South Wales Aviation Museum is a dynamic hands-on military and civil aviation attraction located at St Athan near Barry, ranking as one of the best things to do with kids in Barry. Operating as an interactive aviation museum, it allows families to touch real aircraft, step inside historical cockpits, and explore British aviation heritage up close.

Prices start from £0.00 for children under 3 years old, while standard adult admission is £13.22 and child entry is £4.23. With family pass options available and free parking included, it delivers excellent value for an educational family day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this indoor and outdoor hangar facility provides an engaging experience for all ages. Children can sit in real fighter jet cockpits, handle genuine flight equipment, examine giant jet engines, and explore historic military vehicles. It makes for a memorable, hands-on outing near Barry.

What are the key features for families?

• Interactive Exhibits: Touch-enabled aircraft displays, open cockpits, and flight helmets let children step directly into the shoes of pilots.
• Educational Day Out: Families explore Cold War jet technology, RAF history, air rescue operations, and commercial aviation engineering.
• Sensory Play and Nature: Tactile switches, authentic aircraft metals, whirring engine parts, and spacious hangar bays stimulate young senses.
• Outdoor Exploration: Outdoor airfield display areas offer wide open space for children to view large transport jets and military hardware.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

• Open Jet Cockpits: Climbing directly inside designated fighter jet cockpits to flip real control switches and wear pilot helmets.
• Panavia Tornado GR4: Getting right up close to a renowned RAF strike aircraft used in modern defense missions.
• De Havilland Sea Vixen: Examining a classic carrier-based twin-boom naval jet fighter from the Cold War era.
• Interactive Flight Simulators: Sitting at cockpit controls to test flying skills and learn how flight control surfaces operate.
• Military Fire & Rescue Engines: Exploring massive airfield crash tenders and historic support vehicles parked inside the main hangar.

Specific Named Objects and Sub-Exhibits Within the Collection

• Panavia Tornado GR4 (ZA548)
• De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2
• Hawker Hunter T.7
• Gloster Meteor T.7
• Jet Provost T.4
• Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 Helicopter
• Bristol Siddeley Olympus Jet Engine
• RAF Airfield Fire Crash Tender
• Ejector Seat & Flight Suit Display
• Vintage Aircraft Cockpit Trainer Sections