How much does Adler Planetarium cost for a family of four?

Museum Entry starts at $76 for two adults and two children ages 3 to 11. Dome shows, parking and meals are additional.

Is Adler Planetarium good for toddlers?

Yes. Community Playlab is designed for ages 0 to 6, and Planet Explorers works well for preschool and early elementary children. Playlab hours can vary with staffing.

Can we bring a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are allowed in the museum but not inside theaters. Stroller parking is available outside each theater.

Is there a nursing or changing area?

Yes. A private nursing room is outside Planet Explorers, and mid-level restrooms have changing tables.

Do we need advance tickets?

Advance purchase is recommended, and Wednesday uses timed entry. Some special discounts require in-person verification at the box office.

Is there food inside?

Yes. Cosmic Cafe sells lunch, snacks and drinks, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Outside food is generally not allowed except for special dietary or serious allergy needs.

Adler Planetarium

Name: Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60605, US
Telephone: 312-922-7827
Rating: 4.2

Rating

4.2(3,062)

Family of 4

Starting at $76 for two adults and two children ages 3 to 11 for Museum Entry.

Duration

About 3-4 hours with one dome show; allow less time for toddlers and more for children who stop at each interactive space.

Best Ages

Best for ages 4 to 12, with a play space for ages 0 to 6 and deeper astronomy exhibits for older children and teens.

About

Adler Planetarium works across a wider age range than many science museums. Babies and toddlers have the Community Playlab, a space designed for ages 0 to 6 when staff availability allows it to open. Preschool and early elementary children can take the controls in Planet Explorers and imagine a trip to Planet X.

Older children can move into exhibitions about the Moon, other worlds and the history of astronomy, then talk with researchers in the Space Visualization Lab.

The dome theaters are the major add-on. Museum Entry starts at $25 for adults and $13 for children ages 3 to 11. A family with two adults and two children in that range starts at $76 before parking, food or a sky show.

One-show and two-show tickets cost more. Choose the show carefully because tickets cannot be changed easily and late seating is not allowed. Strollers can enter the museum but must be parked outside each theater.

Most families should plan three to four hours with one dome show. Toddlers may be ready to leave sooner, while older space fans can fill most of the day. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday through Tuesday. Wednesday is different: it opens from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and uses timed entry. Last admission is one hour before closing.

Arrival can be the hardest part. Adler is on Chicago's Museum Campus near Soldier Field and a concert venue. Events can change traffic, parking access and parking rates. The planetarium recommends public transportation. If driving, check the event schedules and current parking page before leaving.

The building is stroller friendly and has elevators. A private nursing room sits outside Planet Explorers, and mid-level restrooms have changing tables. Cosmic Cafe provides lunch and snacks, though the official site does not identify a children's menu. For lower-cost admission, review Illinois resident dates, the Chicago resident discount and Museums for All before purchasing regular tickets.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Limited

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Arrive near 9:00 AM Thursday through Tuesday. Wednesday is an evening-only visit with timed entry.

Wait Times

No official typical wait is published. Advance tickets reduce ticketing friction, but families must arrive on time because dome shows do not allow late seating.

Nearby Food

Cosmic Cafe is inside the planetarium and serves soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and drinks, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. A dedicated children's menu is not confirmed. Outside food is restricted except for special dietary or serious allergy needs.

Why Kids Love It

Children can pretend to pilot a mission in Planet Explorers, play in the age 0 to 6 Community Playlab, watch a giant dome show and ask real astronomy questions in the Space Visualization Lab.

Pro Tips from Parents

Buy tickets before the visit. Wednesday admission uses timed entry, and some discounts must be verified at the box office.
Choose dome-show times before entering. There is no late seating, and strollers must be parked outside the theaters.
The adjacent parking lots are operated separately, and rates rise or access changes during games and concerts. Check Soldier Field and Northerly Island schedules.
A private nursing room is outside Planet Explorers. Restrooms with changing tables are on the mid level.
The published phone number provides an automated information message. Guest service questions should be sent through the museum's official email contact.

What to Bring

Advance ticket confirmation
Small bag or backpack, since there are no storage lockers
Stroller for young children, with plans to park it outside theaters
Photo ID for discounts or a complimentary wheelchair
A light layer for indoor theaters

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Starting at $76 for two adults and two children ages 3 to 11 for Museum Entry.

Dome shows, parking and food cost extra.

Tips to Save

Check Illinois Resident Discount Days, the $5 Chicago resident discount and Museums for All before buying.
Eligible EBT or WIC households can receive Museum Entry for up to six people at $1 each, with $3 show upgrades.