The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) holds its annual Amateur Radio Field Day the fourth full weekend in June. That would be on June 22-23 this year. From a story on hackaday:
Hams across North America reserve the fourth full weekend of each June to tear themselves out of their shacks and get into the world to set up operations in some kind of public venue, generally a park or other green space. Part cookout, part community outreach, and part slumber party – it lasts all weekend and goes around the clock – hams use field day as a chance to show the general public where amateur radio really shines: real-time worldwide communications under austere conditions.
It's also a chance to get folks excited about getting their license, with many Field Day locations hosting "Get on the Air" stations so that unlicensed folks can try making a contact under the supervision of a licensed operator. Licensed but underequipped hams also get the chance to spin the knobs on someone else's gear, and maybe line up that first rig purchase. And there are plenty of opportunities to learn about new modes as well, such as FT8 and WSPR. As an example your scribe is looking for some guidance on getting started with APRS, the automated packet reporting system that's used for things like high-altitude balloon tracking.
Take a look at this map to find one of the 1500 locations with 40,000 hams in attendance. Join the fun!
How many hams do we have among us? Are you planning to participate in this year's field day?
[Ed note - this event is North America specific. If you're outside of that area and are interested, check around for local Amateur Radio clubs who may have information on similar events. - Fnord666]
(Score: 2) by LVDOVICVS on Thursday June 20 2019, @06:06PM
I'm guessing someone there will be more than happy to let your kids try to make some contacts. Hams like kids because they're really interested in getting new people into the hobby.