How Much Is Admission to the Planetarium Chicago?
Experience our solar system and beyond with a visit to the planetarium in Chicago. Here, you’ll find an array of shows and exhibits designed to inspire space exploration among both kids and adults alike.
The museum is open daily, except Sundays and federal holidays. Children 14 and under, Illinois teachers and military personnel receive free admission.
General Admission
Planetarium Chicago is one of the city’s top attractions, drawing nearly half a million visitors annually. If you’re considering visiting, be sure to check out their website for admission prices and special offers.
Visitors to the planetarium during summer hours can take advantage of extended hours from 9:30 am to 4 pm weekdays and 4 to 10 pm Wednesdays. Plus, they offer Sky Shows – popular among kids for their stargazing tour and special effects – which take place throughout the day.
General admission costs $19 for adults and $8 for children 3-11; access to Sky Shows requires an additional cost.
Planetarium Chicago tickets can be purchased both in advance online, or upon arrival at the front desk. If you’re planning a visit during peak season, it’s wise to book your tickets ahead of time in order to guarantee getting the seats of your choice.
The Adler Planetarium is situated on Chicago’s Museum Campus, home to other renowned museums like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute of Chicago. Hotels and other tourist attractions can be found within a short walk from the museum as well as various public transportation options.
Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission to the planetarium on certain days. Their website keeps an up-to-date list, so be sure to check before planning your visit. Alternatively, you can purchase an All-Access Pass which grants you general admission on all days except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Other benefits include free admission for LINK and WIC card holders, first responders, active military personnel and veterans. To take advantage of these offers, simply present valid identification at the admissions counter when arriving.
At Adler Planetarium, visitors can explore the universe and space through exhibitions such as Mission Moon, Our Solar System and the Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time.
At Mission Moon, you’ll explore the history of space travel and the Apollo missions. You can even touch fragments of Moon and Mars and witness meteorite impacts up close! The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time will take you from our solar system’s beginnings backward to the Big Bang itself.
Sky Shows
The Adler Planetarium is one of Chicago’s most beloved museums, boasting numerous must-see exhibits and sky shows. With an annual attendance of half a million visitors, this attraction stays open Monday through Sunday throughout the year with discounts and special offers galore.
Children and adults can take pleasure in a range of exciting space exploration experiences, including hands-on displays, simulations, movies that play on a giant domed screen, and more. Though smaller than some other museums on Chicago’s Museum Campus, this smaller museum still provides families with an excellent chance to learn about space and the universe through various activities.
Take a trip to the Moon with Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo, explore constellations such as the Big Dipper and North Star in this sing-along adventure, or learn about stars in an entertaining yet educational manner. Plus, experience Grainger Sky Theater, equipped with Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unforgettable experience!
For a more immersive experience, the Space Theater offers an ultrarealistic 3D map of the observable universe based on millions of observations from astronomers. This map produces stunning sky shows in the planetarium.
In addition to its Sky Shows, the Adler Planetarium boasts an array of other exhibits and shows sure to please everyone. You can view the latest space discoveries, visit a medieval classroom that gives an inside look at how people were inspired by stars, and explore the inventions of teachers, mathematicians, monks, and kings alike.
The museum’s Community Design Lab is an inviting hub that encourages collaboration, curiosity and experimentation. Situated on the upper level, it provides visitors with a range of challenges and activities to immerse them in science-related fun.
On certain nights, the Doane Observatory opens its doors (weather permitting). While not included in your admission ticket, this observatory offers a unique chance for visitors to get up close and personal with the night sky.
Military Discount
If you are an active-duty military member, retiree, reservist or veteran, there are plenty of local museums where you can receive free admission as a thank-you for all that has been sacrificed. Popular spots include the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium Brookfield Zoo Michigan’s Adventure and Legoland Discovery Center.
If a free ticket isn’t enough, many attractions offer military discounts on select days throughout the year. This is an excellent way to save money and ensure everyone in your family has an enjoyable experience.
The Field Museum in Chicago offers free basic admission year-round for Illinois teachers (pre-K-12th grade) and military personnel with valid ID. Furthermore, certain dates throughout the year feature special discount days exclusively for residents of Illinois.
Additionally, Navy Pier offers free family days every Thursday from January through May and September and October. This is an excellent opportunity for your kids to spend some time outside while learning about Chicago’s history!
Adler Planetarium is an excellent destination to discover the universe. Their exhibitions cover topics from stars and planets to space and time. They offer several different Sky Shows, such as Mission Moon or Our Solar System.
In addition to these exhibits, the Adler Planetarium often hosts pop-up exhibitions with one-of-a kind architecture and interactive motion sensing displays. Plus, visitors have exclusive access to the Atwood Sphere for an unforgettable nighttime view over Chicago.
You’ll also find military discounts at many attractions throughout Detroit, such as Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, SeaLife Michigan and Legoland Discovery Center. All that’s required to take advantage of these savings is to present your military ID at the ticketing desk at each attraction.
The Shedd Aquarium also provides discounted tickets to active-duty military personnel, Chicago police officers and firefighters. This includes discounts to both Abbott Oceanarium and Wild Reef attractions at the aquarium as well. This is an ideal solution for anyone wanting to experience all that the Shedd Aquarium has to offer but cannot stomach paying full price.
CityPASS
Are you searching for a way to save money on admission to the planetarium Chicago? Consider CityPASS. These tickets bundle admission fees at top attractions within a particular city and can offer savings of up to 50% off individual prices.
This type of pass is especially beneficial if you plan to stay in the area for more than one day and want to make the most of your experience. It allows you to visit all the top attractions without having to shell out cash for admission fees, plus it gives you plenty of time for exploring the city as well.
Chicago CityPASS is a booklet of tickets that grants access to five top attractions for just over half the cost. Plus, it comes with exclusive bonus offers and discounts that can further enhance your trip’s value.
Your pass can be accessed via smartphone app or printed PDF and presented to the attraction for entry. This convenient and straightforward option makes getting the most out of your time in the city a great option for any traveler.
Another advantage of this pass is its validity for nine days from activation date, giving you ample time to visit all attractions and take advantage of any special exhibits or shows. Planning ahead can help avoid crowds and maximize your efficiency when exploring different sights.
Military members and Illinois teachers (K-12) can get free admission to the Adler Planetarium by showing your military ID. Therefore, it’s wise to check the website in advance for any special dates or offers.
The Adler Planetarium is an excellent learning resource about the night sky. With a large telescope and domed theaters, visitors can explore stars, planets and other outer space objects while watching various astronomical shows.