Last Saturday afternoon I took my plane loving son(he asks me to drive him by the Nixon Library everyday so he can see the Presidential helicopter) to the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino. The museum is adjacent to the Chino Airport and a true hidden gem. The museum is dedicated to preserving WWII aircraft and artifacts. The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a “living history” museum, where the aircraft are not only preserved, they are also kept flying.

My kids squealed in delight the moment we pulled into the parking lot. You are greeted by a B-17 Bomber, and as you can imagine my kids were jumping up and down because they were able to see a classic plane up close. There are 7 hangers filled with numerous aircraft. My son was in little boy heaven. My usually very busy soon was in awe and loved walking around just pointing and taking everything in. I think the highlight of the visit for him was being able to peek in and climb aboard the B-17 Bomber. The very friendly staff also gave him a poster of the plane that he absolutely loved.

We also loved walking outside and being able to touch and look around the planes that are awaiting restoration. I can’t even begin to describe how my son’s eyes light up when he was able to run around and touch the planes that were outside the hangers waiting for restoration. He kept asking me to take pictures and loved running around.

I have to admit that another highlight was just being around a small airport. The kids loved watching the small planes fly by and looking at the runway. We had a great time and I will be heading back in tow with my husband next time.

On the first Saturday of every month, the museum holds a mini-airshow around a certain theme.Each mini-airshow starts with one or more talks or seminars given by people involved with the featured aircraft (such as combat pilots), followed by a flight demonstration of two or three aircraft related to that Saturday’s theme. The next mini-airshow will be held on Saturday, November 7th, and the them will be “Dawn of the Jet Age”.

It is an incredible place and the volunteers that help run the museum are just as friendly as can be. I love visiting places that are staffed by volunteers. It’s just a great feeling to know that the people there are passionate about their love for the aircraft and love sharing their knowledge with others.

I hope you can make a visit with your plane enthusiasts soon!

For additional info head here
Planes of Fame Air Museum
7000 Merrill Ave. #17, Chino 91710 (there are two museums located at the Chino airport- make sure you head to the right one)
Open everyday from 9am to 5pm

Admission
$11 Adults
$4 Kids 5-11
Kids 5 and under are Free!