Soar to New Heights at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum

Experience the Wonders at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum

Needing to get out of the house on a cold day, then head on over to The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum located in Portage, MI. Soar to new heights as you fly through the air in a hot air balloon or experience a full motion flight simulator.

You can easily spend a half day exploring the museum with hands on learning exhibits and witnessing what space travel is like for an astronaut. As you enter the Air Zoo, your eyes will be immediately drawn to aircrafts suspended from the tall ceilings, and the views just keep getting better. Make sure to grab a map at the front desk so you don’t miss anything. Don’t forget to SAVE AND PIN for later!

What You Will Find at The Air Zoo

Indoor Rides

Families will enjoy riding on the 5 indoor amusement park rides. All the rides are included with the admission fee, so you and your children can ride as many times as you desire. (height restrictions on some rides)

Movies

During your visit, view a short movie about space travel or flight history. When you first arrive and pay, ask about the the showtimes at the front desk so you don’t miss the show times. One movie is specifically catered towards children.

Food

I’d advise heading to the upper level, which has an overlook giving you a bird’s eye view of all the planes, rides and exhibits. This is a wonderful spot to grab snacks at the food court area or sit and eat a lunch you brought from home.

STEM Activities/ Exhibits

With dozens of hands on STEM activities and interactive learning areas your children will be learning non-stop while they play without even realizing it. Try your hand at constructing and launching a bottle rocket with air propulsion or learn about Bernoulis’s Principle of high velocity and low pressure while watching balls suspend in air. Learning has never been so much fun!

Learning the Bernoulli’s Principle at the Hands on Exhibit at the Air Zoo.

Many exhibits share historical information on the history of aviation, laws of physics, and air space travel. Helpful and friendly volunteers are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Check the Air Zoo website and calendar of events throughout the year. Special events, camps, group field trips, scouting and homeschool STEM learning experiences occur often for the community.

Planes

Check out the back Air Museum if you have time, it’s a lesser frequented area which has airplanes that you’re allowed to climb into the cockpits. To access this area you exit the main museum and walk or drive back to the building in the rear.

Yearly Memberships can be purchased for individuals and families. They also offer science- based day camps and STEAM learning days. If you’re local to the are, you won’t regret the membership. We got our money’s worth, especially in the winter months when you just need to get out of the house. Bonus the Air Zoo has reciprocal membership benefits at many other museums and zoos. We’ve gotten in free during specific months or reduced admission when visiting Impressions 5 Museum in Lansing, the Grand Rapids Children’s museum and many others. Make sure to visit the Impressions 5 Museum if your ever in Lansing, ready about our trip here.

Hours

Mon- Sat: 9am-5pm

Sun: 12- 5pm

Admission Prices

Adults – $15.95

Seniors- $12.95

Children ages 5-18 $14.95

Children under 4 Free

The children’s room has fun STEM toys and activities.

Nearby Attractions/ Restaurants

One Well Play pinball, darts or a boardgame while you wait for your food and drinks. This family-friendly restaurant is a great place to enjoy with a lively atmosphere, choice of craft beers and delicious pub style food.

Ramona Park Venture outside to this lakefront park featuring two playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts, as well as a sandy beach area.

Closing Thoughts

Don’t lose this idea, Pin and Save for later and follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan day trips and local activities for families. Portage and Kalamazoo area are amazing cities to explore, so if you’re looking for additional Activities to Do in Kalamazoo, check out these places to visit.