For many families, the air show is a summer tradition as important as lemonade or visits to the beach. And with good reason — air shows display fascinating feats of both scientific and human excellence that never lose their magic. Generations of vacationers have been mesmerized by the loud roar of a jet shooting through the clouds, and throughout the spring and summer, there are myriad opportunities to introduce your own family to the excitement. Here are some of the season’s highlights:
The New York Air Show at Jones Beach starts summer with a bang. Held over Memorial Day weekend, May 29–30, in Wantagh, New York, this show features jets performing electrifying acrobatics over the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your beach blankets, sunscreen and a picnic and enjoy the show.
At the Indianapolis Air Show at Indiana’s Mt. Comfort Airport, June 11–13, spectators will be treated to both an air show and the hot air Balloon-A-Thon, as well as a widely popular antique car show.
As the summer heats up, so does the air action. The world-famous Vectren Dayton Air Show, July 17–18 at the Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio, features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the acrobatic champ Greg Poe performing in his MX-2 monoplane and sky-high “pirate ship” duels.
The following month, head to the Windy City for Chicago’s Air and Water Show, held at North Avenue Beach August 14–15. The longest ongoing event of its kind in North America, this spectacular show features feats of flight over sun-drenched Lake Michigan. And — most importantly for the budget-conscious traveler — this annual show is free.