A Perfect Winter Break Activity for Kids

Crack our age-old question: Were the Wright Brothers Force-Sensitive?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is set to release just three days after the 116th anniversary of first flight. Here at the National Aviation Heritage Area we’ve been pondering that age-old question: were the Wright brothers Force-sensitive? Sensing bird flight patterns, lifting planes off the ground…

Whether they were or not, it goes without saying that without their innovation the Millennium Falcon would not exist. And, without Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon, we certainly wouldn’t be visiting Naboo.

Here is a Star Wars/National Aviation Heritage Area itinerary perfect for kids on winter break:

A Perfect Winter Break Activity for Kids

Crack our age-old question: Were the Wright Brothers Force-Sensitive?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is set to release just three days after the 116th anniversary of first flight. Here at the National Aviation Heritage Area we’ve been pondering that age-old question: were the Wright brothers Force-sensitive? Sensing bird flight patterns, lifting planes off the ground…

Whether they were or not, it goes without saying that without their innovation the Millennium Falcon would not exist. And, without Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon, we certainly wouldn’t be visiting Naboo.

Here is a Star Wars/National Aviation Heritage Area itinerary perfect for kids on winter break:

1 Aviation Murals

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
U.S. 35 & Abbey Avenue
Dayton, OH 45402

Near Warped Wing Brewery
400 E. Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Start with a family photo at one of downtown Dayton’s two aviation murals. One is across the street from the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the other is near Warped Wing Brewery. Parents – this is also a great time to grab a cup of coffee.

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2 Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45409

Head to Carillon Historical Park and check out the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, climb the Brethen Tower, and ‘read’ the Storytelling Sycamore tree. Make sure to plan for lunch before/after you explore all 65 holiday-lit acres. The museum’s Culp’s Café is set in an old-fashioned soda fountain and diners can eat in an original interurban train car.

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3 National Museum of the United States Air Force

1100 Spaatz St.
Dayton, OH 45431

Before there were Star Wars, there were World Wars. A visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force isn’t complete without a ride in a flight simulator or a VR experience in their D-Day exhibit.

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4 Armstrong Air & Space Museum

500 Apollo Dr.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

Head north to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum where kids can pose as astronauts and explore the infinity walk. Make sure to end your trip at this location – every dusk from now until January, the museum showcases a space-themed holiday light display.

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