FREE MOF admission today for dads (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museum features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library.

During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with the docents—expert volunteers who can enhance the experience as you explore the historically significant aircraft, space craft, and aviation artifacts and learn about the history of flight. MOF also offers special events throughout the year to inspire and encourage your understanding of science, technology and the humanities.

The Flight Restoration Center in Everett at Paine Field is where aircraft destined for the museum are restored. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a close-up view of this labor of love and talk to volunteers on site.

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History of the Museum of Flight

In 1964, a small group of aviation enthusiasts established the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation to save significant aircraft and related artifacts and in 1965, the first official Museum of Flight exhibits were put on display at Seattle Center.

In 1975, the Boeing Red Barn–the birthplace of The Boeing Company–was floated by barge from its original location on the Duwamish River to the new MOF location in south Seattle. The Red Barn was restored in 1983 and became the first permanent facility for The Museum of Flight. The Red Barn was joined in 1987 by the Great Gallery.

In 2002, the Library and Archives Building was added and in 2004 the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing and Airpark. The Museum of Flight continues to expand, adding experiences and educational programs that detail the history of flight to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors.

Visiting the Museum of Flight (MOF)

MOF exhibits historically significant artifacts and strives to be the foremost educational air and space museum in the world, providing research and programs that inspire an interest in science, technology, and the humanities.

Where: Located about 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. Free parking is available at the Museum entries on the east and west sides of East Marginal Way.
Parking: Free parking lots are located between the East and West campsues, on either side of East Marginal Way.
Hours: Open daily 10AM-5PM, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Regular admission: Adult (18+) $26. Senior (65+) $22. Youth (5-17) $18. Child (4 and under) FREE. Museum Members FREE. Non-English speaking visitors may wish to rent an audio guide, available in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and Russian.

Free and discount admission to MOF

FREE general admission to everyone every First Thursday.
FREE admission to miliary via Blue Star program.
FREE admission to museum members, plus other benefits. Pays for itself in four museum visits.
FREE admission with a Seattle Public Library Museum Pass (spl.org) or King County Library Museum Pass (kcls.org).
DISCOUNT admission for return visit when you come back on another day.
DISCOUNT Aviator Membership to families who receive any form of public or government assistance.
DISCOUNT admission for other select groups (such as ASTC Passport, BECU, EBT card/Museums For All, Foster Family, Gold Card/Ageless Seattle).
DISCOUNT admission with CityPASS Seattle ticket package.

More info: The Museum of Flight website

Annual events at Museum of Flight in Seattle

These are some of the special events you might not want to miss that happen every year at the Museum of Flight.

Father’s Day: FREE admission for dads. FREE to all dads when accompanied by their kids of any age who pay regular admission. MOF membership also makes a great gift.
Seafair Weekend: Jet Blast Bash outdoor festival featuring Blue Angels. “Jet Blast Bash” is the Museum’s annual Seafair Weekend outdoor festival-by-the-flight line. Expect fast planes, music, food, and a beer garden with the closest seats in Seattle to the thunder of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ takeoffs and landings. On Saturday and Sunday over Seafair Weekend (1st Sunday in August), enjoy family activities and crafts, car show, live music and DJs tunes, special guests, and more. Museum admission required for this outdoor event. Because the event takes place in the main parking lot, free onsite parking is limited. Public transit or ride share is recommended.
Halloween fun at Museum of Flight. Celebrate Halloween aviation style when the Museum of Flight transforms into The Museum of FRIGHT. In the Museum galleries, you’ll find Halloween carnival-style games and activities to spark imagination, innovation, and get in the Halloween spirit. Design and build soaring, swooping, and spooky fliers below a high-flying glider, hop through an obstacle course under the Blackbird, and encounter other frightful surprises. Discount (in-person only): Kids 17 and under IN costume can enjoy FREE admission.
Santa Claus visits Museum of Flight. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make a special visit to MOF each year to meet with children and families and hear their wishes for the holiday season. Spaces are limited! Reservations are required.

For more information about these and other MOF events: Calendar of Events | The Museum of Flight

Tour the Museum of Flight Restoration Center in Everett

The Museum of Flight Restoration Center and Reserve Collection in Everett at Paine Field is located 25 miles north of Seattle. The 23,000 square-foot facility is where aircraft acquired by the Museum of Flight are restored. The Museum typically acquires 2-4 new aircraft each year and has ongoing restorations of about 12 additional major historical artifacts. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a look at the labor that goes into aircraft restoration and get a chance to talk to volunteers on site.

Due to limited staffing, the Restoration Center and Reserve Collection is closed until further notice (last checked May 2025). More info: Aircraft Restoration | The Museum of Flight

You might also like: Ultimate guide to museums in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area – Greater Seattle on the Cheap

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.