A smiling child wearing a red feather boa and a Magic City Youth Film Festival shirt runs across a grassy field while other children watch — Students participating in an Adventures in Aviation program at the Southern Museum of Flight. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If you’re searching for a fun—and free—way to keep kids learning this summer, the Southern Museum of Flight has you covered. Held at the museum, the Adventures in Aviation Summer Program Series brings hands-on learning, scientific demonstrations and interactive presentations to Birmingham now through July 17th. The best part? Each program is free and open to the public.

Read on to learn more about the Adventures in Aviation Summer Program Series + how you can get involved.

Discover learning beyond aviation at the Southern Museum of Flight

A group of children sitting on the floor together, with three girls in the foreground smiling during a group activity or presentation — Students participating in an Adventures in Aviation program at the Southern Museum of Flight. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat without breaking the bank? Now through July 17, the Southern Museum of Flight is hosting Adventures in Aviation, a free summer program series that brings some of Birmingham’s favorite organizations, educators and entertainers together for hands-on learning.

Designed for children but open to visitors of all ages, Adventures in Aviation features a rotating lineup of guest presenters from community partners like the Birmingham Zoo and Vulcan Park & Museum.

A woman addresses a large group of children seated on the floor of a library during a program or storytime event — (Dynamic Education Adventures)

A presenter demonstrates a science experiment with dry ice fog for a large group of children gathered in a public library's teen section — (Dynamic Education Adventures)

This year, students have already participated in several presentations from local organizations, including:

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark: Students passed around iron ore, limestone + coal—the ingredients needed to make pig iron and steel—learned about the geology of the Birmingham area + watched a pewter melting + pouring demonstration by Sloss Metal Arts.
Alabama Forestry Foundation: Students learned about tree survival, camouflage + adaptation in animals, the longleaf pine ecosystem + more in a program designed to teach youth how to think, not what to think.

Upcoming Adventures in Aviation programs you don’t want to miss

A large group of children laughing and reaching their hands up excitedly during an energetic indoor activity or game — Participants during a hands-on activity hosted by the Alabama Forestry Foundation. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Whether your child dreams of becoming a scientist, historian or simply loves discovering something new, Adventures in Aviation is an engaging way to spend an afternoon while exploring one of Birmingham’s most unique museums—oh, and did we mention it’s free?

Thursday, July 2 — Dynamic Education Adventures: The Super Science Show
Tuesday, July 7 — Angel Balloons
Wednesday, July 8 — Birmingham Zoo – Bats!
Thursday, July 9 — Percussion for Kids: Sahi On Ko Djony
Tuesday, July 14 — Dynamic Education Adventures: Rocket Science
Wednesday, July 15 — Fresh Air Farms – Gross Out!

Plan your visit to the Southern Museum of Flight

Adventures in Aviation at the Southern Museum of Flight — free public event June 9–July 17, Tuesdays–Thursdays 2–3PM, featuring reptiles, magic show, freshwater fish, and fun science — Adventures in Aviation is free and open to the public through July 17. (Southern Museum of Flight)

With a different learning experience every week, Adventures in Aviation is one more reason to add the Southern Museum of Flight to your family’s summer bucket list.

What: Adventures in Aviation Summer Program Series
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays + Thursdays until July 17; 2-3PM
Where: Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206
Cost: FREE + open to the public

To learn more about Adventures in Aviation, contact the Southern Museum of Flight by calling 205.833.8226 or emailing info@southernmuseumofflight.org.

Pro tip: Arrive at the Southern Museum of Flight early to explore the museum before the presentation!

Have you participated in the Adventures in Aviation program? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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