Taking Your Family to Their First Airshow

Planning a family visit to an airshow requires more preparation than a typical day out. With proper planning, airshows become memorable family adventures that introduce children to aviation and create lasting memories. This comprehensive guide covers everything parents need to know, from what to pack and how to prepare children for the noise, to finding the best viewing spots and keeping everyone comfortable throughout a long day outdoors.

Preparing Children for the Airshow Experience

Airshows can be overwhelming for children, particularly those attending their first event. The combination of large crowds, extreme noise, and sensory stimulation requires thoughtful preparation to ensure positive experiences.

Managing Expectations

Watch airshow videos at home before attending to familiarize children with what they’ll see. Point out different aircraft types and explain basic maneuvers so children can recognize them during the actual show. This preparation transforms the experience from chaotic sensory overload into an exciting scavenger hunt for specific aircraft and maneuvers.

Explain the day’s schedule in advance. Children handle long events better when they understand the timeline, including when demonstrations occur and when breaks happen. Set realistic expectations about crowds, walking distances, and wait times.

Addressing Noise Concerns

Jet aircraft produce noise levels exceeding 120 decibels during close passes—loud enough to cause hearing damage without protection. Quality hearing protection is absolutely essential for all family members, especially children.

For infants and toddlers, invest in infant earmuffs rated for at least 20 dB noise reduction. These slip over small heads easily and stay in place better than foam earplugs. For older children, combination earplugs with over-ear protection provides maximum protection during the loudest moments.

Practice wearing hearing protection at home before the event so children become comfortable with the sensation. Some children resist wearing earmuffs initially but accept them more readily after positive associations develop.

What to Pack

Airshows occur outdoors with limited shade and facilities that quickly become crowded. Packing appropriately makes the difference between an enjoyable day and a miserable experience.

Essential Items

Sun protection tops the priority list. Bring wide-brimmed hats for everyone, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. Even overcast days can result in sunburn after hours of outdoor exposure. Consider UV-protective clothing for extended events.

Hydration prevents heat-related illness. Bring refillable water bottles and know where water refill stations are located. Plan to consume significantly more water than a typical day—dehydration contributes to fatigue and irritability that can ruin the experience.

Snacks maintain energy levels between meal breaks. Pack high-protein options that don’t melt in heat, such as trail mix, granola bars, and crackers. While airshows offer food vendors, prices are typically high and lines can be long during peak times.

Comfort Items

Portable chairs or blankets provide comfortable seating away from crowded bleachers. Verify venue rules about chair sizes before bringing large camping chairs that may be prohibited. Compact stadium seats work at most venues.

For young children, pack comfort items like favorite toys or stuffed animals that provide security in unfamiliar environments. A tablet loaded with aviation-themed games or videos helps during lulls between demonstrations.

First aid supplies handle minor emergencies without requiring visits to crowded medical tents. Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications family members require.

Timing and Positioning

Arriving early and choosing good viewing positions dramatically improves the family airshow experience. Strategic planning avoids crowds while securing comfortable spots with excellent sightlines.

Arrival Strategy

Gates typically open hours before flying demonstrations begin. Early arrival secures better parking, avoids entry line crowds, and provides time to explore static displays before afternoon heat builds. The tradeoff is a longer day overall—weigh this against your family’s stamina.

Identify restroom locations and emergency meeting points immediately upon arrival. If family members become separated in crowds, having predetermined meeting locations reduces stress significantly.

Viewing Location Selection

Show center offers the closest views of aerobatic maneuvers but also the most crowded conditions. Consider positions slightly away from show center for more space and easier movement while still enjoying excellent views.

Locations near static display areas often provide good viewing with easier access to shade, restrooms, and food. Aircraft parked for static display offer educational opportunities during breaks in flying demonstrations.

If attending multiple days, try different positions each day to compare viewing angles and crowd conditions. Knowledge gained the first day improves positioning for subsequent visits.

Managing the Day

Pacing yourselves throughout an airshow day prevents exhaustion that leads to meltdowns and early departures. Building in breaks and maintaining flexibility keeps spirits high.

Scheduled Breaks

Plan breaks during lower-interest portions of the flying schedule. Local performers and gap periods between headliner demonstrations provide opportunities to rest, eat, and visit facilities without missing major performances.

Find shaded rest areas away from the flight line where family members can decompress. Even brief breaks from crowd stimulation help children (and adults) reset for the next demonstration.

Departure Strategy

Decide in advance when your family will leave. Staying through the finale means sitting in traffic for extended periods. Departing 15-20 minutes before the end avoids the worst congestion but means missing final performances.

If children are fading, consider leaving after the main demonstration team performs rather than pushing through to the finale. A positive experience that ends early creates better memories than an exhausting slog to the bitter end.

Special Considerations for Different Ages

Different age groups require different approaches to airshow attendance. Understanding developmental needs helps parents provide appropriate experiences.

Infants and Toddlers

Very young children lack the understanding to appreciate aerobatic performances but may enjoy watching aircraft and experiencing the festive atmosphere. Keep first visits brief—a few hours during static displays or early demonstration may be plenty.

Strollers ease transport but navigate crowds poorly. Baby carriers keep hands free while maintaining close contact with infants who may become frightened by noise or crowds.

School-Age Children

This age group typically enjoys airshows most fully. They understand what they’re seeing, can articulate preferences, and have stamina for full-day events. Engage their interests by discussing aircraft types, letting them photograph their favorites, and answering questions about aviation.

Teenagers

Older children may consider airshows uncool until they experience one firsthand. Frame the event as an opportunity to witness incredible human achievement and technological capability. Giving teenagers photography responsibility or freedom to explore independently often increases engagement.

Making Lasting Memories

Beyond photographs, several strategies help families cement airshow memories that children recall fondly for years.

Purchase a program and have children identify aircraft they’ve seen. Mark favorites and add notes about memorable moments. These programs become treasured souvenirs that trigger memories long after the event.

If meet-and-greet opportunities exist with pilots or crew members, take advantage of them. Brief interactions with aviators make the experience tangible and personal in ways that watching from a distance cannot match.

Discuss the experience during the drive home and in following days. What did everyone enjoy most? What would they do differently? These conversations reinforce positive memories and build anticipation for future airshow visits.

With proper preparation and realistic expectations, airshows provide extraordinary family experiences that combine entertainment, education, and shared wonder at human achievement in the sky.