A Family Adventure at Wings Over Camarillo Airshow
Visiting the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow with a toddler? Here's our personal experience and tips to make your trip smoother. From ticketing and parking to attractions like classic cars, military vehicles, and aerial displays, we've got you covered for a memorable family day out.
Introduction
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow is an annual event that brings aviation enthusiasts and families together for a day of thrilling displays, historic exhibits, and interactive attractions. In 2024, we decided to take our 2.5-year-old son to the show on August 17, eager to introduce him to the wonders of aviation. While the event was spectacular, our experience taught us a few valuable lessons about planning a visit with a toddler. Here’s our story and some tips to help you have an even better experience next time.
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow offers a vibrant display of various aircraft, from helicopters to military planes, alongside bustling event grounds filled with spectators. The images capture the essence of the event, including the excitement of helicopter flights, spacious display areas, and well-organized entry points, making it a memorable day for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Relive the excitement of Wings Over Camarillo Airshow 2024! Watch breathtaking aerial performances, vintage aircraft displays, and more.
Getting Ready: Tickets and Parking
We purchased our tickets in advance from wingsovercamarillo.com to avoid any last-minute hassles. The tickets for one adult, including the online processing fee, cost $34, and our toddler got in for free. Although the event organizers suggested carpooling due to limited parking, we found there was plenty of parking available when we arrived. Shuttles ran every couple of minutes, so we didn't have to wait long before being whisked to the event grounds.
Arriving Too Early: Our First Lesson
The event opens its gates at 9:00 AM, but the main airshow doesn’t start until noon. With our toddler’s schedule in mind, we decided to arrive at 10:00 AM. However, we quickly realized that this was a bit too early. The day was hot, and without much shade, our son became restless before the show even began. For future visits, we’d recommend timing your arrival closer to the airshow’s start, especially if you’re bringing young children.
Finding Shade and Comfort: A Challenge
One of the challenges we faced was finding a place to sit and stay cool. The VIP area offered canopies for shade, but general admission did not provide much relief from the sun. We ended up finding a small patch of shade under the wing of a displayed aircraft, and others were lucky enough to grab a spot under a solitary tree by the fence. Next time, we’ll definitely bring an umbrella and folding chairs (keep in mind that they may not be allowed in a General Viewing Area).
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow displayed a remarkable collection of aircraft, ranging from historic military planes and modern Navy jets to civilian aircraft. The event provided attendees with the opportunity to explore these impressive machines up close, showcasing the rich history and advanced technology that define aviation today.
Attractions Galore: Classic Cars, Military Vehicles, and More
Despite the heat, there were plenty of attractions to keep our son entertained:
- Classic Cars: Rows of beautifully restored classic cars were on display, offering a nostalgic glimpse into automotive history. Our son was particularly fascinated by the shiny exteriors and unique designs of the vintage vehicles.
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow featured a spectacular lineup of classic cars, from vintage muscle cars to meticulously restored pickups. These images capture the diverse automotive displays that delighted car enthusiasts and families alike, set against the backdrop of powerful aircraft and vibrant skies.
- Military Vehicles: The event also featured a variety of military vehicles, including some that visitors could sit inside. This interactive experience was a hit with kids and adults alike, allowing us to explore the interiors and imagine life as a soldier.
Exploring the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow: A captivating day filled with historic military vehicles under the open sky—perfect for aviation enthusiasts and families alike."
- Airplanes and Helicopters: Of course, the main attraction was the impressive lineup of aircraft, from historic planes to modern helicopters. We were able to walk up close to these flying machines, which was an exciting experience for our little one. For those looking for an extra thrill, short helicopter flights were available for purchase, offering a bird’s-eye view of the event.
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow offers a vibrant showcase of vintage aircraft, modern military machines, classic cars, and more, creating an exhilarating experience for aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. From historic warbirds to sleek modern jets and beautifully restored classic cars, the event is a celebration of engineering and history that captivates visitors of all ages.
Family-Friendly Facilities: Food, Bathrooms, and Vendors
The event was well-equipped with family-friendly amenities. There were various food options available, from traditional fair fare to healthier choices. The bathrooms were clean and easily accessible, which is always a relief when you’re attending with young children. Vendors were also on hand, offering a range of souvenirs. Our son was thrilled with his new coloring book and plastic airplane, both of which kept him occupied during our visit.
The Airshow Experience: Parachutists and Aerial Performances
Although we had to leave before the main performances, we did catch a glimpse of some of the early aerial displays. The parachutists were a highlight, gracefully descending with colorful canopies against the clear blue sky. We also saw a few aircraft take to the skies, showcasing their incredible agility and power. It was a taste of the excitement that we’ll definitely plan better for next time.
The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow with its thrilling mix of aerobatic performances, vintage aircraft, military vehicles, and classic cars come together to offer a spectacular experience. From the adrenaline-pumping aerial maneuvers to the chance to explore iconic aircraft and military equipment up close, this event offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.....
Tips for a Better Experience Next Year
Based on our experience, here are a few tips to make your visit to the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow more enjoyable:
- Arrive Later with a Toddler: Plan to arrive closer to the start of the airshow, around 11:30 AM, to avoid the heat and keep little ones entertained.
- Stroller Wagons and Strollers are allowed at the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow, making it easier for families with young children to navigate the event comfortably. Just be sure to bring along all the essentials to keep your little ones comfortable throughout the day.
- Bring Shade and Seating: An umbrella and folding chairs are a must for comfort, as general admission areas lack shade and seating.
- Pack Essentials: Don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun is key.
- Explore Early: Take advantage of the early hours to explore the classic cars, military vehicles, aircraft displays, and have an opportunity to ask pilots' questions before the airshow begins.
Conclusion
Our visit to the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow was a memorable family adventure, despite a few missteps in planning. The event offers something for everyone, from thrilling aerial performances to interactive exhibits and historic displays. With a little more preparation, we’re sure our next visit will be even more enjoyable. If you’re planning to attend with young children, use our tips to make the most of your day and create lasting memories for the whole family.
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