How to Prepare Children for an Airshow

The first roar of a high-performance aircraft can make a child’s eyes go wide with wonder - or send them straight into a parent’s arms. That is why knowing how to prepare children for an airshow matters. A little planning turns a long, loud, sun-filled day into the kind of family memory they will talk about all the way home.

An airshow is not a quiet afternoon at the park. It is a full-throttle celebration of flight, service, history, and community. Kids get to see aircraft climb, roll, and race across the sky while meeting pilots, spotting classic cars, enjoying festival food, and taking part in the excitement around them. Prepare for the big moments, leave room for discovery, and your crew can enjoy the show with confidence.

Prepare Children for an Airshow Before You Arrive

The best airshow mornings start the night before. Tell children what they will see in language that matches their age. Younger kids may simply need to know that airplanes can be very loud and fly very fast. Older children may enjoy learning the difference between a vintage warbird, a helicopter, and a modern performance aircraft.

Be honest about the noise. Avoid telling a child that it will not be loud if you know it will be. Instead, build anticipation: “The jets may sound like a giant thunderclap, and we will have special earmuffs to keep your ears comfortable.” When kids know what is coming, they are less likely to feel caught off guard.

Set a flexible goal for the day. You may want to watch every aerial demonstration, visit every attraction, and stay through the final pass. Your child may be thrilled for two hours and then be ready for a quiet snack in the shade. Both experiences are completely normal. The goal is not to check every box. It is to share an unforgettable day together.

Make a Simple Family Plan

Before entering the event, choose an easy-to-recognize meeting point. Pick something your child can identify, such as a main entrance sign, a large flag display, or a designated information area. If children are old enough to be briefly out of arm’s reach, review what to do if they cannot see you: stay where they are, look for a uniformed event staff member or police officer, and do not leave the grounds.

Put a parent or guardian’s phone number in a pocket, on a card, or on a wristband. For very young children, take a quick photo that morning. It is a practical precaution that helps you remember exactly what they are wearing if the crowd gets busy.

Ear Protection Is Non-Negotiable

At an airshow, hearing protection is not an optional extra. Propeller aircraft, helicopters, and jet demonstrations can all create sound levels that overwhelm young ears. Bring properly fitting earmuffs made for children. Foam earplugs can work for older children who know how to use them correctly, but earmuffs are often easier, more comfortable, and harder to lose.

Let kids try their earmuffs at home first. A child who has worn them while watching a movie, listening to music, or playing in the yard is less likely to fight them when the action begins. Bring them out before the aircraft start, not after your child is already upset by the sound.

Even with ear protection, watch your child’s body language. Covering their ears, crying, becoming unusually quiet, or asking to leave are all signs that it may be time to move farther from the flight line or take a break. There is no prize for staying in the loudest spot. A comfortable viewing area is usually a better family experience than being as close as possible.

Dress for a Full Day Outside

North Georgia weather can change quickly, and airport grounds offer plenty of open sky. Dress children in light, breathable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Pavement, grass, gravel, and long walks can all be part of the day, so skip brand-new shoes and anything that makes it hard to run, climb, or use the restroom quickly.

A hat and sunscreen are essential. Apply sunscreen before leaving home, then reapply during the day, especially after sweat, face painting, or a splash from a cold drink. Sunglasses can help during bright afternoon hours, although some younger kids will not keep them on for long.

If your child tends to get chilly after being in the sun or dislikes unexpected weather changes, tuck a light layer or compact rain poncho into your bag. It is a small item that can save a big mood later.

Pack the Things That Prevent Meltdowns

Airshow excitement burns through energy fast. Pack a family bag with the practical basics:

• Child-sized hearing protection for every child

• Refillable water bottles and easy snacks

• Sunscreen, hats, and a small towel or wipes

• A portable phone charger and your family meeting plan

• Any needed medications, plus a comfort item for younger children

Check event policies before you arrive, since permitted bags, outside food, and stroller access can vary. If your family uses a stroller or wagon, think about the terrain and how long you plan to stay. A stroller can be a lifesaver for tired little legs, but it can also be cumbersome in dense crowds. For some families, a lightweight stroller is the right call. For others, a carrier for a toddler and a simpler setup works better.

Choose Your Viewing Spot With Kids in Mind

The center of the action is exciting, but families do not always need the closest possible view. Look for a location with room to sit, a clear view of the sky, and a reasonable path to restrooms, food, and shade. Aircraft are visible from a wide area, especially during big climbs and sweeping passes.

Arrive with enough time to get oriented before the flying begins. Find restrooms, water, first aid, and the family meeting point. Then let children take in the static aircraft and displays while the crowd is still settling. Seeing airplanes up close can make the aerial performance even more meaningful because kids understand the size, shapes, and details of what they will soon see overhead.

For a first-time attendee, plan breaks on purpose. Watch a demonstration, get a drink, walk through a display area, then return for more action. Kids often enjoy an airshow longer when the day has a rhythm instead of one nonstop stretch of noise and waiting.

Teach Respect for Aircraft, Veterans, and the Flight Line

An airshow is thrilling, but it is also a working aviation environment and, often, a place of remembrance. Explain that barriers, ropes, and marked areas are there for safety. Children should never touch an aircraft or move through a restricted area unless invited by event staff.

If the program includes a patriotic ceremony, veteran recognition, or a moment honoring those who served, help children understand why it matters. Keep it simple: “These moments are our way of saying thank you to people who served our country.” Children do not need a history lecture to learn that respect and excitement can belong in the same day.

Encourage questions. Why does a pilot wear a flight suit? How does a helicopter hover? What makes a classic car different from a new one? Airshows are one of the rare places where curiosity can lead to a real conversation with the people who fly, restore, build, and preserve these machines.

Let Them Own a Piece of the Day

Give each child a small mission. One might count the aircraft they see. Another might choose a favorite paint scheme, find the loudest airplane, or ask a pilot one respectful question. A disposable camera, kid-safe camera, or simple sketchbook can give older children a creative way to notice details instead of only waiting for the next big pass.

At The Pixel Man Airshow, the experience can stretch beyond the sky. The mix of aviation excitement, car culture, music, food, and community celebration means families can shape the day around their own interests. An aircraft-loving child may want to study every warbird. Another may remember the face painting, the food truck treat, or waving at a veteran during the ceremony. That all counts.

Do not force a paid ride experience, a crowded photo line, or a late-day activity simply because it was part of your original plan. If your child is eager and comfortable, those moments can become the highlight of the day. If they are tired, hot, or overstimulated, a cold drink and a calm walk may be the better choice.

When the final aircraft disappears over the horizon, ask one easy question on the way home: “What was the coolest thing you saw?” Their answer may surprise you. More importantly, it gives them a chance to turn a day of big noise, big sky, and big community pride into a story that belongs to them.