Advanced booking of tickets if visiting mid April

Question

Is Chicago busy in mid of April? I am going to visit Chicago this coming April. I bought a Citypass. It looks like that a lot of attractions required advanced bookings. Since I will be there for only 3.5 days (Wed to Sat), I want to be flexible to fix the weather when I am there. When should I start scheduling the tickets ( like those timed entry or timed exhibits at museums)?

Answer

Chicago can be a little busy in mid-April, but it’s not usually as crowded as during peak summer months or around holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The weather can be unpredictable in April, so it's a good idea to stay flexible with your plans to adjust to any rain or cooler days. However, with your Citypass, it’s important to plan your timed entries to ensure you get the most out of your 3.5 days in the city.

Here’s what I recommend regarding advanced booking for attractions that require timed entries:

Start planning about 2 weeks in advance: Since you’ll want to be flexible with the weather, it’s a good idea to book your tickets for popular timed-entry attractions about 2 weeks before your trip. This will give you a good balance between flexibility and securing spots at museums or other attractions that require reservations, like the Skydeck or the Art Institute.
Keep your options open for the first couple of days: Since you’ll be in Chicago for 3.5 days, you can leave the first day open and book the tickets for the second or third day based on the weather forecast. For example, if it's going to be sunny and warm, you might want to book outdoor attractions (like Navy Pier or the Lincoln Park Zoo) for those days, and reserve indoor, timed-entry museums for potentially rainy days.
Prioritize top attractions: Some of the most popular timed-entry attractions in Chicago, like the Skydeck at Willis Tower, the Art Institute, or the Museum of Science and Industry, may sell out quickly during busy periods. So if there’s anything you’re especially eager to see, it’s a good idea to book these attractions earlier (about 2 weeks in advance). For others that are less likely to sell out, you can usually book closer to your visit.
Check for flexibility: Many attractions like the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum offer a range of available entry times, and if you’re using a Citypass, you might have some flexibility in terms of entry time. If you’re unsure of your schedule, see if the Citypass tickets allow for changes, or if you can book a window of time that gives you some leeway.

In short, try to make reservations about 2 weeks in advance, especially for the most popular timed-entry places. But don’t feel like you need to book everything immediately – Chicago is a big city with plenty to offer, and some things you can book a little closer to your visit. If you’re flexible and strategic about the weather and your plans, you’ll have a great time!