Air Power Park

Great place for toddlers/ kids! Loved the awesome photos opportunities you can take of your kids here. There's lots of signs that say keep off grass, I'm not sure if it's just to not get you too close or what but it was a nice quick adventure.

On our way down to Norfolk, we made a stop at Air Power Park in Hampton to check out the missiles & airplanes. The decommissioned rockets & fighter jets are the real life-size articles and represent the Jet Age (1950-70's) and early Space Age (1950's). Most of their internal parts (engines, avionics...) have been removed, but they look pretty well kept despite being exposed to the harsh weather. And it's all free to enjoy! You can pull right up to a free parking spot and snap as many pictures outside as you want. When we got here though, the airplane area was roped off due to ongoing construction of the wetlands area, so you are limited to the perimeter area.

The geodesic dome building in the center is open to the public as well with background information about the aircraft and also houses a huge model airplane collection. The docent on duty also has a ton of information not only about planes but also knowledge about local events. I'm really glad we stopped here and it didn't cost us a single dime (but we did drop in some cash into the donation box). We'll have to make a return trip one day when they finish renovations and fully open the grounds again.

Ever since moving here in 2011. I have driven past this park many times just thinking it was a section showing models of planes and spacecraft. Little did I know that it was more to it. Thanks to the Yelp Adventure Challenge, I was able to check out what I was missing all these years. And boy was it a treat.

To start off, once you enter the building, you have to wear a mask at all times and stay 6 feet apart from each other. And when you go to the front desk, it is covered with plexiglass to protect yourself and the clerk. In other words, the new normal. And one that the staff is doing well to make sure every guest is safe and sound.

As far as the displays go, they are amazing. They cover airplanes used on aircraft carriers and space exploration. You can walk outside on your own pace and view each exhibition along with information on each item. And if you have children, there is a playground in the back where they can play. Also, there is a 2-mile trail that was newly constructed leading to Power Plant Parkway if you want to get some more exercise on a nice day. And inside the building, there are more exhibits so if you're interested in aviation, then you're in heaven.

I had no idea this was here! So many static planes, a small area to fish, a welcome center/Museaum and a long walking bridge. The kiddos liked running around checking everything out. It is just off the highway and there is plentiful parking. It's a nice small activity to do. Check it out.

This is a really cool experience for any toddler that are into airplanes and space. With the added playground, you can't lose. The path was enjoyable for the whole family. The gentleman in the museum was knowledgeable and very kind. Very few displays with plenty of model airplanes but free is me. I can't complain.

Friendly staff they let us do our thing and look around . My toddler had the most fun at the playground outside lol

I have passed this attraction everyday for the last 14 years that I have lived in Hampton. I finally stopped one day and was pleasantly surprised. Seeing the planes and other aircrafts up close was impressive. It gives the locals a lot of pride knowing how big a part Hampton played in the air throughout the years. What I didn't realize was that the small building in the middle of all the aircrafts was actually a small museum. It is jammed packed with memorabilia and models. The history is great and the gentleman sitting at the front desk that day definitely loves his job. He told us some great stories and had a personality that really stuck with you. He made everything so much more exciting with his enthusiasm. Any child would love this attraction and standing next to history is always a benefit for history buffs. If you have an afternoon off, check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Good place to go if you're interested in planes. They have lots of interesting plane models on the inside. Be sure to chat up the curators for some interesting tidbits.There is a small playground for kids. Parts of it can be boring if planes aren't your thing, but I had a good time with the kids checking out the different bodies of the planes they have on display. The ground was super mushy outside from previous rain. All and all it was free and informative.