Adventure Zone

July 17-19, 2026 | Willow Run Airport | Ypsilanti, MI

Bring the whole family to the Adventure Zone at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, where aviation, imagination, and discovery come together.

About Adventure Zone

Designed especially for children, this exciting area features hands-on activities, STEAM learning opportunities, creative play experiences, and family-friendly entertainment that inspire curiosity about flight, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Proud Sponsor

A special thank you to Meijer for their support in helping make the Adventure Zone possible and inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

The Hands-On Hangar

Welcome to the Hands-On Hangar The place where young aviators’ dreams take flight! From building skyscrapers to racing cars, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found.

Unleash creativity on easels, use plastic tools to build imaginary creations, and dive into coloring books. Kids 10 and under can join us for endless fun and adventure!

Children and adults participate in a hands-on science activity, mixing materials and observing results with guidance from a volunteer at the Hands On Hangar during Thunder Over Michigan.

Families work together at activity stations, building and exploring hands-on projects inside the Hands On Hangar tent at Thunder Over Michigan.

Children interact with a large educational exhibit while families observe nearby inside the Hands On Hangar, with Adventure Zone attractions visible in the background.

The Exploration Station

The Exploration Station Logo Welcome to our STEAM area at the Air Show, where kids will have the opportunity to participate in activities that will enhance their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics!

We’re thrilled to have the following organizations at this year’s event:

– Tigers Robotics Organization
– Heart Of Michigan Girl Scout Color Guard Troop 43089
– Mracing Formula SAE
– Jernigan Racing
– BHS Aviation Classes
– Women In Aviation (Saturday only)
– Tuskegee Airmen Oakland County
– Washtenaw Community College (Friday Only)

Children examine preserved bird specimens and natural artifacts while participating in an interactive wildlife education activity at the Exploration Station during Thunder Over Michigan.

A presenter demonstrates a robotics project under a tent while families and children watch and learn at the Exploration Station during Thunder Over Michigan.

Children and adults participate in a hands-on STEM activity, assembling electronic components and circuits at a table inside the Exploration Station tent.

The Bounce House Bay

Welcome to The Bounce House Bay! For a nominal charge, our kids zone offers an inflatable playground designed to delight and entertain our youngest guests while igniting their passion for aviation.

Safety is our top priority, so rest assured the area is supervised by friendly staff trained to ensure a fun and secure environment for all. Parents are also asked to help supervise their kiddos to make the day enjoyable!

So bring your budding aviators to The Bounce House Bay for extra fun at the show!

Children climb and slide on a large blue-and-yellow inflatable aircraft-themed bounce house while adults watch from the ground in the Adventure Zone at Thunder Over Michigan.

Children play inside a colorful inflatable bounce house with a hanging obstacle while an adult stands outside supervising in the Adventure Zone at Thunder Over Michigan.

Families gather around multiple colorful inflatable attractions and bounce houses spread across a grassy field in the Adventure Zone at Thunder Over Michigan.

Please help us in showing your appreciation for Meijer’s support of The Thunder Over Michigan Adventure Zone by visiting and supporting their neighborhood stores.