Every little boy goes through an airplane phase, and my son was no exception. It was great to have a little museum that wasn't overwhelming right around the corner. It isn't the busiest museum, though I think it's special events (the annual Vertical Challenge Helicopter, for example) and weekends can be busy. It has models from the earliest gliders to the experimental futuristic models. There are some interactive exhibits (a 747 where the kids and kids-at-heart can pretend they are the pilot or the flight attendant with the galley, a 737 cockpit that you can go in, a helicopter simulation, a video game type simulator) and there is a kids area where the kids can rock on airplane themed rockers or ride ons. It's a great place for a too-hot day or a rainy day. You can sit on the 2nd floor and watch the small planes take off and land from San Carlos Airport while you listen to the San Carlos or SFO control tower. You can find reasonably priced toys for your kids at the gift shop.
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