Which to book in advance?

Question

Hello. We are coming to Chicago early May. Wondering if/when need to book these activities. If we can wait, we can plan more with the weather but do not want to miss out and be late to book. Here is the list of things we plan to do:

Museum of Sciece and Industry

Architectural Boat Tour

Original Chicago Architecture and Interiors Tour

Willis Tower

Art Institute

Shedd Aquarium

Thank you!

Answer

It's great that you're planning a trip to Chicago! For the activities you mentioned, here’s some advice on when to book them in advance:

Museum of Science and Industry: It’s a popular museum, especially in May, but it typically doesn’t require advance booking unless you’re planning to visit a special exhibit or attend a timed event (e.g., IMAX shows or special exhibitions). If you have a specific exhibit in mind or prefer to guarantee entry, it’s worth booking in advance.
Architectural Boat Tour: These tours can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. It’s a good idea to book this in advance, particularly if you’re visiting on weekends or around the time of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which typically brings in more visitors. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred time slot and prevents disappointment.
Original Chicago Architecture and Interiors Tour: This is a fantastic tour, but like the boat tour, it can sell out, especially on weekends or during the summer. It’s best to book in advance to secure a spot for your preferred date and time, especially if you have a specific itinerary in mind.
Willis Tower (Skydeck): It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to skip the lines. The Skydeck can get very busy, especially on weekends and during nice weather. If you have specific time preferences or want to avoid long waiting times, booking tickets online ahead of time is the best option.
Art Institute of Chicago: This world-class museum can be busy, particularly on weekends. While you can typically buy tickets on-site, booking in advance is recommended to avoid lines and guarantee entry, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours or during special exhibits.
Shedd Aquarium: Similar to the Art Institute, the Shedd Aquarium can be busy, particularly in the warmer months. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit during weekends or school vacations when the crowds are larger. For certain exhibits or events, booking ahead is essential.

In general, for popular attractions like these, booking in advance will save you time and help you avoid sold-out situations, especially during the busy tourist season in May. If you’re flexible with dates, you can often wait until closer to your visit, but securing tickets ahead of time for key activities (like boat tours and Skydeck) is always a smart move.

Enjoy your trip to Chicago!