Glider Discovery: A Family Festival of Flight at Hiller Aviation Museum
Glider Discovery: A Family Festival of Flight at Hiller Aviation Museum
Families in San Carlos have an exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating world of aviation at Glider Discovery, a special outdoor family event taking place at the Hiller Aviation Museum on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Designed to combine hands-on learning, creativity, and plenty of outdoor fun, this family-friendly program invites children to discover how airplanes work and experience the excitement of flight for themselves.
The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, California. Best of all, Glider Discovery is included with regular museum admission, making it a wonderful addition to a family day at one of the Bay Area’s most popular aviation destinations.
Discover the Parts of an Airplane
Glider Discovery begins with an introduction to the different parts of an airplane. Children can learn about important components and discover how each part contributes to an aircraft’s ability to fly.
For young aviation enthusiasts, this hands-on approach can make learning about flight much more exciting than simply reading about airplanes. Kids can explore aviation concepts while participating in an interactive activity designed to encourage curiosity and imagination.
The program also gives children the chance to help build a full-size Penguin airplane. Working together to assemble an aircraft provides a memorable way for families to learn more about aviation while seeing how individual airplane components come together to create a complete flying machine.
Build Your Own Balsa Wood Glider
One of the highlights of Glider Discovery is the opportunity for each child to assemble a balsa wood glider. This activity lets children become builders and experimenters as they put together their own miniature aircraft.
Balsa wood is lightweight, making it an excellent material for simple gliders. As children assemble their aircraft, they can begin to understand basic principles of flight, including how weight, balance, wings, and air movement affect how a glider travels through the air.
The activity is also a great opportunity for parents and children to work together. Families can help younger participants assemble their gliders, creating a shared experience that combines creativity with STEM-inspired learning.
Take Part in a Festival of Flight
After building their gliders, children can head outdoors for a fun festival of flight in the museum’s Courtyard. This exciting portion of the event gives young participants the chance to test their creations and watch their gliders take flight.
Outdoor flight activities can turn simple science concepts into an unforgettable experience. Children can observe how their gliders move through the air while enjoying the excitement of launching something they built themselves.
And there is an extra bonus: each child gets to take their glider home. That means the fun does not have to end when the event is over. Kids can continue experimenting with their gliders at home and share their new aviation skills with family and friends.
A Great Family Activity in San Carlos
Glider Discovery is an excellent choice for families looking for an educational and entertaining activity in San Carlos. The program combines aviation, hands-on construction, outdoor play, and science in a format that is especially appealing to children.
It is also a great opportunity to explore the Hiller Aviation Museum. Known for its impressive collection of aircraft and aviation exhibits, the museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and development of flight while seeing fascinating aircraft up close.
Families can make the most of their visit by allowing additional time to explore the museum before or after the Glider Discovery program.
Upcoming Glider Discovery Dates
If you cannot attend the October program, there will be additional opportunities to participate later in the year. The upcoming dates include:
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Sunday, December 20, 2026
The October 11 program runs from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Plan Your Visit
If your children love airplanes, building projects, science, or outdoor activities, Glider Discovery is a fantastic family event to add to your calendar. From learning airplane parts and helping construct a full-size Penguin aircraft to building and flying a balsa wood glider, the program offers plenty of opportunities for children to learn through hands-on participation.
Glider Discovery will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070.
Because the event is included with museum admission, families can combine the program with a full day of aviation exploration. Bring the kids, discover the science of flight, build a glider, and enjoy a fun outdoor festival of flight together in San Carlos.
For families searching for things to do in San Carlos with kids, Glider Discovery is an engaging event that brings aviation education to life—one flight at a time.
See other interesting events in San Carlos. You may also check the main calendar for the dates of these, or to save them on your personal calendar.
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Mark Martinho and Viv Kelvin are the owners of Vabrato Real Estate
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