Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Air Zoo?
- Where is the Air Zoo?
- How do I schedule a class trip?
- What if I want to see the Air Zoo before bringing a group?
- How many students can you accommodate?
- What if our numbers change?
- What is the required adult/student ratio?
- How much time should I allow at the Air Zoo?
- How do we pay for our class trip?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Do teachers/chaperones/bus drivers pay?
- Where and when do we meet for our class trip?
- Will we need the bus all day? Where do we park it?
- What about inclement weather?
- Is there a coat room available?
- What about lunch?
- Is there a gift shop? What is the range of prices?
- Is the Air Zoo handicapped accessible?
- What programs are available when we get to the Air Zoo?
- Are there guided tours available?
- Is photography allowed?
- Are there special programs for scouts and home school families/groups?
What is the Air Zoo?
The Air Zoo is the perfect place for your next class trip! It is the only museum in the world offering visitors 3-D and 4-D theater experiences, full-motion flight simulators, and more than 50 vintage aircraft in two buildings.
Where is the Air Zoo?
The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo (Portage) is conveniently located halfway between Chicago and Detroit right off I-94. Take Portage Road (exit #78) two miles south and follow the signs.
How do I schedule a class trip?
Contact any of our event coordinators, toll free, at 866.524.7966 and they will be happy to talk you through the registration process. Be sure you know the date(s) you’d like to come, your school address, phone, lunch plans, and approximate number of students/chaperons before you call so that we can plan the best possible options for your group.
What if I want to see the Air Zoo before bringing a group?
As an educator, you may request a preview pass (good for two free admissions to the Air Zoo), by contacting Lorraine Austin at laustin@airzoo.org.
How many students can you accommodate?
Because we have two very large buildings and the option to split classes into separate activity groups, we can handle most any size group. There are maximum numbers we can admit on any given day – which we often reach during the months of April, May, and June. We suggest that you plan your field trip during the fall or winter when you can have a more personalized experience. In any case, make sure to make your reservation as early as possible to get the date you want.
What if our numbers change?
We ask that you contact our event planners one week before your visit to confirm the numbers of students and adults in your group. Small modifications can be made with no problem. If significant changes are made with short notice, we cannot guarantee availability.
What is the required adult/student ratio?
Although we do not require any specific adult/student ratio, we do request a minimum of one adult for every ten children (more adults with younger students).
How much time should I allow at the Air Zoo?
With so many options available to your group, we recommend allowing at least 2 hours. If you are registering for a class, tour, and general visit, you’ll most likely need 3-4 hours.
How do we pay for our class trip?
We accept cash, school check, or credit cards as payment on the day of your visit. We may invoice your school and/or accept purchase orders if approved at the time you make your reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please notify us as soon as you know you aren’t coming.
Do teachers/chaperones/bus drivers pay?
We allow one adult (teacher, support staff, parent, etc.) per every five students to be admitted free with your group. There is no admission fee for bus drivers.
Where and when do we meet for our class trip?
Details for where and when you should arrive will be noted on the registration confirmation you receive. Although the Air Zoo doesn’t officially open until 9:00 a.m., education programs may begin as early as 8:15 a.m. Depending on availability, you may begin your visit at either one of our two buildings. One of our friendly staff will board your bus upon your arrival to greet your group.
Will we need the bus all day? Where do we park it?
There are two separate buildings you and your class may wish to visit during your trip to the Air Zoo. Depending on the weather, your class may wish to use the bus to travel from one building to the other. There is plenty of free bus parking available on-site.
What about inclement weather?
If bad weather causes you to have to cancel your trip, please call us as soon as you know. On the rare occasion that we may close due to weather circumstances, we will do our best to contact you. We also post our information with WWMT (
Is there a coat room available?
Yes. You and your class may hang your coats at the Air Zoo’s coat room – located near the entrance in both buildings.
What about lunch?
Your students may bring bag lunches that do not require refrigeration or pre-order lunches via our events coordinator. Pre-ordered food is prepared fresh on site at our Kitty Hawk Café. The registration confirmation you receive will indicate what time your group is scheduled to eat lunch. Lunch tables and the Kitty Hawk Café are located on the mezzanine level of the New Air Zoo facility. If you have reserved them in advance, lunch tables will be identified with your group’s name for easy seating. If you would prefer to picnic on the grass outside the Air Zoo, please let us know.
Is there a gift shop? What is the range of prices?
The Fly Buy gift shop, located near the entrance to the New Air Zoo, is stocked with a wide range of quality items. There are many available in the $ .25 - $2.00 range.
Is the Air Zoo handicapped accessible?
Yes, both buildings are handicapped accessible.
What programs are available when we get to the Air Zoo?
There are a wide variety of Michigan Curriculum framework-based education programs available by reservation for students from preschool – 12th grade. Ask one of our event coordinators for a complete list or call, toll free, 866.524.7966 for a brochure.
Are there guided tours available?
Guided tours are given by reservation on a first come, first served basis. Self guided tours can occur at any time.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed throughout the Air Zoo except in the Missions Theater and Space Shuttle. If you plan to use your Air Zoo photos in a publication or web site, please contact our Marketing Director, Renee Newman, at 866.524.7966.
Are there special programs for scouts and home school families/groups?
Yes! Call 866.524.7966 for brochures on scout, home school, overnight, and other programs offered by the Air Zoo.