Page 22 - Scene Magazine May 2021 46-05

Local Interest
BY NIKKI STATLE
R, Director of Marketing
Spring has sprung, summer is around the corner, and your Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center has fun, immersive, hands-on learning opportunities for
the entire family! From airplanes and rockets to STEM stations, education programs and an on-exhibit restoration program, the Air Zoo has something for EVERYONE.
at work restoring three incredible aircraft – an FM-2 Wildcat, a Douglas Dauntless SBD-2P dive bomber, and their newest acquisition, the first Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk to be on public display in a non-governmental museum, and the only one in Michigan. The SBD-2P is nearing completion and deemed a national trea- sure. With more than 36,000 volunteer hours invested, the team will have it completed for its return to Pearl Harbor by December 7, 2021, in time for a dedi- cation ceremony on the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor!
groups of 20 or more, as well as a spe- cial rate of $2/person (age 4+) for our WIC/EBT recipients through a national collaborative called Museums For All. For those who want unlimited access
to the museum; activities and traveling exhibits; as well as discounts in the Fly Buy Gift Shop and online at airzoostore. org; program and event pre-sale oppor- tunities; library privileges; and more,
Did you know that the Air Zoo is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that houses some of the world’s only remain- ing aircraft of their kind? Within the Air Zoo’s more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, guests travel from around the world to see unique and rare arti- facts such as the world’s only remaining Lockheed-Martin SR-71B Blackbird, the only remaining Curtis-Wright XP- 55 Ascender and the world’s largest hand-painted indoor mural. Additionally, at their Flight Discovery Center they proudly house a nationally recognized restoration center that is currently hard
Whether you’re looking for a learn- ing opportunity, a memorable afternoon with the family, or a distraction from your every day, this incredible aero- space and science center is the perfect destination. Admission is affordable and ranges from $12.95-$15.95/person, with children four and under free. Special discounts are available for active mili- tary, Veterans, police, fire fighters, and
a membership is the way to go! Indi- vidual memberships are only $40/year. Family and Grandparent memberships are just $100 and $120 respectively, and also include FREE access to more than 1,200 ASTC and NARM science centers and museums worldwide (geographic limitations may apply).
The Air Zoo has something for EVERYONE.
New experiences await! In 2020 they opened their newest space ad- venture exhibition – Alien Worlds & Androids, debuted several exhibits dedicated to Women in Air & Space; expanded their story of the nation’s black aviation and aerospace pioneers; and began the development of several more hands-on interactive exhibits to be launched this summer and fall.
22 SCENE 4605 I SUMMER DESTINATIONS!
Those who love space exploration should definitely visit the Air Zoo this summer and experience their temporary traveling exhibition – Be the Astronaut! Imagine launching off this beautiful blue planet to discover new places – like our moon and Mars, or to explore STEM based and state-of-the-art video game technologies as you learn the concepts be- hind space exploration. Visitors will learn basic concepts through digital spaceflight experts and climb into the simulated pilot’s seat to test their skills as they fly spaceships, pilot landers, and drive rovers across unexplored landscapes.
Readers are also encouraged to keep an eye on the website as the Air Zoo will be rolling out a slew of interactive, family-friendly, free, outdoor com- munity events this summer. Families looking for hands-on STEAM education for their children should also check out the assortment of both in-person and live-virtual summer break camp options now available for registration.
Make sure to visit this summer and imagine, explore and discover at the Air Zoo!