It's mind-boggling to consider that 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water. Now, just imagine the variety and number of creatures thriving in the vast ocean, rivers and lakes of our shared blue planet. Well, you don't have to leave everything to the imagination. Discover the wonders of animal biology, behaviors and dazzling biodiversity at the historic and renowned Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. Guests can come eye-to-eye with aquatic animals from diverse ecosystems around the globe, and leave knowing your visit made a measurable difference for the aquatic animal world.
Plan Ahead to Visit Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago's most beloved attractions. Its historic architectural significance has even earned the aquarium its status as a National Historic Landmark. Because of its overwhelming popularity, it's important to plan ahead for your visit. There are plenty of tips and tricks to get the most out of your aquatic adventure.
Shedd Aquarium Ticket Prices
The first step in making the most of your time at Shedd Aquarium is to buy tickets in advance on Shedd's website, which is highly recommended. General admission includes access to all exhibits including Wild Reef, touch experiences like sturgeon and sea star touch and Animal Spotlights.
You can also check out Stingray Touch (summer only) or add on an experience like an animal encounter, 4-D Experience or Virtual Reality Experience.
Shedd Aquarium Free Days
If you're an Illinois resident, you can enjoy select discount and free days throughout the year. Reserve your tickets online and at least one day in advance, the earlier the better, and make sure to bring your valid ID.
Shedd Aquarium Accessibility
Shedd Aquarium believes there should be no boundaries to your experience. Visit the accessibility page on Shedd's website for details.
Chicago CityPASS® Tickets
Chicago CityPASS® tickets are great for anyone who plans to see many of Chicago's best attractions, and the package deal comes with some pretty impressive savings, if we do say so ourselves. CityPASS® tickets provide access to Chicago's top five attractions at a discount. If you're visiting from out of town, this is the best way to make the most of your Chicago adventure without overspending.
If you're short on time and five attractions is too many, check out Chicago C3® tickets. You can visit three attractions of you choosing and save up to . Both options include Shedd Aquarium and Chicago's other top attractions, so you can't go wrong.
Shedd Aquarium Exhibits
Shedd Aquarium boasts an impressive variety of aquatic life. From beluga whales weighing more than 2,000 pounds to microscopic plankton, you can easily spend an entire day at Shedd and still not see all the aquarium has to offer.
Wonder of Water
No two days in Wonder of Water are ever the same. Corals flourish, live plants grow and fishes thrive in ever-changing ecosystems. Two extraordinary and substantial habitats, one saltwater and freshwater, offer an incredible view into the diversity, beauty and abundance of life underwater. Serving as the beating heart of the aquarium in Shedd’s historic rotunda, Wonder of Water’s two towering habitats set the tone for an awe-inspiring journey into the aquatic animal world.
Amazon Rising
Buzzing and alive, dense and diverse, life in the Amazon River Basin is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Animals and plants have evolved to thrive in this complex environment as the rainforest transforms twice a year between rainy and dry seasons. Journey through the largest tropical basin in the world and experience for yourself the sharp senses and unique behaviors of the animals that live here, like arapaima, electric eels and a green anaconda.
Wild Reef
Immerse yourself in a stunning, award-winning exhibit that features a vibrant coral reef and the diverse life surrounding it. Colorful fishes, impressive sharks and smooth stingrays abound in this fascinating exhibit. Check out the critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish, or the cunning archerfish aiming for their prey. The coral lab shows guests how Shedd Aquarium recreates reef conditions and works to restore threatened reefs around the world.
Abbott Oceanarium
Hear beluga whales chirp, see Pacific white-sided dolphins leap, witness sea otters forage for food or sea lions stretched out for a nap in the Abbott Oceanarium. Immerse yourself in the vibrant coastal ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest as you explore. Plus, join us for an Animal Spotlight here where you'll learn about incredible animal adaptations.
Polar Play Zone
Polar Play Zone is just one of the reasons Shedd Aquarium is a great thing to do with kids in Chicago. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild as they waddle like penguins and explore the Icy South play area or pilot a kid-sized submarine. Come face-to-face with Magellanic and rockhopper penguins as they preen and play. Dip your hand into the cool water of the sea star touch pool and discover the variety and textures of sea stars. Plus, get an underwater view of the belugas, dolphins and sea otters as they swim in the mesmerizing blue.
Oceans Gallery
Spot the giant Pacific octopus hiding among the rocks, or stop to appreciate the swaying kelp fronds and the intriguing leopard sharks, horn sharks and rockfish of the Kelp Forest habitat. Here you'll learn about how ocean animals display astounding adaptability in the world's temperate and cold oceans.
At Home on the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are among the world's most precious natural resources. More than 3,500 plant and animal species — some found nowhere else on the planet — live here. Visit the powerful alligator snapping turtle, or reach into cool water and feel the armored skin of sturgeons, which have evolved little from the time of the dinosaurs.
Food and Fun
If all the excitement of the underwater world has got your stomach grumbling, check out Shedd Aquarium's many dining options.
Bring Your Own Food
Looking to save money on your trip to Shedd Aquarium, or have a special picnic outing in mind? Shedd Aquarium's you can enjoy your own home-cooked goodness (or some of Chicago's great eats!) in designated spaces.
Shedd Aquarium Hours
The best time to visit Shedd Aquarium is early in the morning on the weekdays, especially Tuesday through Friday.
Check the Shedd Aquarium calendar for hours before booking your tickets.
Parking and Getting to Shedd Aquarium
Chicago has a lot going on, and parking isn't always easy when there are multiple events happening. Concerts and sporting events tend to hike up parking costs, so plan the best way to get to Shedd Aquarium.
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Chicago, we recommend finding lodging near Chicago's top attractions like Shedd Aquarium. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Header Image: © Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez