Kids Aviation Activities at the Abbotsford Airshow: The Complete Family Guide for 2026

The Abbotsford International Airshow is one of those rare events where your kids will be too busy to ask for your phone. With 14 acres of ground attractions, hands-on science exhibits, and world-class aerial performers overhead, there is plenty to keep every age group entertained across all three days. 

Whether your family is full of future pilots or you just want a memorable August weekend together, this guide covers everything parents need to know about kids aviation activities at the 2026 Abbotsford Airshow.

What Kids Can Do on the Ground: S.T.E.M. Zone and Kids Zone

The ground experience at the Abbotsford Airshow is where families tend to spend the most time between aerial performances. Two dedicated areas are built specifically for younger visitors.

The Interactive Aviation S.T.E.M. Zone

The S.T.E.M. Zone is one of the Airshow’s standout attractions for kids and teens. This is not a passive exhibit. Children get to engage with real science, technology, engineering, and math activities that connect directly to the world of aviation.

Activities in the S.T.E.M. Zone include flight simulators, LEGO building stations, and more. In previous years, the zone has featured air rocket build-and-test stations, a drone flying cage, soldering stations where kids built LED souvenir badges, and air traffic control simulators. 

The McDonald’s Kids Zone

The Kids Zone play area features an inflatable adventure playground, crafts, and other kids activities. It is presented by McDonald’s/DME Investments Inc. and is designed for younger children who want to run, jump, and play between watching the sky.

Family-Friendly Aerial Performers to Watch in 2026

Part of the magic of bringing kids to an airshow is the look on their faces when something incredible happens overhead. The 2026 lineup includes several acts that are particularly captivating for younger audiences.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are a perennial favourite with families. Nine aircraft flying in tight formation, trailing red and white smoke across the sky, is the kind of spectacle kids remember for years. The Snowbirds have been performing since 1971 and are one of the most recognized symbols of Canadian aviation.

Aaron Fitzgerald’s aerobatic helicopter is another crowd favourite for kids. Most helicopters are built for stability. This one is built to do things helicopters should not be able to do. It flips, rolls, and loops in ways that defy expectations, making it one of the most visually surprising acts in the show.

The Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute team adds a completely different visual element. Watching the team descend in formation from altitude gives kids something to track across the entire sky, and landing precision demonstrations keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

Pete McLeod, a Canadian aerobatic pilot and the youngest competitor to ever enter the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, performs unlimited freestyle aerobatics in his Extra 330. His routines are fast, tight, and full of energy.

Tom Larkin and Minijet Airshows bring a jet-powered act that performs in both day and night shows, which makes the Friday Twilight Show especially exciting for families attending that evening.

The full performer lineup continues to be updated as new acts are confirmed! 

The Friday Twilight Show: A Unique Experience for Families

The Friday evening Twilight Show is worth highlighting for families. Gates open at 2:30 PM, with last entry at 7:30 PM and the event running until 10:00 PM. The evening features aerial performances, a synchronized drone light show by Northstar Drone Shows, and pyrotechnics after dark.

For kids, the night show is a completely different sensory experience compared to the daytime performances. Lit-up aircraft, drones painting patterns in the sky, and fireworks to close the night make it one of the most memorable parts of the weekend. If your kids can handle a later evening, Friday is a great option.

One thing to keep in mind: the airfield can get cool after sunset. We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket for the Friday night show.

Beyond the Zones: Other Activities Kids Love at the Airshow

The S.T.E.M. Zone and Kids Zone are just the starting point. Several other features across the 14-acre site are popular with families.

Static Aircraft Displays

Over 350,000 square feet of military and civilian aircraft are on display. Kids can walk right up to the planes, see the cockpits, and in many cases meet the air crews. This is where kids who are curious about how things work will spend hours asking questions and exploring.

Autograph Sessions

The Airshow hosts meet-and-greet sessions where kids can get autographs from the pilots and performers. For a child who just watched someone fly upside down at 300 km/h, meeting that pilot in person is a powerful moment.

40+ Food Trucks

The Abbotsford Airshow doubles as the Fraser Valley’s largest food truck festival. With over 40 trucks on site, there is everything from festival classics to more adventurous options. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly food without having to leave the event.

Craft beer, coolers, and ciders are available for parents at licensed beverage areas.

What to Bring: The Parent Packing List

An airshow is an outdoor, full-day event on an active airport. A bit of preparation makes the difference between a great family day and a tough one.

Ear Protection (This Is Not Optional)

Jet engines are loud. Very loud. For kids under 10, noise-reducing earmuffs (the kind you would see at a shooting range or loud workplace) tend to work better than foam earplugs, since younger children often have trouble keeping earplugs in place. Bring ear protection for yourself, too.

Sun Protection

August in the Fraser Valley can be hot with limited shade on the airfield. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially on the backs of necks, ears, and legs.

Strollers and Wagons

Strollers and wagons are allowed on site. Two important details: strollers cannot take up aisle space in the Runway Seating venue (a dedicated “stroller parking” area is located near the Runway Seating entrances), and strollers and wagons are not permitted on People Mover trams. A wagon is especially useful for hauling chairs, snacks, and tired kids across the grounds.

Chairs, Water, and Snacks

Bring a lightweight lawn chair or blanket for seating in the general admission area. A refillable water bottle is essential. Outside food is permitted (no outside alcohol), so packing snacks for the kids saves both money and time in food truck lines. Hard-sided coolers and loose ice are prohibited, but soft-sided bags with ice packs are allowed.

Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are a mix of asphalt, gravel, and grass. You will be walking a lot. Make sure kids are wearing shoes they can walk in all day.

What NOT to Bring

The Airshow prohibits the following items: drones (with fines up to $25,000 for flying near the airport), pets (the heat and noise are unsafe for animals; licensed service animals with documentation are the only exception, and they also require ear protection), hard-sided coolers, pop-up tents, awnings, patio umbrellas (low-level sun shelters for children are permitted as long as they do not block the view for others), outside alcohol, and weapons of any kind. Smoking, cannabis, and vaping are prohibited on all Airshow grounds.

Tickets and Pricing: Best Value for Families

The most popular family ticket option is the Carload Pass, which covers up to 8 people of any age plus onsite parking, valid for all three days. 

Children 5 and under are free. Active and retired military members with ID also receive free admission.

Important: tickets are only available online at abbotsfordairshow.com. You cannot buy tickets at the gate. The Airshow strongly recommends purchasing in advance, as prices increase as the event approaches and some options may sell out.

Family-Friendly Seating Upgrades

Beyond general admission, families might consider:

• Runway Seating (rows 2 to 12): Reserved chairs along the showline. A great option if you want guaranteed front-row-area seats without staking out a spot early.
• Family Garden: Open picnic-style seating that includes 2 non-alcoholic drinks per person. A relaxed option for families who want a bit of comfort without a full VIP experience.

All children aged 3 and up require a separate venue ticket for add-on seating areas. Children under 2 do not need a ticket but will not receive a seat, food, or drinks.

Making the Most of Your Family Airshow Day

Here are a few strategies that experienced Airshow families swear by:

Start with the ground attractions. Hit the S.T.E.M. Zone and static displays first thing in the morning while crowds are lighter and temperatures are cooler. Visit exhibit hangars early in the day, as indoor spaces heat up quickly.

Rotate between air and ground. The aerial program runs throughout the day. You do not need to watch every minute from the showline. Let the kids play in the Kids Zone or grab food between acts, then head back out for the headline performances.

Pick your highlight acts. Check the performance schedule (published closer to the event) and plan around the acts your kids are most excited about. The Snowbirds, Aaron Fitzgerald’s helicopter, and the evening drone show tend to be the most popular with families.

Plan for rest. An airshow is a long day, especially for younger kids. Build in downtime for snacks, shade, and hydration. If you are attending with toddlers or very young children, the Friday Twilight Show (shorter overall, with the excitement of the night performances) can be a better fit than a full Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Abbotsford Airshow appropriate for toddlers and babies?

Yes. Children 5 and under are free, strollers are welcome, and the Kids Zone caters to younger children. Ear protection is absolutely essential for babies and toddlers. Noise-reducing earmuffs designed for infants are widely available online and at baby supply stores.

Are there changing facilities or family washrooms on site?

The Airshow grounds have portable washroom facilities throughout the site, including a few select units with infant change stations. Families with young children should plan accordingly and bring any supplies they may need in a soft-sided bag.

What age is the S.T.E.M. Zone best suited for?

The S.T.E.M. Zone has activities for a wide range of ages. Younger kids (roughly 5 and up) enjoy the LEGO stations, paper airplane building, and simpler exhibits. Older kids and teens get more out of the flight simulators, drone cage, robotics coding, and advanced engineering challenges. The year-round STEM programs run by the Airshow are designed for youth ages 8 to 16.

How loud is the airshow? Will it scare my kids?

It is very loud, especially during jet demonstrations like the CF-18 Hornet. Some children are startled by the sudden noise. Wearing ear protection before the jets take off helps significantly. Many parents find that if kids can see the aircraft and understand what is making the noise, they adjust quickly.