Play Date at the Adler Planetarium!
Posted at 8:47 am on March 24, 2010 by Catherine
Being the mom of two very energetic, unstoppable little boys, I’m always on the lookout for good activities. I know the city of Chicago has tons to offer but because we live in the suburbs (Dupage County!) there’s only certain things that warrant a drive in. The new exhibit at the Adler Planetarium is certainly one such opportunity that has me checking the calendar and planning to make a day of it. Here’s the scoop:
On March 26, the Adler is opening a new permanent exhibition geared towards the younger set – 3 to 8 year olds. This will be the most immersive, hands-on exhibition ever created for families at the museum.
The exhibition Planet Explorers opens March 26, 2010, and offers a great space adventure packed with excitement and hands-on fun. Each child will become a space explorer and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the Universe to the mysterious Planet X. Activities will engage all of the senses as future space explorers and their caregivers climb, crawl, control, fly, land, discover and excavate their way through the exhibition. Families will feel the wonder of discovering a new world and the excitement of solving its mysteries.
Exploring Earth
The experience begins with an immersive environment in a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home and backyard where families explore on their own planet using MiScopes, electronic magnifying lenses which allow families to zoom in on the fine details of products found in the home and then displays the details on TV monitors.
Children can role-play as members of the Mission Control ground team.
Families will do planetary research together by operating rovers and space orbiters. Also, families will make preparations for space flight using interactives that simulate a rocket launch.
Exploring Space
Future astronauts can climb aboard a rocket and experience a simulated blast-off into outer space. Using computer simulations, children will check rocket systems, turn on the rocket’s internal instruments and launch the rocket. First stop, the Space Station where families will find out that things work differently in space than they do here on Earth.
Exploring Planet X
Young adventurers can play the role of planetary explorers and conduct research on the surface of another planet, far, far away. Learn what life is like living in the Planet X Research Station.
Adler Planetarium
, 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, (312) 922-STAR
Planet Explorers is made possible through the generosity of The Boeing Company.
Planet Explorers is included in the price of general admission; $10 (adults); $8 (adults-Chicago residents); $6 (children 3 – 14); $5 (children 3 – 14-Chicago residents); children ages 2 and under admitted free.
I’m so there. Who’s coming with me?
we wanna come!
we could do it sometime after preschool is over…summer break.
The Adler has a free day on April 27th. Free days tend to be a bit more crowded, but its always nice to save a dollar or two. The Sesame Street show is not included on free days, but my little ones really enjoyed it.
Also, check out the metered parking. On the peninsula heading out to the Adler, there are metered spots. If you arrive before 10:30, you can usually get one.
Have fun. Cindy – OnTheGoChicago.com
that sounds like a fun program. still, we’d rather take the metra into town though
have a great time.
Thanks for the good tips,Cindy!!
I wanna go so bad!! Sounds perfect!! We will definitely be doing this one. Thanks Cath!