Explore the basics of flight with interactive aviation classes at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. Perfect for students of all ages, these hands-on lessons make aviation history come alive.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, suitable for all participants including children and adults.
Wildlife
History
The Pima Air & Space Museum holds one of the largest civilian aircraft collections in the world, highlighting aviation history spanning over a century.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs, to reduce environmental impact.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Explore the basics of flight with interactive aviation classes at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. Perfect for students of all ages, these hands-on lessons make aviation history come alive.
Pima Air & Space Museum preserves and displays an expansive collection of historic aircraft across 80 acres with more than 200 airplanes. The museum provides a range of public and group experiences designed for education, engagement, and memorable outings. Guided tram tours offer a comfortable narrated 45-minute introduction to the outdoor display, while walking tours and thematic guided tours (WWII, Cold War, Aviation Highlights) let groups explore iconic aircraft such as the SR-71 and B-29.
Groups can choose private or custom experiences: private guided tours that mix tram and walking segments, custom private tours where visitors select four topics, and adult group visits for 20 or more that include self-guided options and pre-ordered boxed lunches from the Flight Grill. School and youth group bookings include discounted admission for qualifying groups, pre-arranged classes, and hands-on engineering challenges like Cargo Plane, Parachute Drop, and Mars Lander. Engineering challenges and aviation classes are structured for small teams (2–4 or 3–4) and include all materials for 45-minute sessions that promote teamwork and STEM learning.
Special event offerings include DUKW rides that recreate the experience of WWII-era amphibious vehicles for land-and-water adventures. The museum emphasizes knowledgeable guides, structured educational programming, flexible group logistics, and accessible options for larger parties seeking a convenient, engaging aviation experience. Knowledgeable guides and staff follow established safety protocols, clear group booking processes, and flexible scheduling to accommodate school calendars and special event needs, ensuring reliable, well-organized visits for groups and individuals. Reservations and group pricing options simplify planning for educators.
Property Size
80 acres
Expansive outdoor aircraft display
Aircraft on Display
200+
Historic planes spanning eras
Tram Tour
45 min
Narrated open-air tram ride
Group Friendly
20+
Packages for groups of twenty or more
Reserve private tours, engineering challenges, and boxed lunches for groups to secure the preferred date and itinerary.
Arrive Early to Explore Exhibits
Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to browse the museum’s extensive aircraft collection before your class starts.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
The indoor classes require sitting and handling materials, so wear clothes that are comfortable for movement and interaction.
Group Size Limits
Classes are designed for small groups of 3-4 participants to maximize hands-on engagement, so book accordingly.
Stay Hydrated in Tucson’s Dry Climate
Arizona’s dry environment means staying hydrated is important when exploring the museum and local area.
Comfortable Shoes
Useful for walking around the museum before and after classes.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated in Tucson’s dry climate, especially during warmer months.
summer|spring|fall|winter
Light Jacket
Helps stay comfortable during cooler mornings or evenings.
fall|winter|spring
Notebook and Pen
Great for jotting down flight facts and notes during the aviation class.