Aerospace Bristol, in Filton, is launching a kids go free initiative in the hopes of attracting 40,000 young visitors.
From August 1, families are invited to explore the history of aviation, with a range of interactive activities available for children.
There is a new display of 70 historic Rolls-Royce engines to discover, as well as the opportunity to meet Beagle 3, the extra-terrestrial Gromit, as part of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail.
Beagle 3 will be at the museum’s new café, Flightline Kitchen + Bar until the end of August.
Other highlights include the option to take a ride on a vintage bus on Saturday, August 9, in celebration of 150 years of Bristol trams and buses, plus VJ Day commemorations on August 15.
On VJ Day, which marks the end of WWII, there will be talks, special Filton Blitz Experience sessions and the chance to see the Bristol Bolingbroke aeroplane restoration project.
Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said: “We’re passionate about sharing the incredible story of aerospace in Bristol with the next generation and through our kids go free initiative, we want to reach even more young people and help imaginations take flight.
“By opening the doors to our activities, experiences and four hangars filled with thousands of exhibits, we hope to open minds to the wonder of aerospace and engineering.”
Visitors can learn about life in early aircraft factories, design an aeroplane by hand, control a real Airbus A320 wing, and dress up as an early fighter pilot for photos in front of recreated WWI biplanes.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can try out the Red Arrows experience simulator ride or the Filton Blitz Experience 2, which recreates the sounds of air raid sirens and bomber aircraft in a real WWII air raid shelter.
This summer, children under 16 can not only enjoy free entry to the museum, but can also travel for free by bus to reach Aerospace Bristol.
For more information about the free entry initiative, call 01179 315315 or visit the Aerospace Bristol website.