Pretend you're an astronaut at Challenger Space Center

Lara Piu
Special for arizonamoms.com
Dec. 31 2007 4:35 pm

Challenger Space Center
21170 North 83rd Avenue, Peoria
(623) 322-2001

azchallenger.org

Space lovers will get a kick out of this place. Among the highlights: the Atlantis Space Shuttle Module simulates lift-off and docking, a spacecraft that depicts life aboard the International Space Station, and a view of the Mission Control center.

There's plenty of activities, too. Once-a-month stargazing features high-powered telescopes for a closer look at the skies. Planned dates in 2008 are: Jan. 19, Feb. 23 and March 22. For preschoolers, check out the "Public Space Place" monthly program. Upcoming events include "Martian Madness" on Jan. 21 and "Space Food" on Feb. 18. Sessions cost $10.

Entry cost is $6 for adults, $4 for students (ages 6-18), and free for ages 5 and under. Hours are 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Closed on Sunday and major holidays. Tours are conducted daily.

Other cool activities: For older kids, become a crewmember on a 2-hour simulated space mission. Flight missions involve flight crews, mission controllers and scientists. Missions fly year-round on Saturdays at 10:30am and 1:00pm. Boarding pass is $17.50 for adults and $15.00 for students.

Participants get instructions at a sixth grade reading level. Third and fourth graders must fly with a ticketed adult. This program isn't recommended for second grade or younger. Prepaid reservations are required.

Also, the Galaxy Gift Shop is worth a visit for space-related games and books. Also, don’t forget about the astronaut ice cream.

The center also offers several "adventures in space" camps during school breaks. It's a cool place to be when it’s hot outside. Here, elementary and middle school students get a chance to learn how astronauts live and work in space, launch rockets, build robots and explore adventures related to the history of flight. Check web-site for registration form.