A $50 million Oceanarium expansion and renovation reveals amazing new experiences for all ages

The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago’s landmark lakeside (Michigan, of course) magnet for entertainment, appreciation of ecology and a brilliant host of aquatic creatures, welcomes 2009 summer visitors to its new Oceanarium. The eagerly awaited Oceanarium revs up this Chicago CityPass ticket with $50 million of jaw-dropping experiences, Shedd-style, which means real, immediate interactions with animals and ideas. Prepare for education and flat-out fun.

In the three-million-gallon saltwater Oceanarium are five pools, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest. Secluded Bay is home to seven magnificent beluga whales. The Beluga Trail follows cold water exploits and animals from the river to the sea. Marine-Mammal Amphitheater’s multi-media shows will have you laughing, gasping, and whipping your mobile out for snaps and tweets.

The Shedd has a genius for wrapping conservation messages around captivating stories and must-touch exhibits. That is clear to adults – and to the way kids are encouraged to learn through play in the Polar Play Zone. Children can connect with animals in memorable, tactile ways, learning the difference between big and small, cold and warm, rough and smooth.

Among the other exciting changes and renovations is a family-friendly BubbleNet café and the new North Terrace, where guests can eat outdoors with a stunning lakefront view.

The Oceanarium is not the only thing to see, of course. There are more than 32,000 land and water animals. The Shedd Aquarium is the reigning expert on the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater lake system on the planet. Plunge into the secrets of the powerful and mysterious Amazon Rising. Enjoy the vivid sea life so thoughtfully placed at child height throughout the aquarium.

Chicago CityPass admission to the Shedd Aquarium includes VIP priority entry to the next available Oceanarium entry time, with one-day admission to all aquarium galleries, special exhibits and a 4D Special FX Theater Experience.

Buy your Chicago CityPass now and be among the first to experience the new Shedd Aquarium Oceanarium.