Air And Space Museum Adds Hands-On Exhibits

The national Air and Space Museum has installed a hands-on, gee-whiz, wow-try-this gallery that’s guaranteed to pull even more patrons into what already is the world’s most popular museum.

“How Things Fly” is the most complex, user-friendly and ambitious exhibition in the museum’s 20-year-history. It includes some 50 “interactives” designed to give kids (and their parents) a real feel for (and of) the forces involved in flight and the techniques by which humanity has slipped the surly bonds of Earth.

There are things to push, pull, pump, pry, lift, drop, grab, twist, spin, steer, slip, suck, blow, bash, crash, crank, yank, flip, flop and fly. There are motors and rotors, flying wings and vortex rings, cutaways and stage displays, things to heat and things to beat, online computers and real live tutors.

All aboard

Amtrak is offering its Explore America Fares - good for 30 consecutive days with three stopovers between now and Dec. 19 - in one region for $158, two regions for $198, and anywhere in the country for $278. (Amtrak divides the country roughly into eastern, western and central sections.)

Anyone traveling under the program also gets a 15-minute phone card, discounts for Avis rental cars and Days Inns, and a 50-percent discount coupon for first-class sleeping accommodations for travel from Jan. 6 to March 8.

Reservations are required, and tickets must be bought by Nov. 16. Information: 800-872-7245.

All about Los Angeles

Los Angeles has an armful of new brochures aimed at visitors. “Destination Los Angeles” is a 100-page umbrella publication that looks at the whole city.

Six pocket-size booklets are devoted to Downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Westside, Beach Cities, Shopping, and Dining and Night Life.

They’re all free, available by calling 800-228-2452.