Challenger Space Center- Peoria Arizona

The stars and planets have been big around my house recently. My son learned about the planet Earth at school last year and, being the science geek parents that we are, decided to feed into his recent obsession. My husband and I love when the kids take an interest in anything science. It's something we find interesting and easy to incorporate the whole family.

This recent interest sparked an idea for his 5th birthday. At first I was thinking we'd just have a star viewing party but in order to do it proper we'd need to get outside of town and go camping. I don't know about you all but the idea of taking a severely autistic child in the middle of the wood overnight just terrifies me. We're a news story just waiting to happen. Luckily I was able to avoid the camping trip and do the best party ever.

In my internet search I came across Challenger Space Center. I really can't recommend this place enough. Not only was the place super fun but the staff was more than accommodating for our unusual situation. In our group we had 5 children ranging from 3-7 and everyone found something they liked. To top it off, both of the women who led the group came up to us after the party was over and said that they not only were familiar with autism but worked for a family with an autistic child. Sometimes it's just nice to know you aren't being judged. 

So I can really only speak about the Stargazing Birthday Package but I'm sure they others are just as good. However, if you get the chance to do the stargazing party, do it! Everyone, even the parents, loved looking at the stars and planets in some really amazing telescopes. I actually got to see Saturn's rings and 4 moons. Amazing! It was so clear, it could have been a sticker. The actual museum is tons of fun and very interactive. As you go through the guided tour, you learn about a variety of thing. From meteorites, to an in flight simulation and even mission control. Best of all, I think most of the parents were surprised by how much the kids liked it and how much information they retained.  

Just so I'm being fair, we did have to take our daughter out for a chunk of the guided tour. She was already having a hard day and the party threw her for a loop. The are a number of glass cases and kids do have the chance to touch meteorites, so if you have a thrower, might want to skip that part. However, the planet catching video game (think 360 Kinect) is a winner all around. 

In the end, there is something for everyone and if you're have an autism moment, the staff are super understanding. Give it a try!

West Wind Drive-In - Glendale, Arizona

So I know this sounds a little silly and very old school but the drive-in could be your new best friend if getting in a movie is more than a little challenging. It's actually something I tell just about any parent about since most of us get to watch the same five kids movies until our eyes bleed and we beg for mercy (and if you're lucky like me, it's two movies and no mercy). 

We've been rabid drive-in fans since our time in Madison, Wisconsin. If you're in the area, the Big Sky Drive-In in the Wisconsin Dells is fantastic. It's a small family run place that mainly attracts the locals. Cash and local checks only. The burgers are pretty good if you feel like hitting the concessions. I believe when we went as a family of 4 it typically cost about $26. Best of all you can bring in outside food, although I highly suggest buying from the concessions. After all, that's how they stay open. I believe it was a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Only has two screens but they tend to show all kinds of films. Only down side is that it opens in the late spring and runs to about October. Not that you really want to sit in your car during negative degree temps.

Well now that I've pimped our old drive-in, on with the new. West Wind Drive-In is just fantastic. Although they have locations in California, Nevada and Arizona, I can only speak for the one in Arizona. First of all, we were so excited we could see movies all year long. Not only do they have something like 9 screens but it's so cheap to go there. Tuesday is Family Night and for the 4 of us we pay $12.50. Just can't beat a deal like that! Place is clean and staff is nice. They have plenty of restrooms and have always been well stocked with TP. We like to pack candy and soda in a cooler. When we get there, we buy lots of extra goodies. Very large selection with a bit of local flair like churros and nachos. Tons of families and a nice welcoming atmosphere.

Give it a try! If you have a drive-in you'd like to talk about, please do. I believe that the best things special needs parents can do is share information.