Innovations in Flight 2026

Innovations in Flight 2026

If your kid is into planes, this is their day. The Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center opens up its runway for over 60 aircraft that fly in just for this one-day event. We're talking helicopters, military jets, vintage propeller planes, and even a commercial airliner. Kids can walk right up to most of them and see the cockpits, landing gear, and engines up close. It's the kind of thing that's hard to replicate anywhere else in the area.

The outdoor display runs from 10am to 3pm, and the museum itself stays open with all its regular exhibits. The Space Shuttle Discovery is inside, along with hundreds of other aircraft and spacecraft. Free passes are required for the outdoor display and they go fast — registration opens May 14 at 7pm on the museum's website. Indoor activities don't require a ticket. This is a one-shot event, so mark your calendar and set an alarm for when tickets drop.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Register for outdoor passes on May 14 at 7pm. Set an alarm. These go in minutes, not hours. If you miss the outdoor passes, you can still visit the museum inside for free — just no runway access.
• ✓Arrive by 9:30am. The parking lot and event area fill quickly. Getting there early means better parking and less walking with kids. Bring a wagon if you have one.
• ✓Sunscreen and water are non-negotiable. The outdoor display is on hot tarmac with almost no shade. Hats, sunscreen, and a water bottle per kid. Seriously.
• ✓Do the outdoor display first, then go inside. The aircraft are only there for the day. The museum's permanent collection will be there anytime. Prioritize the runway.
• ✓Bring snacks. There's a McDonald's inside the museum and some food options near the event, but lines get long. Having your own food makes the day easier.
• ✓The observation tower is worth the wait. If lines aren't too long, take the kids up to the observation tower inside the museum for views of Dulles runway traffic. Planes land every few minutes.