Enjoy free admission, ranger-led programs and more on National Aviation Day at Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial invites you to celebrate National Aviation Day with National Park Service rangers on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. In addition to free entrance for the day and a variety of ranger-led programs, the park will stay open late for a special viewing of Disney’s “Planes” on the lawn of the visitor center. Movie attendees should bring blankets and chairs to watch the movie under the stars.
National Aviation Day was first proclaimed on August 19, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and coincides with Orville Wright’s birth date to celebrate the history and achievements of aviation in the United States.
Plan to spend most of your visit outside and prepare for hot weather. For more information, see the detailed descriptions of activities and the schedule of events listed below.
All-Day Activities
Visitor Center and Flight Room: Open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., experience the immersive exhibits in the museum and see a replica of the 1903 Flyer in the famous Flight Room. Periodic demonstrations of the Flyer’s wing-warping design will take place throughout the day.
Junior Flight Ranger: Pick up a junior ranger activity booklet from the visitor center to learn about the Wright brothers and their journey to fly. Upon completion of the activity booklet, you will be sworn-in as an official First Flight Junior Ranger and receive your very own junior ranger badge.
Radio Demonstrations: Join the Outer Banks Repeater Association by the airstrip to learn about the pioneering history of radio in the Outer Banks and maybe even send a message out into the airwaves.
Ranger-led Programs: Learn more about Wilbur and Orville’s journey to first flight and the legacy they left on aviation history. Programs are offered on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check at the visitor center for program topics and locations.
Special Evening Activities
6:15 p.m.: The Wright Bike (45 minutes)
Let’s go for a ride like the Wright brothers! Bring your bike and helmet and learn about why the Wright brothers chose this area in 1900 and how the site has changed over the years. Meet at the bicycle rack in front of the visitor center.
7:15 p.m.: Sunset Monument Walk (45 minutes)
Explore the story of the Wright brothers and see the sunset as you walk with a ranger to the top of Big Kill Devil Hill. The walk is a quarter of a mile each way. Bring water and sun protection. Meet on the back patio of the visitor center.
8:15 p.m.: Outdoor Movie Presentation of Disney’s “Planes” (90 minutes)
The First Flight Foundation presents this special outdoor showing of Disney’s animated movie, “Planes.” Bring your own blankets and chairs to watch the movie under the stars.
