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Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

1. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city. Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower. After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building. See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

2. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

Relax as you glide over the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan on this cruise. Enjoy the glow of the sunset on Chicago's sparkling skyline. Have the option to purchase delectable drinks and snacks at the onboard bar as you sail. Start your sunset cruise on the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue. Make your way along the main branch of the river towards Lake Michigan before entering the Chicago Locks, a modern engineering marvel, that will transfer the vessel onto the great Lake Michigan. The vessel will cruise along Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the wonderful skyline offering several amazing views. Your local tour guide will give a very brief commentary along the Chicago River and entrance to Lake Michigan, but most of the 1.5-hour cruise is spent without narration, leaving you to watch the sun put on a beautiful display with the City skyline. Admire the many angles of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Capture magical views of Chicago's twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the John Hancock Building. You'll also get to admire the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. During your cruise, treat yourself at the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products. Try local beer and spirits and Garrett’s Popcorn. Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Chicago: CityPASS® Save 48% or More on 5 Top Attractions

3. Chicago: CityPASS® Save 48% or More on 5 Top Attractions

Make use of the Chicago CityPASS® on your next trip to Chicago. See amazing animals, incredible views, fascinating science, world-class art, and more with your Chicago CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 48% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Shedd Aquarium – All-access admission • Skydeck Chicago – Expedited entry to Willis Tower’s 103rd Floor with admission to The Ledge Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Field Museum – All-Access Pass, including admission to all permanent and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions, plus your choice of 1 digital 3D film. Movie selection is subject to availability and specially ticketed exhibitions outside the All-Access Pass may be subject to additional charges • Art Institute of Chicago – Fast Pass Admission to permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions • Museum of Science and Industry– Museum entry to Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, YOU! The Experience, and much more, plus 1 timed-entry experience for a Giant Dome Theater film or Motion Ride • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck – Express entry admission • Adler Planetarium – All exhibitions and 2 Sky Shows • Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

Chicago: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

4. Chicago: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Experience the Windy City like never before with our hop-on, hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour! Marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Chicago, including the iconic John Hancock Center, the towering Willis Tower, and the historic Wrigley Building. Our knowledgeable tour guides will provide you with fascinating facts and insights into Chicago's rich history as you explore the city's most impressive landmarks. Hop on and off as many times as you want to visit attractions such as the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium and Field Natural History Museum. Travel along the famous Magnificent Mile, considered one of the world's great avenues, and cross over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River. With our convenient stops located throughout the city, it's easy to navigate your way around and explore at your own pace. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket, and take your time discovering all that Chicago has to offer. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience - book your hop-on, hop-off bus tour today!

Chicago: Go City Explorer Pass Choice of 2-7 Attractions

5. Chicago: Go City Explorer Pass Choice of 2-7 Attractions

With the Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City you can visit top sites such as the Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago, or The Field Museum, all on one handy pass. Enjoy great savings on admission to your choice of 2 to 7 top Chicago attractions and tours, and pay nothing at the gate. Explore at your own pace on a hop-on and hop-off Chicago bus tour, or aboard one of two lake cruises. You have 60 days to use your pass from your first attraction visit. To help you create your own itinerary you'll also get a free digital guide. Use it to help you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. The most popular activities require advanced reservations, check instructions on the included Go City guide, and make sure to place reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment. Included Chicago attractions to choose from with your Explorer Pass: • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Classic Tour • 360 CHICAGO • Skydeck Chicago (reservations required) • Navy Pier - 4 -Ride Pass • Adler Planetarium • 10pin Chicago 90-minute Bowling & Pizza (reservations required) • America Writers Museum • Shoreline Architecture River Cruise • Shoreline Classic Lake Tour • Field Museum • Museum of Science and Industry • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Bike Chicago: 4 Hour Bike Rental • Big Bus Chicago: Panoramic Night Tour • Chicago Children's Museum • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour • Chicago History Museum • Museum of Contemporary Art • Robie House • Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour • Panoramic and Scenic North Side Tour • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home • Historic Chicago South Shore Tour • Grand Tour • Lincoln Park Zoo Rides

Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

6. Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

This half-hour Seadog Speedboat ride along Chicago’s lakefront is one of the best ways to view the city’s skyline while learning about the city. Combine an exciting speedboat ride with informative and amusing stories about the world-famous Windy City. As you depart Chicago's Navy Pier, your captain will tell you interesting facts about the pier and the lakefront as he cranks up the music and races to key lakefront landmarks. Stop near the picturesque lakefront park of the Chicago Museum campus, where you’ll learn about the architecture and history of Chicago. Admire views of the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, including the Buckingham Fountain, Sears Tower, Grant Park, and Chicago's largest shopping district. Listen to the thrilling sound of the turbo engines as you race around the Lake Michigan waterfront and back to the Navy Pier. Upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride Option and experience exhilarating speeds and full 360° spins. This jet-propelled ride blasts off to start and splashes down to stop. Experience full-throttle slalom runs, sharp twists and turns, and the raw power of Seadog Extreme's 1400 HP engines.

Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

7. Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass by Go City provides free admission to the city’s top activities, attractions, and tours, offering the ultimate in convenience and savings. Choose durations of 1, 2, 3, or 5 days at a low, pre-paid price and save up to 45% compared to buying separate attraction tickets. Take a trip up to SkyDeck Chicago, visit the Field Museum, have fun at Navy Pier, and enjoy a cruise. All these and more are included with your Chicago All-Inclusive Pass. The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass comes with a digital guide including useful attraction information. Use it to help you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. Activities, attractions, and tours included with the Chicago All-Inclusive Pass: • Shedd Aquarium (reservations required) • SkyDeck Chicago (reservations required) • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Classic Tour • 360 CHICAGO • Adler Planetarium • Museum of Science and Industry • Field Museum • Shoreline Architecture River Cruise • Shoreline Classic Lake Tour • Chicago Children's Museum • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Bike Chicago: 4 Hour Bike Rental • Chicago History Museum • Lincoln Park Zoo Rides • Museum of Contemporary Art • Robie House • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour • Panoramic and Scenic North Side Tour • Historic Chicago South Shore Tour • Grand Tour • Chicago Theatre Tour • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home • 10pin Chicago 90-minute Bowling & Pizza (reservations required) • American Writers Museum Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide included on your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions.

Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

8. Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

Segways are amazingly fun and there is no better way to tour a world-class city like Chicago than on your own personal set of wheels--a Segway! Our eight-mile Lakefront Chicago Segway tour lets you learn about and view and many Chicago's attractions in a highly unique way. As you glide effortlessly and enjoy the lakefront, you can learn the history of our city from your friendly and professional tour guide. Immerse yourself in the area's countless attractions, gorgeous parks and gardens, and stunning photo opportunities. See sights like Grant Park, the BP Bridge, the Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain, as well as generous views of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyline. Segways are safe to use, easy to learn, and fun to ride. We offer a thorough training session from our certified guides before we begin the tour.

Chicago: Full-Day or Half-Day Bike Rental

9. Chicago: Full-Day or Half-Day Bike Rental

Chicago proudly ranks as the country’s best city for cycling because of its flat terrain, miles of bike trails, and interconnected neighborhoods, parks, and attractions. Your bike rental starts in the heart of Chicago’s 20-mile Lakefront Bike Trail, near Navy Pier. Choose between a full-day bike rental or a 4-hour bike rental to explore Chicago at your own pace. You’ll receive a helmet, a bike lock, and a detailed map to help you easily navigate your way around the city. Enjoy biking to a variety of attractions and create your own sightseeing itinerary to fit in with your family's interests. Start cycling along the shores of Lake Michigan for gorgeous views of Navy Pier, featuring family-friendly attractions, entertainment, shopping and dining. Continue to Millennium Park, a lively gathering spot that's home to Cloud Gate. Stop here to take a photo of yourself reflected in the mirror of this famous bean-shaped sculpture. Further south, you’ll find Grant Park, whose Buckingham Fountain stands tall as one of the largest fountains in the world. Just South of there lies Museum Campus, a 57-acre park on Lake Michigan that’s home to the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History, as well as the Soldier Field football stadium. Alternatively head north to Lincoln Park, a large lakeside community and park home to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Entrance is free, so you can hop off your bike to explore some amazing animal exhibits. Of course, you can’t miss Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play.

Chicago: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

10. Chicago: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

Make this a truly special holiday with a Thanksgiving gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan. You and your guests will enjoy a celebratory 3-course, plated lunch with all the trimmings freshly prepared by the chef, and full bar service. While onboard, experience exceptional views of Chicago’s iconic skyline and architecture, DJ entertainment, and festive décor. The crew will happily take care of the details, leaving you to celebrate the holidays on Lake Michigan with your friends and family. Sample STARTER (CHOICE OF ONE - ALL STARTERS ACCOMPANIED BY FRESH BREAD AND BUTTER)BEET & BABY ARUGULA SALAD Feta Cheese | Cherry Tomatoes | Balsamic VinaigretteSIGNATURE SEAFOOD CHOWDER (G*)Clams | Idaho Potatoes | Cream MAIN (CHOICE OF ONE)TURKEY DINNERGarlic Mashed Potato | Traditional Stuffing | Haricot Verts | Turkey Gravy | Cranberry SauceBROILED SALMON FILET WITH ROASTED TOMATO VINAIGRETTELemon Orzo | Farm Fresh Seasonal VegetablesFALL VEGETABLE RAGU Butternut Squash | Brussel Sprouts | Cauliflower | Carrots | White Bean Ragu DESSERTSEASONAL DESSERT STATION (G*)(V)(N)Assorted Cakes | Brownies | Pastries | Seasonal Fruit | *Contains Nuts

Available activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Adler Planetarium

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What people are saying about Adler Planetarium

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,060 reviews

It worked well and was recognized by all the listed vendors. To get the best value you really need to stay busy all day and evening at these venues.

I found really helpful to get the city pass, you skip the long queues everywhere and the process of getting the tickets is really fast

We enjoyed all the attractions on City Pass Chicagoand I would recommend it to everyone who wants to see what Chicago has to offer.

The pass is very easy to use and has some great locations in Chicago where it is accepted. Highly recommended.

Superb commentary from informed, intelligent and interesting boat tour guide.