Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower is one of those experiences that kids will talk about for years. Located on the 103rd floor of what was once the tallest building in the world, the observation deck sits 1,353 feet above street level and offers views stretching across four states on a clear day. The star attraction is the Ledge — glass-floored boxes that extend 4.

3 feet out from the building, letting you stand with nothing but transparent glass between your feet and the street 103 stories below.

The Ledge is what makes Skydeck a family event rather than just a view. Kids approach it with a mix of terror and excitement that is genuinely entertaining to witness. Some sprint onto the glass without hesitation.

Others inch forward, gripping the railing, before finally looking down and screaming with a combination of fear and delight. Parents who are afraid of heights face their own moment of truth. The photos from the Ledge — kids lying on the glass, doing pushups, or just standing with the city grid far below their feet — become some of the most shared family vacation images.

The elevator ride to the top is part of the experience. Two high-speed elevators ascend 103 floors in approximately 60 seconds, fast enough to make ears pop and stomachs flutter. Interactive screens inside the elevator display facts about the building as you rise. For kids, the speed and the ear-popping create anticipation that builds toward the door opening at the top.

The observation floor itself has 360-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows. On a clear day, you can see the Indiana shoreline, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The interactive exhibits around the perimeter identify buildings and landmarks visible from each direction.

Kids enjoy finding specific buildings they have visited — Millennium Park, Navy Pier, their hotel — and the aerial perspective makes the city feel comprehensible in a way that street-level walking does not.

Here is the critical practical advice: check the weather and the Skydeck webcam before visiting. The Skydeck website has a live webcam showing current conditions from the top. On overcast, foggy, or rainy days, visibility from 1,353 feet is essentially zero — you will see gray in every direction and the Ledge loses its impact because you cannot see the ground.

Clear days are transformative experiences. Foggy days are expensive disappointments. Check the webcam and plan accordingly.

The Ledge line on the observation floor is the bottleneck. There are several glass boxes, each accommodating one family group at a time. On summer weekends, the wait can exceed 60-90 minutes.

On weekday mornings, it can be under 10 minutes. If you are visiting during peak season and cannot come on a weekday, the Fast Pass upgrade ($15-$20 per person) skips the Ledge line and is genuinely worth the premium.

The entry experience includes a brief exhibit about the building's history and construction before you reach the elevators. This takes about 10 minutes and is mildly interesting for older kids but not essential content. The gift shop at the exit is inevitable and has Chicago-themed souvenirs.

Admission is $32 for adults and $24 for children ages 3-11. A family of four pays about $120-$140. CityPASS includes Skydeck at a significant discount if you are visiting multiple Chicago attractions. The total visit takes about 60-90 minutes including the exhibit, elevator, observation floor, and Ledge.

Willis Tower is in the southwest corner of the Loop, accessible by CTA Brown, Orange, Purple, and Pink lines at Quincy/Wells station. Parking nearby is $20-$35 in commercial garages. The surrounding area has excellent food options, with Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza a 10-minute walk away.