Alberta Aviation Museum — Attraction in Blatchford

I hosted my son's birthday party at the Alberta Aviation Museum over this past weekend and honestly, there might not even be enough room here to express how FANTASTIC our experience was. My little guy is transportation obsessed and so when I saw that the museum started organizing parties, I had high hopes that it was going to be a great fit for us.

Our facilitators name was Edie and she was the bright light that made our experience shine. Edie took the time to get to know each child, remembering each of their names and making sure they each felt special and recognized throughout our journey. Edie's patience level was unmatched, she was kind, thorough, filled with knowledge about the planes, she took us all over on a tour and spent special time with each child, helping them in and out of the fighter jet plane. Every child, parent and attendee at our party made a comment about how lovely Edie made the experience. What an absolute smash win it is for the Aviation Museum to have a staff member like Edie on board. Truly outstanding!

The venue itself was clean, tidy and perfect for a child's birthday party. I was a little hesitant at first because these are young kids and we want to make sure they are respectful and quiet in the museum setting, but they were all totally enamored with the experience and very well behaved. The private "Education Station" area is surrounded by planes, it's tucked off in the back so it's still private but it has easy access to the rest of the facility. I can't say enough good things. We absolutely LOVED our experience and I am even looking into booking for the day camps because my kids are begging to go back again.

A big shout out to all the staff but of course, Edie, you made our experience so memorable and special. A thousand thank-you's, we are so...

The museum itself is a great place for aviation enthusiasts as you learn about the history of aviation in Canada, specifically in Alberta but the management needs to take extra care to make the experience enjoyable for all the visitors. Unfortunately, during my visit, the entire place felt like a playground for kids. There was a group of 10-11 years old from some school who were in the museum running around without any form of supervision whatsoever. There were two simulators that, for someone interested in aviation, is a great chance to experience the flight virtually. The kids were treating it like a toy and they were on it for the entire time. At one point, I waited for over twenty minutes for them to maybe finish, but no, and they were also, in a way, damaging the device by pushing everything hard. In another place, there was this Lethbridge Aircraft that you can climb inside and take a look. Four girls were just sitting inside for over half an hour, giggling and chatting and there is literally no-one, neither their school supervisors, nor museum personnel, to tell them that this is not a sitting place, and that is for everyone to see. Unfortunately, someone who has paid to visit the museum feels neglected when incidents of this nature occur.

Overall, the museum is very fine. But when you visit, make sure to ask if there are any school kids scheduled visit. If yes, avoid going inside as the noise, the rush and the lack of respect for the other visitors will spoil your day, and your experience of being in a place with a history of aviation. The management seriously needs to reconsider the presence and action of the proper supervision in the...

Had a lovely time here with my three-year-old. It was peaceful, and my kid absolutely loved seeing all the airplanes! However. There was one downside to our experience.

My daughter was quiet, and not breaking any rules as I explained it to her three times before we walked around - we were the only ones there. Long behold, a staff member (gentleman wearing glasses) approached us, without a greeting, and said, ‘Your kid can't step beyond the red line or touch the airplanes.’

While I understand the importance of protecting the exhibits, the delivery felt unnecessary and presumptive—especially since my child hadn’t done either. In fact, my kid even looked up at me and said, ‘Dad, I didn’t touch the plane or go over the red line.’ She looked upset. I have to admit, it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

In the service industry, one that I've years of experience in, the way staff communicate matters. Assuming wrongdoing before it happens—especially without a friendly introduction—creates a negative experience. Some constructive feedback; have a more welcoming approach, like a polite reminder if needed. ("Hello, I hope you're having a great time. Just a kind reminder to not go over the red line or touch the airplanes. Have a great time!)

Parents should be trusted to supervise their own children, and if an issue arises, then it makes sense to step in. Otherwise, this was completely unnecessary and was a bit of a buzz kill.

Other than that, it was a great visit!...