The kids and I ventured out this past week to see a movie. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find a movie that doesn't make me wish I was an octopus so I would have enough arms to cover six children's eyes and ears during inappropriate moments in the film. My 12 year old recalled how a few months ago we filmed a commercial for the Challenger Learning Center announcing their newly remodeled IMAX 3D theater. Secretly I was thrilled because I know that at the Challenger Learning Center there are films that will entertain everyone. They have wonderful documentary films like Born to Be Wild and Life Under the Sea that will entertain the entire family. If you have young children, you know how hard it can be to get them to sit still for an entire movie. These films last between 45-50 minutes so they are perfect for little ones. The Challenger Learning Center also offers viewing of some hot Hollywood films, like the new Pirates of the Caribbean film and Super 8 which are always in 3D.
The Challenger Learning Center is located downtown at Kleman Plaza. Don't let the fear of not finding a parking space keep you away, there is a parking garage located at Kleman Plaza make parking a snap. The movies run at varying times each day, be sure and go to www.BigIMAX3D.com to get the movie times for the day you plan to visit. I am happy to say that everyone agreed to see Born to Be Wild 3D. The prices are comparable to most movie theaters and there is no extra fee because it is 3D like you find at some theaters. Be sure and catch the morning show during the week for a real savings! I didn't break the bank at the concession stand either. The$4.00 kids snack pack, which includes a soda, popcorn, and candy, can tame the wildest beast.
I don't think I have been to a 3D movie since Jaws 3 and let me tell you, things have changed! My kids told me I sounded so dorky the way I was carrying on about how clear the picture was, but I have never seen anything like this before. The Challenger Learning Center truly provides the ultimate experience with the images and sound. The screen is larger than any movie screen I have seen and the quality of the picture takes you away. The movie was a huge hit with the kids. The little ones laughed when the monkey swung out towards them and my six year old kept putting his hand out to try and touch the elephants in the movie. I could tell my teenagers were having fun because they didn't touch their phones to text the entire time we were there! All six of the kids were disappointed when the movie ended.
Give yourself some extra time to look around the Challenger Learning Center. There are lots of fun space facts for the kids to learn about and a space module that even impresses the adults. If you want to make a day out of your visit to the Challenger Learning Center, there is also a Digital Dome and Planetarium. This is where I get to brag that the Challenger Learning Center Digital Dome uses a Digistar 3 System, which is the world's first and only completely integrated digital planetarium system. In the words of a mom that means that the entire family will have a wonderful experience!
If you have a child dreaming of becoming an astronaut, then you will want to check out the Challenger Learning Center Space Mission Simulator. On the second Saturday of each month, from 10 am-12 pm, young astronauts, above the age of nine, can take part in a NASA mission to the moon or Mars. Be sure and check out the dates at www.CHALLENGERTLH.com and go ahead and reserve your place in space!
I smiled contently as we drove home. My 12 year old son said, "Don't you wish we had Morgan Freeman to narrate our life?" (still makes me laugh to think about how funny that would be). My ten year old daughter asked me if she could have her birthday party there and my eight year old asked me why wasn't real life in 3D. The older ones took it upon themselves to start waving their hands in front of her face to show her that life really is in 3D. So much for the peaceful moments lasting long!
Tags: 3D, Born To Be Wild, Challenger Learning Center, Children, Family, Film, IMAX, Kleman Plaza, Life Under the Sea, Movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tallahassee
Blythe NewsomeBlythe Newsome is a single mother of six children ages 6,8,10,12,14 and 16. While a morning radio show host, her family was featured on an episode of the Supernanny in 2007. The reality of this single mom who spends her days getting GI Joes out of the toilet, explaining to her girls that you can not cut your hair like you do your Barbie’s, convincing herself that ketchup on a hotdog counts as a vegetable and letting America see what hides underneath her couch cushions made her family one of “America’s Most Asked About Families” from the show according to producers. ABC came back to film the 100th episode which aired in March 2010. When not playing the role of nurse, teacher, chef, referee, taxi driver, coach, or housekeeper, she writes a syndicated column called Flirting with Forty.
“As a Tallahassee native, I am passionate about this city, raising my children here and I am always searching for new adventures for us. When people think about a vacation, this is the place to come. The city is rich in history, annual events and provides people of all ages with something to do”. Each week Blythe and her children will share with you the stories and pictures of the adventures that are waiting for you in Tallahassee!
