Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach

With over 75 aircraft and 150,000 square feet of aviation exhibits, the Cradle of Aviation museum will leave the most ardent of aviation enthusiast blown away. Just a short distance from New York City, this aviation museum provides a fun and family friendly day of adventure for all ages. The museum doesn’t offer just great aviation exhibits, they also offer a range of events throughout the year so be sure to check back with them frequently. It is often easy to forget that aviation and space go hand in hand. The Cradle of Aviation museum has a wonderful range of exhibits dedicated to space travel. Visitors are treated to the largest Apollo artifact collection on display and can also view a real Lunar Module Simulator. The final Lunar Module, the 13th which was never flown, is on permanent display as well. Other notable exhibits include a meticulously well maintained and cared for F-14. The F-14 in the collection is the third one ever built as well as the oldest surviving aircraft. She flew from 1971 to 1990. World War 2 enthusiasts would not be disappointed if they cleared their schedule. Be prepared to be assaulted with massive amounts of displays, exhibits, and aircraft. Don’t believe us? Check out their virtual tour and get an idea for yourself before you go. Just outside of NYC in the hustle and bustle of Long Island you can see aircraft like the famous Hellcat, Wildcat, Avenger, P47 or Waco glider! Don’t take our word for it. Check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum for yourself.

Fort Totten is a former United States Army installation just outside of New York City in Queens. Totten is on the northside of Long Island and just across the river from historic Fort Schuyler. The United States Army Reserves continues to utilize the fort in a limited capacity as well as the New York Police Department / Fire Department. The fort was constructed and utilized by the military all the way up until the cold war. The fort served multiple roles such as training, port defense, anti-aircraft defense, and was even a Nike air defense site. When travelling across the Throgs neck bridge the waterside cannon ports are visible as well as most of the park. Visitors will find that parking on the weekends can become quite hectic and busy. The fort borders along a walking trail and has many places for locals from New York City and tourists alike to sit back and relax. There are plenty of areas for picnicking, walking, sports, as well as learning the military history of the fort.