Plan a Visit
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Free Daily Activities
 
Weekend Activities
Space Visualization Lab
Weekend Activities
Daily Activities
The Adler Planetarium provides free* programming on the weekends for families with young children as well as general visitors. These programs are led by volunteers, docents, and Adler educators. Drop in for a 5 minute interaction, or stay for the entire time.
*Free with admission
Program Schedule
November 14 and 15, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Let's Go Fly a Kite!
Discover how the Moon and Earth are different by exploring the properties of air. Together, families will make a kite that is safe to fly indoors
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Gallery Conversations
Discover how telescopes have changed our ways of thinking about the universe throughout history.
November 21, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - The Phases of the Moon
The Moon's appearance changes in a regular cycle that lasts about a month. This activity helps children discover, observe and name the different shapes of the Moon.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Bigger Better Telescopes
Discover how telescopes collect light and how lenses work in this fun and exciting game.
November 27, 28, and 29 2009
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Winter and Holiday Programming
Celebrate your Thanksgiving break at the Adler with "lights in the sky" themed hands-on activities. Children and caregivers will learn about observing, light and stargazing.

Activities will rotate, but may include:
Exploring Ultraviolet Light
How do modern telescopes help us "see" the invisible Universe? Learn more about this invisible light and create your very own sensor to detect it.

Gallery Conversations
Discover how telescopes have changed our ways of thinking about the universe throughout history.

Around the World With Stars
You and your child will discover patterns in the stars, while learning about stories that have been recounted by other groups over the ages.

December 5, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Crater Creations!
Learn about the Moon's surface as you and your child create craters in this fun, hands-on activity.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Gallery Conversations
Discover how telescopes have changed our ways of thinking about the universe throughout history.
December 12, 2009 - Packing for the Moon
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What would you need to take if you took a trip to the Moon? This activity gives parent and child a chance to "Pack" a suitcase for an imaginary trip.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Sundials
Explore methods of telling time before the invention of clocks and watches with your children as you create your own old-fashioned timepiece.
December 19 and 20, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Let's Go Fly a Kite!
Discover how the Moon and Earth are different by exploring the properties of air. Together, families will make a kite that is safe to fly indoors.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Balloon Rockets
How is a balloon like a rocket? Find out in this fun, family activity, designed to demonstrate how a real rocket actually works.
December 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Winter and Holiday Programming
Celebrate your Holiday break at the Adler with "lights in the sky" themed hands-on activities. Children and caregivers will learn about observing, light and stargazing.

Activities will rotate, but may include:
Exploring Ultraviolet Light
How do modern telescopes help us "see" the invisible Universe? Learn more about this invisible light and create your very own sensor to detect it.

Gallery Conversations
Discover how telescopes have changed our ways of thinking about the universe throughout history.

Around the World With Stars
You and your child will discover patterns in the stars, while learning about stories that have been recounted by other groups over the ages.

Space Visualization Laboratory
At SVL people can experience the prototypes of new interactive visualizations that will eventually move to other areas of the museum, and attend presentations by astronomers and related researchers that take advantage of the visualizations.
Location
The Space Visualization Laboratory is located on the lower level, just beyond the north stairs.
Hours
During open hours visitors can look behind the scenes and talk to Adler space science and technology experts about on-going projects. Monday-Saturday: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Learn more about the Space Visualization Laboratory >>
  
 
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1300 South Lake Shore Drive • Chicago IL 60605 • 312-922-STAR (7827)		 Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat./Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.