Attractions
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace, opening on May 15 at the Air Zoo presents Charles M. Schulz’s lovable beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. The exhibit showcases 40 of Snoopy’s most exciting adventures in his transformed doghouse—now a Sopwith Camel airplane —from the time he faced a deadly bout of influenza to sparring with the Flying Ace’s archenemy, the Red Baron.
If you arrived at this page via AirMail, our e-mail newsletter, please note that the exhibit opens May 15, not May 14 as indicated in the subject line. We apologize for the error.
Event Schedule
All activities are free with regular Air Zoo admission and are geared to anyone who has a fondness for fun.
Ongoing Activities – May 15 through June 22
- Indoor kite flights – Make your own kite and fly it against the Wall of Wind.
- “It was a Dark and Stormy Night” – Use your imagination to finish this famous story. Completed stories will be posted in the exhibit area.
- Flying Ace Mission – Put your sleuth cap on and participate in a scavenger hunt based on the Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace exhibit.
- Sopwith Word Search – Sometimes you need a break from searching for the Red Baron.
- Help the Sopwith Camel – The Air Zoo’s Sopwith Camel needs wings. Can you help?
Saturday, May 17
The real Snoopy will be on hand throughout the day, beginning with his arrival at 10:00 a.m. Snoopy’s appearance is sponsored by United Media.
- Beagle Meet and Greet, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – By BREW (Beagle Rescue Education and Welfare)
- Dog Agility Demonstration by Taking the Lead Dog Training. Demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20
Join the Kalamazoo Public Library as they present “Snoopy Come Home.” When Snoopy receives a letter from his original owner Lila, he goes to visit her in the hospital while Charlie Brown and the gang are on the lookout for him.
Suddenly, Snoopy feels that he must go live with Lila, but must say goodbye to all his friends. In his adventure to the hospital, he encounters numerous “No Dogs Allowed” signs, an annoying little girl who desires to keep him, and more!
The Kalamazoo Public Library is located at 315 South Rose Street, Kalamazoo. Call 269-342-9837 for show time.
Saturday, May 24
- Read to a Dog Program, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Children can improve their reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. But not just any dog, a Kalamazoo County Humane Society Pet Therapy Program dog. Call 269-382-6555 for more information.
- Aviation in World War I – Join historian Rick Cahow as he presents a fascinating look at the world of aviation in World War I.
Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26
- Make a Soldier’s Day – Take this opportunity to write a letter to a member of the military. Letters will be collected and sent by the Air Zoo through the program Any Solider.
Saturday, May 31
- Relay for Life – Will the Red Baron ever track down Snoopy? Join us on the track and find out!
- Super Science Saturday, 30-minute presentations occurring at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Snoopy had many alter-ego’s, including the World War I Flying Ace, an astronaut and a sleuth. Put your Snoopy-Sleuth abilities to test at this month’s Super Science Saturday – featuring chromatography.
- Back2theWind Sport Kite Demonstrations, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – These aren’t your average kites! Join us for a day filled with fun kite demonstrations as we welcome the Back2theWind Kite Club. Kids will have the chance to make and fly their own kites.
Saturday, June 7
- Kalamazoo Kennel Club Dog Agility Demonstrations – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Doggie Fashion Show presented by Barks 5th Avenue. – 2 p.m.
“A Helping of Peanuts“
Join the merriment and go back to school with the Peanuts gang. From 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., visitors will receive a “report card” to roam around and try their skills in a number of hands-on activities related to Snoopy and his human companions. Test your geography skills by answering questions about Snoopy’s travels as the WWI Flying Ace.
If theater is more your style, see if you can successfully act out one of Snoopy’s over 100 alter ego characters (like Joe Cool, a secret agent, or even the Easter Beagle). And if you’ve always dreamed of being a chef, the culinary arts will allow “children” of all ages to make and take yummy dog treats to take home to your favorite canine friend.
Saturday, June 14
- Cartoon Workshop – Check back soon for more information!
- West Michigan Smoke Rings, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – West Michigan’s Control Line Aircraft Club will delight visitors with a mock combat between a Fokker DR-1 and a Sopwith Camel. Trainers will be on hand to help children who want to try and fly a plane. Demonstrations on the hour.
- Why was the Red Baron Red? – Pilots in World War I were considered much like knights of old and they used their airplanes to make personal statements to friends and foes alike. Learn about the Red Baron, his airplanes, and how this tradition of personalizing aircraft still goes on today! After the program, kids can try their hand at designing their own personal airplane paint scheme.
Saturday, June 21
Have a love of all things Snoopy? Then you won’t want to miss the Midwest Snoopy Collectors Swap Meet. Over 80 vendors from all over the world will be on hand to sell/swap their Snoopy memorabilia.
Image courtesy of ExhibitsUSA.