Want all the vibes of a big city museum without heading far? The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in Wildwood is a fascinating peak into military aviation and transportation (think National Air and Space Museum in D.C. without the long car trip).  It’s housed in an authentic World War II Hangar, and kids will have a ball exploring hands-on exhibits and climbing into real planes, copters, and jeeps. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to discover the exciting history of Cape May during WWII. It’s no wonder NAS Wildwood is listed as one of our favorite museums in NJ—read on for more details and how it can be an engaging and educational day for your kids (and you). (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Stepping back in time

Before you start to explore, you are encouraged to sit in actual airplane seats and watch a short film about the museum, where they reveal little-known facts like how the aircraft hangar was assembled from a kit delivered via railroad. Once built, it was commissioned as a training facility for dive bomber squadrons in Delaware Bay. Following World War II, United States Overseas Airlines operated out of Hangar #1. Recently, the Salvatore family restored the hangar and turned it into a museum for everyone to enjoy. 

Exploring the collection 

Once you enter Hangar #1, expect to be there for some time since the entire museum is in front of you on one floor. Military buffs will be in awe of the vehicles, boats, and planes that have been in service for the U.S. military at one time. What’s even more exciting is that kids can touch here and even get inside them, sparking imaginative play while discovering how they work through fun STEM interactive displays. Practice driving skills in the Jeep and pretend to be in the air on big and small fighter planes, including the prized TBM-3E Avenger Torpedo Bomber Warplane and an F6F-3 Hellcat. NAS Wildwood has a vast collection of helicopters on display, like the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (AKA “Huey”) and a retired HH-52A from the U.S. Coast Guard, most of which you can explore inside and out (ones that can’t be climbed on are marked off with a sign). 

See rare artifacts

Sneak in a bit of history in exhibits that show life in NJ during World War II and view the Photography and Radio Exhibit. Kids will want to climb up to the top of the communication control tower, where they can survey the entire museum from above and make a radio call. Before you leave, don’t miss looking at the jet engines taken from planes, like the GE90 turbofan jet engine from a Boeing 777 (spoiler alert: it’s massive). The exhibits often rotate and receive new artifacts, so expect to find something different during each visit to the museum. 

Sit in real airplanes and naval vehicles. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

What to know before you go

The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM from March to December. In January and February, they open only during the week, Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Parking is free, and the museum has self-guided tours. Make sure to dress for the weather because Historic Hangar #1 does not have climate control. Museum tickets can be purchased at the gift shop. Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for ages 3-12, and members, active U.S. military members, and children under 3 are free. The facility is pet-friendly (dogs must be on a leash), wheelchair accessible, and can hold weddings and private events for up to 300+ people in the hangar. There is a gift shop with toys, novelties, souvenirs, and branded merchandise. Check their calendar for special events, including AirFest, a festival featuring food, meet and greets, music, and more. 

To learn more about the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
500 Forrestal Road
Cape May, NJ 08204

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