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.
Navy Pier, built in 1916, was the largest in the world at that time. It served as a docking area for passenger excursion steamers and cargo ships. During both World Wars, Navy Pier was utilized for military purposes such as housing, training, and more. In its non-military role, the pier had many attractions, including a streetcar line, theater, emergency room, picnicking areas, dance hall, auditorium, children's playground, and more. Navy Pier, which sits on the lakefront, occupies approximately 50 acres of land, with sprawling parks, gardens, and sculptures on the lawns. The attraction also has several shops and restaurants. Navy Pier offers a variety of activities, including boat parades, air shows, sightseeing tours, festivals, and fireworks, making it the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago.
Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing is Chicago's first and only Climbing Park. It features two magnificent custom-designed rock climbing structures that offer a unique outdoor recreational experience for beginners and experts alike. The park staff provides instructions and supervision to ensure the safety of the climbers. The combination of Skating Ribbon and Climbing Park makes it an all-season park inviting and engaging for Chicagoans and visitors. The climbing walls are 40 feet high and cover an area of 19,000 square feet. The wall is divided into beginner and advanced sections, and there are three types of climbing: bouldering, lead-harnessed, and top rope. The climbing wall can comfortably accommodate 25 to 100 climbers at any given time.