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!