National Museum of the USAF

Tips for a Successful Home School Day Visit

Here are some tips for making your visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Home School Day a very successful experience:

Arrive early to find your classrooms
Bring extra adults to assist getting your children to multiple locations when taking simultaneous classes (the museum is a very large place!)
Do not be discouraged if your child is on a waiting list. In the past (despite long waiting lists), most people have been successful in getting into their desired classes.
You do not HAVE to be pre-registered for a program. If your son/daughter wants into a class, you should go to the classroom about 15 minutes before it begins and give your name to the volunteer/staff person working at that location. There is a good chance that you may be able to get into the class of your choice.
Should you not get into your first choice of classes, there are several alternatives. Space is always available in the Carney Auditorium programs. Late seating is permitted. Guided tours may also be available. You can even ask to join a tour already in progress. Another option would be to take a scavenger hunt. And, of course, there is always an IMAX movie, Morphis simulator ride and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Self-tours of the museum itself are always welcomed.
Adults: While your students are in their classes, feel free to attend one of the auditorium classes (good for background information) or any of the other options listed above. Again, late seating and early departure are permitted.
Please remember that food and drinks (including water bottles) cannot be brought into the museum. The cafeteria on the second floor is for paying customers only, and food is not allowed anywhere else in the building beyond the lobby. This is necessary to protect the collection as well as for the safety of the visitors. Unfortunately, we do not have an indoor picnic area. There are picnic tables outside. Many families choose to eat in their vehicles in the case of inclement weather. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this issue.
The museum has a limited number of wheelchairs and strollers available for your use in the building at no charge. These are located in the lobby just past the Membership desk.
If you are interested in visiting the Presidential/R&D Galleries, sign-up for the shuttle bus is at the end of the gift shop hallway and to the left. Please bring a current photo ID for each adult. You will want to register early as space is limited. All persons planning on riding the bus must be present when the registration is made (you can't sign up your children while they are in a class). Click here for more information about Presidential/R&D visitation requirements.
Click here for information about area lodging.
The museum has several family restrooms available.
Digital movies and simulators will be discounted for homeschoolers. Be sure to mention this before making your purchases.