"People don't realize what we are," said Kermit Weeks, the owner of Fantasy of Flight. "They think we're primary a museum and we are that, but we're also an aviation attraction."

Currently, most of the visitors to Fantasy of Flight are men, but Weeks said he wants to change that.

"It's because of this perception, so one of the things we're trying to do is more stuff for kids and mothers," he said.

The Family Fun Day, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, is just the thing to celebrate the attraction's 10-year anniversary. The main draw will be Jay Jay the Jet Plane, the star of a PBS television show aimed at children ages 2 through 8. The show will have actors dressed up, interactive activities and a 20-minute musical stageshow every hour featuring "Brenda Blue," who teaches kids morals and the basics of flying through song, dance and interaction with Jay Jay.

Brenda, the resident mechanic for Jay Jay and his friends, is played by Orlando actress Sara Sincell, who said the show is popular with youngsters.

"Jay Jay is very cool in the fact that he teaches life lessons," she said.

While the kids are occupied, parents will be able to enjoy the sights while the SkyQuest skydiving competition is going on ahead.

For the fifth year in a row, Fantasy of Flight is hosting the National Skydiving League Championship from Thursday to Sunday.

More than 300 skydivers worldwide will compete in events and attempt to set world records. More than 2,300 jumps are scheduled during the four days. Some of the jumps occur at less than a mile off the ground, easily visible to those on the ground.

There will be kaleidoscope dives, where as many as 100 skydivers make formations in the sky before opening their parachutes; accuracy challengers where skydivers try to land on a target; and aerobatics.

"The Fantasy Swoop event is the most interactive and innovative," said Jennifer Montegue, director of events, sales and services for Fantasy of Flight. "The skydivers jump from less than a mile above ground, open their chutes and hit a pond at 40 to 50 mph, then they get judged on style and accuracy."

Visitors will have their own chance to participate in tandem jumps, to experience the sport firsthand.

"Everyone knows the name, and everyone knows exactly where we are," Weeks said. "Now we're preparing for a transition from museum to attraction, and you're going to see some changes, and some ride elements as the park builds out."

Special admission price for Family Days is $24.95 for each adult, and children under 12 are free with an adult. Extended hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Fantasy of Flight has more than 40 restored rare and vintage aircraft, flight simulators, a restoration shop and aircraft of the day flights.

heidi.devries@newschief.com