Take in the view from the sky-high heights of the Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the United States. From the 103rd floor, look out over 4 states and the Windy City's urban sprawl, and then test your vertigo on a glass balcony to peer down at the streets and skyscrapers of Chicago beneath your feet.

Step into an elevator and be whisked to new heights in just 60 seconds, waiting for the ear-popping sensation as you ascend to the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. Standing 1,353 feet (412 m) above the Midwest metropolis, the Willis Tower’s steel-framed structure was specifically designed to withstand the city's infamous wind—you may even feel a slight sway if visiting during a blustery spell.

From this elevated vantage point, marvel at a panorama that stretches to include 4 neighboring states and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan. Scan Chicago's iconic skyline, and venture out onto The Ledge—a glass balcony extending from the tower's façade. From this vantage point, it's the skyscrapers that are looking up at you.

Once you've taken in the cloud-level vistas, snag a seat for a showing of Reaching for the Sky, a short movie that traces the Chicago's rise to the top of the architectural world. After the flick, spend some time engaging with the digital floor displays and fascinating trivia games before heading back to ground level.

Explore Chicago's seedy underworld on this guided bus tour of its most famous gangsters and mobsters. Investigate the former haunts of legends like Al Capone, The Untouchables, and John Dillinger as you explore the sites of major crimes, violent deaths, and shocking trials on this guided excursion.

Meet up with your guide in downtown Chicago and hop on a comfortable limo bus to being your excursion into the city's crime-riddled past. Cruise by the site of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, hear your guide talk about murders of North Side Irish gang members during Prohibition, see where the Leopold and Loeb trial was held at Courthouse Place, and find out about the scandals that shook the 1919 White Sox.

Visit sites in Chicago's River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Magnificent Mile as you learn about criminal acts throughout the early 20th century, and get the chance to step off the bus to see where gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss stood just before their deaths.

Spend the day lingering over one of the finest collections of art in the world at The Art Institute of Chicago. Download the mobile experience, with audio tours and a location-aware map to help you plot a course through the museum’s 1 million square feet of exhibit space, the second largest in the country, which showcases 300,000 works of art. The Ryan Learning Center offers free art-making for kids, as well as Journey Maker, a new digital interactive tool that allows your family create their own tour of the museum.

The Art Institute boasts the largest collection of impressionist art outside of Paris. Ponder the mesmerizing landscape of Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and peer into the 19th-century before Gustav Caillebotte's Paris Street; Rainy Day. In the American collection, marvel at iconic works like the Nighthawks diner scene by Edward Hopper and the Midwestern farmer and daughter depicted in Grant Wood’s American Gothic.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the museum's 3 restaurants if you need a break, and be sure to stop in one of the 2 gift shops for an art-inspired souvenir.

Journey beyond the moon, through the stars, and to the edge of the galaxy—all without leaving Chicago. At the Adler Planetarium, explore the exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that have been transporting visitors into the cosmos since 1930.

The first planetarium in the United States, the Adler Planetarium features fascinating permanent exhibits, a real research observatory, and the Definiti Space Theater, which shows films on the mysteries and wonders of the solar system. Get a close look at the world’s oldest known window sundial, a telescope made in 1529 by William Herschel, or marvel at antique astronomical artifacts dating back to 12th-century Persia.

In the Shoot for the Moon exhibition, visitors of all ages can unleash their inner astronaut as they fly over the lunar surface and feel the excitement and dangers of space exploration. Lean about the history of human space travel with a look at the restored Gemini 12 spacecraft and the personal collections of celebrated astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the infamous Apollo 13 mission.

Get behind the telescope at the Doane Observatory for a close-up look at planets, stars, and galaxies existing trillions of miles away. Then take a celestial tour of the night sky and beyond with your choice of 2 mesmerizing Sky Shows at one of the planetarium’s 3 all-digital, 3-D theaters.

Hear ye, hear ye. Make haste to the castle to indulge in a night of feasting, combat, and revelry. The knights and horses of Medieval Times are here to thrill you with acts of showmanship and bravery reminiscent of legends of old, while you dine on a 4-course meal worthy of a king's table.

The good King Don Carlos and his enchanting daughter, Princess Catalina, invite you to become part of their court for the evening. The pageantry of the knights is on full display as they thunder into the arena atop mighty steeds. Cheer as your knight engages in jousting and other manner of combat and the royal falconer thrills you with the feats of his magnificent birds of prey.

As the tale unfolds, you're presented with a banquet of savory fare to sate your appetite. Your meal includes select non-alcoholic beverages; or you may order from the full service bar before, during, and after the show. After dinner, be sure to browse the castle’s Hall of Arms to discover fascinating Medieval artifacts.

Sample Bill of Fare

• Oven-roasted chicken, garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, spare rib, and a castle pastry
• Hummus and warm pita bread, carrot and celery sticks, 3-bean stew with fire-roasted tomato and brown rice, and fresh fruit or Italian ice (based on availability)

At 360 CHICAGO, the guest experience begins at the ground floor with a museum-style exhibition celebrating Chicago’s history and nine of its culturally rich neighborhoods. Then take the elevators – some of the fastest in the country – and travel at 20 miles an hour to the 94th floor where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking 360-degree views of Chicago’s dazzling skyline and majestic lakefront from the 17,000-square foot observation deck. On a clear day, you can even see four neighboring states!

Spend ample time at 360 CHICAGO and explore the interactive learning opportunities on high definition multimedia touch screens.

TILT (available with supplement)

CHICAGO’S TALLEST, MOST THRILLING ATTRACTION
TILT OUTWARD OVER 1,000 FEET ABOVE THE MAGNIFICENT MILE!

• TILT is the first of its kind in the world
• Safely holds up to 8 visitors at a time
• Extends out and over The Magnificent Mile® and Chicago's famous skyline
• Offers visitors unique, downward facing views from over 1,000 feet up

EAT!! There are so many things to EAT around town! But Superdawg is hands down a Kozlowski favorite! From the classic Superdawg with everything on it (including sport peppers) to the Supercheesie (burger) to the chocolate malted shake, everything is AMAZING!! Just want dessert? Try the ice cream! IT'S CUBE SHAPED!!