Did you know that Ohioans have had large roles in space travel research? From actually going to space to creating the freeze-dried food astronauts eat and the outside material of a spacecraft so it doesn’t melt in earth’s atmosphere, Ohioans have helped space travel happen. And, we can’t forget Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon – an Ohioan from just outside Wapakoneta, Ohio. I learned all of that at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum.
Wapakoneta, OH is about an hour and 20 minutes from Columbus, straight out 33. We recently took a day trip to check out the Armstrong Air and Space Museum and were pleasantly surprised by how much was on display. From spacesuits to air crafts to artwork, the museum was packed full of information for the space enthusiast. There were lots of interactive things for kids to do, too. My children practiced landing a shuttle, sat inside a replica of the Gemini 8, and watched a brief documentary about the moon landing.
Our trip through the museum took about two hours. The museum itself is a little dated and kind of reminded me of the old COSI on Broad Street. It 
was clean and clearly kept up, and being a bit outdated didn’t take away from our experience. My kids didn’t even notice, they enjoyed learning how heavy bricks were on earth compared to the moon and tasting astronaut ice cream we bought them on the way out.
There were lots of places to eat before you hit the museum. We found a local diner located just across the street from the museum. We like to check out the local eats when we go somewhere instead of eating at a chain.
Anyhow, it is was a fun and educational afternoon and would be a great way to get out of dodge during colder months. Plus, we got in free because we are members of The Ohio Historical Society. I highly recommend becoming a member, it is only $55 for the year for a family pass and gets you into lots of historical places around Ohio for free. Admission and hours for the Armstrong Air and Space Museum here: Hours/Admission.
Armstrong Air and Space Museum
500 Apollo Drive
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
416-738-8811
Plan your visit:
- Strollers would be fine.
- I would suggest this experience for either baby (that you can carry and enjoy the museum on your own) or for four or five year olds and up. It is an educational museum that has some interactive stuff, but not really “little kid/toddler” play stuff.
- Bring your Ohio Historical membership card if you have one or think about getting one.
- Just like any other museum, they end you in the gift shop…be prepared!
