The Kalamazoo Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan Offers Free Admission This Summer

The Air Zoo located at 6141 Portage Road, in Portage, Michigan has recently announced it is offering free admission for summer of 2009. Free admission includes access to the main and east campuses including the 4D Theater. This offer begins June 1^st and runs through September 30^th. Ride tickets are $2 each, or an all day ride pass can be purchased for $12.95 per person.

The free admission promotion is part of a celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Air Zoo which coincides with the 5^th anniversary of the new facility. The Air Zoo was founded in 1977 as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum and opened to the public in 1979. The museum started with 7 World War II planes and some artifacts. Over the years, the museum expanded with exhibits and more programs making it a popular place for educational field trips as well as hosting interested history buffs.

In 2004, the Air Zoo opened a new, 120,000 square foot museum just up the road in Portage Michigan to better house its exhibits and entertain visitors. The new Air Zoo museum includes a 4D Theater, rides and a gift shop. You can ride a mock space shuttle and drive your own flight simulator. There are also less intense rides for the children including the Montgolfier Balloon Race and the Flying Circus Bi-Plane Ride. The Space Ball allows you to spin and feel like an astronaut and as does the Zero Gravity simulator.

The focus is on the history of flight and the new Air Zoo includes everything from hot air balloons, airplanes and on to space capsules and the space shuttle. In 2007 the Michigan Space Center moved to the new Air Zoo adding space to the history of flight.

Summer camps (which require pre registration and tuition) are available for children of various age groups. The Air Zoo hosts scouting groups allowing children to complete requirements for merit badges on their visit and provides programs for school children throughout the year.

The Air Zoo library contains over 800 videos and 4,000 videos on flight for the more advanced student of aviation history. Art work at the Air Zoo shows the history of flight and over 50 aircraft on display. The Air Zoo facilities near Kalamazoo in Portage Michigan can be rented for private parties, conferences and meetings.

The Air Zoo uses volunteers to fill a variety of positions. Air Zoo volunteers give tours, greet guests and provide security, maintain aircraft and greet guests. The Air Zoo is charitable organization and relies on donations and volunteers as well as admission charges to operate.

The free admission this summer creates a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to experience the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. You will definitely want to take advantage of the chance to enjoy this popular attraction and have a great family outing.