Red Bull Stratos

The balloon lifts up during the second manned test flight for Red Bull Stratos in Roswell, N.M., on July 25, 2012. Red Bull Stratos is a mission to the edge of space to an altitude of 37.000 meters to break several records, including the sound of speed in freefall. The Red Bull Stratos exhibit will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from Jan. 24-March 16, 2014. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull Stratos)

Free Family Day focuses on lighter-than-air flight

Published Feb. 20, 2014
By Sarah Swan
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

DAYTON, Ohio -- Visitors of all ages can learn about balloon travel and the properties of air during Family Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

"Storytime" begins at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the Early Years Gallery. Preschool and primary-grade children are invited to sit under the wings of airplanes where they can listen to stories about aviation and do a craft project.

Special on-going demonstrations on rocket guidance systems take place from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. in the STEM Learning Node next to the Space Shuttle Exhibit in the Cold War Gallery. Each demonstration lasts about 20 minutes and will be repeated continuously during these times.

During another activity, participants can watch launches of tissue-paper model hot air balloons in the museum's second building. This demonstration is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

These activities complement the interactive Red Bull Stratos exhibit, which is on display at the museum through March 16. Just over a year ago, Felix Baumgartner ascended to 127,852 feet in a stratospheric balloon and made a freefall jump, rushing toward earth at supersonic speeds before parachuting to the ground. This amazing mission broke world records and holds the potential to provide valuable medical and scientific research data for future pioneers. The exhibit gives visitors the chance to learn first-hand about the Stratos project and get an up-close look at the actual capsule and space suit used in Baumgartner's record-setting mission.

All Family Day activities are free! No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Education Division at (937) 255-4646.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.

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All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
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- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
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* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
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- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
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Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.