Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
From rare and historic to inspiring artwork and exhibits, there's always something new to discover at the Air Zoo. The Air Zoo is a world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum with over 100 air and space artifacts, inspiring interactive exhibits, full-motion flight simulators, indoor amusement park rides, a theater and over 100 education programs! Spend the day exploring aviation, engineering, science, technology, math and art in both of the exciting and unique Flight Centers. Make sure to take the shuttle to the Flight Discovery Center where visitors have the opportunity to climb in training cockpits, geek out over the intricacies of aerospace technology and engines, and see a nationally recognized restoration program! Volunteers are busy, 7 days a week, restoring two WWII aircraft recovered from the bottom Lake Michigan. It's a must see! Both centers are included in admission and are open 360+ days a year. Come imagine, explore and discover at the Air Zoo!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- T MGrosse Pointe Park, Michigan56 contributionsGreat MuseumSpent several hours at the museum. The best part was the personal tour of the SR-71. The docent allowed me to walk under the plane and see it up close. A great experience. Also, the museum had special hours for people like me so it was not crowded. Will return the next time I am in Kalamazoo.Visited September 2020Written September 19, 2020
- SharonB231Toledo, Ohio1,200 contributionsGreat Air MuseumThis museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and has a great collection of airplanes and air memorabilia. There are some rides for kids which were not in operation due to Covid 19. Museum is in two buildings. The front entrance building consists of two large rooms, one with airplanes and one dedicated to outer space. There are no rockets here. The second building behind is a restoration building and allows great insight into restoration process. Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. A great museum to visit if in the area.Visited August 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten August 1, 2020
- Glen MSmithsburg, Maryland399 contributionsGreat findHad never heard of the place before, but my sister-in-law recommended it, and she was right. Great collection of aircraft and other artifacts. Most of the "rides" were shut down due to COVID, so can't speak to those. The amazing thing about the place is the general "atmosphere" of the place. In particular, the mural that wraps around the entire main exhibit space and across the floor is stunning. It just ties the whole place together. Only disappointment was the gift shop. Don't think they had a single book for sale.Visited March 2021Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
613 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
125
Average
24
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Murphy1887
Mackinaw City, MI27 contributions
Feb 2020
I went back to the Air Zoo after visiting for the first time several years ago. The expanded facility is impressive, but I was disappointed by how thin the actual content was around each plane. There was minimal discussion of larger themes like how these aircraft were designed, how they worked, the experience of flying them, or even why they looked the way they do. Furthermore, given that most of the pieces on display are warplanes, there was little or no discussion of how they were employed in combat, much less anything challenging the visitor to consider the motivations and consequences of things like aerial bombardment. If you want to take pretty pictures of colorful airplanes, this is a great place- the staff members and volunteers stationed throughout the galleries were very friendly and eager to talk to me. However, if you want some actual content to go with the impressive visuals, the Air Zoo might not be for you.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IndyMM456
Carmel, IN67 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Fantastic place to spend a morning or afternoon! We were visiting family in Portage and made a stop here with our 2.5 year old and her cousins (6 & 8 yo)…they all had a wonderful time. Very clean & covid-friendly. Especially enjoyed the indoor rides, Pixar short-film about the moon landing, and lots of airplanes and space-shuttle stuff to see. Really enjoyed and will go back!
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darin H
Waterford, MI242 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Very good airplane museum. They had a lot of planes in static displayed laid out by era - history, biplanes, WW2, jets, and space. There are some rides and simulator for kids to use too. And the rides and movies are not an extra fee which is nice.
We watched a movie that was very good about the carrier training in Lake Michigan.
Very good museum
We watched a movie that was very good about the carrier training in Lake Michigan.
Very good museum
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmc42607
Kalamazoo, MI57 contributions
Jun 2023
Took my 8 year old granddaughter to the Air Zoo. Neither of us is particularly interested in flight, but we both had a great time and we learned a few things. The Air Zoo is set up to entertain and educate every age - all at the same time. I recommend a trip to the Air Zoo for anyone!
Written June 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara G
8 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
My husband is an Air Force veteran. We decided to go to the Air Zoo.
The Displays are well managed. So much history! I was particularly interested in the WWII planes retrieved from Lake Michigan. We met a very knowledgeable restoration volunteer that gave us a very interesting visit to the museum.
The Displays are well managed. So much history! I was particularly interested in the WWII planes retrieved from Lake Michigan. We met a very knowledgeable restoration volunteer that gave us a very interesting visit to the museum.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex S
Elmhurst, IL17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
The founder of this museum was a naval aviator during World War II and the museum's collection includes numerous Navy planes. It is well laid out and family friendly. Time yourself to take in a movie on aviation if you need a break...the one I watched was about salvaging planes from Lake Michigan which had been lost in training mishaps during the war. Allow at least half a day if you want to see everything.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy F
Mason, MI11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A friend and I visited the Air Zoo after checking it out online. We were surprised by how large the collection of airplanes and helicopters was. There is lots of hands-on stuff and experiences for the kids and even a few carnival style rides in the main building. We spent most of the day in the main building which houses the Aerospace and Science Museum, then moved to the Flight Discovery Center where they are restoring a WW2 trainer that was recovered from Lake Michigan. Plan on spending the whole day because there is so much to see and do. Somehow we missed the Kitty Hawk Cafe so I can’t review it.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean M
Warrensburg, MO246 contributions
Jul 2022
I have been to a number of various Aviation Museums, to include some of the Biggest. This amazing place easily scores top marks. The Air Zoo has the only surviving SR-71B Trainer, a restored F-117 Stealth Fighter, and many other aircraft. I could have easily spent much more time than I did.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas S
Lansing, MI100 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
This place is just an absolute destination for anyone interested in aircraft, but more importantly it's an engaging facility with traveling exhibits and a history of the space program and 20th century military aircraft. There are free flight simulators and also if you have teens or small children there are free carnival style rides inside the building which are an absolute joy. There's also a movie theater where you can take a break, sit down, and absorb some historical content - not to mention a terrific gift shop and concession stand / cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. Don't forget about the outbuildings where there are aircraft restorations taking place and it is adjacent to an actual small airport. Good eats nearby, I'd recommend Taco Bob's
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobx77
Florida2,348 contributions
Aug 2022
Right now it’s a special on the SR-71 Blackbird.
A lot of veterans around, who are especially connected to this bird.
I had the chance to listen to one of the engine engineers = WOW!
And I could talk to some of the pilots, who did fly this aircraft. One of them (Al) turned out to be the one still holding world’s speed record with that plane.
So I met the fastest man on earth.
How cool is that!!!
On the other hand:
There is a lot to see with ample information about the planes etc
All the staff is very friendly and helpful!
So I encourage you to visit this museum!!
And the adult admission is $ 15.95 only.
A lot of veterans around, who are especially connected to this bird.
I had the chance to listen to one of the engine engineers = WOW!
And I could talk to some of the pilots, who did fly this aircraft. One of them (Al) turned out to be the one still holding world’s speed record with that plane.
So I met the fastest man on earth.
How cool is that!!!
On the other hand:
There is a lot to see with ample information about the planes etc
All the staff is very friendly and helpful!
So I encourage you to visit this museum!!
And the adult admission is $ 15.95 only.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer37491
6 contributions
How do we get air zoo discounts and promo codes
TeresaR_
Noblesville, IN113 contributions
If you check their website, they have many discounts available already. Children 0-4 are free, military,veterans,police and fire fighters get 50% off,. There is a senior discount too.
Is the Air Zoo appropriate for a two year old child?
Melanie V
Kalamazoo, MI6 contributions
Yes it is! There are a lot of kids that age who come in. The Carnival rides are popular for kids, as well as a video motion simulator that has no height requirement. In the restoration center (Flight Discovery Center) there are also some trainer cockpits that kids can climb into.
Would this entertain a 2 year old?
Ken Mist
Woodstock, Canada91 contributions
It is a very visual museum that would interest a young one for a while.
What is the entrance fee at air zoo?
Azlina A
Royal Oak, MI39 contributions
Air Zoo Members = FREE
Adults $15.50
Seniors 60+ yrs = $12.50
Children 5-18 yrs $14.50
Children 0-4 yrs = FREE
Military/Veteran Discount = 50%
Police & Fire Discount = 50%
Roseroberts3634
Mason, OH
Does the Air Zoo entertain older children (ages 10-120? Are the rides attractive to them or are they aimed at younger kids?
AirZoo
Portage, MI
We apologize, we somehow missed your question! The Air Zoo truly has activities, rides, and exhibits for all ages. Our rides vary from those that appeal to the very young, to full-motion flight simulators that are loved by kids and adults alike. We hope to see you soon!
Roseroberts3634
Mason, OH
Does the Air Zoo entertain older children (ages 10-12)? Or are rides to small/ childish for them?
Soome rides are for younger children but simulators and space area has plenty of fun things for that age.
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Claim your listingAir Zoo Aerospace & Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
- Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center:
- (0.97 mi) Hampton Inn Kalamazoo
- (4.56 mi) The Kalamazoo House
- (1.26 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Kalamazoo East
- (1.27 mi) Comfort Inn Wings Stadium
- (2.01 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo-Portage
- Restaurants near Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center:
- (1.74 mi) Latitude 42 Brewing Co.
- (0.56 mi) Quiznos
- (4.85 mi) Sweetwater's Donut Mill
- (4.20 mi) Crow's Nest
- (1.46 mi) One Well Brewing
- Attractions near Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center:
- (0.56 mi) Escapology
- (0.55 mi) Airway Fun Center
- (0.59 mi) Painting with a Twist
- (6.63 mi) Bell's Comstock Brewery
- (4.72 mi) Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center Information
Excellent Reviews | 463 |
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Very Good Reviews | 125 |
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center Photos | 353 |