Darren Hancock, DC

The Adler Planetarium is a must-visit spot for astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in space exploration. Founded by philanthropist Max Adler in 1930, it was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and remains the oldest. The planetarium boasts three full-size theaters, including the Sky Theater planetarium, where visitors can enjoy various shows and presentations about the night sky. The Sky Theater projector can recreate every aspect and movement of the night sky, giving visitors an incredibly realistic experience. The Definiti Space Theater, an addition made in 1999, comes equipped with a digital full-dome video environment for an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy sculptures outside the planetarium, such as the "Man Enters the Cosmos" sundial and a statue of renowned astronomer Nicholas Copernicus. The lobby's dedication plaque is also a work of art, depicting the gods and goddesses that represent each planet, except for Pluto, which had yet to be discovered at the time of the plaque's creation.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a breathtaking outdoor oasis over 385 acres with 24 stunning gardens. The Landscape Gardens, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Heritage Garden, Waterfall Garden, Japanese Garden, and the English Walled Garden are among the many displays. In addition to these specialty displays, visitors can enjoy seasonal walks and explore what's in bloom. For families with children, the Nature Play Garden is a must-visit destination. Admission to the Garden includes access to popular seasonal attractions like Butterflies & Blooms, Model Railroad Garden, and Grand Tram Tours. Whether you're looking to stroll, take photos, find a beautiful bird or flower, shop, eat, or have fun with your family, the Garden has something for everyone.

The Chicago History Museum was founded in 1856, but unfortunately, most of its initial collection was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire. The destructive fire resulted in the loss of some of the museum's original artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Since its reconstruction, the Chicago History Museum has amassed an impressive collection of historical artifacts relevant to Chicago and the nation. The collection comprises furniture used by Abraham Lincoln, the clothing he and his wife wore on the night of his assassination, and the first passenger car used in the Chicago 'L' system. Additionally, the museum has other materials, such as manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and photographs that relate to the local history of Chicago. The Chicago History Museum also boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 costumes and textiles from the late 19th Century to the present day.

If you're a fan of blues music, you will want to attend Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago. This iconic blues bar is owned by the legendary blues musician Buddy Guy himself, and it's one of the best places in the country to catch a live blues performance. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have graced the stage at Buddy Guy's Legends, including Van Morrison, Bo Diddley, The Rolling Stones, Lou Rawls, ZZ Top, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many more. It's a must-visit spot for music lovers visiting Chicago.