The Air Zoo’s 45th Anniversary Celebration! 

Saturday, November 16

Get ready to soar! Join us at the Air Zoo’s 45th Anniversary to celebrate and enjoy 45% off admission*.

There will be cake, kids’ activities AND the ultimate test of aerodynamics at the Air Zoo's Paper Airplane Championship. Design, fold, and launch your way to victory by using everything you know about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). Let’s see if your paper plane has what it takes to win! Will you be the Air Zoo's next flying ace?

Register now for the Air Zoo Paper Airplane Championship!

Must be ages 10 or older to compete. See the full list of official rules and prizes below.

Schedule of Events

*Cannot be combined with other discounts. Tickets must be purchased in-person to apply discount. Discount is valid from November 16-18.

45 Years of Making Memories

We are so proud of the incredible memories we've help create during the last 45 years. If you have a special Air Zoo memory to share, please do so in the form below!

These memories will be presented during our anniversary celebration.

Air Zoo Paper Airplane Championship Prizes

Grand Prize

• Custom Air Zoo Champion trophy created by Detroit artist Josh Welton
• Air Zoo Store gift

2nd Place

• Air Zoo Store gift

3rd Place

• Air Zoo Store gift

Category Winners

• Each category winner will receive a 3D-printed trophy created by the Air Zoo

Register now for the Air Zoo Paper Airplane Championship!

Air Zoo Paper Airplane Championship Official Rules

1. Contestants must be ages 10 or older.

2. All paper planes must be made at the designated tables with the official paper provided by Air Zoo. No additional materials like glue or tape are allowed. Cutting or ripping the paper is allowed. Tools will be provided.

3. Contestants cannot go past the throwing line while still in contact with their plane.

4. Contestants must throw within 30 seconds or that throw will be disqualified.

5. Contestants can only throw 1 paper plane for each heat but can prepare multiple planes and throw a different plane each time it is their turn to throw.

6. Contestant’s name must be written on their paper planes and visible when folded.

7. Disqualified throws (ex: throwing past the line, exceeding time, landing outside official landing area, etc.) will not be counted and cannot be repeated.

8. Contestants must compete in all 3 categories to win Grand Prize. Grand Prize winner must be present to win.

9. Any tie in all categories will be settled by a single throw for best distance.

10. The Air Zoo reserves the right to remove anyone from the competition.

11. Rules are subject to change. Please refer to rules posted in competition space at the time of the event.