Itinerary on NFL game day

Question

Hi all,

Managed to get some tickets to a Sunday NFL 3:25pm start time.

Would there be enough time to do the planetarium & aquarium in the morning? Maybe one 10-12 & one 12-2 ?

Or are we best to do these on a separate day & have to full day for the NFL?

Our first ever NFL game in the states so all new to us

Thank you :)

Answer

Congratulations on getting tickets to your first NFL game! Chicago is a great city to visit, and you’ll have a fun experience. As for visiting the planetarium and aquarium before the game, here's a breakdown of what to expect and how to make the most of your time:

The Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium are both located near Grant Park, so they are quite close to each other. However, while it is possible to visit both on the same day, it might feel a bit rushed if you’re trying to do both in a short window of time. Let’s look at each of these places in more detail:

Adler Planetarium - The Adler is a great spot, and you’ll want at least 1.5–2 hours to really explore the exhibits and perhaps catch a show in the planetarium dome. However, if you’re tight on time, you could consider just doing the main exhibits or checking out the outdoor views, which are fantastic on a clear day.
Shedd Aquarium - Shedd is also a must-see, and it’s easy to spend 2–3 hours here if you plan to see the major exhibits and catch a show or feed the animals. If you’re looking for a quick visit, you can focus on highlights like the Oceanarium and the Wild Reef exhibit, but don’t expect to fully rush through both attractions.

Given the timing of the NFL game, a 3:25 p.m. start, you’ll need to leave plenty of time to get to the stadium, enjoy the atmosphere, and grab food before the game. The game itself could last 3–4 hours, which leaves you with a narrow window between the morning and the start of the game to explore these attractions. If you’d like a leisurely experience without feeling rushed, I would recommend:

Spending the morning (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) at the Adler Planetarium
Having lunch and then spending the early afternoon (12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at the Shedd Aquarium
Leaving by 2:30 p.m. at the latest to head to the stadium for your game

Alternatively, if you don’t want to feel rushed, consider visiting these attractions on a separate day. That way, you can fully enjoy each location without the time constraints of an NFL game. Another option is to spend the morning doing one of the activities and then the other on a separate day. Since your game doesn’t start until the afternoon, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy Chicago's Loop and lakefront area in a more relaxed fashion.

In summary, while it is technically possible to do both, it may feel a bit rushed if you're trying to fit everything in before the game. If you prefer a more relaxed day, I would suggest visiting these attractions on a different day or just picking one to visit in the morning.

Enjoy your NFL experience and have a fantastic time in Chicago!