360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory)

360 Chicago, located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center on Michigan Avenue, is one of two major observation deck experiences in Chicago and the one that offers the more thrilling interactive element for families. While Skydeck at Willis Tower has the glass Ledge, 360 Chicago counters with TILT — a glass enclosure that physically tilts you outward over the city, 1,000 feet above street level.

TILT is genuinely different from a standard observation deck viewing. You step into an enclosed glass platform, grip the handrails, and the entire enclosure tilts outward 30 degrees over Michigan Avenue. You are suddenly leaning forward over the street with nothing but glass between you and the sidewalk far below.

The tilting motion adds a physical sensation that static glass floors cannot replicate — your body tells you something is wrong even as your brain knows you are safe. Kids react with a mixture of screams and laughter that echoes through the observation deck. TILT is an add-on to the standard admission ($9 per person) and accommodates about 8 people at a time for 30-second tilt cycles.

The standard observation deck offers 360-degree views from the 94th floor through floor-to-ceiling windows. The views are slightly different from Skydeck's because of the building's location on Michigan Avenue rather than in the Loop. The north-facing views are 360 Chicago's strength — you look straight up the lakefront past Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park, and into the northern suburbs.

On a clear day, you can trace the shoreline into Wisconsin. The south views capture the entire Loop skyline, Museum Campus, and beyond. Interactive displays help identify what you are seeing in each direction.

Comparing 360 Chicago to Skydeck is inevitable, and the honest answer is that both are excellent and choosing between them depends on your family's priorities. Skydeck is higher (1,353 feet vs 1,000 feet) and has the Ledge glass floor. 360 Chicago has TILT's tilting sensation and a better surrounding neighborhood for dining.

Skydeck's Ledge is more of a photo opportunity; TILT is more of a physical thrill. Most families visiting Chicago pick one or the other rather than doing both, and either choice is a win.

One distinct advantage of 360 Chicago is the Signature Lounge on the 95th floor — one floor above the observation deck, in the same building. This is a cocktail lounge with the identical views but no admission charge. Adults can ride the elevator up, order a drink (cocktails are $18-$25, which is less than observation deck admission), and enjoy the views with a more refined atmosphere.

For parents who want the view without the kid-focused observation deck experience, or for a date night visit, the Signature Lounge is an insider move.

The building is on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping and dining corridor. This location means you are surrounded by restaurants, shops, and hotels. Gino's East deep-dish pizza is two blocks away.

RPM Italian, The Purple Pig, and dozens of other family restaurants are within walking distance. The ease of combining 360 Chicago with a Magnificent Mile meal makes it logistically simple.

Admission is $28 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-11, with the TILT add-on at $9 per person. A family of four pays about $100 for standard admission or $135 with TILT. CityPASS includes 360 Chicago as one of its options. The visit takes about 60-90 minutes including elevator rides, observation time, and TILT.

Like Skydeck, checking weather conditions before visiting is essential. The observation deck webcam shows current visibility. On foggy or overcast days, you will see little from the 94th floor, and TILT loses its visual impact. Save your visit for a clear day.