Operation Freeze

This is the story of how some hungry Marines used a Corsair aircraft to make ice cream!

Making ice cream with liquid nitrogen!

Amy shows us how to make ice cream using the power of liquid nitrogen!

What are those NASA 'beeps' for?

What's the deal with those loud BEEPS in old NASA footage?

Where is space?

Where exactly is space?

Bernoulli's Principle

How to show the air has mass.

Mika shows a fun experiment that shows that air has mass!

Magnificent Magnets! - Make your own compass!

Make your own magnet in this fun experiment!

Looking at the Eye! Cow Eye Dissection.

WARNING - YOU MIGHT FIND THIS GROSS Doc and Karn cut into a cow eye and explain how it works!

Polymers - What are they?

Karn explains what Polymers are, and where we can find them!

Looking for Life on Mars

Karn explains how NASA is looking for signs on Martian life!

The Lewis Gun

Check out aviation's first machine gun!

Princess Mary Christmas Gift Box

Kevin walks us through the story of the Princess Mary Christmas Gift Box, a Christmas present delivered to those serving with for the British during WW1.

Snowflake Science

Karn teaches us about the science behind snowflakes!

The General Electric J-31 Jet Engine

We look at one of the first jet engines produced by the USA and hear a fun local story about it!

Apollo 17 Launch Day Spectator Welcome Pack

We take a look at an Apollo 17 artifact from the Air Zoo Collection.

Flying in a WW2 B-25 Bomber!

We take to the skies in a WW2 Bomber!

The difference between Astronauts, Cosmonauts and Taikonauts.

We find out the difference between different types of Space travellers!

MiG-15

It could be argued that no combat aircraft had a bigger impact on the world than the MiG-15. We take a look at this legendary aircraft.

The B.E.2a

We take a look at a historic pre-war biplane!

RATs & Small Propellers

We talk about the RAT onboard of every F-8 Crusader and the small propellers on other aircraft in the collections.

Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator

We take a look at an Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator used by the US Navy.

Astronaut Stuff

We take a look at some of the food, drink and medical supplies Apollo astronauts were issued.

Real-life Monsters!

Monsters are real!

Expanding Ghost Experiment

Join Natalie in our scary science lab as she concocts another scary experiment for you to try at home!

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Slime

We get 'ooey and gooey' making Pumpkin Slime!

Eggy Monster Eyes!

We show you how to make Monster Eyeballs from some household items!

Aircraft Marshalling Signals

Travis teaches us Aircraft Marshalling Signals!

F-8 Crusader: The Last of the Gunfighters

The Vought F-8 Crusader is one of the more unique aircraft in the history of the United States Military.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird's METAL tires!

We look at the SR-71's super special tires!

What makes the F117 Nighthawk so stealthy?

While restoring the F117 Nighthawk, we've come to really appreciate the mind-blowing design used to make it stealthy. We take a look at the key features of the aircraft that made it possible.

Radioplane OQ-2: The Little Red Drone that made a star!

The Air Zoo might have rocket engines and spacecraft to visit the stars, but only a little red drone has made a star!

V-1 Buzzbomb

How did the V-1 Buzzbomb work? We get into the deadly details of this early cruise missile.

Making Marbled Paper

Join Natalie as she uses art and science to make marbled paper!

Checking out the Grumman Mallard

Air Zoo docent Doc gives us a walkaround tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard.

Bell P-39 Airacobra

Two doors, an engine behind the cockpit, and a tricycle undercarriage are just some of the 'quirks' that make the P-39 Airacobra such a fascinating aircraft.

360° Tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard

Air Zoo Docent Doc gives us an in-depth 360° tour of the majestic Grumman G-73 Mallard

SR-71 ABCs

How well do you know your SR-71 ABCs?

V is for Vengeance

Towards the end of WW2, the Nazis unleashed some of their most terrifying weapons yet, the V-Weapons. Air Zoo Docent, Kevin gives us an overview of these deadly weapons that changed war forever.

B-17 Flying Fortress Tour

Air Zoo Docent Doc gives us a tour of the incredible Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

WW2 Hand Air Raid Siren

We take a look at one of the LOUDER items in the Air Zoo collection.

A look at the C-47 that led D-Day

We take a look at the C-47 that led the D Day invasion, "That's All, Brother".

An Overview of the SBD Dauntless

John, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the SBD Dauntless.

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 4

Air Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, shows the processes and tools used in restoring an FM2 Wildcat.

Pancho Barnes: Aviatrix, Organizer, Legend.

With a life that spanned some of the most vital yeas of aviation history, Pancho Barnes had one remarkable life.

An Overview of the Saturn V Rocket Engines

Kevin, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the Saturn V rocket engines. These are the very engines that powered the Apollo missions to the moon! The Saturn v rocket used 5 Rocketdyne F-1 engines and 6 Rocketdyne J-2 engines.

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 3

Air Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, shows the processes and tools used in restoring an FM-2 Wildcat. After sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years, this FM-2 Wildcat is finally being restored to its former glory!

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

Air Zoo Docent, John, provides an overview of the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat. Commonly referred to as an "ace-maker," over 300 pilots became aces in a Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat. After WWII, the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat was the first aircraft to be used by the Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration team.

Painting Parts for a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2

Denny, Air Zoo restoration volunteer, shows the various parts that have been primed and are ready for paint. Once the entire plane is painted, these parts will go into the final Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2P assembly.

Restoring a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2P

Denny, describes the restoration process and provides an overview of this Douglas SBD-2P 2173. Recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan in 2009, this aircraft is deemed a national treasure and has plans to be returned to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Continental Built Rolls Royce Merlin Engine

Kevin, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview and history of the Continental built, Rolls Royce Merlin engine. Continental was a manufacturer in Muskegon, MI and was contracted to produce additional Merlin engines. Peace was declared in Europe shortly after Continental's production began.

An Overview of the USS Wolverine

John, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the USS Wolverine, a former Lake Michigan excursion boat. The USS Wolverine, along with the USS Sable, was purchased by the US Navy and revamped into aircraft carriers. These became the only paddle-based aircraft carriers in the US Navy.

Spring Bird Songs

Spring is springing! Air Zoo Science Educator, Karn, provides information to help identify commonly encountered birds during the spring and summer. Learn more about the featured birds at The Cornell Lab: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/

Restoration of the SBD-2P

In 2016, the Air Zoo received the one-of-a-kind SBD-2P. This aircraft served in WWII at Pearl Harbor and fought in The Battle of the Coral Sea. Troy Thrash, Air Zoo's President & CEO gives an inside tour of the Air Zoo's new paint booth facility which opened in January 2020 and talks about this exclusive aircraft.

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Oil Tank

Air Zoo restoration volunteer, Dennis, describes the process of restoring an FM2 Wildcat oil tank. After sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years, the oil tank dented and collapsed. With a little patience and a lot of skill, Dennis restored the oil tank to its former glory.

An Overview of the Sopwith Camel

Air Zoo Docent, Kevin, provides an overview of the Sopwith Camel. Also known as the "King of Combat," the Sopwith Camel was a ray of hope for the Royal Flying Corps in World War I.

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Part 1

Air Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, explains some of the unique challenges faced restoring this FM2 Wildcat which sat at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years!

A piece of the Great Scott Lunar Sample

Take a look at a real moon rock! Air Zoo Docent, Kevin, explains this moon rock's retrieval from the 1971 Apollo 15 mission.

Four Leaf Clover Origami Activity - St. Patrick's Day

What do George Washington Carver, bacteria, and St. Patrick's Day have in common? Air Zoo science educator, Karn, is here to answer that question and show you how to make your own origami four leaf clover for St. Patrick's day!

The P-40 Paint Scheme

Learn about the paint scheme of Sue Parish's Pink P-40 Warhawk, hanging in the lobby of the Air Zoo.

Baking Soda Bottle Rocket

Make rocket fuel at home with one of our out-of-this-world educators, Erin, as she teaches you how to build a reusable baking soda bottle rocket!

Write Your Initials in DNA Code!

Biology, coding and origami has never been more fun! Learn about DNA coding with Air Zoo educator Karn, and even learn to write the initials of your name.

The Ford Tri-Motor

Check out this innovative aircraft which made its debut in 1926 and changed the way US mail was delivered.

The Sopwith Camel

Did you know the Air Zoo's Restoration Team restored this 100 year old biplane hybrid reproduction? Learn more about its history now!

A True Boredom Fighter

Some choose to fight boredom with puzzles, but others choose to build aircrafts. This aircraft kit resembles a WWI Fighter and kept its former owner, Don, busy during his retirement days.

14 Fun Facts

Join Michael for a very quick virtual tour to learn some fun facts about a variety of artifacts inside the Air Zoo!

El Kabong I

This Gemini boilerplate aided Nasa scientist in their race to space during the 1950s. How did we get it?

Walk Among Our Giants - Outside!

Did you know we have new airplanes to visit between our two centers? Stop by and say hello if you are out and about!

Our Aircraft Welcome You

Always wanted to know more about the aircraft that grace the front the Air Zoo? Then this 60 second, scenic, outdoor Air Zoo tour is for you!

The Bread Rocket

This 1954 futuristic rocket once traveled the country promoting the popular sci-fi tv show! Now it's at the Air Zoo.

A Chemistry Clock

Follow along with Air Zoo educator Karn, as she shows you some cool chemistry using everyday things like iodine and apple juice!

SR-71 Blackbird Refueling

Check out this in-air refueling of an SR-71 being flown by one of our friends, SR pilot, BC Thomas. Can you imagine refueling in the air?

Behind the Scenes at Pearl Harbor

Have you seen the 1970 film "Tora! Tora! Tora!"? One of our docents got to see it from a different point of view during his time in Pearl Harbor.

Star Gaze from Anywhere!

Explore space, all from your own backyard! Join Erin as she walks you through a free app that will let you explore the stars and beyond!

Our Hiller Helicopter

This versatile and affordable helicopter design was sought after the U.S. Military during the late 40's and early 50s.

If You Decide To Go To The Moon

Feeling a bit stuck and wanting to plan your next adventure? Well if you decide to go to the moon we have you covered.

DIY Kites

Let's join Natalie as she takes us step by step through making our own kites for high-flying fun this spring!

The Tuskegee Airmen Painting at the Air Zoo

Andrew Woodstock's watercolor and graphite artwork was inspired by the brave Tuskegee Airmen. Learn the story behind the art.

The Science of Music

Do you know the science behind making music? Let's join Air Zoo educator Matt, and learn what makes music!

The Biggest Hand-Painted Mural in the World!

More than 100 years of flight depicted in the world's largest indoor, hand-painted mural - at the Air Zoo!

Color Your Community - Happy!

Let's spread some love and beauty. Join us as we celebrate community, it is easy (and fun) to get involved! #AirZooArt

Making Sundials

Explore solar/shadow science with us and learn how you can use the sun to tell time.

A BT-13 Christmas Story

One of 11,000 BT-13 Valiants produced in WWII made a very special journey for one of our Air Zoo Families for their 1951 Christmas. Let's hear Dolly's story now.

Air Zoo's Spy-posium - Episode 061

Our story starts with me [Brandon Gonzales] standing in a hangar. A really big hangar. Actually, it’s more like a movie set. A movie set, with rides, and an F-14 and an SR-71, but they’re not props though, they’re real…

Shadow Science - Part 1

Ever wondered why your shadow is a shape shifter, or why it is night time here when it is daytime somewhere else? Karn has some shadow science basics for you.

Dry Ice Cannons

Want to watch Erin do some fun tricks with dry ice? We thought so, enjoy!

Fifi - the Flying Gremlin

Learn about this high-flying Disney gremlin Fifinella and her ties to the Air Zoo's co-founder, Sue Parish!

Trash and Recycling - Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day this year with an informative story told by our very own Air Zoo Education Manager, Kathy! Let's work hard to care for our planet!

A One-of-a-kind at the Air Zoo!

Get the scoop on how the only remaining, and experimental, XP-55 Ascender "landed" at the Air Zoo.

Be a Yo-Yo Master

Well, maybe not a master, but let Air Zoo Educator and yo-yo guru, Alex, show you the basics to work on at home.

On the Moon

5-4-3-2-1...Blast off! What is it like to be an astronaut going to the moon? Join Troy as he reads a story called, "On the Moon". It is an out-of-this-world adventure!

Restoring the FM-2 Wildcat

Join us to discover how the Air Zoo's talented restoration team tackles this complex restoration, it spent 68 years on the bottom of Lake Michigan, with their one-of-a-kind invention.

Penny Chemistry

What do the Statue of Liberty, the planet Mars, and a penny have in common?

On Exhibit - Clare Chandler

Meet a local Allegan hero and Tuskegee Airmen. Objects, on loan from his granddaughter, help to tell his fascinating story.

Can Cows Fly?

Join Jada as she takes you on a journey. A cow's journey - of flight!?!

Eggciting Activities for Easter!

Fun Easter Activities and fun for families from our friends at Gift of Curiosity. Check them out and get ready for Sunday!

DIY Mazes

Natalie will help you build your own unique mazes with materials you have lying around! How creative can you get?

The Astronaut Handbook

Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Let's see as Troy takes us through the handbook in front of the Air Zoo's ISS training exhibit.

V-1 Flying Bomb

Do you know the history behind the German Lutwaffe's V-1 Flying Bomb? And how did it navigate without a pilot?

Bird Calls

Go outside and listen for native Michigan bird calls with Air Zoo science educator, Karn. These are some of the songs and calls in each bird’s musical vocabulary.

Let's Make Rockets!

We have an out-of-this-world project for you today. Make your own rockets at home with Alex!

Our Tomcat - in 60 Seconds!

Michael shares some cool facts and history about our F-14 Tomcat!

International Children's Book Day

Join Katie and Emmett as they narrate one of their favorite books in celebration of International Children's Book Day!

Chromatography Fun at Home!

Join Air Zoo educator, Natalie, as she shows you how to do coffee filter ink chromatography at home, using simple supplies!

Violet the Pilot

Join Jada as she takes you on an exciting adventure. This novel written by Steve Breen is sure to fly right into your heart.

Restoration at the Air Zoo

Learn how the Air Zoo gets aircraft to restore and what some of the process looks like!

A Local Connection - Jack Sims

Have you heard of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo? Learn more about the raid, and local hero Jack Sims with Quinton.

Make Lava Lamps @ Home!

Need something fun and educational to do today? Kathy will teach you how to make lava lamps with household ingredients!

An Airplane Adventure - from the T-28 Cockpit!

Hey kiddos! Prepare for take off with Troy as he reads "Airplane Flight! A Lift-the-Flap-Adventure" from the cockpit of our T-28 Trojan.

Meet the WACO CG-4A Glider!

Did you know historic Kalamazoo icons like Gibson Guitar and Shakespeares played a role in building this glider in WWII? David will share the story with you and the role it played on D-Day.

Defying the Laws of Nature @ Home!

Looking for something fun to do? Follow along with Erin, as she shows you a unique way to defy the laws of nature - at home!

Ada Twist, Scientist

We are excited to launch our first story-time video! You are sure to love this engaging story of Ada, a young budding scientist, narrated by the Air Zoo's President & CEO, Troy Thrash.

Extracting Strawberry DNA!

Ever wondered what DNA looks like, or what it actually does for a living thing? Join Karn and see it for yourself!

Apollo Missions - Lunar Landings

Check out one of Troy's favorite artifacts as he and Christy reveal the significance of the Air Zoo's Moon map!

Meet the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair

Join Michael as he shares some interesting facts about our co-founder's aircraft!

Fun with Dry Ice!

Did you know that dry ice is a solid gas... and that it forms at −109.3 °F?!? Want to see some cool things you can do with it at home? Well, check this out!

Welcome to Launchpad to Learning

What exactly is Launchpad to Learning? Well let our innovative leader, Troy Thrash, tell you all about it. We look forward to seeing you (digitally speaking) each day as we post new educational activities and videos for you to enjoy during your time at home!