Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum — Attraction in Portage

Overall we had a very enjoyable visit as we explored with a 2 year old. I shared a the front desk that this was our first visit as I had seen an advertisement for the Toddler Tarmac, the young man was less than enthusiastic about offering what things might be of interest and basically stated to take a building map. We enjoyed the airplane simulator it was a perfect short experience, line moved quickly and efficiently. The young lady running it was friendly and share what options we had to choose from. We then visited the SR-71 which was amazing. The older gentleman, I assumed working, only spoke to one group that was up there so I missed any information he offered. But very cool view of the plane top to bottom. The two year old then noticed the kiddie rides so we headed that way. The lady running the biplanes was very friendly and encouraging as she taught the adults how to fold themselves to be able to sit. There were only two rides open as it appears the others were under construction, little bummer but our kiddo didn’t notice. I do feel bad for one of the ride operators that got yelled at by a woman with 5 kids cause no one told her upfront that the rides were down. I didn’t care for the kids running/yelling through the rides as if we were were outside at an amusement park. The workers tried to politely tame most of it. Ate lunch at the cafe, I was impressed the prices were decent and they had quite a selection. My grilled cheese was fantastic! We headed to the toddler tarmac and was instantly put off. The room was trashed! No attendant in sight, toys and dress up thrown everywhere. No toddler activity beyond their toys (it was my assumption their might be a small craft time). Toddler had a blast playing with Toya we don’t have at home and I spent that time cleaning up and organizing the room. I was sincerely disappointed in the fact that other visitors thought it okay to leave the place trashed. Again, we had a fantastic visit, definitely worth the trip to the air zoo and we...

I had been here years ago, and decided to take my father who loves airplanes. I was surprised at how much they have changed this place! There is a lot of cool things for everyone! I personally enjoyed the space exhibit, and hope they continue to expand it. The movie theater was very cool. Seeing the restoration process in the second building was very unique, and I’m glad they’ve made it visible for guests to watch. My dad had a great time talking to Wayne in the restoration building; Wayne gave us a little private tour of the restoration and let us get up close! The addition of the kid activities has been really well done, on par with major museums. My wife and I were on the fence about having kids, but after spending time here I told my wife we need to go for it so we can take them to this cool place! They have indoor carnival-style rides, STEM activities, and much more! Of course, the flight simulators are something to write home about. Buckled in, you can turn in every direction in this very advanced simulator ride. My dad wanted to get in line multiple times, and although we never successfully shot down an enemy plane, we were hooting and hollering the entire time! Great cafe and super friendly staff. We appreciated the shuttle that drives between the two buildings. The one suggestion I will leave is to include more information about the history of the individual aircraft. We knew, for example, what each plane was and when/where it was made, but would like to know that this aircraft was “pulled from the bottom of Lake Michigan, caught in the Battle of Coral Sea,” and so on. Knowing the history of where this plane you are touching has been would be a great addition! If you are someone that loves the sky, history, and learning new things, this is the place for you! My dad reads everything... we were there for about 7 hours and couldn’t get to everything in the museum. A great way to...

This air museum is beautifully constructed and each mural is painstakingly painted. The items in the museum are well taken care of, the information, the guides, the exhibits. You can't come to this air zoo without feeling something about the amount of history you visually see. The aircraft alone can take your breath away, just imagining the machine when they were in their hayday and the lives that were changed from wars and tours. There are sections of the museum that will open your eyes to what some of the young men and women who served in wars and what they endured. This place bring you as close to the machines as possible. You get the insiders perspective from the outside. We have gone here a couple times and each time we walk away with more information and appreciation.

With COVID still lingering social distancing is a must and mask wearing highly recommended. We went as soon as they opened and it was wonderful the lack of people made the experience of viewing the aircraft very intimate and the solitude very peaceful. We didn't feel rushed nor felt the need to engage except for the occasional button to press. They sanitize the exhibits regularly for those being touched and also have the cafe open should you get hungry. I recommend the caesar salad is was generous in portion and very delicious. My son had the turkey sandwich which was also a great portion. We purchased our meals ahead which was nice as once it turned lunch time we were hungry and the items were ready.

The staff were amazing and helpful and just like anything else in this time frame be patient as low staff does affect businesses. I would recommend spending at least 4 hrs to seeing it all and go back in time from the exhibits. You will thank yourself for taking the time to...