Challenger Learning Center

I went with my daughter and her 3^rd grade class today and we ALL had a blast! Thanks again!

Ok, I’ll admit it, and once again I am sure I am going to be mocked. I went to Space Camp… I went to Space Camp and I’m proud of that fact. Maybe that’s why I think a place like the Challenger Center is so awesome for kids. Because I loved Space Camp so much, and I know not everyone gets to go, and I know that even though my friends mock me, it’s only because they are jealous, I think it’s great that there’s this little quasi-​Space Camp right here in St. Louis.
In the 1980’s Ronald Reagan wanted to spread the knowledge of space into the classroom by sending a teacher into space. In 1986, we sent our first teacher into space on the Challenger, and well, we all know how that ended up. So, after that tragedy, these centers began popping up all around the country to try and give students the chance to learn more about space exploration and well, the great unknown.
This place has a program for everyone. They offer a ton of different programs for girl scout troops, boy scout troops, and class troops. They have fake flight simulations for corporate groups to help with team building. They even have public admission days so families can come in and perform a fake flight simulation through space. They also have a summer camp program.
Speaking from experience, it’s not as awesome as Space Camp. But it really is a close second and an incredibly entertaining way to spend a Saturday with your family or a group of people as dorky as I am. If nothing else, there’s no where else in St. Louis that you can «fly the space shuttle.» Check it out, especially if you are a teacher looking for an original field trip for your kiddies. If nothing else, it’s a really awesome way to remember the members of the Challenger Mission.