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This might be my all time favorite aquarium that I've ever been to! Words cant even describe how great all the exhibits were and how many animals are here. Once you walk in, there's two great tanks with a ton of sea life. The building is also beautiful and when you look up, the atmosphere and architecture is absolutely stunning. Took us a few hours to walk through and see everything. They even have dolphins and beluga whales here. Tons of stingrays, various sharks, and unique species such as the sea dragon. Which might be my favorite next to the snapping turtle. This is better than any aquarium back home (nor cal) and the views outside from the cafeteria were immaculate and stunning. Plenty of ADA/Accessible ways to go around and see everything. I was so amazed and impressed here. Got my sticker and magnet from the gift shop on the way out. I highly recommend and suggest coming here. It exceeded all my expectations.
My siblings and I enjoy museums and aquariums. We've gone to many aquariums in general. This one is a state of the art facility that is as beautiful as it is modern. Surrounded by water, the viewing deck during shows offers a nice sight. Also pretty diverse without the sheer quantity of animals and sea life they maintain! From beluga whales, penguins, whales, all the way to tortoises and really insane and unique animals. They have a tropical climate area also. The tanks all range and I feel like you can spend 3+ hours here and not get bored. Overall, worth the ticket price and definitely at the top of our list of aquariums we've visited and enjoy!
The aquarium is gorgeous, but we had a few bumps along the way. We decided to walk from our hotel and unfortunately came from the north side, which is under construction. Luckily, we got the city pass, so we were able to get in quickly in a fast moving line. The signage was unclear, and they didn't have maps or pamphlets. Instead, they had a QR code to scan. Some how I ended up against the flow of traffic in the exhibits. We saw the lake, plankton, Amazon, and sharks. The elevator we got on didn't have access to the levels with the animals (8 & 9), so I thought there was anything else to see. Granted, this is entirely on me, but we ended up missing some of the coolest parts.
Wonderful aquarium experience! Let's of activity opportunities, like petting sturgeons, and starfish (if you're brave enough). They have beluga whales, and their tanks go so deep it's incredible. I came here with my child on a Tuesday, definitely more affordable if you live in the city! And they ask for your ID so be prepared! They have a great couple of kids areas including a penguin play area, and a yellow submarine. Great place to bring your kids or come solo to check out all the adorable and freaky fishes!
ated right across from the Field Museum, so it's easy to visit both on the same day. I arrived around 3 p.m. on a rainy Sunday, and it was extremely crowded, which wasn't too surprising given the weather. My CityPASS also included one of the 3D shows. I could choose between the penguin, octopus, or shark show, and after asking the concierge for a recommendation, I went with the octopus show because they said it had the best colorful visuals. They were very friendly, and I'm glad I took their advice, the show was really well done. One thing I wish they offered was a printed map. Instead, you have to take a photo of the map to navigate the aquarium. It wasn't a big deal, but having a paper map would have made it easier to find my way around. The aquarium is spread across three levels (upper, main, and lower), so it's easy to miss sections if you're not paying attention. They also have a few interactive exhibits where you can touch some of the aquatic animals, which was a fun addition. Overall, I had a great time. It was a fun way to spend a few hours, and if you're visiting with CityPASS, I'd definitely recommend including Shedd Aquarium in your itinerary.
Visiting this aquarium was an incredible experience from start to finish. The exhibits are beautifully designed, showcasing a dazzling variety of marine life in vivid, lifelike habitats. Swimming through the tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish felt immersive and almost magical. The staff was knowledgeable and engaging, making it easy to learn fascinating facts about the creatures on display. Interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and educational programs add even more value, making it perfect for families, students, or anyone curious about the underwater world. Overall, it's a mesmerizing, educational, and fun destination that leaves you inspired by the beauty and diversity of ocean life.
Reserved a ticket ahead of time so we got in right away at 10am on a Sunday. Facility was really clean and not overly crowded which I appreciated. They could use more details on their website about where each animal is located. Also there is a show called "animal spotlight" which makes it sound like there will be a variety of animals in one show. Instead they will either do the belugas, dolphins, or sea lions. They should just specify that. I went to the 11:30 show and it was the belugas. If I knew they were going to do dolphins at 12:30 I would have went to that one too. They just need to be clearer about this and you should attend multiple shows. We enjoyed seeing the beluga and sea lion show. There were staff around everywhere to help answer questions which was nice. Everyone was very helpful! The cafeteria was clean and fast. They had a variety of choices: pizza, Mexican food, hamburger, nachos, etc. They also have cafes. Overall there was plenty to look at!
I've been coming to the Shedd aquarium since I was a kid. I've been here multiple times on school field trips. I've even come here a handful of times as an adult whether I paid for it or it happened to be free through my employer through corporate sponsorship. However, I recently visited here on a weekday which technically was a federal holiday with some good friends. I have to say first of all I'm super shocked that there is still construction here and it seems to be never ending. Not really quite sure how any of the construction that's been completed. Has actually helped it. There still is no parking. And the one lot that is closest, we've tried pulling into and apparently was only supposed to be for handicap parking. Which that means the only parking left is, if you can get lucky between the aquarium and the planetarium otherwise you have to go all the way down the street to the other parking lot that all the signs directed to. Further that lot that is only handicap parking was $32. How ridiculous even more ridiculous was the ticket fee to get in which turned out to be $43 and by the way, the price changes depending on the time that you want to enter the aquarium then they conveniently charge you a five dollar service fee. So for one person to get in is $48. If you live in the city of Chicago, it is discounted for 20 something dollars. Now while that is nice and kind keep in mind that while this is in the city of Chicago it is still within the realms of Cook County and I still live in Cook County and I'm still a taxpayer. I honestly would've given it more stars had the layout in the construction that has already been done actually benefited or done something better for the visit. I quite frankly do not see that and have not ex experienced it during this particular visit. I hope that all the construction really makes this place visitor friendly.
As an aquarium enthusiast, the Shedd Aquarium checked all the boxes. Admission prices varied but mostly stayed in the forty dollar range. It is not the cheapest attraction, but it has enough unique animals to capture your attention for a couple hours. The staff were not too strict about timing and check in was easy. The aquarium was packed at all times, even when it was close to closing. An underrated exhibit was Amazon Rising. The arapaima were massive and lively and the entire walkway was covered in a forest canopy that enveloped us in a warm and humid atmosphere. At Home on the Great Lakes was a small but compact section. The freshwater fish were surprisingly plump. The lake sturgeon and channel catfish were some of the fattest fish I have seen. During my visit, employees were managing the touch tank with friendly stingrays. The Oceans exhibit featured larger animals. I was surprised by how the sharks fit into a single tank. Despite showing bigger species, the displays were rather simple and were not highlighted as much as the mammals. The Wild Reef had its classic large display with big sharks and fish. The most underappreciated display was the bowmouth guitarfish. Not only were they uniquely shaped, they had the strangest and slowest way of swimming. The beluga whales were incredibly active. They swam close to the glass and often rubbed their heads on nearby rocks. The ones near the surface were very playful and sprayed a few guests. The sea otters were more elusive, but when they appeared, they rolled around near the grates. The dolphins happily swam around as well, though there was not much in their tanks. I was glad to see that the space was large. The penguin exhibit, however, made me extremely claustrophobic. Everyone was packed in like sardines and being on the shorter side, I could barely see over anyone. The aquarium was crowded overall but there was plenty to see and visitors were polite so everything went smoothly. The Shedd Aquarium is not the cheapest attraction, but the displays here were well maintained and clearly cared for.
7 days ago
The Shedd Aquarium was such a fun and memorable experience while visiting Chicago! I've wanted to come here ever since I heard from friends that it's amaaazing. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or just love animals, this is definitely a Chicago attraction worth adding to your itinerary. Be sure to plan ahead because The Shedd is a very popular attraction, especially during peak travel times. I recommend checking ticket availability and scheduling your visit in advance. There is a lot to explore, and you will want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it all! There are also shows throughout the day, including the dolphin show, which runs at set times. A helpful tip is to check the schedule ahead of time or look at the boards throughout the aquarium so you can plan around the shows you want to see. The aquarium itself is beautiful, with a great mix of exhibits featuring animals from oceans, rivers, and different aquatic environments. I loved walking through the different sections and seeing everything from colorful fish to turtles, belugas, seals, sharks, and dolphins. One of my favorite parts was seeing the beluga whales! They are such unique and expressive animals, and watching them swim around was definitely a highlight of the visit. The dolphin show was also a must-see with the amazing tricks and the visible bond between the trainers and dolphins. The Shedd is also very interactive, which makes it enjoyable for both kids and adults. There are opportunities to get closer to exhibits, such as petting the starfish and learning interesting facts about them. This also includes getting to see the beautiful macaw ! We also paid extra for the 4D Penguin Experience, which was absolutely worth it! You have mist spraying on you during the show, and it does a great job teaching you about the animals in a fun and immersive way. The featured animals and shows may change, but the overall experience is definitely worth trying. Great place for kids, adults, and kid-like adults for sure! Overall, the Shedd Aquarium was a wonderful Chicago experience. It combines education, conservation, and the simple joy of seeing amazing animals up close. I would definitely recommend visiting if you are in Chicago! read more
This might be my all time favorite aquarium that I've ever been to! Words cant even describe how great all the exhibits were and how many animals are here. Once you walk in, there's two great tanks with a ton of sea life. The building is also beautiful and when you look up, the atmosphere and architecture is absolutely stunning. Took us a few hours to walk through and see everything. They even have dolphins and beluga whales here. Tons of stingrays, various sharks, and unique species such as the sea dragon. Which might be my favorite next to the snapping turtle. This is better than any aquarium back home (nor cal) and the views outside from the cafeteria were immaculate and stunning. Plenty of ADA/Accessible ways to go around and see everything. I was so amazed and impressed here. Got my sticker and magnet from the gift shop on the way out. I highly recommend and suggest coming here. It exceeded all my expectations. read more
My siblings and I enjoy museums and aquariums. We've gone to many aquariums in general. This one is a state of the art facility that is as beautiful as it is modern. Surrounded by water, the viewing deck during shows offers a nice sight. Also pretty diverse without the sheer quantity of animals and sea life they maintain! From beluga whales, penguins, whales, all the way to tortoises and really insane and unique animals. They have a tropical climate area also. The tanks all range and I feel like you can spend 3+ hours here and not get bored. Overall, worth the ticket price and definitely at the top of our list of aquariums we've visited and enjoy! read more
The aquarium is gorgeous, but we had a few bumps along the way. We decided to walk from our hotel and unfortunately came from the north side, which is under construction. Luckily, we got the city pass, so we were able to get in quickly in a fast moving line. The signage was unclear, and they didn't have maps or pamphlets. Instead, they had a QR code to scan. Some how I ended up against the flow of traffic in the exhibits. We saw the lake, plankton, Amazon, and sharks. The elevator we got on didn't have access to the levels with the animals (8 & 9), so I thought there was anything else to see. Granted, this is entirely on me, but we ended up missing some of the coolest parts. read more
We had the opportunity to do the penguin encounter which was so much fun and educational too. You do get to pet a penguin and learn all sorts of facts about them. We also saw beluga whales being fed and dolphins jumping around so all in all pretty good day. read more
4 months ago
Wonderful aquarium experience! Let's of activity opportunities, like petting sturgeons, and starfish (if you're brave enough). They have beluga whales, and their tanks go so deep it's incredible. I came here with my child on a Tuesday, definitely more affordable if you live in the city! And they ask for your ID so be prepared! They have a great couple of kids areas including a penguin play area, and a yellow submarine. Great place to bring your kids or come solo to check out all the adorable and freaky fishes! read more
ated right across from the Field Museum, so it's easy to visit both on the same day. I arrived around 3 p.m. on a rainy Sunday, and it was extremely crowded, which wasn't too surprising given the weather. My CityPASS also included one of the 3D shows. I could choose between the penguin, octopus, or shark show, and after asking the concierge for a recommendation, I went with the octopus show because they said it had the best colorful visuals. They were very friendly, and I'm glad I took their advice, the show was really well done. One thing I wish they offered was a printed map. Instead, you have to take a photo of the map to navigate the aquarium. It wasn't a big deal, but having a paper map would have made it easier to find my way around. The aquarium is spread across three levels (upper, main, and lower), so it's easy to miss sections if you're not paying attention. They also have a few interactive exhibits where you can touch some of the aquatic animals, which was a fun addition. Overall, I had a great time. It was a fun way to spend a few hours, and if you're visiting with CityPASS, I'd definitely recommend including Shedd Aquarium in your itinerary. read more
Visiting this aquarium was an incredible experience from start to finish. The exhibits are beautifully designed, showcasing a dazzling variety of marine life in vivid, lifelike habitats. Swimming through the tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish felt immersive and almost magical. The staff was knowledgeable and engaging, making it easy to learn fascinating facts about the creatures on display. Interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and educational programs add even more value, making it perfect for families, students, or anyone curious about the underwater world. Overall, it's a mesmerizing, educational, and fun destination that leaves you inspired by the beauty and diversity of ocean life. read more
Reserved a ticket ahead of time so we got in right away at 10am on a Sunday. Facility was really clean and not overly crowded which I appreciated. They could use more details on their website about where each animal is located. Also there is a show called "animal spotlight" which makes it sound like there will be a variety of animals in one show. Instead they will either do the belugas, dolphins, or sea lions. They should just specify that. I went to the 11:30 show and it was the belugas. If I knew they were going to do dolphins at 12:30 I would have went to that one too. They just need to be clearer about this and you should attend multiple shows. We enjoyed seeing the beluga and sea lion show. There were staff around everywhere to help answer questions which was nice. Everyone was very helpful! The cafeteria was clean and fast. They had a variety of choices: pizza, Mexican food, hamburger, nachos, etc. They also have cafes. Overall there was plenty to look at! read more
15 days ago
I liked the Shedd Aquarium. It was cool but a little bit boring like 3/5 on the bored scale. I got to pet some fish which was cool. Altogether this place was good. read more
I've been coming to the Shedd aquarium since I was a kid. I've been here multiple times on school field trips. I've even come here a handful of times as an adult whether I paid for it or it happened to be free through my employer through corporate sponsorship. However, I recently visited here on a weekday which technically was a federal holiday with some good friends. I have to say first of all I'm super shocked that there is still construction here and it seems to be never ending. Not really quite sure how any of the construction that's been completed. Has actually helped it. There still is no parking. And the one lot that is closest, we've tried pulling into and apparently was only supposed to be for handicap parking. Which that means the only parking left is, if you can get lucky between the aquarium and the planetarium otherwise you have to go all the way down the street to the other parking lot that all the signs directed to. Further that lot that is only handicap parking was $32. How ridiculous even more ridiculous was the ticket fee to get in which turned out to be $43 and by the way, the price changes depending on the time that you want to enter the aquarium then they conveniently charge you a five dollar service fee. So for one person to get in is $48. If you live in the city of Chicago, it is discounted for 20 something dollars. Now while that is nice and kind keep in mind that while this is in the city of Chicago it is still within the realms of Cook County and I still live in Cook County and I'm still a taxpayer. I honestly would've given it more stars had the layout in the construction that has already been done actually benefited or done something better for the visit. I quite frankly do not see that and have not ex experienced it during this particular visit. I hope that all the construction really makes this place visitor friendly. read more
As an aquarium enthusiast, the Shedd Aquarium checked all the boxes. Admission prices varied but mostly stayed in the forty dollar range. It is not the cheapest attraction, but it has enough unique animals to capture your attention for a couple hours. The staff were not too strict about timing and check in was easy. The aquarium was packed at all times, even when it was close to closing. An underrated exhibit was Amazon Rising. The arapaima were massive and lively and the entire walkway was covered in a forest canopy that enveloped us in a warm and humid atmosphere. At Home on the Great Lakes was a small but compact section. The freshwater fish were surprisingly plump. The lake sturgeon and channel catfish were some of the fattest fish I have seen. During my visit, employees were managing the touch tank with friendly stingrays. The Oceans exhibit featured larger animals. I was surprised by how the sharks fit into a single tank. Despite showing bigger species, the displays were rather simple and were not highlighted as much as the mammals. The Wild Reef had its classic large display with big sharks and fish. The most underappreciated display was the bowmouth guitarfish. Not only were they uniquely shaped, they had the strangest and slowest way of swimming. The beluga whales were incredibly active. They swam close to the glass and often rubbed their heads on nearby rocks. The ones near the surface were very playful and sprayed a few guests. The sea otters were more elusive, but when they appeared, they rolled around near the grates. The dolphins happily swam around as well, though there was not much in their tanks. I was glad to see that the space was large. The penguin exhibit, however, made me extremely claustrophobic. Everyone was packed in like sardines and being on the shorter side, I could barely see over anyone. The aquarium was crowded overall but there was plenty to see and visitors were polite so everything went smoothly. The Shedd Aquarium is not the cheapest attraction, but the displays here were well maintained and clearly cared for. read more
Always love a great aquarium visit when I can't get out doors due to bitter cold weather! Excellent stop for military families as it is free for member and family (check limits, believe it is up to 5). Good shows, valet parking ($35) or a parking lot a host walk down the street. Pretty crowded on the weekends so if you can plan. Weekday visit would be able to enjoy the venue a little more. Shows fill early, ensure to get your seats. Plenty to see for kids and adults. Cafe in site to enjoy a meal as well. Definitely worth the stop if in town! read more
This was our second time at the aquarium, and this time we paid for one of the sea otter counter activities, and it was really fun! Way more immersive and fun than just perusing the aquarium. There were 3 other groups of couples along with us. They were so cute and fun to watch up close! They're also so soft to pet! Some of them were also super cute and funny playing with toys. We also got to fill up some feeder balls with seafood and give it to them to eat at the end which I enjoyed watching. We did end up going thru a bit of the aquarium again, but the sea otter encounter was definitely my favorite part. Paid 40 bucks for the photos they took of us. read more
It's a nice aquarium. You can easily spend at least 2-3 hours here. During my visit, I saw a cool show featuring dolphins in the amphitheater. Multiple touch experiences were available: sturgeon, sea stars, etc. They have penguins, beluga whales, octopus, sting rays, and so many more. The gift shop sells shirts, hoodies, magnets, plushies, toys, and others. Good place to see if you have the time. read more
5 months ago
After being at Griffin museum earlier my experience was just meh. I experienced my inner child and touched sturgeon fish and arctic star fish after pre washing my hands. There were just too many people here to make this place enjoyable. The Beluga whales and dolphins were in way too small of tanks. I did like the penguins. I didn't see the sea otters. The place was very crowded. It was included in go city pass. The views of Lake Michigan were beautiful. A cool place to bring your children. read more
Wow! The Shedd aquarium was everything it was talked up to being! There are so many areas to explore, staff is incredible friendly and helpful, and can I get a high five for this being the first aquarium not to force me to walk through a gift shop when I leave? For once, I didn't have to fight with my kids to buy something on my way out!!! Also - bathrooms were plenty and clean! read more
Under construction but still open so you'll just need to follow the signs to find the entrance. Beautiful facility! Fun colorful decor and lovely architecture. Nice view of Lake Michigan too. Scenic location. Massive space! Lots of exhibits and floors to see. I saw sharks, dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, coral reefs, and more. They have live shows and events too, such as dolphin shows. I took advantage of the summer free Tuesday evenings for Illinois residents. It was fun to check out! I can lack a sense of direction so it felt a bit confusing to find things but the staff is very helpful and there are many signs to help navigate. It's an impressive facility! read more
I'm a zoo and aquarium fan so Shedd Aquarium has been on my bucket list for years! Shedd Aquarium was built in late 1927 to late 1929 and opened in May of 1930. The aquarium holds about 32,000 animals (fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and mammals). It is the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and the 11th-largest aquarium in the world. Shedd Aquarium has five major indoor exhibits (Wonder of Water, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, and Polar Play Zone) and one outdoor, seasonal exhibit (Stingray Touch) available to the public, as well as the 4-D Theater and the Great Lakes section. I'm not exactly sure how many exhibit tank Shedd has in total, but the Waters of the World exhibit has 76 habitats by itself... Combined the aquarium holds over 5 million gallons of water (fresh and salt) and the facility hosts over 2 million visitors a year. The Oceanarium is the largest indoor marine mammal facility in the world. It features sea lions, beluga whales, and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Make sure you attend at least one of the Animal Spotlights shows! Tickets to the shows are free with admission, but because of limited seating they use the ticket system to reserve your seat for a presentation. Times vary throughout the day... Shedd also offers tours, up close and personal, behind the scenes experiences, and other events throughout the year! Make sure you check out their website before your visit to see what all is available. Also for their FAQs and possible ticket discounts! Did my visit to Shedd live up to everything I expected...? Yes. Yes it did! If I lived in the Chicago area I would definitely be an annual member here! I could sit in the underwater viewing area and just watch the belugas and dolphins for hours... This will be the one thing I do EVERY time I visit Chicago...! Well visit here... And... Take a suitcase of 30 White Castle cheese sliders home with me... There are no White Castle locations in the entire state of Iowa and I miss being able to get them so much...! Lol read more
We visited Shedd Aquarium while in Chicago for my son's Navy Boot Camp graduation, and it was an incredible experience. My son loves aquariums, so this was a must-do, and it did not disappoint. The aquarium is huge, large enough to easily spend several hours exploring, and it's air-conditioned, which makes it a comfortable outing. There are so many amazing creatures to see, from otters and dolphins to octopus, jellyfish, sharks, freshwater fish, and cold-water species. Every exhibit was engaging and beautifully done, making it a phenomenal place for both kids and adults. Do be prepared for quite a bit of walking. Parking isn't very close, so if anyone in your group has mobility issues, I highly recommend dropping them off at the roundabout before parking (and don't forget to keep your parking display in the window). One fantastic perk: active-duty military members get complimentary entry for themselves plus up to five guests, which made our visit even more special. And don't miss the dolphin show, it's a highlight of the day. Overall, Shedd Aquarium is a must-visit when in Chicago. It's family-friendly, educational, and absolutely worth the time. read more
Had low expectations for this aquarium but was thoroughly impressed with how much I enjoyed it. They actually have some really unique animals that were different from many of the aquariums I've been to. Compared to the top aquariums I've visited, I'd rate this one pretty high in terms of things to do and the overall quality of the animals you get to see. For value, I got tickets through the CityPASS. With it, you always get a 4-D experience for free, and it was surprisingly good. I watched the shark experience and was impressed by how entertaining it was. The dolphin show is also a must-see. The dolphins are well-trained and perform some amazing tricks. Overall, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Chicago! Note: They are reasonably strict about entrance times, but they did let us in up to 30 minutes early. read more
Finally made it back to Shedd Aquarium! COVID protocols are no more, and it's busy again. You can reserve timed entry tickets online, and even though we were running a bit late, we still got to enter as soon as we arrived. We even got 50% off our tickets because we have a membership at our local zoo, so check the reciprocal benefits on their website. We spent a few hours leisurely exploring the aquarium, which was nice. Again, it was super busy, so be prepared for crowds. It can also be quite loud - I honestly wished I had brought earplugs at some points. Some sections of the aquarium were closed off so it seemed like they were doing renovations, but there was still plenty to see. There are a few additional activities that you can buy tickets for, like the 4D movie experiences. We watched the dolphin show and learned about Pacific white-sided dolphins. There is a cafe on site and they also had a concession stand selling popcorn and drinks. The exhibits seemed clean and well maintained, and there were employees around to help assist with wayfinding, etc. I don't know that I really need to come back anytime soon, but I was glad we got to check it out again. read more
I went to the shed aquarium on a Illinois free day. I arrive roughly around 10 AM, it was so crowded that the next ticket at time was for 12 PM. There was also a rude patron, who wasn't paying attention and nearly bumped me over. Nevertheless, I returned during our scheduled ticket at time. Although it was very busy, including some school field trips in attendance, we got to see some amazing animals every time I go, I feel like I see and learn about something new. I was fortunate to get to see the anaconda and the sea lion pro tip if you want to see the sea lion or dolphin show etc. you should plan to arrive 45 minutes before the showtime they also had snacks I was able to grab some popcorn, a pretzel and a Diet Coke. All in all it was a great experience and I would definitely go back again on a non-free day. read more
First time with the wife at the Shedd Aquarium! - Easy to buy tickets online but you can purchase at the entrance too. Plenty of Aquatic life to keep you walking for a couple hours and not to mention every hour they do free show displaying the sea lion and the dolphin's. The food court is great so you can catch a break and have some food. Not to mention they got souvenir shops too so you can get some merch as well. Overall a great experience and I highly recommend this place to everyone. read more
Let's begin. Once you visit the aquarium in Atl, other aquariums just don't measure up. I typically visit the Atl aquarium every time I visit that city. With Shedd... while I liked it, I'm not sure if I'll make a return trip. We'll start with the amphitheater section. It's very cool and totally the thing that sticks out and sets the Shedd apart. I like having the pool areas for the animals with the planetarium and Lake Michigan as the backdrop. If I do return, I'll specifically try to find out the times and what's on display for their amphitheater show. Great place to watch one of their shows. I told myself that I didn't want to compare to Atl, but it's just so hard not to. In Atl, it always feels like you're underwater with all the fish. Here, you can tell that you're very above ground while looking at these animals and fish. Because of that, it also seemed hot instead of being super dark and cool. Also, holy busy! I was here on a weekday. Most aquariums, zoos, and animal venues are busy. I understand that. The problem I have with this aquarium is that it seems to lack organization and flow. Sure, it's broken down into numbered sections, but it just seems like a huge cluster with multiple floors that seem in opposite directions. People are running in every direction. This isn't just an Atl comparison. This is a comparison to every other aquarium I've visited. The animals did seem genuinely happy. I did see some random things I had never seen, like the upside-down jellyfish and other varieties of fish/shrimp. So for me, it's just good. If you're in Chicago and have never visited, give it a chance. It's certainly worth a one-time visit. read more
This is a Chicago must have. There is so much to see here and various shows to attend. This would be a great place to take kids for sure. The location is clean as are the bathrooms. I'm hoping to come back here again soon and will be back. read more
1 year ago
The Shedd Aquarium is located along Lake Shore Drive and it's a fun spot to spend a few hours. I got my general admission ticket via Chicago CityPass and it was easy to book a timeslot through the CityPass app. Despite having a specific timeslot the place does get BUSY. The areas can get pretty packed so it's a little tough to get the best angles to see everything. In under 3 hours I basically saw everything in the aquarium (including a short 4D movie) except for the Reef/Shark exhibit. The line was ridiculously long and I didn't have the time to stay. The place is pretty clean and the staff is friendly. If you're into aquariums, this one is worth visiting. If you're not, there's nothing particularly special about this one that might change your mind. read more
A perfect spot for a date! The girlfriend and I came in December to something fun for our anniversary. We lucked out with relatively close parking despite the ongoing renovations. The experience was quite enjoyable all around. It was light on foot traffic for the most part, and we had planned it that way so we weren't dealing with a mass of screaming kids. Even though not every enclosure had friends to see, what we able to see was super awesome. Penguins sharks and plenty of other marine life to keep occupied. It is important to take your time going through the place as rushing make it seem like a lot less than there is. The dolphin show was cool to, with tricks here there while spreading a positive message about preserving the oceans. Got some treats from Soundings Cafe . We wanted to go to the food court but we missed the boat on that. I had glazed donut which was tasty. I had a whoopie that was ok, but a bit sweet. The had something called an "ocean cup" that I tried as well. Blue colored vanilla pudding , graham cracker base and a few gummy sharks on top. It was fine, but a little pricey. Even got some popcorn at one point too. A pretty solid trip for sure. We are looking to getting the city pass for this summer and the Shedd will be on our list no doubt. read more
30 days ago
1 month ago
Having an aquarium within a 10 minute walk? And free for Chicago residents? Safe to say I was pretty stoked for this Tuesday trip. The aquarium sits beautifully along the Lake Michigan shore and while it is under construction currently (June 2026), the staff and temporary entrances make you forget that once you're heading in. Whales have always been my favorite animal so getting to see two beautiful belugas up close was extremely special. Chicago is one of three aquariums in NA that house belugas. Animal selection overall was A+. The 4D penguin experience was exhilarating and the smells, water sprays and bursts of air were cool. Great signage and maps all around, which is key because the layout is a bit funky. Sting ray touch tank was a blast and well emceed by David. At every turn there were food options and gift shops which probably is my one qualm. It felt difficult to fully escape the advertisements/product/food at times. All and all, an awesome experience and will strongly consider the affordable $95 membership. read more
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More info about Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore
Chicago, IL 60605
Near Southside
Directions
(312) 939-2438
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http://www.sheddaquarium.org
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Ask the Community - Shedd Aquarium
What are the ticket prices now in 2022? And are the online prices still more expensive than the in person ones?
39.95 adults and 29.95 children (3-11) Cheaper for residents of chicago
What are the exact dimensions of the Shedd Aquarium lockers? Thank you!
From the website: "Lockers are available to rent during your visit. Standard-sized lockers are 10" high x 11" wide x 19" deep and family-sized lockers are 16" high x 11" wide x 19" deep. Due to the narrow width of our lockers, suitcase-sized bags…
Anybody know if the kids submarine on the lower level is open yet?
Yes it's open
Are there mobile charging stations and/or electric outlets across the aquarium?
Not stations but plugs
How long do you typically expect to be there? 2/3 hours? Mind you I don't have the 4D experience
2-3 hours! So much to see!
Any good Mexican restaurants near here?
We enjoy Taco Maya on South State its between 8th and 9th so its not to far to walk
Is there a free garage or parking lot?if not,what's the rate of parking?
No garage but they do have parking. It's 25 a day. They do have a valet but it is more expensive. All the parking is owned by soldier Field and not the aquarium. Everywhere in Chicago cost an arm and a leg to park.
How many hours do you need to see the highlights?
It's definitely not an all day thing. There are movies, dolphin performances, and special exhibits that can definitely tack on an extra 40 minutes each. To see the highlights I would say about an hour and a half give or take. Keep in mind the…
Can you do it in a half a day if you have the city pass (fast pass)?
Yes. Assume at least 2 hours. And do the CityPASS they take it all the time
Are there wheelchairs available to rent for seniors?
"Wheelchairs and rollator walkers are available for free checkout at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification."
Do they rent strollers? Are most of the exhibits stroller friendly?
No renting strollers here. However, if you have one, bring it. The stroller line on the side of the building is muuuuuuuuuuuuch shorter than the main entrance line to get in. It's on the side closest to the planetarium.
Are the restaurants/cafes inside Shedd quiet and easily accessible if I need to sit down?
Yes! They have food nearly everywhere you go. There's a restaurant downstairs (they have cold food and hit food like soup, pizza, tacos or grilled food) and a cafe upstairs. The only place there is no food is the coral exhibit (understandably so).
Can I reenter shedd if I step out for a little bit?
Yes, you can. Just keep your ticket.
Is there a place For jackets for when It gets cold on some…
Yes they have lockers when you first enter the museum (by the restrooms and member center).
Can you bring a backpack into the museum?
You are welcome to bring in a backpack, Susie. For the safety of our guests and animals, bags are examined upon entry. We also have lockers where guests can check bags for their convenience.
Review Highlights - Shedd Aquarium
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Shedd Aquarium - aquariums - Updated July 2026
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