World War II Aviation Museum, Camarillo

Near Camarillo Airport is a great museum to take your kids, the World War II Aviation Museum, or Commemorative Air Force Museum. Located in an airport hangar, the museum displays real war airplanes that are still in working order. Some of the planes fly in shows or can be taken out on joy rides. The planes are shiny and well-cared for by the retired military pilots and history enthusiasts who created the museum. Exhibits tell you about the role women played in the war, Japan and the battle of Midway, and more. Once you've seen the planes inside, a guide takes you out to see the planes parked outdoors. You can climb inside the transport plane China Doll, sit where the men sat as they made their way over The Hump, and see their parachutes. The men flew supplies from India to China, over the Himalayas, an extremely hazardous route. One of the planes outside has a gizmo, the Norden Bombsight, that was used to accurately compute and tell the pilot when to drop the bomb in order to hit the correct target. You can stand in the hull with the bombs above you.

Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy going inside the China Doll and standing under the plane with the bombs, but tire quickly of the tour. They mostly want to climb on the planes but since they can't they aren't the happiest campers. Older kids, and of course, techie husbands, like this museum the best.
Just across Las Posas Rd, after your visit, head over to Camarillo Premium Outlets to let your kids run around, grab some food, or shop. Another nice place to get a bite to eat is Old Town Camarillo. For a beautiful park where your kids can let off steam, go to Valle Lindo Park. For more history, head over to Camarillo Ranch House.

Directions

Open daily 10-4, except Sunday and Monday. Call (805) 482-0064.
Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for kids over 9, $3 for kids 6-9, and free for children under 6 and military personnel.
Exit Highway 101 at Las Posas Rd and drive south on Las Posas Rd. Turn right on Pleasant Valley Rd. Turn right on Eubanks St (2nd light). The museum is on the corner of Eubanks and Airport Drive. You can't miss the hangar with the big sign. There is a large parking lot with free parking. Click "satellite" to see the outdoor planes from above.

Click on map for interactive view