The Clay Center Invites Families to Take Flight at Paper Pilots

Families Invited to Explore the Art and Science of Flight at Paper Pilots on July 18

CHARLESTON, WV (July 1, 2026) – The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia invites families to experience an afternoon of creativity, engineering, and friendly competition at Paper Pilots, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Included with Museum admission, Paper Pilots transforms everyday paper into soaring creations as guests explore the science behind flight through interactive design challenges. Participants will experiment with different folding techniques, wing shapes, and weight distribution to build paper airplanes capable of flying farther, straighter, and longer.

Throughout the event, aspiring engineers and aviators can put their designs to the test in exciting flight challenges that celebrate distance, accuracy, and airtime. Families are also invited to think big by helping create larger-than-life paper airplanes and discovering whether oversized designs can really get off the ground.

In addition to paper airplane activities in the Grand Lobby Flight Zone, guests can launch straw rockets at the Box Office, adding even more high-flying excitement to the day.

Paper Pilots encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving while introducing the fundamentals of aerodynamics and engineering through engaging, hands-on experiences. Whether you're a seasoned paper airplane enthusiast or folding your very first flyer, this event offers fun for all ages.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Paper Pilots

When: July 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Clay Center

Cost: Included with museum admission

For more information, visit: https://www.theclaycenter.org/events/paper-pilots.

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