Every year, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island puts on an impressive Open House. It is free, and the fun things to do there frankly rival paid small amusement parks for the kids. Children get to stretch their sense of adventure, have fun, and learn along the way.

After entering through several security checkpoints, there are a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages. The bouncy houses especially beckon to the little ones, and the slightly older kids gravitate to the 45 foot tall climbing wall with automatic safety ropes. Outside, a whole world of aircraft and demonstrations open up, with the sound of a live Navy rock band in the background. Kids can go up to an EA-18G Growler jet, run amok all over a P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft (including working all the controls while sitting in the cockpit), directly experience a smoky and noisy “house on fire” safety response demonstration, play in a fire truck, spray a real fire hose at targets, operate a real remote control explosive ordinance removal robot, hop into a helicopter, and more.

In addition, there are demonstrations throughout the day. The best include a Search and Rescue helicopter demonstration, dog demonstrations, and E/A-18G Growler take-off/fly-bys/landings.

The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Open House is a pleasant surprise of a well run, high quality, and fun event for family and friends.

Operating controls in P-3C Orion airplane cockpit at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Open House Oak Harbor

Operating controls in P-3C Orion airplane cockpit



Kids playing in bouncy house at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Open House Oak Harbor

Kids playing in bouncy house



Climbing faux rock wall at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Open House Oak Harbor

Climbing faux rock wall



Children spraying real fire hose at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Open House Oak Harbor

Children spraying real fire hose



Links:
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Oak Harbor