
Florida Air Museum
Explore iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and rare Sea Dart, plus interactive exhibits and a fun playground.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free story time for kids

Florida Air Museum
Best Time
Free story time for kids

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and rare Sea Dart, plus interactive exhibits and a fun playground.
"A must-see for aviation enthusiasts and families, offering history and hands-on fun!"

🎯 Free Tuesday Story Time
Join the FREE story time every Tuesday at 10 AM for engaging tales and songs for little ones .
✈️ F-14 Tomcat Insight
Ask staff about the F-14; they offer incredible details and sometimes private tours .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

F-14 Tomcat
Hangar
See the last F-14 Tomcat to complete a mission, a truly iconic piece of naval aviation history.

Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart
Hangar
Marvel at one of only three surviving jet-powered seaplane fighters, a unique piece of aviation innovation.

Aviation-Themed Playground
Outdoor area
Kids will love this shaded playground featuring planes and aviation elements, a hit for young visitors.

Interactive Exhibits
Main exhibition hall
Engage with hands-on displays, including a hurricane simulator and a 3D airplane drawing scanner.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Don't Miss the Iconic Aircraft
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Tuesday Story Time
Join the FREE story time every Tuesday at 10 AM for engaging tales and songs for little ones.
✈️ F-14 Tomcat Insight
Ask staff about the F-14; they offer incredible details and sometimes private tours.
👟 Comfy Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the aircraft and exhibits [^reviews].
🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun
Don't miss the aviation-themed playground and interactive exhibits for younger visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Tuesday Story Time
Join the FREE story time every Tuesday at 10 AM for engaging tales and songs for little ones.
✈️ F-14 Tomcat Insight
Ask staff about the F-14; they offer incredible details and sometimes private tours.
👟 Comfy Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the aircraft and exhibits [^reviews].
🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun
Don't miss the aviation-themed playground and interactive exhibits for younger visitors.
⏰ Budget Your Time
Allow about 1.5 hours to explore exhibits, the restoration center, and outdoor displays [^reviews].
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Florida Air Museum for its engaging exhibits, friendly staff, and family-friendly atmosphere. Highlights include iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and the rare Sea Dart, alongside interactive displays and a popular aviation-themed playground. While some find the museum size to be intimate, most agree it offers a rich and educational experience for all ages.
"Fun and educational experience for all ages! Interesting static exhibits, and lots of interactive exhibits for the kids. For the mature crowd there is plenty of history and cool artifacts. For the elementary school crowd there are plenty of hands on activities and an airport themed playground. There is even a special themed space for toddlers. It had one of our favorite activities. You color an airplane on a sheet of paper- the it gets scanned in to a computer that make a 3D image of your plane on a giant tv screen. Your plane takes off and flies around the screen. It was very fun."
Carson S Miller
"The Florida Air Museum was a great and peaceful experience! The place was quiet, almost like having a private tour. The variety of aviation history on display was truly impressive, with lots to learn and explore. The flight simulator was both fun and educational, definitely one of the highlights. If you’re passionate about airplanes or aviation in general, this is a must visit place!"
Shamir
"Great little museum. Well done informative exhibits . Great place for younger kids,lots to see and do for you get kids including an excellent shaded aviation themed outdoors playground. Great happy staff and cute little giftshop. I'd budget 1.5 hr to see it all including restoration building and our door exhibits. Unique NOAA aviation themed items featured currently."
Norm Wallace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Florida Air Museum is located at 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL. It's part of the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available. It's accessible via major roadways in the Lakeland area.
Public transportation options to the Florida Air Museum are limited. It's best to plan for travel by car or rideshare service. Check local Lakeland transit schedules for any potential routes that might get you close.
The Florida Air Museum is a prominent part of the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus. Follow signage for the museum upon arrival at the campus. It's a well-known destination within the grounds.
The closest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), about a 45-minute drive away. Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) is much closer but has fewer flight options.
Yes, the Florida Air Museum is part of the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus. During the annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, museum admission may be included or offered as a separate ticket, depending on the event.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically around $15 for adults and $8 for children. Prices can vary, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, look out for potential offers during special events or consider group rates if you're visiting with a larger party. Active military and seniors might also receive discounted rates.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for regular visits, but it can save time, especially during peak seasons or weekends. For special events, advance booking might be recommended.
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Florida Air Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo has its own admission fees, which are separate from the Florida Air Museum's regular admission. However, the museum is located on the expo grounds and can be visited during the event.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the F-14 Tomcat, the last to complete a mission, and the incredibly rare Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart. The museum also features a variety of other vintage and modern aircraft [^reviews].
Absolutely! Kids will love the hands-on activities, including a hurricane simulator, a scavenger hunt, and an aviation-themed playground [^reviews].
The Aerospace Center for Excellence hosts a FREE story time every Tuesday at 10 AM. It's an engaging session with stories, singing, and dancing for young children.
While not all aircraft are accessible for entry, some exhibits may allow visitors to sit inside and imagine being a pilot, like the F-14 Tomcat [^reviews]. Check with museum staff for specific access.
Yes, the museum has a restoration center where visitors can see aircraft being worked on. This offers a fascinating glimpse into the preservation and maintenance of these historic machines [^reviews].
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Florida Air Museum has a small gift shop that may offer some snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, consider dining options in Lakeland or bringing your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas.
Generally, outside food and drinks are permitted for consumption in designated areas, such as picnic spots. It's always a good idea to confirm their specific policy upon arrival or check their website.
Lakeland offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. Popular choices include casual American fare, pizza, and local diners. Check online reviews for recommendations based on your preferences.
During the annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, there are numerous food vendors and concessions available throughout the grounds. These offer a wide range of food and beverage options.
While specific options vary, many restaurants in Lakeland offer vegetarian and vegan choices. It's recommended to check menus online or inquire with the restaurant directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use at the Florida Air Museum. It's a great place to capture stunning images of vintage and modern aircraft.
Tripods and professional photography equipment might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways or exhibits. Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.
The F-14 Tomcat and the Sea Dart are iconic subjects. The hangar interiors offer dramatic lighting, and the outdoor playground provides fun shots with kids. The restoration area also offers unique perspectives.
Photography is widely encouraged during the SUN 'n FUN Expo, with many opportunities to capture aircraft in action and on static display. However, be aware of crowds during popular events like airshows.
Visitors often enjoy capturing the scale of the aircraft, the intricate details of the cockpits, and the joy on children's faces at the playground. The F-14's impressive presence is a frequent photo subject [^reviews].
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Aircraft
Another standout exhibit is the Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart, a rare and fascinating aircraft. This jet-powered seaplane fighter is one of only three surviving examples in the world, making it a truly unique sight. Its near-miss history as a supersonic, ski-equipped interceptor adds to its allure [^reviews]. Beyond these stars, the museum features a diverse range of vintage and modern aircraft, offering a comprehensive look at aviation history across different eras and military branches.
Family Fun and Interactive Learning
For the littlest attendees, the museum offers a special toddler play area. Furthermore, the Aerospace Center for Excellence hosts a popular FREE story time every Tuesday at 10 AM. This engaging session includes stories, singing, and dancing, making it a fantastic weekly event for families with young children. The combination of educational displays and hands-on activities ensures an enjoyable and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
The SUN 'n FUN Connection
This connection means that the museum is a focal point for aviation activities throughout the year. Visitors can witness live demonstrations, such as attempts to start up historic aircraft like the Curtiss P-6 Hawk. The presence of the museum on the expo grounds ensures that the spirit of flight and aerospace innovation is celebrated continuously, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation, whether during the expo or at any other time of the year.





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