The CR Smith Museum is often overlooked for the larger science museums in Dallas and Fort Worth, but if you have a child that loves planes, it’s the perfect place to visit! Smaller in size compared to the Perot and Fort Worth Museum, it’s also MUCH less crowded! Named for the former American Airlines president Cyrus Rowlett Smith, it is located across the street from American Airlines Training Facility. Many of the exhibits were renovated in Winter 2019, and the museum had just reopened when we visited.
The museum tells the story of the history of American Airlines, thus telling a huge part of the history of commercial aviation.
Part of that history is the 9-11 Tragedy.
Visitors can also learn more about the different aspects of careers in aviation, such as Air Traffic Controllers.
My kids LOVED the new Baggage Handler Simulator! It’s a timed game where players try to load the baggage as quickly as possible. Sensors won’t let them load larger items on top, and each piece much be scanned. My kids played numerous times, trying to beat the best score!
Younger children will love the plane playspace, with an escape slide!
But the best exhibit is still the 1940 Douglas DC-3, which you can go inside for a very first hand view! These are just a few of the many new and intriguing exhibits at the museum!
And if you’re looking for a special gift for someone who loves to travel, the gift shop is a must! You can even visit the Gift Shop without touring the museum.
Know Before You Go
Parking is FREE!
The Museum is open 5 days a week, CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays.
Grab a bite to eat before or after your visit. No food is allowed in the museum.
Things To Do near AA C. R. Smith Museum
Play
The museum doesn’t have a dining area, or sell any food. Pack a lunch and visit Founders Plaza at DFW Airport before or after your visit. The kids can run around, eat lunch at picnic tables, watch as planes take off and land, and listen to live feed of the tower communications! Click HERE for more information. NOTE, there is also a Founders Plaza in downtown Dallas, and some GPS will direct you there. From C. R. Smith Museum, take Hwy 360 North to E. Mid Cities Blvd, turn rt and go to W. Airfield Dr. Turn left and go North. Turn right on N. Airfield Dr. and right on Texan Trail. There is no toll fee to visit Founders Plaza.
Eat
Just a little over a mile away, you must check out the specialties at Savianos Italian Kitchen! Family-owned. Click HERE to visit their website.
Stay
I love my Hilton Points, so I prefer the Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel just across Hwy 360 from the museum, but there is also a Holiday Inn and a Marriott. Click HERE to visit the Hampton Inn website.
American Airlines C R Smith Museum
4601 Hwy 360 Fort Worth
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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