Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos

601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, CA 94070

Good for: Half-trip, families, field trips
Price: $7/child, $11/adult, children 4 and under are FREE

Hiller Aviation Museum is one of those places that you often pass by but rarely know what it is. We had a chance to visit here during an organized homeschool group and I’m so glad we did. From the moment you walk in your see various exhibits of methods of flight from all different time periods. This is just a quick prelude to the collection stored here and a very nice one as well as the main hall is filled with a flood of natural light.

Straight ahead is a somewhat odd glass structure. It is here the classroom session took place. The children were all given a mini plywood airplane to build as the instructor helped to identify the different parts and their function. The instructor engaged with the children very well despite their wide range of ages and grades. My husband and I took turns working with our daughter since we wanted to get in the action as well. Finally I know what a fuselage is and what it does! Some parents got a bit too involved though as they ended up taking over the construction of the plane while their children stared into space. Oh well, to each their own. Afterwards, the whole class went into the outer courtyard to test their completed planes. This was so much fun to watch and we were surprised how sturdy those little things were as they crashed over and over and over again. They all had a blast.

Complete your visit with a stroll through the actual museum area. It seems somewhat ‘squished’ as huge exhibits line the ceilings and floor space. You’re taken through a mini journey through time as you see the progression of flight from its early prototypes to modern aircrafts. There were even exhibits that the children could climb in, around, and on. Several docents were on hand for detailed explanations in spots throughout the area.

Here’s a quick little overview of the main museum section:

I’m not particularly interested in aviation history but I’m so very glad we took the time out to spend half a day here. Not only did we enjoy each other’s company but it was educational as well.