Adler PlanetariumYAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!
- Offers hands-on learning? Yes
- Engages an active toddler in play? Yes
- Provides interaction with other children? Yes
- Allows children room to play without long waits? Yes
- Is clean? Yes
I hate to be cornball, but this place was out of this world. Adler offers so much to engage children ages 1 - 8.
We began our visit at "Planet Explorers," which is a new and pretty well publicized interactive exhibit. It's great for ages 8 and below. My son loved exploring Planet X, which is a fictitious planet kids can discover. They had life size rovers to drive around with a hand crank, remote control vehicles the drive over the planet's surface, tunnels to explore under Planet X, a slide, and building blocks & tubes. There were gears and buttons galore so my son was totally enthralled until lunch time.
We enjoyed lunch in Galileo's Cafe, the planetarium's cafeteria. I would gush about the wall-to-wall windows where you enjoy an unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, but I have to gush about the service. One of the staffers went out of her way to help me with both boys. She got my son in a high chair and moved the tables so I could fit the stroller next to my seat. It was just above and beyond, and very much appreciated.
Overall, the staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. They took the time to explain the narrative of Planet Explorers and walk us through the entire exhibit. They even engaged my toddler so I could feed the baby while he safely played. A lovelier group of staff people I have never met.
After lunch, we checked out the "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure." It's only 25 minutes, and features Big Bird, Elmo, and a Chinese muppet, Hu Hu Zhu. Children learn about the sun, moon, stars, and Chinese language and culture. Because it is designed for children, they can be as raucous and unruly as they like, which takes a lot of stress off mom. The theater completely surrounds you and the seats recline so little heads were going everywhere. It was too much fun! The show does double your admission price, however.
As with all institutions on the Museum Campus, you do pay extra for parking and it is outside. But the walk to Adler is short from the back lot.
All in all, I was blown away by Adler Planetarium. The helpful, friendly staff made our visit even more enjoyable. We will certainly be back!
Addendum: My son has been asking to return since we left ("Big Bird Elmo Moon, please") so I can safely say this was a big hit!
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