Paint-A-Plane Brings High-Flying Family Fun to the Hiller Aviation Museum
Paint-A-Plane Brings High-Flying Family Fun to the Hiller Aviation Museum
Families looking for an exciting and creative adventure this spring and summer will not want to miss Paint-A-Plane at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Designed especially for kids and families, this interactive aviation-themed event combines hands-on creativity, educational exploration, and nonstop fun in one unforgettable experience.
Taking place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, the event transforms the museum into a lively destination where children can paint airplanes, explore real aircraft cockpits, build flying crafts, and discover the exciting world of aviation through interactive activities.
Located in San Carlos, the Hiller Aviation Museum is known for inspiring curiosity and imagination through aviation history and hands-on learning. Paint-A-Plane continues that mission by creating an environment where children can actively engage with aviation in creative and memorable ways.
One of the main attractions during the event is the popular Paint-a-Plane Cessna Cardinal activity. Young aviation enthusiasts will have the opportunity to help paint a real aircraft, transforming it into a colorful collaborative masterpiece. This activity encourages creativity while giving children the rare chance to interact directly with an actual airplane. For many kids, painting a real aircraft becomes one of the most unforgettable highlights of the day.
In addition to painting activities, visitors can participate in aircraft checkouts and cockpit exploration experiences. Children and families will have the opportunity to sit inside select aircraft cockpits and see aviation controls up close. From pilot instruments to flight controls, these interactive experiences allow young visitors to imagine what it feels like to fly through the skies.
The event also features exciting aviation-themed building activities such as paper helicopter construction and Penguin Airplane Assembly. These hands-on projects encourage problem-solving, creativity, and engineering skills while making learning both fun and engaging. Kids can build their own flying creations and discover the science behind flight in an accessible and entertaining way.
Another exciting attraction is the Scorpion Helicopter Checkout experience, where visitors can explore helicopter technology and learn more about rotorcraft aviation. Interactive exhibits like these help spark curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and aviation careers while giving children an up-close look at fascinating aircraft designs.
For families looking to add even more excitement to their day, the Jump House offers energetic fun for children throughout the event. Filled with laughter and activity, the bounce area provides a playful break between aviation-themed experiences. Please note that some attractions, including the Paint-a-Plane Cessna Cardinal and Jump House, are weather dependent.
One of the most valuable aspects of Paint-A-Plane is the balance between entertainment and education. Children naturally learn through play, and aviation-themed activities help introduce important concepts involving engineering, aerodynamics, creativity, and teamwork. Instead of simply observing exhibits, young visitors become active participants in the experience.
Parents often appreciate events that encourage imagination while also offering educational value. Paint-A-Plane provides both by combining interactive exhibits with creative activities that appeal to a wide range of ages. Whether a child dreams of becoming a pilot, engineer, or artist, the event offers opportunities to explore new interests in a welcoming and exciting environment.
The Hiller Aviation Museum has become a beloved destination for aviation enthusiasts and families throughout the Bay Area because of its dedication to interactive learning. Events like Paint-A-Plane allow children to experience aviation history and technology in a way that feels accessible and inspiring. By encouraging hands-on exploration, the museum helps transform curiosity into lifelong learning.
In addition to the regular Paint-A-Plane events running from March through September, visitors can also look forward to the special Halloween Paint-A-Plane celebration in October. Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Halloween-themed event brings an imaginative seasonal twist to the aviation fun.
The Halloween edition will feature Vertical Wind Tunnels and Ghosticopters, spooky crafts, Halloween-themed Paint-a-Plane activities, Haunted Hangar Gallery decorations, a Jump House, and many additional surprises. Families can expect a festive atmosphere filled with creativity, costumes, and aviation-inspired Halloween excitement.
These seasonal events showcase the museum’s ability to blend education with entertainment in fresh and engaging ways. By incorporating creativity, storytelling, and interactive play, Paint-A-Plane becomes much more than a simple craft activity. It becomes a memorable family experience that encourages children to dream big and explore the possibilities of flight.
Another reason families continue returning to Paint-A-Plane each year is the sense of community the event creates. Parents, grandparents, and children can participate together, creating shared memories while enjoying hands-on activities and aviation exploration. It is an opportunity for families to spend quality time together while discovering something new.
Photography enthusiasts will also enjoy capturing colorful moments throughout the event. From children painting airplanes to exploring aircraft cockpits, every activity provides opportunities for memorable family photos and joyful experiences.
Whether attending for the first time or returning as longtime visitors, families can expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with creativity, adventure, and aviation excitement. The combination of aircraft exploration, interactive crafts, educational exhibits, and playful attractions makes Paint-A-Plane one of the most exciting family-friendly aviation events of the season.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Prepare for a day filled with colorful creativity, hands-on aviation activities, and unforgettable family fun. Paint-A-Plane promises an inspiring experience where imagination truly takes flight.
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.
About San Carlos
About Mark and Viv
Mark Martinho and Viv Kelvin are the owners of Vabrato Real Estate
Related Events
