A Perfect Date Night—Five Things to See at the Adler Planetarium

Header Image: Couple embracing while looking at the Saturn exhibit in Our Solar System, at the Adler Planetarium.

Chicago is a city full of possibilities, opportunities, and adventures. But with so many options of places to go and things to see, how do you find the perfect spot for an out-of-this-world, wholesome date night? 

The Adler Planetarium is the perfect place to get closer with loved ones and the universe. Why give your date chocolate and roses when you could give them the Sun, the Moon and all the stars?

While all of our exhibits and shows are out-of-this-world, we think these five are particularly well-suited for a romantic night under the stars. Don’t miss these five things for a perfect date night at the Adler Planetarium!

#1 Stroll Through Space and Time

The Universe: A Walk through Time and Space is the perfect exhibit to appreciate how special you are to each other and reflect back on the moment that started it all (the Big Bang, of course). 

Admire the expanse of the space and learn just how special it is that you two found each other in this massive, ever-expanding universe.

#2 Stargaze Under the Dome

There’s nothing more romantic than stargazing. And luckily, we have just the show for you and your date to see the Chicago night sky, without any of the light pollution that takes the romance out of stargazing in the city. 

Skywatch Live turns down the lights and cranks up the stars, allowing you and your date to appreciate the night sky like you never have before.

Step inside the dome theater, get comfy, and immerse yourself in breath-taking space visualizations. 

#3 Traverse Through the Spacewalk Experience

Planet Explorers, our exhibit for kids ages 3–8, is probably the last place you’d think to take your date at the Adler. But, did you know that inside the spaceship lies one of the planetarium’s hidden gems? Grab your date’s hand tight and take a step into our Spacewalk Experience. Whether it’s an opportunity to face your greatest fears, or explore your desire for space travel, this space simulator is an experience that will get your adrenaline pumping and could even test your compatibility.

Fun fact: did you know that adrenaline is one of the hormones involved in creating feelings of attraction and closeness?

Image caption: The inside of the Spacewalk Experience in the Adler Planetarium

#4 Get Closer to the Stars in the Doane Observatory

Put a new twist on loving someone to the Moon and back when you peer through our 24 inch telescope inside the Doane Observatory. 

Weather permitting, the Doane Observatory is open to the public on Wednesday nights and our astronomy educators and volunteers will help you see deeper into space. The best part? No special tickets are needed to visit the Doane, the largest publicly accessible telescope in Chicago.

#5 Take a Picture in Front of the Best View in Chicago

Commemorate your journey through the universe and snap a picture in front of the best view of Chicago.

Just outside the planetarium, you will find a clear shot of the iconic Chicago skyline with all of its twinkling lights. Take a stroll hand-in-hand along the lake and enjoy the romance of the city lights, and the quiet the Adler’s peninsula provides.

Plan the Perfect Night Under the Stars

Get tickets for a one-of-a-kind date night experience now!