Chicago is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with relaxation and adventure. 

My recent trip to the Windy City with my family was unforgettable thanks to the city’s top attractions and the convenience of using CityPASS. 

From exploring world-class museums to admiring the stunning architecture, Chicago had something for everyone in my family. I’m excited to share the highlights of our trip, including our favorite activities, accommodations, and dining experiences. 

Exploring Chicago with CityPASS: A Family Adventure

As a busy mom, planning a family trip can be daunting. Balancing the needs and interests of everyone while trying to save money and time is no small feat. That’s why our recent experience with CityPASS Chicago was such a game-changer. With prepaid admission to the city’s most iconic attractions and convenient mobile tickets, we were able to focus on making memories instead of logistics. Here’s how our family of four made the most of our Chicago adventure with CityPASS.

Field Museum: A Journey Through Time

Our first stop was the Field Museum, a treasure trove of natural history. From the towering T. rex named Sue to the intricate Ancient Egypt exhibit, the museum captivated our kids and us alike. The best part? We didn’t have to worry about buying tickets on-site. With CityPASS, we scanned our mobile tickets and walked right in. We spent hours exploring the diverse exhibits, which was a great start to our trip.

Skydeck Chicago: Touching the Sky

Next, we headed to Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). The highlight of this visit was stepping out onto The Ledge, a glass box extending 1,353 feet above the ground. The panoramic views of Chicago were breathtaking, and the kids were thrilled by the experience. Again, having our CityPASS tickets meant we bypassed long lines, giving us more time to enjoy the view and take memorable photos.

Shedd Aquarium: Underwater Wonders

The Shedd Aquarium was another hit with the whole family. We marveled at the colorful marine life, from playful dolphins to graceful jellyfish. The Amazon Rising exhibit was a particular favorite, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon River. CityPASS made our visit seamless, with quick entry and no need to fuss over ticket purchases. The kids loved the interactive exhibits, and we appreciated the well-organized layout of the aquarium.

Museum of Science and Industry: Hands-On Fun

The Museum of Science and Industry offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment. The interactive exhibits kept our children engaged for hours. They especially enjoyed the U-505 Submarine and the Science Storms exhibit, where they could create tornadoes and tsunamis. Once again, CityPASS provided us with hosted easy access, eliminating the need to juggle separate tickets and reservations.

Evening Chicago Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Architecture Tour: A Perfect End to the Day

Our CityPASS adventure concluded with an evening Chicago skyline architecture tour on the river. As the sun set, we cruised along the Chicago River, admiring the stunning architecture and learning about the city’s history. The tour was a relaxing and scenic way to end our busy day, offering a unique perspective of Chicago’s iconic buildings. The kids loved spotting landmarks they recognized, and we enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the river.

Why CityPASS is a Must for Families

Using CityPASS for our Chicago trip was a smart decision for several reasons:

• Convenience: With prepaid admission and mobile tickets, we avoided long lines and the hassle of purchasing tickets at each attraction.
• Cost Savings: CityPASS offered significant savings compared to buying individual tickets for each attraction.
• Flexibility: We could visit the attractions at our own pace, without worrying about making reservations or timed entries.
• Peace of Mind: The 365-Day Risk-Free Returns policy meant we could plan our trip without any stress.

Our family had an unforgettable time exploring Chicago’s top attractions, all thanks to CityPASS. It allowed us to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time together and creating lasting memories. 

Accommodations:

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, where I booked a three-night stay using 15,000 points per night transferred from my Chase Ultimate Rewards. The property exceeded our expectations, offering incredible views from our room and a perfect location for exploring the loop. 

Access to the Regency Club Lounge helped us save on food costs, and thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, we enjoyed a complimentary big breakfast every morning, making our stay even more enjoyable and cost-effective. 

Food:

Our dining experiences in Chicago were delightful and diverse. Thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, we indulged in complimentary big breakfasts at the hotel and savored snacks from the Regency Club Lounge.

On a quest to experience Chicago’s culinary delights, we couldn’t pass up on visiting Mr. Beef for their famous Italian beef sandwich. I love The Bear on FX, so this was a must-visit.

We also enjoyed a dining experience at Eataly and couldn’t resist grabbing some pistachio gelato to cap off our explorations. 

Final Thought: Visiting Chicago on points for the second time underscored the tremendous value of travel rewards. Thanks to points and miles, we could experience incredible adventures with our family while maximizing our budget.

Our Chicago getaway was a testament to the endless possibilities that travel rewards offer. With memories made and experiences cherished, we’re looking forward to more rewarding adventures in the future. 

Cards that made this trip possible: