WICHITA, Kansas — In the fall of 2025, Textron Aviation will bring the world of flight to life with the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure, an attraction within Exploration Place’s outdoor “destination playscape” project.
The new exhibition at the science center “seeks to inspire the dreams of residents and visitors in aviation, STEM, and the freedom of flight,” according to Exploration Place officials.
The Textron Aviation Flight Adventure features a Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane sculpture atop a towering control tower and an explorable Cessna Citation business jet, not only designed for climbing and play, but also to ignite visitors’ imaginations and foster a sense of wonder in aviation, museum officials noted.
Drawing inspiration from attractions like Tulsa’s Gathering Place — as well as installations in Omaha, Nebraska, and Chicago, Illinois — Jason Neal witnessed firsthand the profound impact these projects have on their communities. Neal, director of Experimental Operations at Textron Aviation, served as project manager for the museum’s expansion.
“By benchmarking successful exhibits in neighboring cities, we witnessed the transformative power they had on their communities, enhancing the quality of life in remarkable ways,” said Neal. “At Textron Aviation, we recognize the importance of attracting young professionals and families to our headquarters in the state of Kansas. This project is our commitment to improving the quality of life in Wichita and inspiring future generations to thrive in our vibrant community.”
“Not only will visitors witness the joy of aviation, but they will also gain invaluable insight into the diverse careers that bring airplanes to life,” he continued. “One of our goals is to ignite a spark in young minds, prompting them to consider aviation as a promising career path. This experience serves as a springboard, fueling the appetite for knowledge and unveiling the boundless potential aviation holds for their future.”
When it comes to creating a playscape that captures the essence of aviation while enticing kids to play, the challenge lies in finding the delicate balance between accuracy and universal appeal, Texton Aviation officials noted.
“While we prioritized accuracy, we infused elements of cuteness to make it friendly — even the positioning of structures and staggering of the jet are awe-inspiring,” Neal said. “From the surrounding landscape to the site’s grade, every detail is considered an inspiring view. The exhibit is a testament to the pride and progress of the aviation industry. It’s a journey that spans generations, showcasing the bookends of innovation in one remarkable location.”
In 2023, Exploration Place welcomed 403,543 visitors. With the arrival of the destination playscape spanning across 6.5 acres, it is anticipated that the museum’s attendance will soar to an annual count of 1 million visitors, museum officials said.
For more information: Exploration.org, TxtAv.com
What an awesome opportunity for everyone to have exposure to such a wonderful industry! I loved working in the aviation industry. Thank you to Textron Aviation for doing this!