs

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – Parents looking for ways to keep their children busy over the upcoming school vacation have many different programming options at the New England Air Museum. The museum, just a short drive away in Windsor Locks, has a full slate of kid-friendly programming scheduled over the break.

"We have something for children every day of the break," said Gina Maria Alimberti, director of Visitor Services at the New England Air Museum. "We have three large hangars, so we're a pretty large museum. It will be steady, but not overly crowded where you can't enjoy yourself."

Special activities begin on Dec. 26. On Dec, 26 and 27, children ages 3 to 12 can enjoy playing with a room full of LEGOs, while creating a futuristic flying machine. Prizes will be awarded in several age categories.

"The LEGO contest is very, very popular," Alimberti said. "That's why we offer it for two days."

The LEGO program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

On Sunday, Dec. 28, there's an aircraft drawing contest, with the theme, "What I love about flight." Kids ages 3 to 15 are invited to make a drawing or collage, with all materials provided. Prizes will be awarded.

Monday, Dec. 29 has kids taking part in an aero modeling workshop. Children participating can expect the workshop to take about an hour and a half, and it is offered on a first come, first serve basis to children ages 8 to 14. Kids will build and fly their own models. It is $5 to purchase a kit.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the museum offers its popular "Open Cockpit Day." About six to eight aircraft will be open, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the cockpits. Aircraft include helicopters, an airliner, a jet fighter and a World War II aircraft. Cockpits close at 4 p.m.

On December 31, there will be a recyclable glider family competition. Families are invited to build a glider out of recyclable materials provided, and fly an egg the longest distance possible.

Throughout vacation week, visitors can try their hand at flying an airplane with the museum's flight simulators, known as "flight sim spot," from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

"It's a real experience where you're learning how to fly - how to take off, how to land," Alimberti said. "It's not like a video game. You're getting instruction."

For those who have visited before, the museum has a new aircraft. The HU-25 Falcon is a corporate jet, which was also used in the Coast Guard. Visitors can not only check out the cockpit, but they can visit the rest of the aircraft as well.

Alimberti said the museum is a kind of hidden gem.

"Our museum really is about educating and engaging families," she said. "They learn about our history and our aircraft, and just get an experience like they've never had before - through hands-on activities, or working with one of our tour guides."

The New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in New England, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with the exception of Christmas Eve, when it closes at 3 p.m. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $11 for seniors, and $6.50 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 are free. Museum membership for families is currently 10 percent off, at $67.50.

The museum is located at 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks. For more information, visit www.neam.org or call (860) 623-3305. 

- Source:  http://www.masslive.com