Chicago CityPASS®: Save up to 49% at 5 Top Attractions

Chicago CityPASS turns a long list of Chicago sights into a manageable plan: two attractions are included automatically, and you choose three more. That means you can pair the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago with an architecture cruise, an art museum, or a day among dinosaurs and science exhibits.

I like the flexibility of the nine-day window, which lets you spread visits out instead of racing between sights. I also like that the pass can nudge you toward trying an attraction you might otherwise skip, while expedited or Fast Pass entry is available at some stops.

One caution: the pass does not include every extra at every attraction, and some visits need reservations. The advertised savings of up to 49 percent depend on the attractions you choose and whether you use all five admissions, so plan before buying.

At a glance

• Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago are included in every pass.
• Choose three more attractions from five options, including an architecture river tour, the Field Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Use the pass for nine consecutive days from your first visit, with up to one year to begin using it after purchase.
• Fast or expedited entry is available at selected sights, but reservations may still be needed.
• The $142 price pays off best when you use all five admissions and select attractions you genuinely want to see.
• Transportation and food are not included, so allow for those costs in your city plans.

Two required sights set the tone

Your first two admissions are fixed: Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago. They offer a useful contrast. Shedd brings you face to face with aquatic exhibits and animal programs; Skydeck takes you high above the city for a very different view of Chicago.

At Shedd, all-access admission covers exhibits, Animal Spotlights, and the seasonal Stingray Touch when available. A 4-D Experience is also included, subject to availability. That can make the aquarium a full visit rather than a quick walk through, especially if you are traveling with children. Some special encounters may cost extra, so check what is included before you arrive.

Skydeck Chicago includes expedited entry. The views and The Ledge are the draw, but the time of your visit can shape the outing: one pass holder found a visit near sunset a good way to see the city in changing light. If you want a particular entry time, check the reservation process and book ahead where required. Expedited entry is useful, but it should not be read as a promise that every wait disappears.

Choose three stops that fit your trip

After Shedd and Skydeck, you select three attractions from the listed options. This choice is where the pass becomes personal. You might build a museum-heavy itinerary, add a second observation deck, or make room for the river tour that gives Chicago’s architecture its proper setting.

The listed options are Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture River Tour, the Field Museum, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Adler Planetarium. That is six choices for three slots. Think about what you want from the trip, rather than trying to collect every type of ticket.

Take the architecture tour from the river

The Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour is an included choice and a practical way to see the city from a different angle. The river puts the buildings in view together, rather than one at a time from a sidewalk. Several pass holders especially enjoyed this outing, and it can balance a run of indoor museum visits.

The pass covers the architecture tour, but the supplied details do not specify a departure schedule or how far ahead you need to reserve. Check the provider’s current times and make a reservation if required. Booking ahead can help you avoid arriving without a place on the departure you want.

Give the Field Museum room on your calendar

The Field Museum’s All-Access Pass covers permanent exhibits and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions. Specially ticketed exhibitions outside that pass may cost extra. The museum is a natural pick if you want a substantial museum visit, with Sue the dinosaur among the attractions singled out by families.

Do not squeeze the Field Museum into a rushed hour between other stops. One family wished they had more time there, a good reminder that a pass can make admission easy but cannot make a large museum smaller. Check the details of any special exhibition before you count it as included.

Compare the city from 360 CHICAGO

360 CHICAGO gives you another high-up view, with Fast Pass Entry Admission included. It is an alternative to, or a complement to, Skydeck Chicago. One visitor valued seeing the skyline from both decks; another felt the two viewpoints could be redundant and would have chosen a different attraction.

That is the right question to ask before spending one of your three choices. If you love city views, two observation decks may be worth it, especially if you plan visits at different times. If you would rather see art, science, or the river, use the slot elsewhere. The Tilt experience is not listed as included, and pass holders have reported paying extra for it. Check its price and availability directly before making it part of your plan.

Pick science, art, or space

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry admission includes exhibits such as Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, YOU! The Experience, and The Blue Paradox, plus one timed-entry experience. Your timed choice is a Giant Dome Theater film or a Motion Ride. This is a strong option for families and for anyone who likes hands-on science, but remember to arrange the timed activity around the rest of your day.

The Art Institute of Chicago offers Fast Pass Admission to its permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions. It suits a different pace: you can choose a few galleries to focus on, or linger if art is the main reason for your visit. The pass does not include ticketed special exhibitions, so check those separately.

At Adler Planetarium, admission includes two Sky Shows, the exhibitions, Community Design Labs, the Space Visualization Lab, and Doane Observatory experiences. If you choose Adler, take note of the show times and fit them into your day. The included shows make this more than a museum-entry ticket, but timed programming means it rewards a little planning.

Make the nine-day window work for you

The pass is valid for nine consecutive days starting with its first use. You have one year from purchase to activate it, so buying it does not mean you need to begin sightseeing right away. Once activated, though, the clock runs for nine days.

That window gives you room to spread out your five visits. You do not need to see all five attractions in one packed weekend, and you can leave space for meals, neighborhoods, or a slower morning. The pass does not include transportation or food and drink, so build those into your budget and schedule.

The attractions are in different parts of the city, and transit planning matters. Check how you will get from one stop to the next before setting several appointments for the same day. A ticket may save time at entry, but it does not shorten the trip across town.

Chicago weather can also affect your plans. Aquarium and museum visits offer indoor options, while the architecture tour depends on your comfort with an outdoor boat outing. A visitor who used the pass during a very cold Chicago trip still enjoyed the attractions, but it is sensible to keep your schedule flexible when weather could change the feel of a day.

The value depends on using the choices

At $142 per person, CityPASS is easiest to justify if you plan to visit all five included attractions. The advertised saving is up to 49 percent, not a guaranteed discount of that size for every combination. Compare the pass with the admission prices for the exact sights you want, especially if you are considering two similar options such as Skydeck and 360 CHICAGO.

There is another kind of value here: advance planning can make it easier to commit to a full sightseeing day. Some people find that having admissions settled encourages them to visit places they might otherwise skip. The pass can also reduce the friction of buying each ticket separately, with mobile access making it easier to present your admission on arrival.

Still, a pass is not a bargain if you leave an admission unused. One person used only four of the five options because the trip was too short. If your stay is brief, or you prefer a slow pace, pick your three optional attractions before purchasing and check that their schedules fit your days.

Reservations and entry need a quick check

You can proceed to an included attraction’s entry point and show your ticket on a mobile device or as a printout. Some attractions may require reservations. The provider’s website is the place to check current details, access tickets, and make reservations where needed.

This is worth doing before you set out, not while you are standing in a line. Pass holders have found the mobile process easy, but some have also had trouble figuring out reservations or QR codes. If you prefer a paper backup, the ticket information allows you to print it.

Fast Pass or expedited entry applies only where specified. Skydeck includes expedited entry; 360 CHICAGO and the Art Institute list Fast Pass admission. Those benefits can be helpful at busy sights, but do not assume every attraction has the same arrangement or that an add-on is included. Confirm any special experience, timed ticket, or separate charge directly.

The pass is wheelchair accessible. It also comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those policies give you some flexibility, but check the booking terms that apply to your purchase.

Who should buy Chicago CityPASS?

I would consider CityPASS if you are visiting Chicago for several days, want a mix of major sights, and can name five attractions you would be happy to visit. It is especially practical for families or groups with varied interests: the options span animals, architecture, art, science, and city views.

It is less compelling if your schedule is tight, you only want two or three paid attractions, or you do not want to plan around reservations and timed activities. The pass’s best feature is not simply a lower price. It is the chance to organize a broad first visit without buying each ticket on the day.

Book it if you expect to use all five admissions and the included attractions match your plans. Before paying, choose your three optional stops, check their schedules and reservation rules, and compare the total against buying separately. That small bit of homework is what turns a convenient pass into a genuinely good value.

FAQ

How many attractions does Chicago CityPASS include?

The pass includes admission to five attractions. Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago are included, and you choose three more from the available options.

How long is Chicago CityPASS valid?

It is valid for nine consecutive days beginning on the date of first use. You have one year from the purchase date to start using it before the order expires.

Which attractions can I choose?

The optional choices are Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture River Tour, the Field Museum, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Adler Planetarium.

Are reservations required?

Reservations may be required at some attractions. Check the activity provider’s website for current attraction details and to make reservations where needed.

Does the pass include transportation and meals?

No. Transportation, food, and drinks are not included.

Can I show the ticket on my phone?

Yes. You can present the ticket on a mobile device at an included attraction. You may also print it.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.