a peek inside the fishbowl

Sometimes, on a rainy/hot/humid kind of day I just need to visit a place where I can let my kids (a) run around and (b) learn stuff. You know, just to shake things up a little.

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum here in Ottawa is the perfect place to do this.

The Aviation Museum is where Mark and I first discussed our Museum Survival Strategy (that would be MY mental survival) and put it to practice. You can read about that here. It still applies.

There is lots to see here. And the place is huge; there is lots of room to run around. It was almost empty when we visited earlier this week.

I really enjoy this visual history of Canadian flight. Those early wooden planes – nothing but sticks and canvas – are a wonder. But the other stuff is neat too:

At one point we heard a rumble and peeked outside… and saw this:

Did you know you can get aerial tours of Ottawa? Pick your mode of transport: helicopter, biplane or Beaver Float Plane. The prices aren’t entirely unreasonable. I have a feeling it would make someone a really spectacular once-in-a-lifetime birthday present.

(Remind me to tell you about the time I got to steer a little Cessna over Ottawa.)

There is lots to see and do at the Aviation Museum. We even tried our hand at flying – albeit in a safe computerized environment:

And pretended we were pilots:

And checked out the RCAF Hall of Tribute – which is eerily soundproof. I love the lighting in there:

My only issue with the Aviation Museum is their lack of seating. I find it odd. I couldn’t figure it out. It’s not like they don’t have room for it. My hips have been so sore recently. I was aching for a break.

The bench issue aside, it is a neat place to visit every once in awhile. And maybe someday we’ll find an opportunity to take that heli ride. :)