Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Challenger Learning Center.
Q. Where are you located?
A. The Challenger Learning Center is located at 200 South Duval Street on Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee at the corner of College & Duval Streets. We are across the plaza from Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill and across the street from the U.S. Post Office on College Ave.
Q. Where should I park?
A. The most convenient parking to the Challenger Learning Center is in the Kleman Plaza parking garage. The garage entrances are located on Duval Street just south of the Challenger Learning Center and on Bronough Street south of College Avenue. After parking, take the elevator up to the Plaza level.
Q. Does the Challenger Learning Center validate parking tickets from the Kleman Plaza parking garage?
A. No. The parking garage is a separate business from the Challenger Learning Center. For more information on the parking garage, click here.
Q. How long are IMAX and Planetarium shows?
A. All documentary films are approximately 45 minutes long. The IMAX Theatre also shows feature-length “Hollywood” films. “Hollywood” film lengths vary by movie & distributor. Check our IMAX and Planetarium pages for more details.
Q. Where can I find showtimes?
Q. How much are tickets? Do you have group rates?
A. Click here for pricing information and group rates. Call our Sales Coordinator at 850.645.7777 for group rates.
Q. What happens if I arrive late for a show?
A. IMAX and Planetarium shows start promptly at their scheduled times. We do show limited previews.
Q: Are tickets to the IMAX Theatre refundable?
Hollywood Pre-Order Policy:
No refunds or exchanges are permitted on completed IMAX ticket sales. School groups may reserve a block of tickets to a specific showing and pay upon arrival for the actual number of seats needed. All other groups, reserving a block of tickets or a private showing, must pay the total balance upon making a reservation. Rain check vouchers may be issued due to technical difficulty or other circumstance, at the discretion of CLC management.
Q. How and when do schools pay for missions?
A. Payment is due in full upon arrival. We accept cash, checks, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express & Discover), and purchase orders.
Q. What happens if our actual number of participants differs from our reserved number?
A. Space Mission Simulation groups are sold as packages. Bringing less people will not change the price. Your group cannot exceed the maximum number of participants due to space restraints in the simulator.
Q. How long is the mission?
Q. What do missions involve?
A. For a list of our mission scenarios or to find out more information about the Space Mission Simulator, click here.
Q. What is the minimum/maximum number of participants during a mission simulation?
A. 9-16 participants for mini-missions; 16-32 participants for full missions.
Q. What is the cost for chaperones?
A. Only teachers or school personnel are permitted in the Space Mission Simulator. There is no charge for parents, who will be asked to view the program from outside Mission Control.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. If the field trip is cancelled in writing more than 48 hours in advance of the arrival time, there is no monetary penalty. If the field trip is cancelled in writing less than 48 hours in advance of arrival time, the school/organization that booked the field trip is liable for one hundred percent of the field trip cost. We ask that you please notify us as soon as possible of changes to your plans by contacting the sales coordinator.
Q. Are scholarships available?
A. The Challenger Learning Center is a not-for-profit organization. A limited number of scholarships are made available from time to time thanks to the generosity of donors. Contact our education department at 850.645.7773 or sales department at 850.645.7777 for more information.
Q. Can I or my business/organization sponsor a school to take part in a space mission simulation?
A. Yes! Click here for sponsorship information or call 850.645.7772 for more information.
Q. How can I get more information on teacher workshops?
A. For more information on teacher workshops, call our education department at 850.645.7773.
Memberships
How can I purchase a membership?
Membership can be purchased online or in person at our box office. For additional instructions, please click here.
Can I purchase a membership as a gift?
Yes, all levels of our memberships can be purchased as gifts. When you fill out the form, please note whether you would like to receive the packet or if you would like it sent to the person you are purchasing it for. Click here to complete a membership form.
Are my Challenger Learning Center IMAX® passes good at other IMAX® theatres?
No, Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is a stand-alone institutional theatre.
Are my children covered by my membership level?
Children, living in the same household as the membership holder and under the age of 18, are covered in the Family Membership. Duo memberships are valid for two designated individuals; this can be one adult and one child.
How long will it take to get my membership card?
Membership cards can take up to 10 business days to arrive. Your membership is active as soon as you purchase it. Until you receive your card, simply show your receipt of purchase and a valid photo ID at the Box Office.
I have forgotten/lost my membership card. What do I do?
If you have forgotten to bring your membership card with you, no problem! Just verify your information at the Box Office and you will be able to redeem your benefits. If you have lost your membership card, please call the sales coordinator at 850.645.7777. After your information is verified, your new card will be on the way.
Are there memberships for businesses?
Not currently, but we do offer donation and sponshorship opportunites. Learn more about these options by clicking here.
Camp Challenger
Q. How can I get more information on camps?
A. In the website menu, go to Programs & Camps and select Camp Challenger for camp information or call our sales coordinator at 850.645.7777.
Q.What is the minimum grade level to attend camp?
A. Campers must have completed kindergarten to attend our summer camps. Campers must be currently enrolled in full-day kindergarten to attend day camps (fall, winter and spring break).
Q.How does the wait list work?
A. If a camp that you are interested in registering full is marked “FULL”, click on the link that says “Click Here to be Added to the Waitlist.” If a space becomes available for your camper (due to a cancellation or capacities increased), the sales coordinator will contact you promptly to verify your continued interest in the securing the spot and to collect your payment. If the sales coordinator does not is unsuccessful in reaching the contact person, they will leave a message including a deadline to respond. The parent/guardian must respond by the deadline to avoid the space being offered to the next camper on the waiting list.
Q.What does "Limited" or "Limited Spots Still Available" mean?
A. If a camp is marked “Limited” or “Limited Spots Still Available,” that indicates that there are 4/less spots still available in the camp. This indicator is meant to alert parents/guardians that very few spots are still available. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis and registration is complete and confirmed upon receipt of full payment, so if a camp has a “Limited” indicator, it is recommended that you complete your registration as soon as possible. Camps without a “Full” or “Limited” indicator likely have 5+ spots still available; however, frequently multiple registration forms are submitted at one time, before staff has an opportunity to update indicators on the website. Staff updates the website as close to real time as possible.
Q.Why do you require a new registration form for each camp session?
A. We require a new registration form for each camp session (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) for a variety of reasons. One, we ensure that we have up-to-date information (contact, medical, etc). Two, the authorizations (liability, travel, media, etc) are only valid for that particular session; we need a new signature each time you register your child for a camp. Additionally, we keep your private information secure; camp records (full registration forms) are not stored past the following camp session.
Q.Why do you request a signed Media Release?
A. The media release gives Challenger Learning Center, FSU and FAMU permission to photograph and/or videotape your child in conjunction with Camp Challenger for use on our website, promotional brochures, social media platforms or local news. Additionally, videos from the Camp Challenger Showcase during Summer Camp are posted to the CLC YouTube channel.
Q.Do campers journal their progress?
A. Campers keep a journal and/or complete writing assignments on specific content areas in order to reinforce learning, critical thinking and language skills. Journaling activities also assist in keeping students on track and engaged in learning while they are out of school.
Q.How do concessions pre-orders work?
A. If your child is in 4th grade or above, you may send money for your child to purchase snack from concessions. You may pre-order snack for K-1 and 2-3 campers at check-in. The pre-order option is available each day and is entirely voluntary. The pre-order options will be sent out with the parent/guardian information letter the week prior to the camp session.
Q.Does camp include lunch?
A. No. Campers will have the option to prepay for one week of lunches. Prepaid lunch options may include: OG Subs, Brooklyn Pizza, Veggie Nuggets, etc. If this option is not selected students will be required to bring their own lunch each day. We do not provide refrigeration or a microwave for lunches.
Q.Are movies and/or shows part of Extended Care?
A. Yes, during Extended Care and some camps as applicable, counselors will show movies or shows. If shown during camp instructional times, the movie or show is featured to enhance camper learning and understanding of the topic. Most of this content is rated G, but some titles are PG (parental guidance).
Birthday Parties
Q. Who can I speak with about birthday parties?
A. Click here for birthday party information or call our sales coordinator at 850.645.7777.
Q. What is the minimum age for birthday parties?
A. Our birthday parties are for children ages three and older.