Desire to Heaven: A Family Adventure to the Air and Space Museum

CoolTravelMom

June 18, 2025

•4 min read

Desire to Heaven: A Family Adventure to the Air and Space Museum

Some adventures feel like they fall right out of the sky—unexpected, perfectly timed, and filled with joy. That’s exactly what this stop felt like on our summer family road trip: a desire to see “heaven” and landing in the middle of one—the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Virginia.

Our kids are space lovers through and through. Rockets, planets, shuttles, satellites—you name it, they’ve probably read about it, built it out of LEGOs, or drawn on paper. So when we found ourselves in Virginia and discovered that this massive museum existed just around the corner, we knew this detour wasn’t just a coincidence—it was divine timing.

Walking through those glass doors, the kids' eyes lit up like stars. There it was: the actual Space Shuttle Discovery, standing proudly in the center of the hangar, surrounded by legendary names like Pioneer, Explorer, Vanguard, and Juno. Each name echoed a sense of wonder, a story of exploration, a dream to reach beyond the sky.

Airplanes, gliders, warplanes, and even antique air balloons hung above and around us. It was like walking into a suspended galaxy of human invention. And the best part? It was all free. Can you believe it? A priceless experience that didn’t cost a thing. We were genuinely surprised—and deeply grateful.

The kids were in their element. They took endless photos and videos. One of them even started his own personal vlog, walking around narrating each piece he found fascinating, eager to show his friends back home. Their passion for space, science, and exploration came alive in the best way possible—in real time, in a real place, surrounded by real heroes of flight.

As parents, we just stood there, soaking it all in. The excitement, the curiosity, the laughter. These were the moments that don’t need fancy filters or edits—just hearts wide open and memories being made.

Before we left, we visited the gift shop. Normally, we avoid extra spending, but this time the kids made practical, thoughtful choices. Two of them picked out shirts to commemorate the day—and as a way to donate to the museum—and one chose a sleek NASA mug that he will used for an everyday drinking of the Kangen Water. We walked out with souvenirs in our bags and joy in our hearts.

We ended that day with wide smiles and full spirits. For them, it was a dream come true. For me, it was a reminder that some of the best gifts in life come wrapped in experience, not in price tags. A simple, free visit turned into a highlight of our summer road trip—and another meaningful check on their ever-growing bucket list.

This mama’s heart is full. Our desire to reach “heaven” may have been figurative, but for a moment in Virginia, surrounded by stars and stories of space, it felt like we touched a piece of it.

Here’s to more discoveries like this—where learning meets laughter, and travel becomes a treasure chest of memories.