Joint Base Andrews Airshow with Kids
They have already raced past by the time the thundering roar of their engines makes it to your ears. When it does the noise is so loud you can feel it in your core. The power. The strength. The speed.
Little in this world and certainly in the transportation realm is more impressive than modern day Air Force aircraft, but I had no clue.
The first time I heard one up close I was walking through a parking lot on Joint Base Andrews. One of the many benefits of having a spouse in a uniformed service is the Px. So I was holding brand new bright red rain boots and feeling pretty excited about them when with a whooosh and a roar I forgot all about my new purchase.
Americas Air Show was practicing overhead and wow. I was hooked.
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Tips for Going to an Airshow with Kids
We went to the Andrews Airshow which takes place on Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. There are however airshows around the country all during the year and I think the majority of this advice would apply to all of these shows.
Before the Trip
- Prepare your kids for the airshow by looking at pictures of the planes they might see (You can usually find these on the website).
- Let them know that the planes are LOUD! And have protective ear wear for your kids so this isn’t too overwhelming and doesn’t damage their ears. I think for little kids headphones like these are your best bet.
- Make sure you check the event schedule beforehand and driving/transportation/parking directions.
During the airshow
There was a lot to do at the Airshow at Andrews for kids and the vast majority of it was FREE!
You can pay to have seats for the flight part but I don’t think that’s needed. Kids activities like the bouncy house also cost some money.
Entrance to the event…
watching the awesome and historic planes fly…
and climbing in a huge range of aircraft – totally FREE!
Good things to know about airshows
*There will be a fair amount of waiting in line involved if you want to see inside the different air craft. Note: If you are a DOD employee I highly, highly suggest coming on their DOD only day for a much less crowded experience.
*Bring cash for food and drinks. There were several ATMs available but the lines were often long.
*There are lots of porta potties available. That was actually one of the few things we never waited at all for during the show. Hurrah for no accidents!
*There is virtually nowhere to sit except for the ground. A lot of people sat under the wings of bigger planes for some shade.
*There were kids off all ages there, but I would personally recommend this for older toddlers and up.
Keep in mind that this is LOUD (Those Thunderbirds are very well named) and on public days pretty busy, so know your child. And again – bring that ear covering equipment to minimize noise even for the most adventurous toddlers.
