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

Chicago skyline, dinosaurs, and aquariums, all on one pass. Chicago CityPASS is a simple way to hit the big names without doing a solo spreadsheet for hours. You pick your other stops, then use mobile tickets to get into major sights over a 9-day window.

I love two things most: the value stacking, and how much planning stress it removes. Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago bring heavyweight experiences, and the pass also covers top museums and Chicago views without you paying admission one by one.

One drawback to plan for: some attractions use timed entry or need reservations, and add-on experiences (like options at 360 CHICAGO) may cost extra or sell out.

Quick hits on Chicago CityPASS

• Fast access at the big-city headline stops like Skydeck Chicago (expedited entry) and 360 CHICAGO (fast pass entry)
• Shedd Aquarium all-access with Animal Spotlights plus a seasonal Stingray Touch, and a 4-D Experience if available
• Choose-your-own mix of 3 for museums, science, art, space, or the Architecture River Tour
• Mobile ticket entry using your phone (or a printout) so you are not hunting for paper
• A real 9-day pace so you do not have to run from one line to the next all week

Using the Chicago CityPASS at each attraction gate

Chicago CityPASS is built for straightforward entry. You go directly to the admission point for each included attraction and present your mobile ticket on your phone, or print it out.

Your tickets stay valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first time you use them. You also have one year from the purchase date to start using the tickets before the order expires, so it works even if your Chicago dates shift.

A key practical tip: not every attraction works exactly the same way on timing. Some may ask for reservations, so I suggest you check ahead and plan time buffers, especially if you are visiting during a busy week.

Shedd Aquarium: all-access exhibits plus Stingray Touch and 4-D

Shedd Aquarium is one of the strongest inclusions because it is not just a basic ticket. With CityPASS, you get all-access admission, including all exhibits, plus Animal Spotlights and a seasonal Stingray Touch.

On top of that, the pass includes a 4-D Experience at Shedd, but it is subject to availability. That matters because it can change with schedule, so if 4-D is a must for your group, aim to arrive earlier in the day when options are more likely to be running.

If you are traveling with kids, Shedd is a safe bet. The aquarium format makes it easy to take breaks, grab snacks nearby (food is not included in CityPASS), and return to exhibits when everyone is ready.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower with expedited entry

Skydeck Chicago is the other anchor stop included in your CityPASS. The pass provides expedited entry, which is the difference between spending time in lines versus getting to the views you came for.

Skydeck Chicago is located at Willis Tower, and this is the kind of attraction where timing can make or break your day. If you can, plan it for the clearest moment you have, and if evening views matter to you, consider going near sunset since lighting changes fast in Chicago.

One more practical detail: an expedited ticket does not mean you can ignore the whole process. You still want to arrive with enough time to get oriented, and in some cases you may be prompted to select an entry time before you arrive.

Choosing 3 attractions wisely: river, Field Museum, or 360 CHICAGO

After Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, you choose 3 more attractions from the CityPASS list. This is where you can shape the trip around your group’s interests, whether that is history, hands-on science, art, or Chicago from every angle.

Architecture River Tour for the city’s “how it works” view

If you pick the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour, you get an experience that turns buildings into stories. It is an easy win if you want to understand why Chicago looks the way it does, instead of just snapping photos and moving on.

This is also a smart cold-weather move. Even when the streets are icy, you still get a strong Chicago feeling without spending the whole day outdoors.

Field Museum for dinosaurs and museum scale

The Field Museum is included with an All-Access Pass option. That covers admission to all permanent and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions, with a note that specially ticketed exhibitions outside the All-Access Pass may require extra charges.

If you want a classic museum day with time to linger, Field Museum tends to deliver. It is also a good choice if your group likes big artifacts and signature exhibits, because it gives you multiple ways to build a day around what people actually want to see.

360 CHICAGO for panoramic skyline from a second angle

360 CHICAGO is included as fast pass entry admission to the Observation Deck. Having both Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO in one CityPASS is a great setup if you want skyline views at different times, or if you simply cannot decide which deck you prefer.

Here is the consideration: extra attractions at 360 CHICAGO may not be fully covered. Some experiences at 360 CHICAGO, like Tilt-type add-ons, can require additional payment and can sell out. If an add-on is a highlight for your kids, treat it as a separate plan and keep your main deck time flexible.

Museum and science add-ons: Adler, Art Institute, and Science & Industry

The CityPASS options do not all feel the same, which is good. You can build a trip that has both Chicago grit and fun indoor variety.

Art Institute of Chicago for permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibits

With CityPASS, you get fast pass admission to the permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions. That means you can focus on major works without running into the problem of, wait, is this part included?

The best way to use the Art Institute time is to pick a few targets instead of trying to see everything. Museums are big, and your feet will decide the itinerary faster than your brain.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for hands-on shows and a timed option

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is included with museum entry plus a timed-entry experience. The pass notes one timed-entry option, such as the Giant Dome Theater film or Motion Ride, and it also lists highlights like Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, YOU! The Experience, and The Blue Paradox.

This stop is a great match if you want your museum time to feel active. You will likely spend more energy than you expect because the science-and-technology format nudges people to try things, not just read placards.

Adler Planetarium for sky shows plus labs and observatory experiences

Adler Planetarium comes with museum entry plus two Sky Shows. The pass also includes experiences tied to the planetarium’s offerings, including Community Design Labs, Space Visualization Lab, and Doane Observatory experiences.

If you want a stop that feels like a mix of education and theater, Adler is ideal. It also works well as a day anchor if the rest of your plan is museum-heavy or if you want variety without leaving the museum district.

A smart 9-day rhythm that keeps Chicago relaxed

CityPASS gives you 9 days starting from first use, and that flexibility matters more than people think. Instead of cramming all 5 attractions into two busy days, you can spread them out and build breathing room between big stops.

Here is a practical rhythm that works well for most schedules:

• Use your first day to activate the pass and knock out one “big line” attraction, usually Skydeck or the aquarium.
• Build one museum day with a choice like Field Museum or Science & Industry so you can take your time.
• Put a view-based stop on its own day, either 360 CHICAGO or a second skyline moment at Skydeck if you choose timing well.
• Slot the river architecture tour on a day when you want a change of pace from indoor galleries.

If Chicago weather turns nasty, the value of the plan jumps. You already paid for major indoor wins, so you are less stuck playing weather roulette.

Also plan for reservation needs. The pass notes that reservations may be required at some attractions and that you should use the provider website for reservations when needed. When I see people run into issues, it is usually because the reservation step was unclear or rushed.

Price and value: when $142 makes sense

Chicago CityPASS lists a price of $142 per person. The pass also promises savings up to 49% compared to paying for attractions individually, and the math usually works best when you actually use the full 5-attraction set.

Here is how to judge the value in a grounded way:

• You get Shedd Aquarium plus Skydeck Chicago no matter what, so those must fit your interests.
• You choose 3 more, so pick the attractions your group would likely pay for anyway, not just what sounds good on paper.
• Fast or expedited entry matters because time is not free. If you are visiting during peak times, the line-skipping benefit can feel like the biggest perk.

If you are traveling with kids, CityPASS often wins fast because it bundles major family favorites in one purchase. If you are solo or a couple, it can still be a strong deal if you commit to hitting the planned mix of aquarium, views, and at least one big museum.

If you only end up using 3 attractions, the value can shrink quickly. With CityPASS, you buy a plan, so you want a plan you will actually follow.

Common gotchas: reservations, QR codes, and add-ons that cost extra

CityPASS is mostly smooth, but a few friction points show up often enough to matter.

First, the pass relies on mobile ticket display at entry points, and that means your phone experience has to be solid. Some people report trouble with QR codes or figuring out how to make reservations. If you want the simplest ride, set everything up before you arrive at a ticket desk.

Second, reservations and timed entry can be part of the deal at some attractions. The pass allows for that, and it pushes you to use the provider website for details when required.

Third, add-ons are not always included. At 360 CHICAGO, experiences tied to the building may require extra payment. Even if your observation deck is included, a particular add-on might be separate, and it can sell out.

One last caution: museum inclusions can have boundaries. For example, the Field Museum All-Access Pass covers permanent and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions, while specially ticketed exhibitions outside the pass may have additional charges. The Art Institute includes the permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions, so ticketed special exhibitions may cost extra.

Who should buy Chicago CityPASS, and who should skip it

This pass is a good fit if you:

• Want Chicago’s top attractions in a tidy package, especially Shedd Aquarium and skyline viewing
• Prefer to spend less time planning and more time moving through sights
• Are the kind of person who enjoys a mix of views, museums, and science, not just one theme

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Only want one or two attractions, because value depends on using most or all of the bundle
• Know you will obsess over an add-on at 360 CHICAGO or another optional experience, because those can cost extra and may sell out

Should you book Chicago CityPASS for your trip

I would book Chicago CityPASS if your goal is to see the headline sights across a mix of indoor and outdoor Chicago, with less time spent waiting. The real win is pairing top attractions with expedited or fast entry where it counts, while giving you a flexible 9-day window to pace your days.

You should also book it if your group includes kids or mixed ages. Shedd Aquarium and the science-heavy options make it easier to keep everyone satisfied, without you hunting for extra activities every time the weather changes.

If you are on the fence, use this quick test. Can you realistically do all 5 inclusions over 9 days? If yes, the pass is usually worth it. If no, you may be better off buying individual tickets for exactly what you will use.

FAQ

How many attractions are included with Chicago CityPASS?

Your purchase includes admission to 5 attractions total: Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus you choose 3 more attractions from the listed options.

Which attractions are included with the pass?

Included attractions are Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago. The pass also includes 3 choices from this list: Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour, Field Museum, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago, and Adler Planetarium.

How long are the tickets valid after I start using them?

The tickets are valid for 9 consecutive days beginning the date of first activation.

Do I need to make reservations ahead of time?

Reservations may be required at some attractions. The pass instructions say to check the activity provider website for reservation requirements and attraction details.

How do I enter the attractions using CityPASS?

You proceed directly to the entry point for each included attraction and present the CityPASS ticket on a mobile device, or print it off. Some attractions also offer fast or expedited entry as noted.

Is transportation included with the CityPASS?

No. Transportation and food and drink are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.