Earlier this month we had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the new “Above and Beyond” exhibit, presented by Boeing, at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. My son Micah (8) is a homebody by nature, and he did not want to leave the museum! We had a blast – literally and figuratively.

“Above and Beyond” celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight.

This exhibition ignites a passion for humankind’s greatest adventure: The journey of flight and exploration of space. I have always naturally been drawn to astronomy and traveling through space. “Above and Beyond” does an incredible job sharing the history of flight while highlighting what the future could look like — inspiring young minds (like my son) to stay curious. Through interactive design challenges, models and prototypes, inspiring stories from game-changing innovators, past and present.and immersive media presentations families are invited to imagine what it takes to make the ‘impossible’ possible. 

Here are our top 5 reasons to experience Above and Beyond at the San Diego Air and Space Museum!

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

Faster…farther…higher…smarter! From the moment you first step into the exhibit, you’re greeted with hands-on activities that cover historical innovations in aviation, space technologies and the people who made them possible. These iconic and inspiring activations capture the interest in guests of all ages! From games to simulations and engaging speakers, there is something for everyone.

SEE THE INTERNATIONAL SPACEPORT 

Explore the most exciting concepts for the future of flight! Step into the International Space Elevator for a three-minute journey where you’ll blast off 33,000 miles above Earth. Measure your pressure, altitude, temperature and location as you travel through the different layers of Earth’s atmosphere! Catch a glimpse of the International Space Station, pass through the Van Allen Radiation Belts and explore Earth’s Orbit on your way to being one of the very first to catch a glimpse of the newest wonder of the world, the International Spaceport!

TACKLE THE MARATHON TO MARS

Put your physical and mental strength to the test as you tackle the challenges of a long-haul flight to Mars. Register your biometrics, complete orientation and earn your passport to visit the red planet! This fun “orientation” game tests 3 big challenges: psychological difficulties of a long flight, hazards of space radiation and the effects of microgravity. Find out how long it takes to get to space and see if you can make the journey!

SUIT UP & RACE TO KEEP SPACE JUNK FREE

Join the team and jump into the Orbital Debris Removal Program! After a short brief from your squad leader, you’ll be a part of the planet’s most elite squad of space junkers. Just like it is important to keep Earth clean, it is just as important to keep Earth’s atmosphere clean too! Progress through different space sectors as debris removal bots aid you in removing junk from space. 

DESIGN YOUR OWN JET & TAKE FLIGHT

This was hands down our favorite activation! Apply aerodynamics and generation of force to design a supersonic fighter jet. First you step into the Full Throttle Virtual Jet Design and Test Facility where your mission is to design a super maneuverable fighter jet that is capable of supersonic flight. Then you put your jet to the test in an obstacle course-style simulator to see if it can pass through! 

Entry to Above and Beyond is included with general admission to the museum – including guests who take advantage of the San Diego Museum Month with half-priced admission.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego
Tickets: (619) 234-8291
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org