12 Sundays are Sensory Friendly at the Air Zoo in 2026
In 2025, the Air Zoo welcomed visitors to experience the museum in a more sensory-friendly way, trialing four Sensory Friendly Sundays.
Given its successful launch last year, the Portage museum upped the frequency to monthly, scheduling 12 sensory-friendly events in 2026.
If your family needs a quieter, more relaxed environment to explore the hands-on exhibits and amazing aircraft, this is the perfect way to experience it.
Read on for what to expect during Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Air Zoo and when they are offered this year:
In this article
Sensory-Friendly Sundays Highlights
On select Sundays throughout the year, the Air Zoo opens early at 10 AM for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
On those special mornings, guests will experience dimmed lights, reduced noise, and quiet spaces while they explore the museum.
At 11 AM, rides start running, bringing a bit more excitement (and noise).
By noon, the museum fully opens to the public, but quiet areas and sensory bags are available.
2026 Sensory-Friendly Sundays Dates
| January 11 |
| February 8 |
| March 15 |
| April 12 |
| May 17 |
| June 21 |
| July 12 |
| August 9 |
| September 13 |
| October 11 |
| November 8 |
| December 13 |
Location
Air Zoo – 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Hours & Admission
Sensory-Friendly Sunday Hours
10 AM – Noon (rides start at 11 AM)
Museum Hours
Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: Noon – 5 PM
Daily Admission*
| Adults | $19.50 |
| Seniors (60+) | $16.50 |
| Children (5-17) | $17.50 |
| Children (0-4) | FREE |
| Museums for All | $2 |
| Air Zoo Members | FREE |
| Parking | FREE |
Accessibility & Inclusivity at the Air Zoo
At the Air Zoo, you can expect a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for all guests to enjoy every day, not just on Sensory-Friendly Sundays.
| Accessible Parking | Reserved parking near entrances for vehicles with a disability plate or placard. |
| Wheelchairs & Wagons | Free wheelchairs and wagons Location: Ticket Counter or Membership Desk |
| Accessibility | All galleries are wheelchair, wagon, and stroller-friendly |
| Restrooms | ADA-compliant restrooms, including gender-neutral single-stall restrooms |
| Nursing Room | Private space for nursing or pumping Location: Second Floor |
| Service Dogs | Service dogs are welcome at the Air Zoo. Emotional support animals are welcome in outdoor spaces only. |
| Visual Impairment | Free touch-tours available for visually impaired guests (call ahead). |
| Sensory Processing Needs | The Air Zoo has been a Sensory Inclusive™ Certified Location since 2021. |
Air Zoo + KultureCity: Supporting Sensory Needs
The Air Zoo is a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ Certified Location, with these resources available to all guests (while supplies last):
| Sensory Bags | Include fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and KCVIP badges Location: Available for checkout at the Ticket Counter and Gift Shop |
| Weighted Lap Pads | Available at the Ticket Counter |
| Social Story | A visual guide to help families prepare for their visit |
Event Recap
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