Skydeck Chicago (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Skydeck Chicago?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Children aged 3-12 get cheaper tickets, interactive museum displays, printable games, stroller-friendly routes, and staff-monitored glass ledge thrills, but long waits and height anxiety may upset some.
Positives:
- Family bathrooms and stroller access: Child-friendly restrooms and ramps on Lower Level 2 make breaks easy.
- Safety supervision at The Ledge: Staff monitor the glass ledges and help with photos for peace of mind.
Challenges:
- Wait times: Lines can build outside; bring snacks or small toys to occupy kids.
- Glass-floor anxiety: Some children may feel uneasy stepping onto the transparent balconies.
What is Skydeck Chicago?
- An observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, one of North America’s tallest skyscrapers
- Equipped with transparent glass balconies that extend 4.3 feet beyond the building’s façade
- Perched at 1,353 feet above ground, ranking among the highest publicly accessible platforms in the United States
What is so special about Skydeck Chicago for with kids?
- Interactive museum exhibits make learning fun for kids
- Thrilling Ledge experience with glass-floor balconies
- Free Kids Club resources keep children excited
- Family-friendly restrooms and stroller ramps throughout
- Online ticket booking minimizes wait times
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time allows kids to explore exhibits, take The Ledge photos, and enjoy views without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Skydeck Chicago
Explore the Chicago Museum:
Interactive exhibits on Chicago’s history on lower levels.
Tip: Download Kids Club fact sheets before your visit for a self-guided scavenger hunt.
Step onto The Ledge:
Glass-floor balconies extend 4.3 ft from the 103rd floor.
Tip: Ask staff to help take photos and visit right after opening to avoid crowds.
Join the Willis Tower Skydeck Kids Club:
Free online games, quizzes, and coloring pages to prep kids.
Tip: Print activity sheets in advance to keep children engaged during queues.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Skydeck Chicago
- Buy tickets online: Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance to skip the main ticket line.
- Visit weekday mornings: Arrive 30 minutes before opening on weekdays for shorter lines.
- Use CityPASS: CityPASS offers expedited Skydeck entry and includes four other Chicago attractions.
Reviews of Skydeck Chicago
Hazel Joyce
A must-visit place!! We booked at the last minute, and we’re happy with this incredible experience. Bring a lot of patience when you visit the skydeck, especially during the holidays. The crew members are very friendly and accommodating; they assist you with whatever you need. Make sure to get those printed photos!!
sureshmi s
Skydeck Chicago was an amazing experience and a must-visit attraction. The views from the top of Willis Tower are absolutely breathtaking, offering a stunning panorama of the entire city and even neighboring states on a clear day. The glass ledge was thrilling and surprisingly safe, making it a fun and unforgettable moment. The exhibits were informative, and the staff was well-organized and friend...
Corey Gauntt
Amazing experience! Get to see the entire City of Chicago with 360° observation views and the infamous "Ledge" which Inn is own way can be a little breath taking! On the way to the elevators to go up to the Skydeck there's an immersive experience displaying some the unique and historical characteristics of the city and the Willis Tower. Lots of photo ops as well!
LaLa C
I went back in 2016 with some friends so it was nice to go back and see it again. Even better than I remember. I also went in the day my last visit and this time I got to see it at night and it was very beautiful! I loved all the photo ops on the way up and the Chicago history as well. The ledge is the highlight.
Maria Fernanda Arreguin
We visited the Skydeck totally spontaneously on a Saturday night and had such a great experience! We were originally going to buy tickets at the self-checkout kiosk, but the prices were pretty high, so I checked online and found a much better deal through Tripster. The tickets were emailed instantly and we walked right in with the barcodes. Before reaching the ledge, you go through a really well-...
When is the best time to visit Skydeck Chicago (Chicago, United States)?
In summer, arrive before 10 am to avoid heat; in winter, bundle up for the outdoor queue and start indoors at the museum.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult general admission tickets | USD 64 |
| 2 youth (3-11) tickets | USD 48 |
| Total Estimated | USD 112 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Skydeck Chicago
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Skydeck Chicago (Chicago)?
About Skydeck Chicago
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 312-875-9447Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!