Plane and space geeks will love this place. The number of planes they have there is incredible and diverse and there are some pretty historic vehicles there.

Obviously the star attraction is Discovery and it doesn't disappoint. The whole section on space is very well done and full of great artefacts.

I didn't take a tour, but the snippets I heard from them as I went round gave me the impression that the guides have a great knowledge of all the planes and items in the museum.

It's not the easiest place to get to from DC, but it's worth a trip out there.

This place is simply huge, with an amazing collection of aviation and space relics. An SR-71, the Enola Gay, Space Shuttle Discovery, Boeing's 367-80 (the prototype/predecessor to the 707), an Air France Concorde... just their ability to wedge everything in here is impressive. There is an interesting display of a number of piston and jet engines as well, some in cutaway views. The observation tower has a nice view of Dulles. Be warned that while the museum is free, parking is $15, and they'll probably get some more money out of you at the gift shop. I'm a sucker for a bookstore, and they have some obscure titles and topics.

This is an impressive facility! I have been to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. and this facility outdoes it. It is a massive multi-level museum containing U.S. and foreign civilian, military, experimental, and commercial aircraft of every size, shape, and purpose. Then there are the missiles and the space shuttle Discovery. Bring your camera and some comfortable walking shoes. We spent nearly an entire day there. I loved the way the museum displayed the exhibits on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. The exhibits flow from aircraft to missiles, to space craft. It appeals to adults and children. There is a McDonald’s cafeteria and gift shop in the facility. There is plenty of parking but it is expensive - $15. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we will definite come back again.

This attraction would appeal to all the categories listed and also younger children.
The layout was easy to follow,the variety of information from the first Aviators to
Space exploration today.the Planetarium was great,with a narration covering current
Exploration in space and identifying new planets.