A big thanks to Choose Chicago and CityPASS for sponsoring our Chicago activities via CityPASS. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Recently I took my son to Chicago for a fun mother-son weekend. Although the whole family went last summer, this was a trip specifically geared towards things the two of us enjoy doing together.
Thanks to CityPASS, we were able to do everything we desired for one low price! I’ve heard of CityPASS before but hadn’t checked it out myself, so when we received two passes for this trip, I was super excited to learn more.
Each Chicago CityPASS has savings of 51% off regular admissions. Our CityPASS included Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Science & Industry OR 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. As an added bonus, we got VIP admission, so we were able to skip ahead of the normal ticket lines.
As soon as we arrive Friday, we picked up our passes and headed off to the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Neither of us had been to this attraction before so we were super excited to check it out. It was early evening so we had the opportunity to see the skyline at dusk which was beautiful. It was interesting to walk all the way around the observation deck and check out the city from various angles. We didn’t indulge since we were heading to dinner next, but there was a lively bar full of specialty drinks for both adults and kids.
For an additional $8 we could have tried the tilt option. There is a small section of the observation deck that actually tilts out over the city. I asked my son if he wanted to try it and his response was no thanks. I laughed and figured I’d give it a go myself on another trip!
What a great way to start off our Chicago adventures.
Saturday we woke up bright and early to take full advantage of our CityPASS tickets. First stop was the Adler Planetarium. My son is a big fan of astronomy and loves telescopes, so we enjoyed quite a bit of time wandering around this museum and checking out the exhibits. In addition to avoiding the ticket lines, with the CityPASS, we received unlimited VIP Access to available shows and exhibitions.
Even though it was pouring down rain, we walked the short distance to Shedd and spent a fantastic few hours enjoying the aquarium. This was a spot we hadn’t visited on our summer trip so we spent quite a bit of time thoroughly checking it out. The CityPASS included a 4D Experience which I normally wouldn’t have spent the extra money on, but I was so glad we did it. It was a super interesting documentary type short film and we had some good conversations about what we learned. So thanks CityPASS for encouraging us to try something new!
Finally, we headed over to The Field Museum. This particular museum is my son’s favorite in Chicago so I was thrilled that it was included in the CityPASS. This pass also included one 3D film as well as admission to all permanent and regularly-priced ticketed exhibitions.
Although we only had a few days to spend in Chicago, the CityPASS is good for 9 consecutive days, including the first day of use. After our experience, I can confidently say that I would 100% recommend checking out CityPASS next time you visit Chicago. I loved the convenience of not having to wait in long admission lines, I liked all the attractions included in the pass and I felt that we saved quite a bit of money.
If Chicago isn’t in your near future, CityPASS also covers Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. To learn more, head over to the website at CityPASS and check out the benefits for yourself.
Have you ever purchased a CityPASS before? Did you find it worthwhile? Where did you go?
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We are trying to plan a trip to Chicago for May! I will definitely look into this! Thanks!
Hope you find some useful info!
We have not gotten the citypass before. Sounds like a great idea. Next time we are in town, I know to get one.
Definitely check it out. If you are going to the locations included it’s a fabulous deal.
My son loves astronomy too! When we plan a trip to Chicago I’ll have to check this out. We’ve used the City Pass for San Francisco and love all the options we get for a low cost.
Glad to hear it was a good deal for San Francisco too! Adler was a very interesting museum for anyone that loves astronomy. We spent quite a bit of time there.
Great article!! City Pass is a great way to go!
I love city passes! So much to do!
Yes and it keeps you honest about checking everything out!
When we lived and did a staycation in Chi, we totally used the City Pass and thought it was a great deal. Saw several museums and landmarks over a few days time.
Great idea! Even if you live in an area, why not take advantage of the savings.
The Citypass looks like a winner! Thank you!
Hope it’s helpful!
We’ll be in Chicago this summer – going to check this out, sounds like a great way to save time and money!
Sarah, Yes! Let me know if you do it and enjoy it.
I love saving money so if I go to Chicago, I’m getting a CityPass!
Good! I agree – money saved means more traveling and experiences!!!
I’ll be in Chicago in May and might have to look into this! Thanks!
Susan, you definitely should – if you are visiting the locations included, it’s a great deal.
The City Pass is a great thing! WE’ve used it in San Francisco and loved it.
Glad to hear other cities are as good as Chicago was!
We’re planning a weekend getaway with the kids this summer to Chicago. It’s great to know that this option is available! Thank you
Tammie, if you plan on visiting the attractions on the CityPASS, definitely check it out.
I will have to try CityPASS. I’ve been to Chicago for an Eli Lilly trip back in the ’80s when I was going to pharmacy school. I have some very fond memories of it.
Fun! It’s changed a lot since the 80’s so you should definitely go back!
We LOVE Chicago! The City Pass is an excellent way of saving money and getting to see some pretty awesome places.
Yes, I was really impressed at what a good deal it is!
The bookshelf is my clutter zone. It seems like everything gets shoved there when a quick clean up is needed.
We did this pass when we took a trip to Chicago a few years back. It saved a lot of money and was so nice to have all these options to go see for one price!
I loved it, glad you had a good experience too!