Discover Tucson's rich aviation and military heritage on the Dual Museum Field Trip. Explore over 350 historic aircraft and tour the fascinating collection of military vehicles in one engaging visit.
Discover Tucson's rich aviation and military heritage on the Dual Museum Field Trip. Explore over 350 historic aircraft and tour the fascinating collection of military vehicles in one engaging visit.
Book with Arizona Aerospace Foundation
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Arizona Aerospace Foundation · Tucson, Arizona
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Dual Museum Field Trip offers history and aviation enthusiasts an unforgettable opportunity to explore two dynamic museums in one visit—the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum. These adjacent but distinct destinations reveal the stories of human innovation and military might through iconic aircraft and historic military vehicles. Both institutions stand out as key cultural contributors to Southern Arizona’s rich heritage and outdoor recreation scene.
The Pima Air and Space Museum, one of the largest aerospace museums in the world, houses over 350 aircraft spanning decades of aviation history. Visitors here walk among rare and legendary planes, from World War II fighters to the cutting-edge jets of the modern era. The museum’s open-air hangars provide an immediate sense of scale and atmosphere as you navigate the park-like grounds. Meanwhile, the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum, open seasonally from October through May, offers a guided tour through a compact collection of armored vehicles, tanks, and support trucks—each telling stories from different military conflicts and eras.
This field trip is ideal for school groups and youth organizations, offering both self-guided exploration at Pima Air and Space Museum and a structured guided visit inside the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum. The setup ensures an educational experience balanced with engagement and discovery. Groups rotate through the military vehicle tour in timed sessions to maintain an intimate and impactful experience for up to 35 students per tour.
Beyond the impressive exhibits, both museums contribute uniquely to Tucson’s outdoor and educational tourism. The wide grounds of Pima Air and Space Museum encourage walking and light hiking, making for a great outdoor activity under the desert skies, while the military museum provides indoor tactile exploration. Both preserve crucial elements of military and aviation history, making them standouts in Arizona’s cultural landscape.
Visitors should come prepared for walking and bring water and comfortable shoes for traversing the museum grounds. The museums allow some backpacks and controlled access to gift shops and dining, helping groups stay organized during their visits.
Whether you’re captivated by the roar of old airplane engines or the rugged resilience of military machines, the Dual Museum Field Trip delivers a varied and robust adventure in Tucson. It’s a perfect blend of outdoor walking, historical immersion, and hands-on learning that makes the city a notable destination for educational travel and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
PreK-5th grade groups can bring up to 150 students, while 6th-12th grades can have up to 75 students per visit.
Yes, you may bring sack lunches and eat in the designated school check-in area at Pima Air and Space Museum.
Yes, boxed lunches can be ordered from the on-site restaurant; student purchase lines are limited to 10 at a time.
Yes, but only 10 students are allowed in the gift shops at a time; plan accordingly for group visits.
Groups must use bus transportation; walking between the museums is prohibited for safety reasons.
No, payment is required by credit/debit card at the time of booking.
Arizona Aerospace Foundation in Tucson, Arizona presents immersive aviation and military history experiences across several museum sites. The foundation hosts access to the Pima Air and Space Museum, the Titan Missile Museum, and the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum, offering a range of public admissions, guided tours, school programs, private walks, and special events. Visitors can purchase single-day admissions or flexible two-day passes that can be used non-consecutively and do not expire, allowing exploration at a comfortable pace. Onsite amenities include a snack bar for grab-and-go items and secure luggage storage in the gift shop; only small bags are permitted to protect exhibits and guest safety. Guided options include a 45-minute Titan Missile Museum tour that descends 35 feet into an underground launch complex and a 30-minute private Hangar Walking Tour for groups up to 15, with selectable themes such as WWII or Vehicle Highlights. Youth-focused programming provides school and scout group bookings at the Titan Missile Museum and the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum, with dedicated times and chaperone guidelines to support educational learning for students aged 10–18. Family experiences include birthday party packages at the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum. These two-hour parties feature themed games, tram tours or vehicle rides, food, cake, and staff assistance with setup and cleanup for a turnkey celebration. Arizona Aerospace Foundation's offerings prioritize historical interpretation, safety, and convenience, serving visitors, educators, families, and enthusiasts seeking reliable, guided access to aviation and military collections in Tucson. All year round.
Book with Arizona Aerospace Foundation