Challenger Space Center Arizona is a public museum open year-round, Daily (Monday - Sunday ) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and features three levels of exhibits and memorabilia. Guided tours are provided on the hour where guests can hold a real meteorite, blast off in an Earth-Space-Transport-Module which simulates a shuttle launch, and touch a vapor cyclone.
Space exhibits include Smithsonian Institution's An Astronaut's Life: Articles Flown In Space, a life-sized Iridium satellite model, a ten-foot Shuttle Atlantis display courtesy of Honeywell, and gravity game. The center features autographed memorabilia and mission patches from past Space Shuttle Missions. Our Galaxy Gift Shop offers hundreds of educational space and science items, including books, toys, puzzles, gadgets and games.
Kids of all ages enjoy catching a virtual planet in My Solar System with motion detection technology. Catch a planet and learn an interesting tidbit about that planet. This exhibit is courtesy of a grant from the Tohono O'odham Nation.
Public General Admission
Adults $8
Children (4-18 yrs) $5
Seniors (55+ yrs) $7
Military $7
Ages 3 & Under Free
Challenger Members Free
Group discounts available for Adult groups of 12+, special needs and AAA Members. *Groups of 12+ must make reservations a minimum of two weeks in advance to ensure receiving a guided tour. See below for Group Reservation.
Hours of Operation
Monday 10a - 4p
Tuesday 10a - 4p
Wednesday 10a - 4p
Thursday 10a - 4p
Friday 10a - 4p
Saturday 10a - 4p
Sunday 10a - 4p
Guided Tours
Monday thru Friday 10:15a, 11:15a, 1:00p, 2:00p and 3:00p
Saturday - Sunday 10:15a, 11:15a, 12:15p, 1:15p, 2:15p and 3:15p
Guided tours for the general public are conducted by Challenger volunteer docents for up to 11 people per tour with paid admission. Guided tours include a tour of exhibits, holding a real meteorite and blasting off in the Earth-Space-Transport-Module.
Due to special engagements, Challenger Space Center cannot guarantee the availability of tour guides. In order to ensure a quality experience, groups of 12 or more must register with our group reservation department (see below). Self-guided tours are also available with paid admission and describe in detail the history and significance of the exhibits on display.
If you are a member of an organized group, senior group, school group, daycare, or other youth group, Challenger Space Center Arizona offers interactive, age-appropriate activities for groups of 12 or more. Please contact our Group Reservations Department at 623-322-2006. Click here for more information on bringing a group to Challenger Space Center for an out-of this-world experience!
Closed on the Following Holidays
New Years Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Public Programs and Events
Weekend events include Family Fun Days featuring hands on activities and science demonstrations, Family STAR Nights (additional fee), or StarLab Planetarium shows (additional fee). Also on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. visitors can become a crew member on a two-hour simulated mission aboard the International Space Station (additional fee and reservations are required). Click here for Fly to Outer Space Simulated Missions.
Summer Camp, , and Holiday Camp are very popular programs which feature fun science activities for students of all ages.
Challenger offers Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs featuring the mysteries and wonders of space exploration. A special scout packet is available by contacting the center in advance of your troop visit.
Space-Tots Preschool programs are also very popular, as are senior group tours, summer tours, birthday parties, and corporate, club and school events.
Education Programs
Educational programs are the backbone of the Challenger Center. All of our education programs are designed to meet or exceed Arizona state educational standards. All programs are specially designed to meet educational standards set for Math, Science, Technology and Workplace Skills.
The Challenger Space Center provides an exciting space-based learning environment where schoolchildren, families, senior citizens, corporate teams and others fly simulated space flight missions where they become flight crews, mission controllers and scientists.
Flight missions, led by Challenger Flight Directors, seamlessly integrate the concepts of teamwork, communications and leadership, along with math, science and technology skills, to help participants work together to overcome obstacles and emergencies and complete a successful mission.