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Museums & Landmarks

Buehler Challenger & Science

📍 Paramus, NY

4.7(29 Google reviews)👶All ages

Immersive space simulation centre in Paramus where student crews pilot Mars missions using realistic mission control setups. Part of the global Challenger Learning Center network, with summer camps available.

Realistic space missionsGreat for school tripsSTEM learningEngaged staff
★★★★★Featured review by Hanna-Lee Harjono (Hanna)

Our eighth grade class went here recently, and we had an amazing experience. The missions are extremely realistic. We went into a "simulation" where we were "traveling to Mars" to replace the astronauts that were already at Mars. All in all, I give this a five star rating! Go there for yourself and see.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for school groups and families with middle-school-aged children who are genuinely interested in space and STEM. The mission simulations land best with ages 10 and up who can engage with mission control roles.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Ideal for 5th grade and up — younger children may not fully engage with mission control roles
Book school or group visits through their group programs rather than private events
🎟️Skip the gift shop if budget is a concern — it's consistently flagged as overpriced
🚗Summer camps are available for deeper multi-day STEM engagement

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💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7

29 Google reviews

Engaging space mission simulations50%
Professional staff during programs30%
H

Hanna-Lee Harjono (Hanna)

12 years ago

Our eighth grade class went here recently, and we had an amazing experience. The missions are extremely realistic. We went into a "simulation" where we were "traveling to Mars" to replace the astronauts that were already at Mars. All in all, I give this a five star rating! Go there for yourself and see.

E

erin mclaughlin

a year ago

We went on a class trip and the staff was professional and the students were very engaged. It’s an immersive experience to run your own flight!

D

Dj Hannon

9 years ago

The experience was wonderful. The rush of being on a ship and in mission control is so awesome. The st aff was nice too. The only reason why this review was not five stars was because the gift shop was extremely over priced, for my liking at least. Everything else was nice.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Buehler Challenger & Science Center runs inquiry-based STEM programs built around realistic space mission simulations. Students take on crew roles — pilot, mission specialist, flight director — and work through Mars mission scenarios in a full mission control environment. Programs are designed for school-age groups and emphasise teamwork, problem-solving, and applied science. Summer camps extend the experience across multiple days.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday07:45 – 15:45
Tuesday07:45 – 15:45
Wednesday07:45 – 15:45
Thursday07:45 – 15:45
Friday07:45 – 15:45

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