You have no idea how many times I’ve passed this place without thinking twice about actually visiting. Nearly seven years of living in the area, and I can finally drive by with happy memories of our visit!

I guess you could say I’ve been working on my bucket list and resolutions. Have you?

One afternoon after a full day of museuming and lunching with daddy, I made the spontaneous decision to take a detour to the monument. I’m glad I did (if for getting rid of the guilt alone!).

The monument is even more beautiful at night. Photo viaDepartment of Defense

It’s beautiful. It’s shiny. It is probably rarely crowded (although I was surprised at the number of people that stopped while we were there). Maybe it’s busy on the 4th of July– the Air Force Memorial is perched on the perfect hill for firework viewing. It sort of makes sense considering the view those members of the Air Force tend to have from the sky. Maybe I’m reaching?!

If you make plans to stop and see it for yourself, I’d totally recommend it. There was ample parking, clean restrooms, helpful staff and a lot of room to roam when we were there on a Friday afternoon. It’s a space for junior explorers to practice running with pilot wings and to let their imaginations run wild.

The U.S. Air Force Memorial is a great place to get some wiggles out and practice shapes and letters as my toddler proved.

Air Force Memorial Information

• 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22204
• Admission and parking is free
• Open every day of the year, except December 25
• Hours are April 1-September 30: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Open October 1- March 31: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Administrative Office with gift shop is open Monday – Friday from 9.m. – 5 p.m.
• Parking for the memorial is available on the left side of the memorial driveway for cars and in the turn-around area for buses.
• The nearest metro stops are Pentagon City and Pentagon (Blue and Yellow). Both are about a mile from the memorial.
• Website: Air Force Memorial

More Former Bucket List Items

• The Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles gave us an up close look at planes, helicopters and Discovery
• Great Falls Park– it only took six years to visit. We’ll be back before six more
• Clemyjontri Park– when we made an effort to take advantage of the beautiful summer outdoors instead of in
• The Young Readers Center Center at the Library of Congress is really perfect for my little book lover