A Guide to the The Sears Tower Skydeck

They have seasonal hours, but open at 10 a.m. daily, even on holidays.

When I was asked did I want to go to the Skydeck of the Sears Tower, I said plainly, "Sure". Little did I know what to expect or how to react to what I would see.

We arrived early one morning, in the summer month of August. From the ground, looking up, it seems like the Sears Tower goes right to heaven. A huge gray/gold color mass of building I found very intimidating. The children were not looking forward to this part of our trip. Somehow they believed this would be very boring. They were in for a surprise too!

"Before we enter the building let me share with you these few facts, " I said to the children. "The Sears Tower is about 1,450 feet tall. If it is clear enough today, we will be able to see four different states. Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana."

We entered from the Jackson Blvd side and found our way in line. Since we did not purchase our tickets ahead of time, we stood in line for a few minutes to get tickets. The link provided above includes a chance to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the ticket line.

Once you get to the top, prepare yourself! I have never seen so many things to look at all at once. It was wonderful! In one direction we saw the giant Ferris wheel from the Chicago's Downtown Navy Pier. All the sailboats look like white dots. We looked for the Merchandise Mart, a very tall building with pyramids on top of it. We had seen this building in person so it was extra special to see it from the Sears Tower. We also saw the Zoo from Lincoln Park. Everything seems so tiny from up there. I was in awe. Chicago Bears play football at the Soldier Field. It is easy to find, look for an oval shaped building with green grass in the center. Chicago has two airports, O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare Airport is to the North of the Sears Tower while Midway is to the South.

The entire experience was amazing. We spent four hours looking at taxicabs, airplanes, lakes, rivers, and not to give it all away, but some really neat stuff.

When we go back, I will buy my tickets online, and I will get each child their own pair of binoculars. I have found a place online I would like to share. It's a bundle pass to visit multiple places for less than buying them separate. Try it. Hope you enjoy!!

http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html?id=Tep4L6Yh

Facts are provided by http://www.the-skydeck.com/tour.asp.