KidVenture for Kids of All Ages
Many new and exciting activities are
in store for kids of all ages at the sixth KidVenture at EAA
AirVenture 2004. The big tent, located just behind the Eagle Hangar
at EAA AirVenture Museum, has become a destination all its own
within the convention, operating from 9 a.m.- 3:30 July 27-August 1
and until 2 p.m. on August 2.
If there's one term to best describe KidVenture, it's hands-on.
There's more for kids to do, build, try-out and, consequently,
learn about aviation than anywhere on the convention grounds.
As in past years, kids can try their hands at a number of flight
simulators offered by Civil Air Patrol, Mississippi State
University, NASA, and the US Army. They can climb into cockpits and
gaze at the instrumentation. Toddlers can pedal their way around
the area in pedal planes. Kids can make their own Estes Rocket,
hovercraft, or balsa glider. Or if the wind isn't too strong, have
a flight in the tethered hot-air balloon. Harley Davidson's
battery-powered motor bikes are sure to be popular, as well as
their rubbing table, allowing kids to make their own works of art
with crayons.
How about a chance to see notable aviation figures on the
KidVenture Aviation Heroes Stage? The slate is full, featuring such
people as renowned pilot Dick Rutan; aerobatic stars Michael
Goulian and Michael Mancuso; paper airplane guru Ken Blackburn;
pilot-author Jill Rutan-Hoffman; WASP Ethel Finley; and Tuskegee
Airman Col. Charles McGee; pilot-academy award winning actor Cliff
Robertson; and others.
As for newer attractions, KidVenture offers:
Craft a propeller! Take a precut, raw prop, use provided tools
to finely shape it into a sleek airfoil, then get it signed by
famous aviation figures.
KidVenture "Skunk Works" allows youths to create their own unique
aircraft with various parts from sponsor Midwest Products. Also
ready to build are balsa Bonanzas, and Penny Fliers for the younger
kids.
The Young Eagles Wings Program, is a type of scavenger hunt for
kids to earn their AirVenture Wing. This is a part of the next
steps in the EAA Young Eagles program to be formally announced at
EAA AirVenture.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will staff a booth as well as
perform a puppet show on stage three times every day.
Also be on the lookout for the Juggler with the Yellow Shoes, who
will entertain KidVenture campus guests.