Children's Museums
San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex
📍 335 Kenney St, El Cajon, CA 92020🌐 sandiegoairandspace.org/museum/gillespie-field-annex
🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Air & Space Museum Annex
- Location
- El Cajon, Gillespie Field
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Historic aircraft, military jets, restoration workshop
- Admission
- $10 adults, $5 kids under 12, free under 2
💡 Did You Know?
- The museum houses the only remaining Skyshark aircraft still standing in the world
- The annex is staffed primarily by volunteers, including pilots who share firsthand aviation experiences with visitors
- The collection includes Baron Hilton's personal Staggerwing aircraft, representing a notable celebrity aviation artifact
- The museum offers volunteer restoration opportunities specifically for individuals with an AP (Airframe & Powerplant) license to work on actual aircraft restoration projects
- Located at Gillespie Field with an active airstrip, allowing visitors to observe plane watching and active aviation operations outside the museum
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan to interact with the knowledgeable volunteer docents and staff - they're passionate about aviation history and willing to answer questions. Ask for guided tours on Thursdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays when docents are available, or engage with staff on weekends for personalized insights about specific aircraft.
- Don't miss the flight simulator experience and restoration shop viewable at the annex. These interactive elements are what transform this from a static aircraft viewing into an engaging educational experience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with aviation.
- Allocate 2-3 hours for your visit to fully explore both hangars and the airstrip. The Skyshark exhibit outside (one of only two remaining in the world) requires outdoor viewing, so plan accordingly and note that photos don't capture the full scale.
- Bring kids of all ages - the museum has exhibits specifically designed to keep youngsters occupied, from small planes exhibits to interactive areas. Children under 12 are just $5, making it an affordable family outing.
- If you have an AP (pilot) license, inquire about volunteer opportunities to work on aircraft restoration and exhibits - this museum actively involves the aviation community in ongoing restoration projects.
About San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex
Models & restored aircraft on display. This museum dedicated to aviation & space technology boasts a number of models & restored aircraft.
Other Children's Museums in El Cajon
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section