KidVenture

KidVenture 2006 Artist Booth Winners

The unique array of aircraft and activities gracing the flight line at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh generates plenty of attention and excitement, especially among youngsters. However, if kids of any age want a safe and fun hands-on aviation experience, a visit to KidVenture is essential.

Nestled behind the EAA AirVenture Museum on the quiet side of the EAA convention grounds, KidVenture's campus has become a prominent fixture of AirVenture's landscape. Where else can kids get the chance to build their own model rockets and balsa planes, fly in a high-tech flight simulator, try their hand at flying a control-line model, and meet aviation legends?

While toddlers tool around in the pedal-plane corral, bigger kids can take the pre-flight challenge and get their first log book. The wide variety of flight simulators found at KidVenture take them anywhere, from NASA space missions to Wright brothers' adventures.

Airplanes are everywhere but, unlike on the EAA AirVenture flight line, there aren't any "Please Do Not Touch" signs at KidVenture. Inquisitive minds are free to explore several half-built airplane projects and crawl around in EAA AirVenture Museum's DC-3 and CH-21 Shawnee helicopter.

KidVenture memories aren't the only things youngsters will take home. They can build their own airworthy Estes rocket; rubber-powered airplane from Midwest; carve their own wooden propeller and learn to rivet- all free of charge. Kids might even be able to snag an autograph or two from some of aviation's most respected individuals appearing at the KidVenture Hero Stage.

"My favorite part is when the tent is full of people gathered around the Hero Stage," says Adam Smith, EAA vice president of outreach programs. "At the end of each speaker's session, kids and parents get the chance to ask questions. That can be very entertaining."

Kids hungry for some hands-on flying action will enjoy the control-line model airplanes. Experienced model pilots will be there to teach techniques of flying these small, nitro-powered, tether line-controlled aircraft. Control-line flying began as a stand-alone activity at Pioneer Airport in 1997 with the help of former-NAFI president, Sean Elliott and former control-line champ Sean Elliott. Sig Manufacturing of Montezuma, Iowa contributes fuel, airplanes and expertise to the KidVenture control-line event.

"It's a unique opportunity to reach a large group of kids with an aviation interest," says Sig engineer Mike Gretz. "We are happy to contribute to this event, which is so important for the future of model aviation."

KidVenture 2006 Offers Riveting Experience

Map of KidVenture location