Cradle of Aviation Museum image

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Museum Movie theater Planetarium

One of the Best Places To Visits in Uniondale


Address

Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530

Website

www.cradleofaviation.org

Contact

(516) 572-4111

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (591 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (27) aviation (27) history (25) space (19) Long (19) Island (17) time (16) exhibits (16) great (13) planes (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam N. 2 years ago on Google
    What a cool place ! A little biased maybe being a pilot but even my 3.5 YO daughter had the best time. Lots of hands on exhibits and an awesome space collection, even a lunar module. Great clean and quiet museum.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob J. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot to take in some history. Lots of great information and we really loved how they tried to build hands-on experiences into the museum and the machinery in the displays were clearly real or life marvelous replicas. As a designer, there was SO much great vintage design/ packaging/ etc that I was in Heaven. There branding is also pretty sweet too! We did the planetarium experience which was a great add on and they also offer a video game add-on (retro arcade games) which I would have loved to try too! All in all, I would definitely recommend 👏
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carolann S. 1 year ago on Google
    Best aviation museum I’ve ever been too! I came once as a small child and now I’ve returned at 28, with my service dog! Just and amazing, interesting wonderful place for all ages! The staff is friendly and informative! It’s just one of many visits i will be making in the near future! I love love love it here! And it’s huge and full of hands on learning and the flight simulators are so cool! I highly recommend visiting! Gift shop it huge and full of awesome stuff! Admission is extremely reasonable, and worth every penny!!! Cannot wait to come back! I wish i could give this place more stars!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edith M A. 11 months ago on Google • 298 reviews
    I must acknowledge that I wasn't expecting anything super interesting that haven't seen before. But this museum is unbelievable!! Every section caught our attention and we loved the fact that you could seat inside the planes and the helicopter. My kids and I had a blast!! Definitely recommended!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Junaid Baig M. 9 months ago on Google • 254 reviews
    Prepare for an extraordinary adventure at the Cradle of Aviation Museum! Nestled within a realm of aviation wonders, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and curious minds alike. The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a grand atrium, adorned with suspended aircraft that ignite your imagination. As you navigate the museum's exhibits, you'll be transported through time, witnessing the evolution of flight firsthand. From the legendary Spirit of St. Louis to state-of-the-art aircraft, each meticulously restored marvel reveals the secrets of aviation's past.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gary B. 6 months ago on Google • 178 reviews
    This museum is a gem that highlights the role of Long Island in the history of aviation. Allocate three hours to see everything at a nice pace.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henry C. 1 month ago on Google • 338 reviews New
    Great aviation museum Very close to the Air and space in Washington Highly recommended

  • 5/5 Ian T. 2 years ago on Google
    What a gem of a museum! They have a great collection of all things aviation chronicling the history from balloons, airships, planes right the way through to space. They have countless items of historical significance, many of which have not only been to space, but brought back from the moon, including a moon rock. Their close ties to Grumman pays dividends to the knowledge you find. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the many incredibly knowledgeable docents there, Joel Friedman, who took the time to walk me through the space exhibition pointing out some of the lesser known treasures. I wish I had taken more photos of the space exhibit but I was too busy enjoying the moment on my personal tour.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 3 years ago on Google
    A very cool place to visit with lots of displays. Ticket counter and security were very friendly and helpful. There is a Firefighters museum next door which is convenient. Plenty of free parking. It was fun to take a step back in time and see these amazing instruments of flight up close. I highly recommend this museum.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David O. 2 years ago on Google
    The Cradle of Aviation Museum earns it's name! I had no idea how many aviation companies got their start in Long Island! Our Scout Troop arrived right before the museum opened, on a warm May Sunday, at the tail end of COVID restrictions- which is probably why it was too crowded. First off, look up a soon as you walk in- you won't regret it! For our tour, we had several very knowledgeable tour guides show us around, and explain the amazing amount of aviation history that is present on LI- starting with hot air balloons, going on to blimps, then to steam-powered unmanned aircraft, before getting into the early biplane, monoplanes, and early aviation pioneers from LI. The attention to detail present throughout, and the amazing, thought-out displays are awe-inspiring and extremely informative, yet short and simple (not too much information, and not just the name of something). The WWII and post-war/cold-war planes and displays left me speechless. Every time I see another of my favorite planes, I'm shocked to see it was designed or built in Long Island! The space displays, including one of the three Apollo LEMs not to go to space, are great to see. The way the LEM is displayed, is absolutely stunning- I couldn't imagine a better display for such a historic spacecraft. I'm not going to name all the beautifully restored planes on display, or all the LI pioneers honored here. If you love aviation, space, history, Long Island, or any combination thereof, then visit this museum- because that is the amazing stuff that is here for you to discover! One last thing- pay attention to the A-10 displays... tap the outside of the cockpit metal right where the pilot sits, then tap the sheet metal a foot behind- you will here and feel the difference, and understand why that is one of the meanest and most survivable aircraft around. Please visit this great aviation museum- you will cherish the time you spend there, and you will be amazed at what you see and learn!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr D. 1 year ago on Google
    My grandfather, who was an admiral in the Navy, wanted to bring all of his grandsons to the Cradle of Aviation Museum. He showed us all around, admiring the beauty and the engineering marvels. We grabbed a bite to eat here and did some interactive activities after. I had such a wonderful time that day.. He passed a bit ago.. I’m just so blessed to have this memory of us together with him learning and exploring. I look forward to coming back here one day. 5 star day 🥹
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David P. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent small aviation museum with plenty of hands on exhibits. Fascinating history of Long Island aviation. The planetarium is a plus.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew R. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely adore this place. I've been here more times than I can count, for visits, bringing friends, attending events, going to celebration dinners, meeting astronauts, meeting top gun fighter pilots, and occasionally having a few beers with them also. A beautiful and wonderful experience. Tons of EVERYTHING here...photos, re-creations, memorabilia, exhibits, displays, full-real jets, planetarium, galleries, hands-on activities and computers, real cockpits, an ACTUAL Apollo Lunar Module. Spend an hour, spend a day, spend the entire weekend here. Bring your wife, a date, your kids. There's more history here than you can imagine...and realistically, try to imagine getting your hands on actual space rocks and meteorites. The price you pay (which is less than a burger) to enter goes to support the museum, support the history, and allow everyone to learn and experience the sky, the planets, the solar system, and more.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heike von M. 4 months ago on Google • 158 reviews
    This place is wonderful. They have so many historic original artifacts, planes, etc. The history of the US and Long Island and their part in aviation is amazing. I have been coming here since they opened with my children and now grandkids. I love their causes and how they support the new generation if they decide to look into the different careers in aviation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosemarie M. 2 months ago on Google • 156 reviews New
    I haven't been here for years and had forgotten how interesting this museum is. So much information about Long Island's important role in the beginnings of aviation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert R. 1 month ago on Google • 178 reviews New
    We had a great time visiting with our 5 year old son. There were plenty of interactive exhibits to keep him entertained and engaged the entire time we were there. Every single room had buttons to press that controlled different things that related to aviation and space. I also was able to chat with a docent for 10 minutes to learn more about the history of aviation on Long Island. Such a neat history and what an awe inspiring collection of planes and historical relics this place has!! They also have two actual moon rocks in this place as well as memorabilia from Apollo 13 and other space ships!!

  • 5/5 Maureen D. 6 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    This is such a great place for people of all ages. There is amazing history here. The staff is so nice and so knowledgeable. There's so much to see and so many interactive exhibits. I highly recommend coming to visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Shah Q. 11 months ago on Google
    We went there for a planetarium show today and it was pretty good. The show was titled, "The unknown universe". It was informative and impressive. The screen was large and almost surrounded the entire dome shaped structure. There was a 10 minute introductory video about the scale and distance of the universe. The audience is transported light years away from earth to explore 2 exoplanets. This part was geared towards a young audience. The main feature however, was very serious and a little boring. Although it was pretty impressive at times, I would've recommended it for younger children.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nils P. 1 year ago on Google
    Fascinating museum celebrating the significant contributions of Long Island to aerospace history. In fact, most of the planes exhibited here were manufactured in Long Island. A particular highlight are the lunar landing modules from the Apollo mission also manufactured here. Many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get close to the "action". I also enjoyed the separate section on the history of Pan Am Airways.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose O. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved this. I’ve been to museums that had planes but not much story to what you are looking at and this museum painted such a deep story about Long Island and aviation. You really do come to see why it’s so important. Yes it has planes but it goes so much deeper then that. The staff was friendly and the gift shop was great.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon I. 3 years ago on Google
    Great museum, full of aviation history. The museum staff were very helpful and happy to share their very interesting knowledge. I would throughly recommend this museum to anyone interested in aviation
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas L. 5 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    Very nice museum. The demonstration they showed was pretty cool, about penetrating a tin can using ping pong ball. I went to the museum to attend a sort of exhibition/job fair event, and it was very rewarding to talk to those companies. Overall it’s a great experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan S. 4 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Lots of very neat aviation and space memorabilia. Builds well off the key roll Long Island had in aviation over the ages, along with roll in space program. Real mission ready LM that never flew, among lots of great artifacts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Erin H. 11 months ago on Google
    Took my son there on a Friday when school was closed and had the intention of going to the retro gaming exhibit. We had gone over a break a year or so ago when it first opened and was happy to see it was still there. When I entered and paid, at no time was I told the exhibit was closed. I stopped a worker outside the exhibit to ask about it and was only told then that it's only open on the weekend AND that it's a separate fee. As you can see by the picture posted, that information is not listed in pricing. Very unfortunate and misleading. That is the only good exhibit there. Truly a waste of money and time otherwise.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay k. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful museum for everyone who is interested in aviation, space and technology. Many of the airplanes on exhibit were made in full or part in Long Island. They do children birthdays too. Ampl of free parking space. Can easily spend half a day there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anne Hathaway did not spit in my f. 8 months ago on Google
    Cavernous well-cooled area full of history and aerospace. Many bathrooms! Long Island is full of defense and aeronautic history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 patrick c. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is amazing! From the birth of aviation through the moon landing, if it was built by Grumman or Fairchild-Republic aviation, you will find it here! Our docent, Steve, was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and patient with out questions. This is Avery affordable day to spend researching or just geeking out on really cool aviation stuff!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Albert J. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice collection of spacecraft and aircraft that were built on Long Island. The Apollo 19 Lunar Module is here, which of course never went to the moon but was built
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carol M. 1 month ago on Google • 52 reviews New
    Absolutely a must! If you are an Aviation enthusiast... just enjoy exploring amazing museums..looking for something fun to do look no further. Not only does this Museum have interactive exhibits & wonderful shows. The Museum is also home to the iconic Pan Am Museum Foundation. On the top floor boasts Pan Am memorabilia & invites you into the golden age of flying! As a former Pan Am f/a I was so impressed by this beautiful exhibit!! Since then.... We have taken many people to the Cradle of Aviation who are so impressed & can't wait to bring their children & families! A perfect Winter,spring,summer fall activity!! Trust me you wont be disappointed! I donned my PAA hat & wings brought hubby & dear friend for a day we will always cherish!!

  • 5/5 Thanny D. 1 year ago on Google
    A lot of history is shown here. Great exhibits, kid friendly, very educational. F-14 tomcat and the A-10 were my favorites. The blue angel above you when you walk in is very cool

  • 5/5 L W. 8 months ago on Google
    This place updates their exhibits on a regular basis. The only thing I did not get to see during my visit here was the space center. It was under renovation for light changes. Otherwise I was not disappointed. There's so much to do and see! Three floors of exhibits. Well worth the $18 for entry fee just to see the exhibits. The place is large enough for the average stroller

  • 5/5 Jonathan Collins (Images by J. 8 months ago on Google
    A great museum that has a ton of great planes. I was definitely pleasantly surprised at the number and type of aircraft here, everything from wooden biplanes to fighter jets.

  • 3/5 Delia 7 months ago on Google
    Very informative. Interesting exhibits if you take your time to look at it all. I took my time and it was a little over a hour to take it all in. Didn't do the Planetarium, way too many kids. Definitely Kids Row Museums.

  • 5/5 darren a. 7 months ago on Google
    Whent her for the retro game con had a blast Great merchant cosplay poeple who love video game free arcade worth ever penny but also just walking around and seeing the tomcat jet and sparrow misses and the Tuskegee air man and all that air force history made a beautiful experience mix with the game culture for old and young a like the history of console and pc gami g next to the frist space suit is fun would do this ever year

  • 5/5 Prabhjot S. 11 months ago on Google
    Fascinating museum celebrating the significant contributions of Long Island to aerospace history. In fact, most of the planes exhibited here were manufactured in Long Island. A particular highlight are the lunar landing modules from the Apollo mission also manufactured here. Many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get close to the "action". I also enjoyed the separate section on the history of Pan Am Airways.

  • 5/5 Darwin A. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful museum highlighting Long Island's role in aviation history. Fantastic displays and fun interactive stands!

  • 4/5 Tariq Saif Ur R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice and informative place to take kids . Most of the aircraft cockpits are closed to public . They should have aircraft Simulators available to kids which unfortunately not . The staff are very rare to find them Its very sad such huge and good museum is lacking staff.

  • 5/5 Lee R. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing history of early flight to the landing on the moon and beyond with the emphasis of the important part Long Island played in the overall history. The exhibits were fantastic as were the many actual aircraft. The exhibit on space flight was also fantastic. Highly recommend for adults and children who will enjoy the interactive exhibits. The exhibit on Pan Am brought back memories....

  • 5/5 W C. 2 years ago on Google
    We spent the day at the Cradle Of Aviation Museum with our son who was back from deployment. This is a must-see place to visit! We spent a good amount of time with Joel Friedman, one of the volunteers at the museum. He took the time to show us around and made our visit a day we will always remember. Staff can make or break a visit. Make no mistake. The staff is amazing. Keenan Ghandi was also very friendly, helpful and informative. We plan to visit again in the coming weeks with my parents. Tired of the everyday boredom? Bring your kids. They will have fun and learn at the same time. It will make you better parents...!

  • 5/5 Shahidul M. 2 years ago on Google
    One of good place to bring your kids. Didn't know we have something like this in LI. There are replica of many areospace items and only few real planes. Neat and clean.


Call (516) 572-4111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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