Catch Best Sites of Chicago with CityPASS

Those visiting Chicago who want to take in some of the city's key sites might want to check out the CityPASS. For a cost of $69 for adults or $59 for kids 3-11, one can see 5 of the city's best known tourist attractions.

First on the list is the John G. Shedd Aquarium/Oceanarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Drive), which has the distinction of being the world's largest indoor aquarium. While there be sure to check out Wild Reef, a permanent exhibition of 30 sharks swimming in more than 750,000 gallons of water. Admission with the CityPASS includes VIP entry to all exhibits and a 4-D experience. Be sure to arrive early to ensure entry to the 4-D experience as these tickets tend to be gone by the early afternoon.

Near the Shed, one can find Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum (1300 S. Lake Shore Drive). The CityPASS provides one free admission to view the exhibits as well as tickets to two theater shows. Also on Lake Shore drive is the The Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Drive). Here the CityPASS gives one admission to the museum and the Underground Adventure though special exhibits require an additional fee.

Time permitting, head down to 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive to check out the Museum of Science and Industry admission, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Admission includes an Omnimax show.

Then cap off the day by seeing the sun set over the city. The CityPASS offers visitors the choice between two sightseeing options. The Skydeck Chicago features the Ledge at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower Skydeck. Here visitors can step out on to a glass bay that extend four feet from the side of the building and look down 1,353 feet. The other option would be the John Hancock Observatory, which is the only city's open air skywalk located 94 stories high overlooking Magnificent Mile. Here visitors can experience why Chicago got its name as "The Windy City." Included in admission to the Observatory is a SKY Tour and a free cup of coffee.

CityPASSes can be purchased online or at any of the above mentioned attractions. E-tickets must be used within 90 days of the first day of use. Tickets are valid for one-time use within a nine-day period. Also, CityPASS holders can access a fast ticket line, a valuable time saver especially during the summer months, weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, try to avoid going during Chicago Discount Days or Free Days as the lines can get quite long. A listing of hours for each attraction and discount and free days can be found on the CityPASS website.