It may be almost 2021 but The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City is going back to the 1980s from now until January 3 as it welcomes back its popular Arcade Age Exhibit. Visitors have the opportunity to play more than 50 classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Centipede, Donkey Kong and more. Do you still have the skills? The exhibit also explores the history of video arcade games from the 1940s through the '90s. 

 

The Arcade Age Exhibit is $10 per person and there are three 90-minute sessions: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Admission includes unlimited free play - no coins required. 

Open for the Dec. break from Dec. 26 through Jan 3 (closed Jan. 1 for New Year's Day) After the break, the exhibit will be open on weekends only.

Masks and gloves (supplied) are required. Machines are cleaned in between each session. Limited entry to maintain social distance. Learn more about the Arcade Age Exhibit at the Cradle of Aviation website. 

Top Gun and Back to the Future Exhibits 

The museum will also be exhibiting memorabilia from the movies Top Gun and Back to the Future. Both exhibits are free with museum admission. 

December 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the F-14 Tomcat, known for its role in the Top Gun movie franchise. Visitors can view an F-14 collection with a full-size aircraft and two F-14 cockpits, nose and flight suits, and for this special exhibit, never before seen artifacts taken out of storage such as concept models and photographs. 

Logo activity for kids 

During December break kids also can learn about the cartoon F-14 logo and have the opportunity to make their own logos. This ten-minute presentation and take-home activity will take place every hour from 12-4. Free with museum admission.

Take photos with a DeLorean

Back to the Future turns 35 in 2020 and to commemorate this anniversary, the museum has put together a “Back to the Cradle” exhibit honoring the beloved sci-fi, time-traveling movie starring MIchael J. Fox. Take photos with a DeLorean and the Back to the Future memorabilia on display. Free with museum admission.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum is Long Island’s air and space museum, preserving our area’s rich aerospace heritage of discovery and inspiring future generations through science and technology. The museum is located at Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City,

Museum admission $16.00 for Adults; $14.00 for Child/Senior; Museum & Planetarium Show Combo $21.00 for Adults and $19 for Child/Senior; Arcade Age Exhibit Admission only: $10.00 per person 

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s website or call (516) 572-4111.