PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

There is no better place to take the kids to see the stars in Chicago than the Adler Planetarium! Located within walking distance of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Soldier Field, the planetarium is the big domed building adjacent to Lake Michigan itself.

I personally find this place to be especially wonderful for families with school aged children, because there are plenty of hands on exhibits to check out. Plus, the special exhibits hosted in the Star Rider theatre have comfy chairs that fully recline, allowing folks to take in the virtual night sky - perfect for allowing everyone to wind down and take in the breath taking show! Finish off the day by checking out America’s Courtyard, which like Stonehenge in England, captures the changing seasons with a modern twist.

Another really cool exhibit is the Rainbow Lobby, best to check out when the sun is in the west. Filtered light through beveled glass creates little rainbows all over the walls. Of course, plenty of new exhibits are being developed all the time down in the Space Visualization Laboratory, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by for a visit!

Unlike most museums, the gift shops and cafe here are actually a little bit more than places to drop some cash and munch. The Galileo Cafe has a wonderful view of the city’s skyline and offers food a little out of the ordinary, and the Infinity Shop sells freeze dried ice cream, which is always a hit with the kids, on top of some really cool themed educational toys and gifts. Pricey, yes, but the proceeds go to support the planetarium, so the cost is justified, and perhaps can give you an idea of what to look out for on your next toy shopping excursion.

Free parking is available by the meters on Sundays, but since they’re in high demand, you need to get down there early to scoop one up! There is also a cash lot nearby, with cabs and public transportation always available. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!