Explore. Create. Discover.
Aviation comes to life at Junior ACEs, where kids and teens ages 7–17 can explore aviation, aerospace, science and technology through hands-on activities and interactive experiences.
Junior ACEs brings the year-round educational mission of the Aerospace Center for Excellence to SUN ’n FUN, giving young people opportunities to experiment, create, ask questions and discover where an interest in aviation can take them.
Junior ACEs activities are included with SUN ’n FUN admission at no additional cost.
Aviation & STEM Come to Life
Junior ACEs is about learning by doing.
Throughout the week, young people can explore activities covering aviation, engineering, technology and the science behind flight. Experiences may include aircraft-building projects, robotics and coding, flight science, engineering challenges, interactive demonstrations and other hands-on STEM activities.
Specific activities and programming will be added as they are confirmed for 2027.
Explore the Skylab Innovation Center
Step inside the Skylab Innovation Center for hands-on experiences that turn STEM concepts into something you can see, build and explore.
Junior ACEs programming in Skylab may include activities such as aircraft-building projects, robotics, coding, 3D printing, engineering challenges and interactive demonstrations designed to encourage curiosity and creative problem-solving.
Skylab Innovation Center Hours
Tuesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Sunday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Visit the Junior ACEs Tent
There’s even more to explore at the Junior ACEs Tent in Future ’n Flight Plaza.
Aviation, aerospace, STEM and educational organizations join Junior ACEs throughout the week, giving young people opportunities to discover new technologies, participate in interactive activities and meet people working across aviation and aerospace.
2027 Participating Organizations & Activities
Participating organizations and Junior ACEs activities will be added as they are confirmed.
Junior ACEs Locations
Junior ACEs experiences can be found in two primary locations during SUN ’n FUN:
Skylab Innovation Center
Hands-on STEM, technology and aerospace activities.
When is SUN ’n FUN?
Interactive activities and experiences from participating aviation, aerospace, STEM and educational organizations.
VIEW EXPO MAP (hyperlink to expo map)
For Parents & Guardians
Junior ACEs is designed for youth ages 7–17 and is included with SUN ’n FUN admission.
Junior ACEs is not a drop-off childcare program. Parents and guardians remain responsible for their children while participating in Junior ACEs activities.
Looking for supervised childcare during select Expo evenings? Learn more about Kids Club, located in Family Oasis.
EXPLORE FAMILY OASIS & KIDS CLUB (use current page with rewritten text below)
Keep Exploring
Take the Virtual Controls
Continue the aviation experience with interactive flight simulation and see what it’s like to take the controls from the ground.
EXPLORE FLIGHT SIMULATIONS (hyperlink here with rewrite below: Junior ACEs – SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo)
Thank You to Our Junior ACEs Sponsors
The support of our Junior ACEs sponsors and participating organizations helps create hands-on educational experiences that inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace.
[Insert confirmed 2027 Junior ACEs sponsor/supporting organization logos.]