Why visit
It gives children big aircraft to explore, enough indoor hangars to keep the visit structured, and a site that feels more like a destination day than a short museum browse.
Before you go
Opening times, tickets, address, parking, and the main practical details for planning your visit.
Planning shortcut
The key trip-planning answers families usually want before committing to the day.
It gives children big aircraft to explore, enough indoor hangars to keep the visit structured, and a site that feels more like a destination day than a short museum browse.
Families with transport-loving children, older siblings, or mixed-age groups who are happy with a larger site and some outdoor walking.
Allow at least 3 to 5 hours if you want time for Concorde, the main hangars, play breaks, and a café stop without rushing.
Trip overview
The main reasons families add this stop to a Scotland itinerary.
Museum of Flight is a better fit for families who want a proper outing rather than a quick museum stop. The combination of big aircraft, hangars, and open airfield space gives children room to move, but it also means more walking and more exposure to the weather than a city museum. It suits plane-obsessed kids, mixed-age family groups, and East Lothian days where you can give it half a day or more.
Scotland's national museum of flight featuring historic aircraft, Concorde experience, and interactive exhibits. Located on a former World War II airfield, the museum includes aircraft hangers, flight simulators, and outdoor displays. Perfect for families fascinated by aviation history and technology.
On-site practicals
Useful facilities families often check before visiting.
Café
Gift shop
Parking
Toilets
Flight simulators
Family planning
Extra context to make the visit smoother.
Expect a spread-out site with hangars, outdoor aircraft areas, and more walking than a city museum. A buggy helps with younger children, but you will still want layers and waterproofs because parts of the visit are exposed. Concorde is the headline stop, but most families will want at least half a day.
Visual preview
A quick look at the setting before you visit.
Community notes
What families are saying.