1. Chicago CityPASS
    2. /
  2. Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Take a deep dive into the aquatic world at Shedd Aquarium and discover a core truth: Water makes life on Earth possible. With 32,000 animals and an abundance of plants representing freshwater and saltwater ecosystems around the world, this historic Chicago landmark captivates nearly 2 million guests each year, bringing animals, people and science together to spark curiosity and inspire action for the living world.

Admission to this attraction includes:

Chicago CityPASS

General Admission Plus a 4-D Experience

Chicago C3

General Admission

Spotlight Feature

Historic Ambiance and Rich Ecosystems

spotlight-feature

Shedd Aquarium opened on May 30, 1930, and the Beaux-Arts building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Today, the stunning rotunda contains the Wonder of Water exhibit, which highlights the biodiversity of freshwater and saltwater habitats in glowing side-by-side displays.

Spotlight Feature

Say Hello to the "Canaries of the Sea"

spotlight-feature

The underwater viewing level at Shedd Aquarium's Abbott Oceanarium provides up-close opportunities to connect with beluga whales, among the most vocal of ocean animals. Renowned for their intelligence, they use clicks, whistles and chirps to communicate. Listen carefully and you might hear them.

Interested in visiting?

Highlights

01.

Step between two distinctly rich environments — freshwater and saltwater — and experience what life looks like beneath the water’s surface in the new Wonder of Water exhibit.

02.

Travel through the Amazon River Basin in the Amazon Rising exhibit, where you’ll encounter ancient arapaima, elusive electric eels, and a massive anaconda, perfectly adapted for life in a seasonally changing aquatic environment.

03.

Splash into a coral reef and get a diver’s-eye view of a diverse marine metropolis, including sharks and stingrays, in the award-winning Wild Reef exhibit.

Visit Shedd Aquarium with CityPASS® Tickets

CityPASS® tickets offer multiple great ways to see Shedd Aquarium. No matter which you choose, you'll save.

Compare All Chicago Tickets

Advice for Visitors

Tips

The aquarium is evolving! Shedd is in the process of creating dynamic new exhibits and experiences that will provide greater and more accessible entry points to connect with aquatic life. During this transformation, select experiences may be unavailable to guests. Learn more about Shedd's Experience Evolution.

To get the full experience, allow about two and a half hours for your visit. Don't miss the sharks in the Wild Reef exhibit!

Shedd Aquarium holds free hours for Illinois residents throughout the year. If you're planning on visiting during one of these times, we recommend making reservations in advance, as the Aquarium is busier than usual and can sell out.

Learn more on the CityPASS Blog about what you'll see at Shedd Aquarium.

Attraction Features

Amenities

Dining: The variety of dining options includes Bubble Net food court, Soundings Café, Deep Ocean Café, Popcorn Kiosk, Farmer's Fridge and vending machines. Any food or drink you bring or purchase must be consumed in designated dining areas.

Shopping: Be sure to stop at the Shedd Store where you'll find something for everyone, including sustainably made toys, plushes, apparel, accessories, water bottles, mugs and much more. Your purchases directly support Shedd’s mission to spark curiosity, compassion and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Or, shop online.

Accessibility

Shedd’s exhibits, restrooms, and most behind-the-scenes program locations are fully accessible. Visit the Aquarium's website for more information on services for guests with specific needs.

Parking/Transportation

Valet parking is available most weekends. Find out more about getting to Shedd, including directions and information on parking and public transportation.

Offers & Upgrades

10% Off Your Purchase

Get 10% off your purchase of $50 or more at the Shedd Store.

$2 Off a Virtual Reality Experience

Strap on the goggles and enter the pod for a 360-degree Virtual Reality Experience. Swim with a humpback whale mom and her calf, dive with sharks, or travel with dolphins along a coral reef. CityPASS guests receive a $2 discount.

$2 Off 4-D Experience

Add a 4-D Experience at a discounted price.

20% Off the Must See Tour

Experience the best of Shedd on this 75-minute guided tour. Go behind the scenes, sit in the best seats in the house for an Animal Spotlight; chat with an animal-care expert; touch a slimy, soft sea jelly; and enjoy more can’t-miss experiences.

Contact Information & Hours

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum Campus Chicago
  • 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
  • Chicago, IL 60605

Hours vary by day and season; check the schedule when planning your visit.

Last Entry: 45 minutes before closing (Ticket sales end two hours before closing.)

Closed: Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25)

Read reviews from CityPASS® travelers.

Chicago CityPASS
Vacationing with a family of 5
We have purchased CityPASS now for three cities: Southern California, New York and now Chicago. We have a family of 5 and this makes planning so easy and affordable!! Not to mention not standing in line for tickets!!!
Chicago CityPASS
The CityPASS was the perfect way to plan our stay in Chicago. I was able to show my daughter my favorite places in Chicago, and a few others as well. The CityPASS provided a better price, and skipping to the front of the line was like icing on the cake!.
Wonderful week in Chicago!
After doing much research about CityPASS and other group admission passes of the like, I knew I had to get the CityPASS. Chicago CityPASS gets you into 5 of the top sightseeing places - with an upgraded admission!
Great Price
My family came to visit us from Colombia. It was their first time in the states and I wanted to make sure their first vacation was more than what they expected it to be. When I came across the Chicago CityPASS online I knew it was just what I needed to make their trip memorable.
CityPASS Saved My Vacation and Marriage
We used Chicago CityPASS recently and it was a not only a vacation saver but a marriage saver. My husband and I would typically argue about which way to go and what to do next. The CityPASS was easy to use and offered detailed information as well as discounts.
Chicago CityPASS is rated 4.7 out of 5 by 14703.
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Worth the price! Super worth it, specially if visiting over a couple of days. We visited the field museum, the aquarium and the planetarium, will definitely purchase again when I return next time.
Date published: 2026-11-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excelente opción Vale totalmente la pena, opciones de sitios turísticos a buen precio comprandolo de esta forma. Te permite hacer apartados, modificaciones y cancelaciones por si el clima o el itinerario así lo requiere.
Date published: 2026-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I’d do it again was a fun a time and a hunt! They should still give incentives to veterans … far as the tilt wall… I should come with a lift promotion too or discount CT’s pass… or even better discounted parking..
Date published: 2026-11-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best way to enjoy Chicago's main attractions It was the best purchase. I was in Chicago with six other family members visiting someone who lives there, and a niece who resides in the city recommended that we buy the CityPASS package.
Date published: 2026-11-05
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Absolutely convince With this pass, I saved a lot of money. I visited 5 places; they were all amazing, and the times were very flexible. I can reschedule at the last minute without any issues. I can show up early, and they accepted my ticket. I had a great pass to have.
Date published: 2026-11-05
  • y_2026, m_11, d_13, h_6
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvrr, vn_bulk_3.0.50
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasreviews, tv_66, tr_14637
  • loc_en_US, sid_chicago, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=FEATURED, direction=DESCENDING), SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_city-pass
Hide Reviews

Get inspired. #citypass

Plan your visit.

The My CityPASS® app has all of the details you need for a great experience, including reservation and entry information, attraction details, maps, and extra offers and discounts from our partners.