Challenger Space Center Arizona

Address:	21170 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382, USA
Phone:	+1 623-322-2001
Site:	azchallenger.org
Rating:	3.6
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Family Zeee

The kids had a great time, and we all could have spent the whole day here! But I was surprised at some of the reviews Ive just read...and, I dont think that many people do their homework and read up on this place before they get here. I think that they expect it to be like the Phoenix Science Center or the Childrens Museum. There is nothing wrong with those places (we have memberships), but they are geared to the entertainment and engaging of younger, elementary school-aged children. The Challenger Space Center is more of an educational experience for older kids and adults. It also appeals more those who already have an appreciation and understanding of the Space Program and its history. We took the tour and went to the Light Show in a group with about 10 adults and 15 kids... But like I mentioned, everyone (including the kids) already seemed to have a lot of knowledge and interest -- There were many chances for questions and answers and most of the kids were very involved and had some real good questions! All in all, we enjoyed ourselves there, and we will be returning.

R L.

maybe i expect too much out of museums, but i expected a great deal more out of this place since its a huge facility and could definitely house more stuff. start from top. the staff was great, helpful and insightful. cost was cheap $8 adult and $6 for child and slightly cheaper if AAA. they actually provide an actual scenario mission (extra $$$) but you need 16 people which sort of kills the experience. we didnt have 16 people so we didnt get to do this. perhaps they should look into retooling this and allowing smaller numbers to participate. walking around and reading different exhibits doesnt take very long. my son was through in 30 mins. i on the other hand stretched it out to an hour just because our drive to it was slightly over 30 mins. perhaps they could have build and launch rockets? or other activities for kids/adults? or heck even a replica of Challenger Space Shuttle to walk through would be awesome.

Annie Stott

This is NOT a museum. It is a building with administrative offices and classrooms with some showcases and a few small exhibitions in the hallways. It was not the least bit interesting to my 2-year old even though the website made it seem like it was fun for kids of all ages. It is definitely geared toward adults and mostly consists of plaques and pictures on the wall. The "My Solar System" - the only interactive experience there - was also not operating because the room doubles as a classroom and the classroom was in use. ( The employee said its a hit or miss thing when you go- you might get to do it, you might not.) And the air conditioning was broken in the middle of July. NOT a pleasant experience. NOT worth the money. I was VERY disappointed.

Angela Gerber

My family and I visited last weekend before we headed home to San Diego. We were SO glad to have stopped. We received a personal tour fro ma gentlemen named Bob who was so knowledgeable and patient with my two sons....especially my 12 year old who asked question after question. We werent able to go on the simulators as it wasnt available that day (check schedule in advance for this) but we will most certainly be back. Our family couldnt have been more pleased. We left with smiles on our faces and a better understanding of the space shuttles that flew and NASA. We will certainly be back!

A Private User

Weve lived in Peoria since 2004 and Glendale prior to that. Challenger Space Center has been one of my families favorite local destinations for years. We have always been treated with courtesy by the staff and volunteers and my kids love the gift shop! If you have kids who are into space, rockets and astronauts, this is a must-see. We especially love the fact that it is here in the northwest valley and so close to us. Definitely worth a visit! Check out stargazing on Saturday nights, once or twice a month, to see the moon, planets and galaxies up close.

Philip Cochran

Where to begin with this place? As you walk in you are immediately assaulted with the stale hot air of a July afternoon. The place has the smell of a cobweb filled basement and the decor to match. Nothing but 30 year old pictures on the wall and a "flight simulator" that Im sure I played in 1990. There are large sections that are "closed to the general public" why you ask are they closed? Good question without any answers. This is a waste of time and money for all ages. We got in for free and I still feel taken advantage of.

Cassandra Hilton

This place is terrible. I took my son here on a Saturday, June 27th, 2015 and was deeply disappointed. The layout is poorly designed, and the displays are mininal and limited. The only fun experienced was when we walked into a conference room and played with the interactive planet projector display. They charge a fee to walk around in nothingness...so after this experience, I drove to California ScienCenter to see what this museum should try to look like! What a waste of tax money. Never again.

Tennille Feldbush

My husband went to the restroom when we first got there, and I was pretty much finished with the displays by the time he got out. Lol. Not much to see or do on your own. Maybe the tour would be worth it, but we got there at the wrong time (about 230PM) and the museum (all floors) took only a few minutes. I didnt see any tour times posted. Perhaps call ahead for tour times or special events. Glad we got in on a culture pass for free. What we saw wasnt worth $8.

Lisa Foushee

Disappointing!!! Took the tour and they didnt even explain to the kids what happened to the Challenger. They should have had a constantly looping video of the Challenger going up as a memorial. Tour guide was VERY dry and boring for an adult.. He lost the kids in the first 5 min. A couple of cool interactive displays, but honestly the kids enjoyed playing with the foam noodles the best.

Dale Metcalfe

This should have been a great visit - But - a tired facility begging for an update. If you came here and went through a mock training session it would be very different. The biggest attraction is the lower level where the kids played with over sized building blocks. The rest is a collection of photographs and badges from old flights. A lot of rooms were locked and off limits

annie nelosn

We were at the Challenger Space Center for their STEAM Fashion Show Fundraiser on 11/12, and we said this would be a great place to visit with our grandchildren. Lots of pictures, art, info on space missions and communications. Jordan Goddard put on a demonstration using liquid nitrogen that was really cool! The fashion show was great!

Andrea Wacker

3 stars for the Interesting information. However, no one was around to guide us or open up the interactive portions. Maybe it was just a bad time of day? Exhibits all look about 15 years old. Maybe update the place and/or make guides more accessible...or stop charging an admission fee.

Terry Fullerton

While the space center/museum may be neat, we were unable to experience anything save the scaled solar system outside. Despite the status of Facebook and this entry the museum is presently closed. Will be pleased to update this following the new location.