Our view of the night sky can be breathtaking when light pollution is low and our attention is focused. But even with a telescope, there are certain things in the universe that we cannot see with our own eyes. Thanks to the brilliant and curious minds before us, planetariums now exist so the public can better understand and continue to explore our mysterious universe.Adler Planetarium of ChicagoThe Adler Planetarium of Chicago was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere, opening its door

Sometimes you want to see the big picture. Towering buildings and stunning city skylines are best seen from up high, and someone else’s photograph doesn’t always do the impressive view justice. Most major cities have observation decks where people can see over the tallest skyscrapers and beyond. But 360 Chicago isn’t just an observation deck. Stretching 1,000 feet above Magnificent Mile, 360 Chicago is at the top of one of the tallest buildings in the country, has the fastest elevators in North

It may be home to a famous movie star dolphin, but you won’t find much in the way of showmanship at Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). Instead, there’s a focus on rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals. We asked Abby Stone, an Animal Care Specialist and Stranding Coordinator at CMA, for an in-depth look at the aquarium.What they doGuests of Clearwater Marine Aquarium will experience a working animal hospital. CMA provides specialized care to marine animals in need, helping to heal sick and in

New York is a city that embodies our hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, and fantasies. It’s beautiful and romantic, real and exciting. It’s also, apparently, hilarious. At least, that’s what some of the best sitcoms would have you believe.So many of the best-loved sitcoms have been set in New York over the decades. People travel to New York City from all over the world to see the most recognized filming locations in real life. Now you can visit all of the most iconic locations from the top five

Denver might be well-known for its incredible front-range Rocky Mountain views, but in case you didn’t know, it also has a vibrant downtown area that’s home to some amazing attractions. Now, with our new Denver CityPASS tickets, you can visit the very best of these attractions and save up to 31% on admission!Denver CityPASS tickets allow you to choose three, four or five attractions out of Denver’s top eight attractions; you don’t need to make your selections when you purchase—just choose as you

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York—better known as the Guggenheim—was originally intended to house its namesakes eccentric, non-objective art collection, which included works by Vasily Kandinsky and his followers. It quickly became evident that a permanent collection was necessary, so Frank Lloyd Wright was hired to create a masterpiece to showcase the masterworks inside.The Guggenheim Museum opened its fabled doors in 1959 and has been enthralling visitors ever since. There are even i

The Perot Museum in Dallas is a natural history and science museum throttled into overdrive. With five floors and 11 exhibits jam-packed with hands-on activities and 3D animation, this mind-blowing destination is sure to keep you spellbound for hours.If you can tear yourself away from the 35-foot Malawisaurus fossil glowering over the Main Lobby, head over to the 11,000-square-foot T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall to gape at rare fossils and virtual paleo-habitats. Or ogle the 2-foot-tall

Think the Windy City is just for grownups? Think again. The wide selection of kid-friendly museums, restaurants, shops, shows and gardens makes Chicago an exciting city to visit with little ones. The best things to do with kids are centrally located and require little or no transportation—a huge plus for families. And the icing on the cake? These kid-friendly attractions are enjoyable for adults, too.But what does kid-friendly or family-friendly really mean? To answer this, we asked Amanda Simki

Its mind-boggling to consider that 71% of the Earths surface is covered in water. Now, just imagine the variety and number of creatures thriving in the mysterious blue oceans, rivers, and lakes of this planet. Well, you dont have to leave everything to the imagination. In fact, you can see for yourself the magnificent beauty the water has to offer at the historic and renowned Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. Here, visitors can explore the vast number of animals living in and around the water

Remember when proving a point required research at a library? Now, modern technology and the world wide web give you the power to settle debates in seconds. Yet, for all of the power of the internet, there are still many things that search engines can’t tell you. Some things you just have to see for yourself. At the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, curiosity and the thirst for knowledge inspire innovation. The exhibits encourage questions and spark conversation by immersing you in the

Take a step back for a moment and think about just how different things are today compared to thousands or even millions of years ago. Back then, giant dinosaurs ruled the planet, but the largest species today are mammals. Or imagine how computers and smartphones, modern miracles of technology, would have seemed alien among cavemen. Hieroglyphics and mummies may have been a ritualistic part of the burial process in Ancient Egypt, but these practices aren’t found anywhere in todays modern world&m

On Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Chicago’s historic downtown, between the iconic lions—frankly named stands in an attitude of defiance and on the prowl—lies nearly a million square feet and approximately 330,000 pieces of art to explore. These works span a wide stretch of time, ranging from antiquity to modernity. With so much to see, in order to maximize your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s imperative to plan ahead. Lucky for you, we’ve developed a guide to make your planning a b

As humans, we experience emotion on a vast spectrum. Sometimes our feelings can be described in simple words: joy, love, pain, or sorrow. Other times, it seems as if theres not one word in any language that could come close to describing how we feel.On September 11, 2001, most of America stopped in its tracks. The shocking events that took place on that tragic day pulled Americans—and much of the rest of the world—away from their busy lives to feel waves of complex emotion. Many years later, the

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, known to locals and ardent supporters as The Met Museum (or just The Met), is one of the most popular museums in the city. This iconic institution boasts over two million pieces of artwork, collectibles and antiquities that span 5,000 years. To walk its grand halls, surrounded by priceless works of art, is truly a transporting experience that will take your breath away. If you’re planning a trip to New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not to be

Every year, more than 50 million people from around the globe visit New York City. World famous icons like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building only scratch the surface of what New York can offer. It’s the most populous city in America, and home to countless generations of cultural heritage.Whether you’re a tourist or a native New Yorker, Hornblower cruises are a great way to have fun while taking in the sights. Explore the Big Apple with a guided river tour

With 45 exhibition halls, the American Museum of Natural History in New York is the mother of all museums. There is so much to see, from the colossal cast of the recently discovered dinosaur Titanosaurus to the astounding timeline of human origins - you’ll always have a reason to come back for more.American Museum of Natural History Permanent ExhibitsThe American Museum of Natural History has an impressive number of permanent exhibits. The 21,000-pound blue whale suspended from the ceiling of th

The 1960s were a decade of unforgettable change for the United States—change that shook the country to its core. But amidst all of chaos and protest, on November 22, 1963, the entire country fell silent. The 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, had been shot and killed in Dallas, Texas, while traveling with a presidential motorcade in Dealey Plaza.On that day, children were sent home from school, business ground to a halt, and families sat in front of their television sets to wi

Dallas heats up northeast Texas with its metropolitan energy and vibrant culture. The glittering city skyline, year-round good weather, and its subtle touch of southern charm make Dallas a must on the Texas travel list. But whether it’s your first time visiting or your 100th, you don’t truly see Dallas until you see it from up high—at the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck.Reunion Tower Observation DeckThe Reunion Tower gives you a picturesque view of Dallas that you can’t get anywhere else. Upon entering R

Seattle is stunning on land but even better by sea. Get a fresh perspective of the gorgeous Emerald City with a one-hour Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. As you glide by the dynamic city skyline, take in the sights and sounds of the bustling waterfront and its historic neighborhoods, including lively shipyards and terminals, container ships, the Washington State ferry fleet, towering cruise ships and maybe even a sea lion basking on the rocks or little seals frolicking in the harbor waters.As you exp

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo spans almost 100 acres of pure animal enjoyment. Since 1899, it has delighted guests with over 1,000 animals that originate from all different habitats and geographic locations. Nestled in Woodland Park, this iconic destination is only a few miles from Ballard Locks (Hiram H. Chittenden Locks), another of Seattle’s top places to visit.One of the best parts about of this Seattle zoo is its dedication to wildlife conservation