Any time of year is a great time of year to go to Michigan’s Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, but this past week, we ended up going right after a snow storm. I love that most of the Air Zoo is indoors, and it provides a fun, entertaining place to visit during all types of weather. The parking lot is close to the main building, so it’s convenient for everyone. As a mom of 2 energetic boys, I am always looking for fun places to visit, especially ones that are near the interstate when we are traveling! My kids get bored during the winter, so this place is definitely on our list for great places to visit. Our boys loved seeing the historic aircraft, and they loved the indoor, air themed amusement rides! It is located about halfway between Detroit and Chicago, so it makes a great day trip for people in those areas.
We had made a quick trip to Michigan for my husband’s grandfather’s 80th birthday. It was great to see family that we don’t get to see too often. As we prepared to head back home, we ended up staying an extra day because of a snowstorm that blew in and dropped 10 inches of snow on the area of Brighton, MI, where we were staying. The next day, on our way back to Wisconsin, we decided to stop at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, since my boys hadn’t had a field trip yet this year. Boy, was it a memorable experience!
From the moment you walk into the Air Zoo, you are transported to a world in the skies. You are greeted by a war plane suspended overhead as if in a dog fight, and behind the information desk is one of Neil Armstrongs space suits from the moon landing on display. Our boys were so excited to be able to see the various war planes and other air craft at eye level. They were fascinated by Neil Armstrong’s space suit, loved watching the educational movies about how different planes were used, and they especially enjoyed all of the rides at the Air Zoo! We only stayed a couple of hours, but we could have spent the whole day here.
After you investigate the amazing displays in the lobby, you can get information, a map, and pay to get an admission wrist band from one of the friendly staff members at the counter. The rides are even included in the admission price! As a parent, I love that I didn’t have to pay for each ride individually. They have a coat room where you can hang up your heavy winter coats, as well as bathrooms and a gift shop right off of the lobby. There is also a cafe upstairs in the main building, but we did not visit it on this trip. As you enter the main exhibition hall, you pass through a little hallway, lined with clouds that seemingly transport you from the ground to the air. My youngest son pretended to fly through the hallway, as if he were Superman.
The Admission Prices are as follows:
Adults – $15.95
Seniors 60+ – $12.95
Children 5-18 – $14.95
Children 0-4 are Free!
*They do have a 50% discount for US Military and Veterans, Police and Firemen
*They also have a Group discount of 20% off, but they said to call ahead for advanced booking for groups.
Museums for All (EBT and WIC card holders) can get tickets for $2.00 for up to 6 people
Small children can ride most of the carnival type rides, and adults can ride with their children on some of them as well. My husband and youngest son enjoyed the 3D HD Full Motion simulators. As a full motion simulator, it is able to move in 360 degrees on two axis, and my son said he loved feeling like he was able to pilot the plane, do loopty-loops, and fly upside down! Future Maverick in the making! For the simulators you do have to be at least 48″ tall and under 250 lbs. to ride. There is more info about the simulators on their website, Airzoo.org.
For rides they have the Century of Flight Ferris Wheel, the Flying Circus Bi-Plane ride, Montgolfier Balloon Race, and Paratrooper Jump all indoors. In the summer, they have real Bi-Plane rides available outdoors too! However, I do believe the outdoor plane rides are an extra cost. The pictures below are just a few examples of the planes and experiences available at the Air Zoo!
We had so much fun. I highly recommend that you stop at the Air Zoo the next time you are in Michigan. We had been to the Air Zoo a few years ago, but my youngest was pretty young at the time and didn’t remember it, so we had to go again. It’s a great day trip any time of the year. It’s not far from SouthEastern WI, Northern Illinois or Indiana. If you are passing anywhere near SouthWest Michigan, it’s so worth the trip to the Air Zoo! I love that they have carnival-style air themed rides inside that you can ride even in the winter. It is the cutest place for anyone of any age, and it’s so full of history. My boys loved being able to be so close to so many airplanes and reading and watching movies about the war and how the planes were used. They also have uniforms that the servicemen and women wore at that time and other items of interest. There are hands-on STEM exhibits for kids to do as well. They do have a special section for women aviators and astronauts too. I can’t wait to go back. I feel like the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience is worth visiting multiple times. The Kalamazoo area has many great places to stay and lots of different restaurants. It’s a great place to plan a weekend or day trip, even in the winter.
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What a fun spot for kids! My grandson would love this!
It’s awesome for kids or anyone who loves aviation and history.
Looks like an amazing place for the whole family! I love you pictures your family looks like they had so much fun!
Thanks! We had a great time!
It looks like a great time. It can be tough in the winter to find things to do.
Yes, it’s so hard sometimes to find things to keep kids entertained. I love indoor places that are fun and educational.
How fun! My kids would love this – and the firefighter discount would work for us!
Yay! You should totally visit someday.
What a cool place! We don’t have anything like that out here.
It was awesome.
We had fun going there when visiting a few years back! Reasonably priced too!
We had so much fun with you when we went!
This looks like an incredible place to visit! And I’m with you – it’s great that your admission cost covers all the rides and they are not individually charged!
That was my favorite part. 😊
My daughter would enjoy this activity. It seems like fun for the whole family.
Yes, it’s definitely fun for everyone!
This sounds like a fun place. It is engaging and a great learning tool!
It is for sure!
This looks like a great place to visit when my kids get older.
Yes! I hope you get the chance to take them someday.
What a great day! I used to take my kids to the air museum in Seattle and it was so fun. I sure miss them being little!
That sounds fun too! If we ever get out to Seattle, we’ll have to check that one out.
I feel like this would be just as fun for the adults too
Oh for sure! I know my Dad would love it. We still need to take him. Anyone who loves history, planes, or rides would love it.
This is so neat! We will have to go visit. Thank you for sharing.
I hope you get the chance. My kids had so much fun, and we didn’t even see everything.
This looks awesome!
It’s a very well done museum/science center.
We LOVE the Air Zoo! The rides are my kids’ favorite part!
Yay! It’s fun to hear of someone else who’s gone before.
What a cool place to visit for the whole family especially during winter – when your activities are limited. Love the fact that they offer discounts as well.
It’s so cool. Yes, the discounts are awesome for those who can use them.
I love all the pictures! This looks like a place my family would love. We love all things historic. I’ll have to keep this on my radar!
Thank you! I hope you get to visit someday. It’s in a really cool area of Michigan with lots to do in the area. It’s not too far from Chicago.
Looks like a great day for your kids!
Thanks, it was.
I’ve never been to the Air Zoo! Sounds exciting!!
It was very exciting!
That looks like it would be so much fun!!
It was the best field trip in a long time.
Looks like the family enjoyed the time spent at the Air Zoo! Great option for indoor fun when the weather is not so cooperative!
Yes, I love indoor options.
It looks like a fun place! I am always looking for places to stop when we head home to Wisconsin
It would be a perfect place to stop. You could spend a few hours or a whole day there. I hope you get to visit it sometime!
How fun! Your kids sound like mine :-). They get bored easily. I am sure they will love this place.
Yes, they get bored, especially in the winter. I hope you get the chance to take your kids there someday.
What a cool place to learn! Love the photos too!
Looks like a fun place to spend a snow day!
What an awesome destination! I love indoor spaces that give kids a place to explore when the weather outside is less than desirable. I’ll have to keep this place in mind the next time I’m in town.
What a fun adventure! I’d love to do this one day