More than planes: 4 reasons to visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

It’s Thanksgiving break this week, and you just know your kids will be stir-crazy within the first 24 hours (maybe even less). Want a low-cost way to keep them entertained AND educated? Head to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, off State Route 4. It’s worth visiting not only for the free admission to view the more than 360 aerospace vehicles, but also to ride, watch, shop and give…

1. Ride: For those who feel the need for speed — but are stuck on the ground — the next best thing can be found at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: simulator rides. Plus, with this coupon, you can receive $2 off any simulator ride. Here are the ride options:

• Pulseworks VR Transporter: The first of its kind in North America, this virtual reality experience lets you take a 3D spacewalk to the International Space Station high above the Earth. Cost: $10 per person
• Pulseworks ESP Motion Ride: Sit in a six-seated, enclosed capsule, while the screen places you in the cockpit of a famous shuttle mission, or the Wright brothers' plane, or today's military jets. Think of King's Island's early 1990s "Days of Thunder" ride, but more intimate — as the entire capsule moves — and no Tom Cruise cameos. Cost: $7 per person, $5 for anyone under 42 inches. (There's a traditional movie ride, too, through the air, space or a tornado for $7.)
• 360º Interactive Simulator: One pilot and one gunner climb aboard for incredibly realistic air-to-air or air-to-ground combat in their choice of one of nine available aircraft, with 360-degree flight views and complete command. It's like an intimate movie ride that you control. Ever barrel rolled? Now's your chance for $8.

2. Watch: The Cincinnati Museum Center's Omnimax Theater has the largest movie screen in southwest Ohio? Negative, Ghost Rider. There's a 10-foot taller, 3D screen at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (Plus, the Cincy Ominmax is closed for two years due to Union Terminal renovations.) View educational AND exciting films on planes and space, as well as historical films and even blockbusters, on a six-story screen at the Air Force Museum Theatre. On the fourth Sunday of each month (which is this Sunday, by the way), view movies like "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (November 27) and "Frozen" (December 11, since the fourth Sunday in December is Christmas Day) for just $5 per person. There's a concession stand, too, to meet your mandatory snacking needs.

3. Shop: The Air Force Museum store — both on-site and online — is a one-stop shop for all your air and space gift needs. Many items can't be found anywhere else. Freeze-dried Neapolitan astronaut ice cream? Check. Pilot wing pins? Check. Children's bomber jacket to pin said wings to? Check. Your holiday shopping just got a lot easier.

4. Give: All of these amazing experiences are provided by the Air Force Museum Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Click here for more information about the Air Force Museum Foundation.

Purchases made at the museum – like a ride ticket or book from the Store — directly fund amenities like the $40.8 million fourth hangar that opened last June. Enjoy the fun, now, while contributing to the future of this amazing place.

Mission success.