Chicago Explorer Pass: 2 to 7 Attractions including SkyDeck

Chicago’s Explorer Pass is less a guided tour than a flexible way to bundle big-name sights: choose 2 to 7 attractions, then visit them over 30 days. I like that mix of freedom and structure, especially if you want to combine Skydeck Chicago with a river cruise or museum without packing everything into one day.

I also like the range of choices, from skyline views and a hop-on hop-off bus to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium. The main catch is that reservations and seasonal hours matter: some popular stops need advance booking, and a planned attraction may have limited availability at certain times of year.

The useful details at a glance

• The pass starts with your first visit. It is valid for one year after purchase, then gives you 30 days to use the attractions you selected.
• Skydeck Chicago is one of the headline choices. Reservations are required, so check the app and book ahead.
• You can mix sightseeing styles. Pair a museum with the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, a lake tour or a one-day Big Bus pass.
• The Navy Pier option is specific. The pass includes the Ferris Wheel and Rides, not a general admission ticket to every attraction there.
• The app is part of the plan. It lists participating attractions, opening hours, maps and reservation instructions.
• The advertised savings depend on your choices. You save most when the attractions you select would otherwise cost more separately.

A flexible pass, not a fixed Chicago tour

The Go City Chicago Explorer Pass lets you choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions from a list of more than 35 activities and tours. You do not follow a single route or need to visit everything in one day. Instead, you decide what fits your interests and schedule, then use the pass within 30 days of your first attraction visit.

That flexibility is the point. You might use one day for an architecture cruise and a downtown observation deck, then save a museum visit for a rainy afternoon. Or, if you are in town briefly, you can group several nearby choices together. The pass is most useful when you know what you want to see but do not want to buy every ticket separately before you have settled on a plan.

It is not an all-inclusive city pass. You choose a set number of entries, and each attraction you use counts toward that limit. With a two-attraction pass, for example, you do not have the same room to change plans as you would with a seven-attraction option. Think about how many paid experiences you genuinely want to do, rather than choosing a larger package just because it sounds like more value.

Skydeck, 360 CHICAGO and the city from above

Skydeck Chicago, at Willis Tower, is one of the best-known options on the pass. It gives you a view over the city from high above its streets, and the attraction requires an advance reservation. If Skydeck is a must, check its booking instructions before building the rest of your itinerary around it.

The other major viewpoint choice is 360 CHICAGO. It is also reservation-based, so do not assume you can simply arrive whenever you like. A booking system can be frustrating when it is not working well, and it is worth sorting out your time slot early rather than leaving it until the day of your visit.

You may prefer to choose one observation deck rather than spend two pass entries on similar kinds of views. If you are especially keen on comparing the city from different heights, both could suit you, but most people will get more variety by combining one deck with a museum, cruise or bus tour. The pass makes that choice yours.

The architecture cruise is a strong use of an entry

Chicago’s architecture is best understood from the water, where the skyline becomes the subject rather than the backdrop. The Shoreline Architecture River Cruise is a popular pick, and its guided route offers a different view from walking downtown or riding a bus. If you want a sightseeing experience that also gives your feet a rest, this is a smart choice.

The pass also includes a Skyline Lake Tour, another way to see the city from the water. Check the app for the current list and operating details before choosing between the two. The experience names suggest different perspectives, but the supplied information does not promise a specific route or schedule, so use the current attraction details to decide which better fits your day.

Cruises can make an especially good pairing with an observation deck. You get the broad skyline view from above, then a closer look from the river or lake. Just remember that these are separate entries, and each counts against your pass total.

Museums for a slower, more substantial day

The Field Museum, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium and Chicago Children’s Museum are among the available choices. This gives the pass real flexibility for families, science fans and anyone who wants more than a quick photo stop.

The Field Museum and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry work well as the centerpieces of a day. They are substantial attractions, so allow room in your schedule rather than trying to squeeze one between several timed activities. The Adler Planetarium is a natural choice if the universe interests you, while the Children’s Museum gives families a dedicated option.

A practical point: the pass gives you admission to the attraction, but it does not make a full museum visit short. If you select several museums, you will need to pace yourself and leave enough time for each. A two- or three-attraction pass may be a better fit than a seven-attraction pass if you prefer to spend several hours at every stop.

Use the bus to get your bearings, not just to tick a box

The one-day Big Bus Chicago Discover Tour is a useful option if you want an overview of the city and the ability to hop on and off. It can help you connect sightseeing stops without planning every leg from scratch. The route has recorded audio, though the experience can vary: one driver may add lively commentary and local trivia along the way.

That flexibility is valuable early in a visit, when you are still getting oriented. It can also be a good choice if you would rather see the city from a seat than walk between sights. Check the Big Bus app for stop information and timing, and be realistic about how many times you will actually get on and off in a day.

Do not count the bus as effortless transport to every attraction. The pass includes a one-day tour, not unlimited public transit, and the best value comes when you use it as a sightseeing experience as well as a way to move around.

Navy Pier and the smaller, more playful choices

At Navy Pier, the listed pass option is the Ferris Wheel and Rides. That can be a fun addition, especially if you are already planning to visit the pier, but do not mistake it for access to every activity there. The range of available attractions can be limited, and seasonal operations can change what is open.

Other choices add variety: Museum of Illusions Chicago, Flyover Chicago, a two-hour city bike rental, LEGOLAND Discovery Center and 10pin Chicago Bowling and Pizza. Bowling requires a reservation. These options are useful when you want a break from museums and viewpoints, or when you are travelling with children or a group with mixed interests.

The bike rental is a two-hour activity, so think about how it fits with the rest of your day. The pass can make a short, active outing easier to justify, but it is not a substitute for planning your route and checking the current operating details.

Does the $79 price make sense?

The listed price is $79 per person, but the pass is offered in different attraction quantities, so check the exact option and current price at checkout. The value depends on what you choose and the cost of those admissions if bought separately. Go City advertises savings of up to 50 percent, based on sample itineraries, not as a guaranteed discount for every combination.

The pass can be worthwhile when you plan to use it for several paid attractions, especially combinations such as an observation deck, a river cruise and a museum. People have found it straightforward to scan at entry, and it can save you the separate step of purchasing each included ticket. That convenience has value, though it does not automatically mean you will avoid attraction lines or reservation requirements.

Do the simple math before buying: list the attractions you are likely to visit, check their individual prices and compare the total with your chosen pass. Include only stops you would actually go to. A pass is poor value if you add an attraction just to use up an entry, or if seasonal closures leave your plans thin.

Also compare the price where you book. The pass may be available at different prices through different sellers, so check the total cost rather than assuming one booking channel is always cheapest.

Plan around reservations and seasonal openings

The pass is valid for one year from purchase, but the 30-day use period begins when you visit your first attraction. That gives you room to buy in advance and plan later, while still setting a clear window for using your selected entries.

After checkout, look for two confirmation emails. The second, with the subject line Go City via GetYourGuide, contains instructions for syncing the pass with the Go City app. You can also save the pass to a phone or tablet, or print a copy. The app is especially useful for checking current attraction hours and reservation rules.

Book the most popular activities well ahead, particularly Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO, both of which require reservations. Other attractions may also need bookings, including 10pin Chicago Bowling and Pizza. Check the app rather than relying on an old plan, because the attraction lineup and opening hours can change.

Season matters. In March, some attractions at Navy Pier may be closed, leaving the Ferris Wheel as the only available pass activity there. Holiday schedules can also affect opening hours. If your trip falls outside the main season, verify each planned stop before you commit to a particular combination.

The pass offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The meeting point depends on the option you book, so there is no single starting location for the pass as a whole.

Who should choose the Explorer Pass?

I would consider this pass if you want a few major Chicago sights, like having choices, and can make reservations before your visit. It suits a family or group that wants to mix museums with a boat trip, city bus or playful attraction. The 30-day window is a real advantage if your schedule is spread out or you want room to change plans.

It is less compelling if you only want one major attraction, prefer to decide everything at the last minute, or are visiting when several of your preferred stops may be closed. The most reliable approach is to pick your likely attractions first, check their hours and reservation rules, then choose the pass size that fits.

Book it if your planned admissions add up to more than the pass price and you value the freedom to spread them across a month. If you are unsure which attractions will be open, or you want only one or two specific experiences, compare individual tickets before buying.

FAQ

How long is the Chicago Explorer Pass valid?

The pass is valid for one year from the purchase date before activation. Once you visit your first attraction, you have 30 days to use the remaining entries.

How many attractions can I choose?

You can choose a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions and tours.

Does the pass include Skydeck Chicago?

Yes. Skydeck Chicago is one of the available attractions, and reservations are required.

Do I need to reserve attractions in advance?

Some popular attractions require reservations. Check the Go City app for current instructions and book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

What does the Navy Pier option include?

The listed Navy Pier option is the Ferris Wheel and Rides. It does not represent general admission to every attraction at Navy Pier.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.