Air Zoo so much more than hot air
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Tuesday, June 01, 2010
The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Mich. will delight (and educate!) kids of all ages.
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We've seen the billboards advertising the Air Zoo near Kalamazoo, Mich., for years but never made time to visit. What a mistake that was.
The Air Zoo, less than three hours from downtown Chicago, is one of the best museums we've visited. It successfully combines the thrilling history of our air and space travel with fun through air-related amusement rides and simulators (our favorite was the 3-D Space Shuttle Ride).
We visited with four kids, age 7 to 14, who were instantly engaged walking through panels of blue sky and clouds into a vast, visually stimulating space filled with aircraft and rides. Knowing they weren't airplane buffs, I was surprised to find them examining planes and the exhibits with intense scrutiny. They walked away from the museum with a new appreciation for war's impact (thanks to the 4-D movie showing a WWII bombing run over Germany) and enough airplane and space facts to fill this magazine.
We stayed as guests of the Holiday Inn Kalamazoo West, a hotel designed with kids in mind. The family suite features cool bunk beds, kids' own flat screen TV for watching movies or playing PlayStation and just enough privacy for mom and dad. What makes this hotel stand out, however, is the huge pool and free game area.
One warning, kids won't want to leave.
Tamara is the editor of Chicago Parent and mom of three.
See more of Tamara's stories here.
Contact Tamara at tamara@chicagoparent.com
