Is the Chicago CityPASS Worth it?

Chicago has so many things to see and do. I’ve been there several times for various work conferences, and it seems like each time, I’m able to experience something new. But if you’re planning to visit several of the more popular venues in Chicago, you may want to consider getting a Chicago CityPASS so you can save a few dollars.

But is it worth it to purchase a Chicago CityPASS?

The short answer: If you plan to visit any three of the venues included with the CityPASS, you will save some money. But which of the venues do you want to spend your time? You can visit a total of five venues within a nine-day period for the flat price of $114 ($93 for children, ages 3-11).

Here’s a rundown of all seven venues included on the pass, and a few tips to help you maximize your visit to these popular Chicago venues.

Overview of the Chicago CityPASS

Here’s how you purchase and use your mobile Chicago CityPASS;

• Visit CityPASS.com
• Select the number of passes you need, based on the ages (Adults: 12+; Children 3-11) and click “Add to cart”
• Fill out the customer information form and hit “Continue”
• Assign each ticket to a person (enter their name in the form) and hit “Continue”
• Enter your payment information and hit “Continue”
• After you review your order, finalize the purchase
• You will receive an email shortly with your mobile tickets

Once you get the confirmation email, you’ll want to make reservations for those venues that require advanced reservations. CityPASS has made it easy to know which venues require advanced reservations with their Travel Guide. If you don’t need reservations, just arrive at the museum with your tickets on your phone, or a printout of your CityPASS.

BONUS: The CityPASS offers more than just access to the five venues you want to visit. Some of the venues have extra shows, 4-D experiences, etc. With the Chicago CityPASS, you get access to some of those at no additional charge.

Three Venues to Visit with Chicago CityPASS

The Chicago CityPASS gives you access to three of the most popular attractions: Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago and Field Museum. Then you get to choose two additional venues to explore as well. But I’ll share more about those choices later.

Here’s a rundown on each of the three main venues so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium as several varieties of animals: fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians, mammals, turtles, penguins and much more. In addition to smaller tanks with creatures to look at, there’s a large pool where you can watch some dolphins or other mammals during one of their shows.

HOURS: It’s generally open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, some days the museum closes early or stays open late, depending on the calendar.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: The Shedd Aquarium is located just north of Soldier Field (the NFL stadium for the Chicago Bears). It’s known as Museum Campus because there are three museums located in the area. I strongly recommend taking public transit or an UBER/Lyft, since parking can be hectic, depending on the crowds.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: During our visit, we followed the signs to the entrance on the southwest corner of the museum. They scanned my CityPASS from my phone and I headed in to the ticket counter. It’s there where I selected which 4-D experience I wanted to do. I chose Octopus: Blue Planet 2 4-D Experience and was not disappointed. You’ll want to look at showtimes in advance so you can plan your experience and not have to forgo something because you didn’t get there early enough.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: You can easily spend 2-3 hours at the Shedd Aquarium, but if you want to take in some of the shows, you’ll want to plan on 3-4 hours.

Skydeck Chicago

If you want amazing panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, venture up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower – known as Skydeck Chicago. Regardless of whether you go during the day, catch the setting sun or see the lights of the city fully illuminated, the views are fantastic. The Ledge is another experience included in your admission ticket where you can stand on a glass floor, looking down at the street 1,353 feet below you.

HOURS: Open 365 days a year, but horus vary by season. Between March-September, it’s open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. From October-February it’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last group enters 30 minutes prior to close.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: Like most places in Chicago, I recommend using public transit, walking or taking an UBER/Lyft to get to Skydeck Chicago. The Willis Tower is located at 233 S. Wacker Dr., but you’ll want to enter the building on Franklin Street (east side of the building). If you drove, you can park at Interpark, located at 211 W. Adams.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: When you arrive, check in at the front desk so they can scan your Chicago CityPASS. This pass gives you expedited entry, so you can save a little time during your visit as well. You’ll be guided to the elevator for your ride to the top floor. After taking in the views of the cityscape, wait in line for your turn to stand on The Ledge… unless you’re too afraid of heights. 😉

HOW LONG TO SPEND: Plan on spending 3-60 minutes on the 103rd floor. If you want to be there for sunset, plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset.

Field Museum

Looking for numerous exhibits about the world around us? Plan to spend a few hours at the Field Museum using your Chicago CityPASS. In addition to dinosaur fossils, you can learn about animals, cultures, gemstones, earth science and much more.

HOURS: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is at 4 p.m.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: Similar to the Shedd Aquarium, I recommend taking public transit or an UBER/Lyft to get to the Field Museum. It’s located just south of the aquarium, so you can plan a good part of your day to hang out at both locations.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: The entrance is on the south side of the building. There may be a lot of stairs to walk up, but once inside, check in at the information desk. They’ll scan your CityPASS and then let you select a time to see one of the 3-D films.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: We spent two hours in the Field Museum and that wasn’t nearly enough time to really enjoy and explore all the exhibits. Plan on 3-4 hours for your visit.

Choose Any Two of These venues

In addition to getting access to the three venues listed above, you have a choice on the other two you want to visit as part of your Chicago CityPASS. Which one will you choose? Well, if you plan to visit more than the two that are included with the pass, make sure 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck is one of those two choices. Why? Because single admission is about $10 more than the other three options. So you can save a few dollars if you go with the more expensive admission venue.

Art Institute of Chicago

Art comes in many forms, and the Art Institute of Chicago houses some from pretty much every genre. Modern, Impressionism, historic, photography, sculpture, stained glass, and more. I loved exploring the Van Gogh and Renoir art, but a docent recommended I check out the Thorn Miniature Rooms and I was NOT disappointed.

HOURS: Open 11 to 5 p.m., Friday through Monday. It’s open from 11-8 p.m. on Thursday, but it’s closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: Public transit, UBER/Lyft or walking are the best and easiest options for getting to the Art Institute of Chicago. The main entrance is on Michigan Avenue, just south of Cloud Gate (the Bean). The address is 111 S Michigan Ave.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: The doors at the top of the stairs will lead you to the front desk where they will scan in your Chicago CityPASS and you’re ready to go. Simple, right? If you have a large bag, use the Coat Check area so you don’t have to carry it around the museum. You can check your jacket there, too.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: I only had two hours planned to explore the Art Institute of Chicago. But I wasn’t able to explore the entire place. I recommend planning 3-4 hours if you want to really take in the art exhibits.

Museum of Science and Industry

Wow! That’s about all I can say when trying to sum up the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. There are so many exhibit areas, including an Apollo and Mercury space capsule, a full-scale submarine, a Tesla coil, tornado, coal mine, mirror maze and more. There really is something for everyone.

HOURS: The Museum of Science and Industry is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: The museum is located roughly eight miles south of downtown Chicago. Public transit, UBER/Lyft are great options, but if you drive your own car, there is a parking garage. However, it’s about $22 per vehicle for parking. The address is 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Drive.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: CityPASS is one of the best options for this museum because the line gets really long at the ticket window. I used my Chicago CityPASS and walked right in after they scanned it. I recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes before it opens so you can get in line and start visiting the exhibits before the crowds start to build up inside.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: I could’ve easily spent 3-4 hours or more at the Museum of Science and Industry. There are some add-on tours you can experience, and with your CityPASS, you get one experience in the Giant Dome Theater film or a Motion Ride.

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

There’s something amazing about standing near the top of a skyscraper to look as far as the eye can see. The 94th floor of the John Hancock Building offers a different view of the city as 360 CHICAGO. There’s also an opportunity to lean out over the edge of the building at the street below on Tilt. The CityPASS only provides express access to the 94th floor; Tilt is an additional cost.

HOURS: You can access the observation deck from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: 360 CHICAGO Observation Desk is located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Delaware Place. Follow the signs to the entrance area, which is accessible from the stairway on the west side of the building. Take an UBER/Lyft, public transit (bus, Elevated Train, Subway, etc.) for easy access. If you have a vehicle and need to park, there are various apps you can use to book a parking spot. 360 CHICAGO recommends using the SpotHero app.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: When you get to the check in counter, show them your Chicago CityPASS and they’ll let you through to the hallway leading to the elevator. Just before the elevator, they’ll scan your ticket and then you’re on your way up. If you plan to ride Tilt, you can purchase that add-on at either the front desk or at a desk on the 94th floor.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: Plan on anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on crowds.

Adler Planetarium

In my opinion, the Adler Planetarium is a MUST-SEE in Chicago. In addition to seeing the Gemini 12 space capsule flown by Chicago-native Jim Lovell (Apollo 8 + Apollo 13), you can learn about the planets, stars, moons and more. You can also catch a show in the dome theater/planetarium.

HOURS: Adler Planetarium is open Friday-Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. Its closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays so school groups can visit the Adler Planetarium (Oct-May). Check their website for hours specific to your visit timeframe.

LOCATION/GETTING THERE: The planetarium is located near the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. The address is 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, due east of the aquarium. Take public transit or UBER/Lyft to save parking hassles and costs. You can walk from downtown, but it’s a bit of a walk. Parking is available nearby, but you’re looking at a daily parking rate of about $25.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: When you check in at the front desk, show them your CityPASS. They’ll have you select the two show times that are included with the Chicago CityPASS. If you visit earlier in the day, you’ll have more options. After you’ve got your show tickets, you’re free to start wandering the planetarium.

HOW LONG TO SPEND: Plan on spending a minimum of two hours. If you plan to catch some of the documentaries or shows (a.k.a. Sky Shows), plan on 3-4 hours for your visit.

Summary

Chicago CityPASS is a great way to purchase on ticket, save some money, and get access to some of Chicago’s most popular venues. The pass gives you expedited access to save you time in lines, and includes shows. But be sure to make your reservations in advance of your visit as required (or recommended), so you don’t get caught off-guard if the museum is already at capacity.

DISCLOSURE: I received one complimentary Chicago CityPASS for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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