Summer is the perfect time for kids to let their curiosity take flight—and there’s no better place to explore aviation than right here in St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. Whether your family is staying close to home or traveling farther afield, these seven experiences will help spark a love of flight in kids of all ages.

1. Visit Albert Whitted Airport (AWA)

Right in downtown St. Pete, Albert Whitted Airport offers kids and families a close-up view of aviation in action. Sit by the runway in the waterfront observation park or grab a seat at The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge, where you can enjoy lunch while watching planes taxi and take off just yards away. General aviation, helicopters, and even Coast Guard flyovers make AWA a fascinating—and free—place to experience aviation up close. 

And don’t forget about Albert Whitted Park! Located at 480 Bayshore Dr. SE in downtown St. Petersburg, it’s a 4.78-acre waterfront park featuring an aviation-themed playground, picnic tables, and scenic views—making it a favorite family-friendly spot to relax and watch planes take off and land from the adjacent runway.

2. Listen to the AWA Control Tower

Want to know what’s happening in the skies above you in real time? You can tune into live air traffic control communications at Albert Whitted Airport and other airports around the world. It’s a fun way for kids to hear how pilots and controllers communicate and get a feel for the rhythm of aviation. Visit https://foawa.org/live/ and search for Albert Whitted (KSPG) to start listening.

3. Explore Local Aviation Exhibits and Museums

There’s more than one place to explore flight in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland—Florida’s official aviation museum with interactive exhibits and youth programs—you can also check out:

  • The Tampa Bay History Center, which includes aviation and transportation history from the region
  • The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, which frequently features exhibits on aerospace and engineering
  • The Clearwater Air Park Terminal Museum, a small but engaging spot for local aviation buffs
  • For families interested in space and flight, the Planetarium at St. Petersburg College (Gibbs Campus) offers free public shows that combine science, storytelling, and inspiration.

Many of these locations offer summer camps, kids’ days, or rotating exhibits, so check their event calendars before your visit.

4. Watch the Skies—Near Home or On the Road

Summer is full of airshows, flyovers, and aviation events—if you know where to look. Keep an eye out for flyovers during Fourth of July celebrations or festivals near home but also stay alert when you travel. Many towns and cities host local airport days, hot air balloon festivals, or small aviation expos in the summer months. A quick online search for “aviation events near me” while on the road can turn an ordinary day into a high-flying adventure. Encourage your child to snap photos or keep a journal of the aircraft they see—it’s a great way to fuel interest and track their growing aviation knowledge.

5. Build, Fly, or Simulate at Home

Whether it’s a paper airplane challenge, a model glider kit, or a full-blown flight simulator game, hands-on activities bring aviation to life. Younger kids can enjoy DIY crafts like foam planes or airport playsets, while older kids might enjoy coding a simple drone or exploring a virtual cockpit with tools like Microsoft Flight Simulator. St. Pete’s public libraries and local toy stores are great places to find STEM-based aviation fun. You could also make a game using aviation-inspired lingo on our High Flying Language of Pilots blog. 

6. Fuel Curiosity with Books and Stories of Flight

Your local library is full of books about aviation pioneers, modern aerospace technology, and the science of flight. Barrington Irving’s book Let’s Fly is an inspiring introduction to aviation for young readers. See below for a list of books for parents to vet and consider adding to your child’s summer reading list.

7. Join FOAWA’s Ground Crew Trainee (15 & younger)

Last on our list – but certainly not least… This summer, there’s an exciting new way for kids to stay connected to the skies: FOAWA is launching an improved membership opportunity just for young aviation enthusiasts. The updated program includes new ways for kids to learn, explore, and feel like part of the Albert Whitted community. From exclusive invitations to youth-focused events to aviation-themed surprises, it’s a great way to help children grow their love of flight. 

Ground Crew Trainee Memberships include:

  • Invites to designated events (age requirements & dates to be determined).
  • Aerospace Day
  • Meet and Greet with FOAWA Scholarship Recipients 
  • Pizza, Planes & Pilots Party.

You will receive an adjustable FOAWA cap, lapel pin, and stickers.

Click here for more information or to help your child join!

Aviation-Inspired Adventure Books for Parents to Consider

Picture Books (Ages 4–8)

  • The Noisy Airplane Ride by Mike Downs
  • Planes Fly! by George Ella Lyon
  • Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
  • Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
  • The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Blériot by Alice and Martin Provensen
  • Pilot Mom by Kathleen Benner Duble

Early Readers & Chapter Books (Ages 6–10)

  • Fly Guy Presents: The White House (and other titles) by Tedd Arnold – includes one on flight
  • I Want to Be a Pilot by Laura Driscoll

Middle Grade Fiction & Nonfiction (Ages 8–13)

  • Let’s Fly by Barrington Irving
  • Wind Flyers by Angela Johnson
  • The Magnificent Flying Baron Estate by Eric Bower
  • Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
  • How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco