Chicago Explorer Pass: 35+ Attractions & 360 CHICAGO

Pick Seven Chicago Landmarks in 30 Days Without Buying Separate Tickets

You choose 2 to 7 attractions from over 35 options across Chicago, including both observation decks, river cruises, museums, and Navy Pier. Your digital pass works for 30 days, requires advance reservations for some popular attractions, and gives you direct entry by showing a QR code at each venue. No separate tickets to buy, no negotiating entry fees on the day.

Is this one for you?Best for travelers who want to see multiple Chicago landmarks without buying separate tickets and prefer to move at their own pace over 30 days rather than follow a fixed tour schedule. The pass saves money when you visit four or more attractions, and the advance reservation system means you can lock in popular times for the observation decks and river cruises.

What’s included

Your pass includes direct digital entry to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions of your choice from over 35 options, a free digital guide with attraction information and operating times, a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago 1-Day Discovery Tour, and access to observation decks, museums, river cruises, and activities like kayaking, archery, and laser tag. The pass is valid for 30 days from activation and works as a mobile QR code or printable ticket at each venue.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chicago's top attractions

• Hop-on Big Bus Chicago tour
• Visit SkyDeck Chicago observatory
• See views from 360 CHICAGO deck
• Take Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
• Explore Adler Planetarium exhibits
• Visit Navy Pier attractions
• Tour The Field Museum exhibits
• Discover Museum of Science and Industry
• Enjoy LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Rent bikes with Bike and Roll Chicago
• Explore Chicago Children’s Museum
• Go bowling at 10pin Bowling Lounge
• Visit Chicago History Museum
• See contemporary art at MCA
• Tour Chicago Theatre Marquee
• Visit Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum
• Experience Butterbeer at Harry Potter Shop
• Try outdoor activities like axe throwing
• Explore Museum of Illusions
• Visit American Writers Museum
• Ride Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride
• Enjoy Chicago pizza and drink combo
• Experience Flyover Chicago attraction
• Take Seadog Architectural River Tour
• Try Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour

The Experience

The elevator at 360 CHICAGO moves so fast you feel it in your chest—up 94 floors in under a minute, and then the whole city spreads out below you. That's one of the moments the Chicago Explorer Pass unlocks, but it's not the only one. You get to choose between two, three, four, five, six or seven attractions from a list of over 35 things to do, which means you're not locked into someone else's itinerary. The pass stays valid for 30 days from when you activate it, so you can spread your visits across a week or take your time and come back when the weather shifts.

Most people start with the observation decks—SkyDeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, or 360 CHICAGO on the 94th—because the views stick with you. But the pass also covers the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, where a guide walks you through the history of the buildings lining the Chicago River, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour, which gives you a moving introduction to the city's neighborhoods and landmarks without you having to navigate. If you're traveling with kids, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the Field Museum (where you'll stand in front of SUE, the world's largest T. Rex), and the Museum of Science and Industry are all included. For adults, there's the American Writers Museum, the Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Adler Planetarium round out the bigger attractions.

The pass comes as a digital QR code you show at each entrance—no printing required, though you can if you want. You'll get a digital guide with operating hours and instructions for each attraction, and you'll need to make reservations in advance for the observation decks and some tours, which the guide tells you how to do. The app keeps the most current information about what's open and when, since things do shift. Public transit gets you between most stops, so you don't need a car to move around the city.

The real savings show up when you add up what you'd pay separately. A single observation deck ticket runs around $30 to $35, the river cruise is $45, and the Big Bus tour is another $50. Pick five attractions and you're already ahead. The flexibility is what makes it work though—you're not committed to a set route or a specific day, and you can skip something if the line is too long or the weather turns.

Top questions

Do I have to use all my attractions in one day?

No. Your pass is valid for 30 days from activation, so you can spread your visits across weeks if you want.

Are the observation decks included?

Yes. You can choose either SkyDeck Chicago (103rd floor of Willis Tower) or 360 CHICAGO (94th floor), or both if you pick a higher pass tier.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?

The observation decks and some tours require reservations. Your digital guide includes instructions, and you should book early to avoid disappointment.

Can I use this pass for children?

Yes. Go City offers child passes for ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 should be checked with individual attractions.

How do I show my pass at attractions?

You receive a digital QR code after purchase. Show it on your phone or print it for direct entry—no separate tickets needed.

What if an attraction closes or changes?

The Go City app has the most up-to-date lineup and operating hours. Attractions and tours are subject to change.

Is transportation between attractions included?

No, but public transit is available nearby most attractions. The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour is included and covers major sights.

Can I get a refund if I don't use all my attractions?

Check Go City's refund policy at purchase. The pass is typically non-refundable once activated.