Adler Planetarium Celebrates a Summer of Science with Hands-On, Minds-On Activities for the Whole Family
These events are excellent opportunities to keep discovering science all summer long. Illinois teachers: see the free offers below specifically for you.
Launch a high-altitude balloon, learn about black holes, explore a virtual 3D model of the universe, and even “cook” a comet at the Adler Planetarium’s Summer of Science. From June through August, the museum hosts a series of family-focused days filled with hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and expert talks designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Adler Planetarium Summer of Science
Summer of Science activities are included with standard museum admission and are available throughout each event day. Teachers in Illinois (K–12) receive free general admission; the Adler also offers free museum entry onsite to active-duty military, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois pre-K through 12th-grade teachers with valid occupational identification.
The Summer of Science lineup showcases the Adler’s diverse programs, including high-altitude ballooning, citizen science initiatives, observatory activities, and youth education. These special event days are a chance to meet Adler scientists, explore engineering projects, and experience immersive visualization tools used to study the cosmos.
Featured Summer Events at the Adler Planetarium
“This is one of the many ways the Adler is celebrating its 85th anniversary,” says Sarah Cole, Vice President of Visitor Experience. “Many visitors are surprised to learn about our ballooning program, observatory access, citizen science projects, and expanding youth offerings. Each Summer of Science day highlights a different area of our work and gives families a hands-on taste of what it takes to explore the universe.”
Saturday, July 11 — Astronomy Day: Discover how stars and planets form, learn what a black hole is and how astronomers study them, and meet Adler astronomers to ask questions. Interactive tables and demonstrations will let visitors experiment with celestial mechanics and even build a model “comet” to understand the materials and processes that create these icy wanderers.
Saturday, July 25 — DIY Space: Since 2006 the Adler’s Far Horizons high-altitude balloon program has enabled participants to design and launch experiments into near-space. DIY Space invites makers, tinkerers, and curious families to explore space engineering with hands-on projects. Attendees can learn basic electronics and see how hobbyist tools help steer and monitor giant helium balloons during real launches.
Saturday, August 8 — Space Visualization: How do scientists transform data into visual representations of galaxies, star fields, and cosmic structures? This day features demonstrations and workshops in 3D modeling, animation, and scientific visualization. Visitors can tour the Space Visualization Lab, watch live demos, and try simple visualization exercises to better understand how we “see” the universe through data.
Saturday, August 29 — Power of the Crowd: The Summer of Science concludes with a focus on crowdsourcing and community-driven science. Activities include collaborative sky-mapping projects, a Community Design Lab where families storyboard and prototype crowd-powered ideas, and opportunities to learn how coordinated public participation contributes to real scientific research.
About the Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium, founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler, is America’s first planetarium. As a long-standing leader in public engagement, the Adler combines research, education, and public programming to inspire future generations of explorers. Museum scientists, historians, educators, and technicians work together to make astronomy and space science approachable and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Looking for Adler Planetarium Free Days?
The Adler regularly offers special admission days and discounts. For up-to-date information about free museum days, special offers, and educator benefits, check the Adler Planetarium’s official special offers and tickets pages or contact the museum directly before planning your visit. Hours, event schedules, and program details can change seasonally.