Friday, August 19, 2022 is National Aviation Day. In honor of that, we've gathered some information for you to enjoy the day with your kiddos! You'll find airport observation areas listed here, along with details on the locations and places you can go to learn about aviation!
Where Can We Watch Airplanes Take Off & Land?
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW):
Where: RSW Observation Area - Located on the north side of the airport, off of Chamberlin Pkwy and Air Cargo Ln.
Description of area: Fenced in gravel parking lot with picnic tables and trash cans.
Parking Cost: Free!
Hours: Open all the time!
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW):
Where: RSW Terminal - Located inside the main terminal, just past the baggage drop areas.
Description of area: There are two indoor "courtyards" with all windows, that faces the runway. There are tables and seating inside the air-conditioned area.
Parking Cost: Short term parking rates:
- First 20 minutes - Free
- First 30 minutes - $2
- First hour - $3
- First 2 hours - $6
- 12 hours - $16
- 1 day - $18
Hours: Open 24 hours!
Page Field Airport (FMY):
Where: Page Field Observation Area - Located on the south side of the airport, off of Danley Drive.
Description of area: Fenced in gravel parking lot.
Parking Cost: Free!
Hours: Open all the time!
Where Can We Learn About Airplanes?
Military Heritage Museum | 900 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 | (941) 575-9002
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Price: $14 per person; $12 for veterans and military active duty; $9 for youth 5-14; $5 for Annual Members; FREE for children under 5
Description: When you visit, you can see all of the Museum’s galleries and exhibits, the Flight Ops Simulator Room, Virtual Reality Experience, and Smokeless Laser Gun Range, and more. You may also visit the Academy Library, though admission doesn't include book check-out privileges, and access the Gulf Theater Museum conducted programs.
Southwest Florida, Base Operations at Page Field (KFMY) | 5200 Captain Channing Page Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907 | (239) 590-6600
Hours: 7am - 8pm Daily
Price: Free
Description: The FMY terminal is decorated with a World War II theme, as Page Field was an Army air base in the 1940s. Inside the FBO, you'll find a full-size replica P-51 Mustang, original photographs, local World War II artifacts, a fully restored North American AT-6 Texan, and more.
