Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita

I love the historical Art Deco architecture and the history. My husband is the one most interested in the planes, the engines, the machines themselves. He focused on all that, and I saw art in the polished wood props, the gears in the gunner's optical sight, the photography. It was interesting reading about the Tuskegee airmen, the women of WW2, and I always enjoy seeing stories about Amelia Earhart. There's a lot to enjoy. Even areas for children to learn and play, though on this particular cold windy weekday in winter there were only a few other adults besides us.

Our family really enjoyed the visit here. Favorites were the planes on the airfield, the control tower, and the kids area with airplane toys and simulators. Don't miss the real airplane motor crank on the first floor, from one of the early planes. It's a challenge to get going and makes a terrific noise, very exhilarating. Tips: Bring quarters if you have little ones so they can ride the old coin-operated plane rides. Bring hats or an umbrella for the sun on the airfield. Grab a guide pamphlet at the entrance. It tells you the names of the planes outside. There is an elevator that makes most of the museum wheelchair accessible, but the control tower is only accessible by a narrow stairway. Overall, fun and quite inspiring.