Fly Me to the Moon at the Challenger Learning Center

The Challenger Learning Center (CLC) offers fun and educational experiences through the use of a space mission simulator, demonstrational and hands-on laboratory activities, an IMAX® Theatre and a Planetarium.  Conveniently located downtown at Kleman Plaza, the center provides stunningly unique, entertaining and culturally relevant experiences through the acquisition and exhibition of the best films and programs available shown at the areas largest IMAX Theatre and Planetarium.

SPACE MISSION SIMULATOR

The CLC’s Space Mission Simulator offers visitors the next best thing to actual space flight with a NASA-inspired Mission Control room and an orbiting space station modeled after the laboratory on the International Space Station. During a Mission team members work as scientists and engineers. Onboard astronauts in the Space Station Simulator work with their counterparts in the Mission Control Simulator to fly one of the simulated space missions. These simulations provide plenty of challenges for the crews in space and on the ground. For all ages, from young visitors who Return to the Moon or Rendezvous with a Comet, to older visitors who Voyage to Mars in the year 2076, the CLC’s Space Simulator will delight patrons of every age as childhood dreams of traveling through space (simulated) come true.

IMAX THEATER

Home to Tallahassee’s biggest IMAX theatre, the CLC is the place to go to see new release blockbusters and award-winning educational films. In 2022 the newly reimagined and redesigned IMAX opened with new seats, increased ADA accessibility and safety features, and a giant 51’ x 72’ screen. The perfect spot for date night or family outing in the heart of downtown, IMAX offers educational 3D films and Hollywood blockbusters. For showtimes at the IMAX theater click here.

PLANETRIUM

The Downtown Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium is a 50-foot, high-definition theatre with a 20,600-watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system and state-of-the-art projectors featuring educational and entertaining programming for all ages – for both the young and the young at heart. Visitors are also able to view the night sky and explore the galaxy without the use of the outdated mechanical star-ball common to other planetariums.

Experience Music in a whole new way. For generations, the music of Pink Floyd has entertained visitors to Planetarium’s as the music of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon comes to life in all its glory. Get lost in the waves of colors, images, animations, and fractals that dance along to this epic masterpiece, presented in full dome digital video and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. The ultimate way to enjoy this classic album!

Once a month the CLC offers a free show,  Monthly Skies Over Tallahassee, a live show presented by the Tallahassee Astronomical Society that reviews prominent constellations, stars, and planet positions in the morning and evening sky.

SCIturdays

Science happens Saturdays at the CLC! SCIturdays at the Challenger Learning Center are designed for parent and child to learn new skills while having fun together! Every other Saturday, the  hands-on, family-friendly workshop features a STEAM topic: science, technology, engineering, art and/or mathematics proving an opportunity to discover new interests and engage in a fun-filled morning!