Experience Chicago with the Chicago CityPASS (Day 2)

The day before, the CityPASS was clearly worth it and we had a lot of fun. On our second day in Chicago, we visited the natural history museum "The Field Museum", the Adler Planetarium, drove up to the tallest building in Chicago and ended the day in Millennium Park.

Our second day in Chicago started again with sleeping in, because although our son fell asleep early, he left us in bed until 7:15 a.m. Heavenly!!!

The Field Museum with Chicago CityPASS

This time we went to the Museum Campus again, to "The Field Museum". The Natural History Museum houses many different exhibitions on a wide variety of topics such as China, Egypt, geological history, dinosaurs, plants and animals from all over the world and so much more. The Chicago CityPASS includes admission plus access to the China exhibition "Cyrus Tang Hall of China" and a 3D film. We watched a 3D movie about Egypt, which the little man unfortunately found boring.

The exhibitions are very interesting and informative. Our sunshine especially liked the dinosaurs, but it's also the age where you think they're great. Unfortunately, but also understandably, you are not allowed to eat and drink everywhere, because of the exhibits. With a toddler, however, it's not always so easy when you're in the middle of a certain exhibition and you have to ask for patience before he or she is allowed to take a sip. Fortunately, the individual exhibitions are not so huge that you can't leave quickly.

Adler Planetarium with the Chicago CityPASS

Afterwards, the Adler Planetarium was our destination. So we walked the few meters to the end of the peninsula and lo and behold, the sun came out. In the planetarium there are all kinds of exhibitions about the universe and its formation, the planets of our solar system as well as about the Milky Way and the discovery of the sky (history of astronomy), as well as about the history of space travel, such as the Apollo missions and the moon landing. All exhibitions are very informative and partly child-friendly. Typical for America is the very simple and brightly colored presentation and explanation. I think it looks a bit more scientific here, but I like it quite a lot that way. Included in the Chicago CityPASS is not only admission, but also two films. We decided on Planet Nine and Skywatch Live (the oldest show of the Adler Planetarium).

The film Plant Nine is shown in a large room with a domed roof. The film itself is projected onto the dome, which makes a 3D effect without it really being 3D. It took some getting used to at first, as I got a bit dizzy, but with time it goes. Our son, on the other hand, got scared. For him, the launch with the rocket at the beginning of the film seemed so real that he shouted the whole time that he wanted to get back down. He cried and was so confused that Christian had to go out with him.

Only a little later we went to the second film: Skywatch Live is about the starry sky over Chicago and the light pollution over big cities. This film was shown in a smaller room and projected onto a slightly curved ceiling. So it didn't look as spectacular as Planet Nine, but it was very interesting. Unfortunately, our little man had already become so scared when he sat down in the armchairs that he started crying again and wanted to get out at all costs. The shock of the other film was probably still too deep. So this time I went out with him and Christian watched the movie.Luckily, there is a really great children's area in the planetarium, which we were able to populate. Here you can control small Mars robots yourself, play and slide in a replica space station, launch a rocket in a video game and much more.

Then we went to the Willis Tower, because the sun had now come out completely behind the clouds and the view was great. We took the bus line 146 into the city again, this time we had the money with us (at the Ride the day before we only had large bills and couldn't pay, so someone invited us to his tariff card).

Willis Tower-Skydeck with Chicago CityPASS

The Willis Tower, with its observation deck, is the second tallest building in the United States and the tallest building in Chicago. It's clear that you have to go up there to really see this city.

On our way there, our son unfortunately fell asleep and ended up missing out on all the fun and beautiful views. When we arrived at the foot of the 527 m high building, we were guided in with our strollers through the wheelchair-accessible entrance. We were told directly that we had to expect 1 to 1 1/2 hours of waiting, phew, but now we're here, we want to go up there too. Thanks to the Chicago CityPASS, we not only had free admission, but also went straight through and only had to wait briefly at the elevators. It all took just 20 minutes! Super!

After a spectacular ride in one of the fastest elevators in the world, we arrived at the Skydeck at an altitude of 412 m. As expected, it was very crowded, but there was always a gap on the panorama glass front. We had a magnificent view over Chicago and Lake Michigan. The clouds slowly moved over the water into the city, what an atmosphere. Chicago looks beautiful from above! Since it was already late afternoon and the sun was slowly moving towards the horizon, the city was bathed in a great light. Almost a bit magical and perfect to end the day!

Christian really wanted to go into one of the three glass balconies in order to be able to look 412 m directly into the depths. The queues in front of it were endlessly long, as this experience is included in the entry. He queued up for the shortest and still waited 30 minutes. There is the obligatory photo, which can be purchased for a lot of money at the exit. But you can also take photos yourself. It's nothing for me, I don't dare to go on a glass floor at this height, but Christian thought it was quite good.

Cloud Gate at Millennium Park

After this great view from above, we wanted to visit Chicago's landmark: Cloud Gate at Millennium Park or "The Bean". Our little man had woken up again in the meantime and was very happy about this oversized distorting mirror. This attraction is definitely part of a visit to Chicago. The many angles and funny photos that are created should not be missed.

On the way to the hotel, we had a burger at Shake Shack and were thrilled as always. The wave fries are the best ever and our son loves them.

Unfortunately, this was our last day in Chicago, but the next day we were to continue north along Lake Michigan.

Which travel guide do you recommend for Chicago?

For the perfect city trip to Chicago, we recommend you this guide. Here you will not only find a detailed city map, but also a lot of information about all the important sights. You will also be shown great suggestions for detours to the outskirts.

The Chicago CityPASS was kindly provided to us by Choose Chicago. At this point we would like to thank you again for the cooperation. This post represents our free and independent opinion. You can find more information on journalistic independence under the point Cooperation.

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