Kites bring joy to both children and adults. And people love to get outside on a windy day and let a kite soar. But the World Kite Museum in Long Beach teaches you that kites are more than just a fun activity. Kites explode with artistry, skill, and history. So find a gusty day to head to the coast and check out this super cool museum.
The World Kite Museum is located in Long Beach, which is a coastal community along the Pacific Ocean. And conveniently, the museum is in the heart of the town and just a block from the beach. It's about a three-hour drive from Seattle, and a two-hour drive from Portland. So it would make for a great weekend trip.
The museum features more than 1,500 kites from 26 countries. So you will want to wander around this two-story museum and take in the beauty and artistry of the kites.
A popular room in the museum is the War Room, which centers around government use of kites. The exhibits teach you that kites protected ships at sea, helped downed pilots, and were used as target practice during the World Wars. So you will leave knowing so many great facts about kites.
Check out the beautiful Chinese and Japanese kites. Learn about the fascinating paper-making process. And even learn about Japan's annual tug of war of kites. (As you can see, there is so much to know about kites!)
If your schedule allows, head down to Long Beach during the International Kite Festival in August. It's a week-long celebration and competition that decorates the sky in colorful kites. You will not be disappointed.
