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.

FMI: www.airventure.org/2004/news/040608_kidventure.html#HERO