Plenty of outdoor spaces for picnicking!

I think they stamp your hand for reentry

I’d go weekday, but being a major museum in a major city, there are no guarantees.

Yep just ushered us out of a side door !!

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Yes, Northerly Island and Adler Planetrium

Not a big cooler but they say bringing a “brown bag lunch” is permissible. It’s in the FAQ section on their website.

Maybe if you read every single plaque, but no, this museum can definitely be seen in less than half a day. it is relatively small. We spent two hours, and that was enough. To be honest, of all the museums in Chicago, this is probably the weakest. Half a day would be too long. Next door is the Shedd Aquarium, much more entertaining, and I'm an astronomy buff. The Museum of Science and Industry has a pretty nice space area, but it's farther a way and requires a car. Great, great museum though but you could easily spend an entire day there and not see it all. Other favorites: If you're shopping on Michigan Ave, go to the top of Hancock Signature Room lounge (not the observation deck, have a drink and take in the view, the drinks are pricey, but no more than you'll pay to go to the observation deck and stay thirsty.) If you like art, the Chicago Art Institute is one of the best in the world. (Great cafeteria in the basement, hit the side door if there's a line). Then walk the outdoor bridge over to the Cloudgate sculpture (or "the Bean") in Millennium Park. Not to be missed. Cindy's restaurant across the way is excellent, but reservations should be made well in advance if you can. Good bar, with fab views. Less pricey and more local fare would be Giordano's pizza near the Prudential building (you can see the building from the park) Get some Deep Dish Pizza. Everyone should have one at least once in their life. If you want a true local experience, hit the Billy Goat Tavern under Michigan avenue near the river for a greasy burger, fries and a beer. It hasn't changed in at least 30 years, so it's also a time machine. If you like healthier fare, just about anything can be found at Eataly, not for from Michigan Ave. Basically a big indoor collection of various food stands. Head west on Grand and spend some time at Navy Pier, for our "total tourist" stop with small shops and novelty stores, and a Ferris Wheel (a Chicago creation). If you're into Natural History, the Field Museum is great, but also somewhere you could spend a lot of time. If you're not a big reader, though, you can zip through. If the weather is nice, take the architectural boat tour. Best way to see Chicago, but could be miserable in November. Or it could be glorious. The weather is unpredictable. Go to Second City in Old Town for some of the best improv comedy in the world. (Get tickets online in advance, main stage if you can). If you're super into views, go to the Sears (now Willis) Tower, but the Signature Room is just as good (without the info overload) and closer to the action. There are some novelty tours popping up, (food, pastry, etc.) Check online. And if you're young and fun hit the bar at the Freehand Chicago, and check out their website. They have tours available open to all. If you're going to go to a lot of the museum/attractions consider an all access pass, details online. These are the major stops, there are so many interesting neighborhoods and other places outside of downtown, but too many to mention here. Can you tell I love this town? I hope you have a great stay.

I don't remember being able to reserve shows online. You may not even need to. I just walked to the counter when I arrived, showed them my City Pass, and then they gave me a choice of shows and times I could go to. I reserved one at that point.