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 Children's Museum offers endless opportunities for children to engage in play. They can explore a schooner, hide in a treehouse, construct a towering skyscraper, experiment with essential tools, fish in a river, create art to take home, and much more. Play is a powerful tool that promotes learning, creativity, and development. The museum is dedicated to creating a community where play and learning intersect and enhancing children's lives through these experiences. The Chicago Children's Museum has grown significantly over the last thirty years. Once located in just a few hallways of the Chicago Cultural Center, it now provides arts programs, STEM experiments, imaginative play, and other activities to more than 11 million children, parents, and caregivers.
Chicago is renowned worldwide for its architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a variety of tours to showcase some of the city's most exceptional buildings. With walking, bus, and boat tours available, visitors can explore the downtown area or one of the city's many charming neighborhoods. Expert docents will guide you and share the stories behind the buildings, whether you visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels, or legendary houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours, you may need help selecting just one.
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.