Youth and Family
PROGRAMS
Designed for children ages 8-12 and their caregivers to explore the history, science, and technology of aviation together, these interactive workshops include hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes access, and specialty guided tours.
Stay tuned for updates about our 2027 Aerospace Academy Family Workshops!
NEW! Join us this summer and fall for an Aerospace Academy Teen Workshop!
These workshops introduce teens ages 13-17 to the wonders of flight through hands-on demonstrations, engaging instruction from retired pilots and aerospace engineers, behind-the-scenes access to the museum, aerospace career opportunities, and much more! All workshops offer the same curriculum, giving families flexibility in fitting these exciting workshops into their schedule.
Participants should bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy at the museum during the scheduled lunch break, and upon completing the workshop, participants will be welcome to explore the museum on their own until closing at 4:00pm.
Aerospace Academy Teen Workshops are held on Saturdays from 9:00am-3:00pm, and the $60 workshop fee includes the workshop as well as museum admission for both the participating teen and their parent, guardian, or caregiver. Teens must remain chaperoned at all times during these workshops.
Workshop registration closes two weeks prior to each workshop, or when each workshop sells out, whichever happens first.
Summer/Fall 2026 Aerospace Academy Teen Workshop Dates:
Saturday May 30, 2026 - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Saturday June 27, 2026 - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Saturday August 22, 2026 - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Saturday September 26, 2026 - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Saturday October 17, 2026 - REGISTRATION CLOSED
NEW! Join us for Aerospace Academy at Home, a new digital learning program that brings aerospace history, science, and technology right to your door.
2026 Sessions: Challenger Center Maine Satellite Challenges
Our 2026 Aerospace Academy at Home sessions are presented in partnership with Challenger Center Maine Satellite Challenges, and are designed for children ages 10-14 and an accompanying adult. The $50 workshop fee also includes two complimentary admission passes so families can explore the museum in person at a later date.
Destination Mars: We need to build a base on one of the Red Planet’s moons, Deimos or Phobos, that will allow us to send a spacecraft to the surface of Mars and back in the fastest and safest way possible. Help select which moon is best to build our base by analyzing three sets of data collected by rovers on Deimos and Phobos.
Session Dates: January 10, 2026, April 4, 2026, July 11, 2026, October 17, 2026
Destination Moon: Launch and fly Blue Orgin’s reusable launch vehicle, New Glenn, into orbit; safely land Blue Origin’s lunar lander, Blue Moon, on the lunar surface; and prepare to explore the Moon’s surface.
Session Dates: February 14, 2026, May 2, 2026, August 8, 2026, November 21, 2026
Observation Earth: Earth-monitoring sensors on the International Space Station are outdated and need to be replaced with new, state-of-the-art hardware. You will work to capture a cargo craft using a robotic arm, monitor astronauts during a spacewalk as they install the new sensors, and analyze data from Earth-monitoring satellites.
Session Dates: March 14, 2026, June 6, 2026, September 12, 2026, December 19, 2026
We recommend families register for one of each of the three sessions to have the full Aerospace Academy at Home experience. All sessions run from 2:00-3:30pm on Saturdays and registration closes two weeks prior to each session or when the session sells out, whichever happens first.
NEW! The museum is opening its doors after hours for families with children of all ages. Join us from 5:00-8:00pm for hands-on activities, special family friendly tours and demonstrations, as well as open cockpit experiences, flight simulators, and more! Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in our dining hall and/or outdoor patio (weather permitting). Open to families with children of all ages, and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.
Spring 2026 Family Night: Wednesday May 27, 2026
Fall 2026 Family Night: Wednesday October 28, 2026
Enjoy family-friendly drop-in programs offered on weekends, during school vacation weeks, and for eight weeks over the summer. Flights of Family Fun Programs are included with general admission and are subject to change, but generally include:
Build & Fly Challenges: Hands-on activity stations
Family Fun Tours: Take a closer look at objects, aircraft, and exhibits in the museum
Soarin' Story TIme: Read an aviation themed story under the wing of an airplane
Flight Science Demonstrations: Uncover the science of flight
