First, it would be extremely easy to get here and not not find the space center. There are zero signs from the direction I traveled. I have attached a photo that should help. You have to walk down this empty deserted looking outdoor corridor and then walk up into a door that is not well labeled. This place shares the building with a family resource center. I walked past several rooms seemingly just full of junk that had nothing to do with space while we were on our guided tour, so there isn't really great separation of the two independent operations. Yes, a guided tour. I guess every person that pays for a ticket here has a team member walk them around to show some of the artifacts they have. It's not at all what I expected. Nice guys though. I was kind of just hoping to walk around with my kid; if you want someone to show you space exploration artifacts, give you explainations, and walk you around, this place is for you. The individual that was walking us around was knowledgeable and was able to tell us interesting facts about every object that they owned. We went in the middle of the day on a Saturday and it was not busy. After we were accompanied through the first set of rooms, they walked us to a different building where they had an inflatable planetarium. Due to some technical difficulties it took a while for them to get the projector inside this ~25 ft diameter by ~10 ft high planetarium going for us, but it was a cool little intimate experience for me and my kid. Only problem was that the younger fella (20's?) giving us the show was rattling off incorrect scientific information, like that the Moon is millions of miles away, that if you fell onto Jupiter you'd float right through, and that the orientation of constellations in the sky varies depending on what planet in our solar system you are standing on. I told him that that was not correct but he said that because some planets are bigger than others and they have different terrain it affects the makeup of the sky. Okay. Yikes. Anyway kids under five get in free so if you're a parent and want to kill some time and let your kids see some space stuff it's not the worst $10 you can spend but man I wish we had more space museums out here.

If you love planets, solar systems, constellations then this museum is for you. Its very interesting and entertaining, & a lot of fun, it has alot of exhibits, and pictures of past astronauts and you are pleasantly surprised there is another building with a planetarium ( I think that's what it's called, it's like a half circle tent that you walk into and sit down and look up, there shows the planets and where they aline, their rings, moons, ect) the constellations and more fun exhibits. It's two buildings within an elementary school, you have to drive quite a way but it's worth it! We did it for our daughter for her birthday. She was looking forward to it... SHE LOVES THE SOLAR SYSTEM. And the piece of resistance is the gift shop where you find experiments, to star wars stuff, star trek, books it's awesome. 10/10. Would do again! If you use mapquest it's an adventure it will either lead you the long way or the back way! It's un undiscovered moon
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

maybe i expect too much out of museums, but i expected a great deal more out of this place since it's 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 didn't have 16 people so we didn't get to do this. perhaps they should look into retooling this and allowing smaller numbers to participate. walking around and reading different exhibits doesn't 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.

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.

This is a hidden gem! Not a high-budget operation, but my kids had a blast here! We all thought the space shuttle tire was cool, and enjoyed watching the tour of the ISS. The kids especially loved the room with the giant foam blocks and they built their own space station. We also loved the planetarium and interactive exhibits in the second building. There was plenty of information to read and take in for adults and kids. We spent four hours here, and we totally got our money's worth. My kids love building and space, though, so I imagine most families would probably be satisfied after about two hours.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Do the tent planetarium presentation for an informative on the solar system. Highlights also include actual space rocks, commemorative NASA patches from historical space missions, and an interactive tech display, to name a few. This is a solid opportunity to take the youngsters and hopefully inspire the country's next astronaut. You can't go wrong with this hidden gem in the valley. Best of all, it's very affordable and low-cost--especially next to better-known attractions in the Phoenix metro area. This center hangs with the best in the valley for childrens' in-door attractions. Great job.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Be aware of the photo that showed a big glass building that is actually on 83rd off of Beardsley Rd. That is NOT the current Challenger Space Center. That location was closed a few years back and the actual space center had moved to 44th off of Glovers. That big glass building is now the art center for the Sunrise Mountain High School, which is right next door. Go by the street view photo and that is the current building. Check the center's website as well before going so you don't get confused. Also signs to the entrance is not that visible from the street. You will have to pull into the parking lot to see the banner on the fence. Pull into the parking lot from Grovers Ave and you will find the entrance.

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 weren't able to go on the simulators as it wasn't available that day (check schedule in advance for this) but we will most certainly be back. Our family couldn't 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!

Went on a Field Trip with my son. It was a little confusing driving up and not having a lot of signage. There was 1 sign in the basketball court but that was all. It's at an old school. Now everyone was really nice. The activities were ok. The kids didn't get to go into the little Museum they had there so that was a little disappointing. The Bathrooms don't have a Baby Changing Station there so it was a little hard with my Little One. Would I go again, I don't think I would.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

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 I'm 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.

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.

Phenomenal experience! What a hidden find. I had a blast and I’m 49 years old, proof it’s for kids of all ages. Anyone remember the old Challenger Space Center Museum? It has reopened in a different location as the “Earth and Science Expedition Center” with lots of space history, artifacts, and pictures for the astronaut/space buffs like me. I even saw a planetarium show. I will definitely be back.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

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 didn't 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 wasn't worth $8.

Loved our "Homeschool Day" in October. The kids made slime, learned about static electricity, light, and saw the planetarium show and loved playing in the big foam blocks room. My 4 and 7 year old did not want to leave. Haven't been here apart from this homeschool day they offer once a month but it was fun even for us adults.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We brought our grandchildren ages nine and 16 to the Earth and space expedition center this week. They both enjoyed the exhibits. Our favorite was the planetarium. Thank you Vincent for being so informative and answering all our questions. You are going to go far!! The gift shop was great and everyone very friendly.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Disappointing!!! Took the tour and they didn't 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.

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

Excellent place with a lot of history as well as modern, interactive, and fun means of learning. Even better than their old location but all the same passion and excitement. Kinda hard to find since it's in an old school, though.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

This place is out of this world!!! A very cool, fun and educational experience for the whole family. Lots to see, read, learn and do and very inexpensive. One way to beat the heat and learn something new from the sun to Uranus!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

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!

I absolutely loved it. This is a good place for the entire family to go. They even have a gift shop which is a bit pricey but not too bad. I suggest coming here.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Very nice staff but a small museum but very family friendly . The program they had last week for the sun eclipse was amazing and very fun and they had really good staff
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

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.

I took my 8yo son for the Astronomy camp. He said they did two crafts (bubbles, and a model planet). He also said they waited around a lot and watched a fair amount of low quality cartoons. He has a strong interest in Astronomy and was disappointed. Decided not to take him back.

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.

I am an Earth space science teacher. This is an incredible place to visit if you are interested in space. I could have taught each of the units the Earth Space science curriculum in this facility. We will be going back again.
Visited on
Weekend

Awesome little unassuming place. Inexpensive, well put together. Would recommend for trips with the kids.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Great little hidden gem! When we went it was pretty slow, but it's a really neat little museum in an old school building and the gym has a nice planetarium area where we got a nice private showing of the planets and stars!

extremely friendly and helpful staff. if i could id spend all day there talking with employees and learning all i can.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Small but fun, I enjoyed it for what it was. It may not be everyones jam but great for kids or if you just like hearing things about space.
Visited on
Weekday
Reservation recommended
No

seriously boring, wouldn't pay a dime. got one or two exhibits everything else is a drawing or picture. I could've just watch it online. couldn't afford an astronaut suit or flight simulator machine?

Great venue for our Arizona Science Teacher Association annual conference. They have a great new gift shop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I love this place. 5 out of 6 of my grandkids have gone to space camp multiple years. The youngest will go next year but we are very sad the center building has been sold and they need to relocate.

I think the Challenger Space Center is a real jewel for the city of Peoria. It's well run, and fascinating experience to go to. I'd recommend anyone attend, it's not just for kids on field trips.

Disappointing. Very much a fancy building and not much else. More of a memorial to the Challenger crew than any kind of cutting-edge technology showcase. Boring for kids, boring for adults.

I think I had more fun than my wife or daughter but all in all we had a great time. They liked the wind tunnel and the play area while I was amazed by some of the NASA displays.

If you want entertainment go to Disney Land. If you want to see real space stuff. This is the real deal. They don't try to commercialize it so much. So very authentic.

Great exhibits, smart learning environment.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Don't be deceived by the outside of the building, it is set up inside an old elementary school. Great sessions, lots of learning for the kids, would recommend.

Old and tired, this place could use some sprucing up, especially for the price you pay. Thankfully we got in free. Exhibits all looked like handmade projects.

It was interesting, not that many activities for the kids compared to other museums thou, but the kids had fun, looking everything and learning..

It's too bad it closed. Was an cool place to go. My guess is that the location was too far from 'popular' locations in the valley...

Absolutely terrible. Would not recommend. Not organized at all. Pretty much paid for kids to play with foam. Don't waste your money.

I took 10 kids on a field trip, ages 5-12. They had a good time, loved the tour. The gentleman was knowledgeable & very patient.

Nice but small and not easy to find Museum highlighting the US space programs with photos and ornate patches for the missions.

Was a great place to visit. Lots of history learned and also current events. Lots of hands on things to check out.

my 12 year old daughter went there for a field trip and had soooooooooooo much fun

Really amazing Place teaches you a lot about the Challenger space shuttle

Keep an eye out for their new location! They are looking into expanding.

Great for kids, interactive activities, events, informative exhibits.

Just a building with pictures , stop taking people's money for this

We are here moving them to their temporary location at Metro Center

Great Place to go with friends, Kids or just to enrich your mind.

It will entertain for about an hour. There's not much to do here

I had alot of fun there but unfortunately it is no longer there

It's got a few cool exhibits but it's pretty boring otherwise.

Interesting artifacts. Classes could be a bit more organized.

It was very interesting, very educational and alot of fun!..

Fun times with the school.
Visited on
Public holiday

They're closed until they move to their new location.

Nice place for the kids too bad it's gone.

The line ride from South Park was better.

Great way to be a simulation astronaut.

It's not at the Metro Place anymore!

Fun place to fart in and stink up

They are no longer there.

'me he bbc.co. ok lOo'm

Awesome place to learn.

Kids had so much fun!

Fun but needs more

Great experience!!

Very informative

Great experience

It was amazing

Great place

Its closed?

Never open

Love it

SPACE!

Nice