CLEVELAND (August 25, 2026) – While the U.S. Navy Blue Angels soar overhead during the Cleveland Air Show, families can learn more about the science of flight during Flight Fest September 5, 6 and 7 at Great Lakes Science Center.
 
Don’t miss the Force and Motion Big Science Show, when the Science Center’s STEM team will unleash a fire tornado, use liquid nitrogen to power an engine, and explore Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion before the show’s gravity defying finale!  
 
Other Flight Fest activities include:  

  • Airflow Cart Activity – How do the qualities of air affect flight? Experiment with air pressure using a few activities featuring balloons, bags and paper.
  • Helicopter Design Activity – Using only paper and paperclips, try different designs for simple helicopters and test them in a column of air!
  • In the Clouds Scavenger Hunt – Find all the aircraft hidden in the museum and match them to different cloud types!  

All Flight Fest activities are included with general admission to the Science Center.
 
Want to combine Flight Fest fun with great views of the Air Show? Tickets are still available to view the thrilling aerial acrobatic displays from the deck of the Steamship William G. Mather or at the Family Picnic on the Science Center terrace. For more information visit GreatScience.com.
 
Then on Sunday, September 13 and 20, join us for our Zipline Design Challenge Family Workshop to design and build a zipline vehicle with everyday materials. Can you build a zipline that will reach its destination without losing its payload? Come and find out. There is a $5 materials fee for family workshops and there is no need to pre-register.
 
About Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, has reached more than 10 million visitors, and serves as a STEM education leader in Northeast Ohio. The Science Center produced Total Eclipse Fest in 2024, one of the largest free eclipse events in the country and is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. The Science Center makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps and more. The Science Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, earned a Charity Navigator Four Star Rating in 2025, receiving top scores for financial efficiency, sustainability and trust worthiness. The Science Center is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Visit GreatScience.com for more information.