The unique array of aircraft and activities gracing the flight line at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh generates plenty of attention and excitement, especially among youngsters. However, if kids of any age want a safe and fun hands-on aviation experience, a visit to KidVenture is essential.

Located at Pioneer Airport, KidVenture's campus has become a prominent fixture of AirVenture's landscape. Where else can kids get the chance to build their own model rockets and balsa planes, fly in a high-tech flight simulator, try their hand at flying a control-line model, and meet aviation legends?

While toddlers tool around in the pedal-plane corral, bigger kids can take the pre-flight challenge and get their first log book. The wide variety of flight simulators found at KidVenture take them anywhere, from NASA space missions to Wright brothers' adventures.

Airplanes are everywhere but, unlike on the EAA AirVenture flight line, there aren't any "Please Do Not Touch" signs at KidVenture. Inquisitive minds are free to explore several half-built airplane projects and crawl around in EAA AirVenture Museum's DC-3 and CH-21 Shawnee helicopter.

KidVenture memories aren't the only things youngsters will take home. They can build their own airworthy Estes rocket; rubber-powered airplane from Midwest; carve their own wooden propeller and learn to rivet- all free of charge. Kids might even be able to snag an autograph or two from some of aviation's most respected individuals appearing at the KidVenture Hero Stage.

Kids can again log expert instruction from NAFI members.

Control line flying, and everything else at KidVenture, relocates to the other side of the Pioneer runway at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007.

Kids hungry for some hands-on flying action will enjoy the control-line model airplanes. Experienced model pilots will be there to teach techniques of flying these small, nitro-powered, tether line-controlled aircraft. Control-line flying began as a stand-alone activity at Pioneer Airport in 1997 with the help of NAFI president, Sean Elliott and former control-line champ Sean Elliott.

KidVenture hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, except for Sunday when closing time is 2 p.m. due to the earlier air show. Shuttle busses will run regular schedules to KidVenture throughout the day from the main EAA AirVenture bus stop and AirVenture Museum.

Stay tuned for other KidVenture announcements as they are confirmed.