Student Tours

SUN 'n FUN offers free tours to K-12 schools and home school groups. During these tours, students and chaperones have the opportunity to see one of the largest aviation events in the world, including aerial aircraft demonstrations, show aircraft, forums, cutting edge technology, and much more. In fact, during the event, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport becomes the busiest in the world.

STUDENT TOUR PROCEDURE - Grades 3 – 12,   Traveling by Bus, Car, or Van.

College tour groups see below.
 

Pre-Registration is required by calling 863-904-4073 or email educate@sun-n-fun.org

COME EARLY and enjoy the expanded youth workshop area at the new Piedmont Aerospace and Technology Lab (ATL).  Tours will depart from the Piedmont ATL in order of arrival. Tour groups may stay as long as they wish and are welcome to enjoy the daily air show.

Arrival:  To avoid parking and registration delays, do not use West Pipkin. Please use Medulla Rd. off County Line Rd. from I-4, Hwy 60, or Drane Field Rd. Have pink parking permit displayed on lower left (driver’s side) of windshield.  ‘Issued to’ blank must be filled in. Pass through traffic check point at Hamilton Rd. (must have parking permit).  Vehicles with no parking permit will be routed to the general parking area for the event.

Follow instructions of uniformed traffic officer at Rocky Rd gate. (gate 125)

Vans and cars will be directed to an adjacent parking location.

Bus Parking: Buses will drop of students and proceed to the parking lot directly across the street from the Piedmont ATL.  Follow signage.  Bus parking in front of the building will not be permitted.  Buses will be permitted to return to the Piedmont ATL to pick up students at the end of tour.

Safety, Safety, Safety!  Watch for other arrivals, pedestrians, and trams using this area.

Check in at the Piedmont ATL to confirm tour time.  Wristbands will be distributed and when wristbands are on, students and chaperones may enjoy the many workshops or begin your SUN ‘n FUN tour.  Extra chaperone passes may be purchased for $10.  Chaperones must stay with their tour group.

Tours:  New this year is the plan to use your bus as the tour vehicle.  A tour guide will board your bus and keep your group safe and informed as the tour progresses.  The 45 minute tour will include one stop, selecting from Paradise City (ultralights and LSA), Choppertown (helicopters), general aviation, or runway 5 (large aircraft).  Tour activities will be decided by the tour guide considering ground safety and availability of tour area.  If you arrive by car or van, a bus will be available in a timely manner for your group.  (we may combine small groups if all parties agree)  A special needs tram can be made available – please schedule before expo.

Workshops:  The new Piedmont ATL will have many workshops for all ages.  Younger visitors may enjoy creating with kites, wind socks, parachutes, foam airplanes, paper airplanes, art projects, and face painting.

Older visitors may enjoy the hands on workshops with engines, electrical circuits, weather, wave forms, rocketry, and amateur radio.

FAA representatives will also offer a computer interactive ‘Smart Skies’ air traffic controller challenge.  Most kids also enjoy a trip on the ‘Kid Air’ full motion airplane simulators.

Lunches:  Picnic tables are available around the Piedmont ATL and throughout the expo grounds.  Bring your own lunch or food may be purchased from expo vendors.

Safety, Safety, Safety!  Watch for vehicle, tram and aircraft movements. Never assume that pedestrians have the right of way.  Please no cell phones on the flight line.  Remember sunscreen and water often make your visit more enjoyable.

LOST chaperones and students should return to the Florida Air Museum. To sound a missing child alert, find a guard or staff member at any gate, information booth or any volunteer with a radio. Be proactive!

Returning home:  Safety, Safety, Safety!  Watch for other departures, pedestrians and trams using this area.  Please follow instructions from uniformed traffic officers for a safe journey home.

COLLEGE TOUR PROCEDURE

Arrival:  Please use West Pipkin Rd. from County Line Rd, Hardin Blvd., or South Florida Av.  Follow instructions from uniformed traffic officers to general parking.  There is a $5.00 per car parking fee.  If your group arrives in a touring bus, you will be directed to bus parking which carries a $20.00 parking fee.

Go to window 20 (will call) in the admissions area to receive wristbands.  Extra admissions may be purchased at this time at regular price.  Special group rates are for advanced sales only.

Put wristbands on and enjoy the SUN 'N FUN International Fly-In & Expo.

Lunches:  Picnic tables are available throughout the expo grounds.  Bring your own lunch or food may be purchased from expo vendors.

Safety, Safety, Safety!  Watch for vehicle, tram and aircraft movements. Never assume that pedestrians have the right of way.  Please no cell phones on the flight line.  Remember sunscreen and water often make your visit more enjoyable.

LOST chaperones and students should return to the Florida Air Museum. To sound a missing person alert, find a guard or staff member at any gate, information booth or any volunteer with a radio. Be proactive!

Returning home:  Safety, Safety, Safety!  Watch for other departures, pedestrians and trams.  Please follow instructions from uniformed traffic officers for a safe journey home.