Thanks to CityPASS for providing me with complimentary passes to facilitate this post! All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Exploring Chicago with CityPASS

As many of you know by now, Chicago is the city where I was born and raised. Even though it’s my home, as an adult when I go back to visit, I act as a tourist. I have actually been living in Atlanta almost as many years as I lived in Chicago, so there is much to see and do! Last week my family visited to spend time with my mom, sister, cousins, and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course when we visit family, we have an abundance of baby sitters! My husband and I were able to get away and explore the city sans children! My husband is originally from Philadelphia, and in the 15 years we’ve been married, he’s only been to Chicago a handful of times. So when he visits I want to show him everything the city has to offer. 

While in Chicago we utilized CityPASS. CityPASS is available in major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, and many more! CityPASS makes it easy to visit the top must-see attractions for one low price. When you purchase a CityPASS ticket booklet, it saves you 53% off the regular combined admission to the included attractions. If we went to each attraction separately, let me tell you, it would have been very expensive! Each CityPASS booklet is currently $99.75 for adults (a savings of $113) and $84.75 for children ages 3-11. Booklets are valid for nine consecutive days, starting with the first day of use, so don’t feel rushed to see everything in one day if you don’t have to!

Chicago CityPASS Admission includes: 

*Shedd Aquarium
*Skydeck Chicago Fast Pass
*The Field Museum
*Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago OR 360 CHICAGO (express entry)
*Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago

We happened to visit Chicago on one of the busiest weekends of the year, so we didn’t have a lot of time to see everything, but we still had an amazing visit! On the first day, which also happened to be Black Friday, as well as my sister and I’s Friendsgiving party, we checked out 360 CHICAGO which used to be known as the John Hancock Observatory. I’m happy that CityPASS includes express VIP entry, so there is no need to wait in long lines on a busy day in the city. Out of all of my years living in Chicago, I’ve never actually visited this attraction, so it gave me an awesome view of the city. Located on the Magnificent Mile you are able to take in 360 views from 1000 feet above Lake Michigan. 

The next day we made our way down to The Museum Campus which houses The Alder Planetarium, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium. The Field Museum has always been one of my favorite attractions in the city. It contains so many unique artifacts and so much world history. 

I have fond memories of visiting the Shedd Aquarium from my childhood, and I’ve even taken my children there to visit over the years, but it was cool to reminisce and experience some nostalgia with my husband. 

I’ve been to a lot of major cities in the US through traveling, and even though I may be biased, Chicago is hands down one of my favorites! Hopefully on our next visit we’ll stay long enough to see everything, but there never seems to be enough time! CityPASS made our visit more enjoyable since it narrows down the cannot miss attractions. CityPASS is very convenient, so don’t feel pressured to buy your tickets online. You can walk up and purchase a CityPASS ticket booklet for the same low price at any of the participating attractions above. 

Have you ever been to Chicago? If not, plan to visit soon & utilize CityPASS! 

Ashley