Shedd Aquarium

Great museum lots of sea life exhibits and a touch station for sting rays. I like that you can eat your own food on the lower level. The only thing I was a bit disappointed was that the show at the auditorium was only about 10 minutes and you don't know what sea animal you'll see. They are all cute but I think its more of an awareness of wildlife more than a "show" so keep that in mind. We did was two presentations. One was the seal lion and then the next hour they feature the dolphins so that's nice they change it out. Also get your tickets ahead of time. Our time slot was for 10am and we got there 10:20 so no issues getting in but the staff mentioned to those walking up that tickets was sold out for the day. Don't be that person!

The animals were amazing. Many different species. Loved the virtual reality. Sharks, beluga, and dolphins were very interesting. Beautiful backdrop for the dolphin show. Thought the 4D theater would be longer. It was only 10 minutes long. Restrooms should have been kept more clean. There was a line and wait to go onto the upper level and see sharks. Overall great and fun for everyone, but crowded and dirty.

Beautiful architecture. Habitat for the Belugas overlooking Lake Michigan was gorgeous. Dolphin, shark, penguin exhibit great. Sting ray touch tank very large and enjoyed the Sturgeon touch tank as well. Saw the Penguin and Shark 4D movie, however I am not sure that all the components of the 4D were working. Penguin was the favorite. We booked tickets days in advance with Citypass, arrived at 9:30, July 3rd, very busy, and by 10:30 it was extremely packed. Apparently a large part of the aquarium is under construction. We spent 3 hours here and wished there was more.

Another place on our City Pass and it was great! Very clean, lots to see, and the stingray encounter was included in our price, as well as two 4D movies. Big place, but very crowded. Come early to avoid crowds. Parking is also very pricey, I'd recommend the aquarium and Field Museum at the same time to avoid the garage fees twice.

We’ve been to Shedd Aquarium multiple times in the past 15 yrs. or so. Our most recent visit was in Jan of this year. From seeing a lot of recent reviews complaining about the entry tickets being sold out, I have to say, I would never show up to such a popular attraction without doing my prior research. Not doing so just puts you at risk for a miserable experience. Because I did my research beforehand, I was able to reserve free entry tickets on a "resident free day." I also reserved tickets for the 4D experience, which was not included with the free entry, but were only a couple dollars each. I downloaded the Shedd Aquarium App to view the map and the schedule of shows/events. Through the app, I was also able to find out the lockers would be located in the main lobby. All these things made our experience much smoother than if we had just shown up with no prior planning. Our tickets were for a Sunday, so I already knew that it would most likely be crowded. We got there at 11 am, and to my surprise, we were able to go right in. We started at the Main Level and made our way down. The map really helped to determine which elevator or stairs we needed to take. We got around with no problem. And because we were so entertained, we got to our 4D experience a few minutes late, but the employees were kind enough to let us in. I really appreciated that. We loved the animal spotlights and the animal chats in different areas of the aquarium. But what my kids truly enjoyed were the Touch Experiences. The Polar Play Zone and the Wild Reef are a must-see as well. Overall, we spent about 5 hours here and had a great time.

Very clean and well kept aquarium! It's a good way to spend the day with your family. We went on a Tuesday and it was packed, but the wait wasn't too bad. It kept us busy the whole day!

Wonderful exhibits for the animals, loved seeing replications of what they’d face in nature. Really appreciated that the dolphins and belugas were in an enclosed environment as to not get sun burned in their enclosure, as many face this issue in other zoos/aquariums that are outside. Educational in their live shows and I could tell the kids were absolutely joyous on being able to actually see the animals close up. Excellent starting place to get disgustingly invested in marine life at a young age. Awesome place! :)

Our Sunday afternoon trip was great at the Shedd. We were a group of 4 adults and found it very enjoyable and educational. Now there’s two important things to note: -PARKING isn’t budget friendly. The lot is about $30 dollars if I remember correctly. If you’re lucky to find street parking along the lake then it’ll be a cheaper option. -Ever since their remodeling and reconstruction of the main entrance, the line to get in is crazy. There’s little to no order, the people scanning tickets weren’t even scanning at one point. This was just our experience with the entrance. They have amazing exhibits and I look forward to seeing their updated aquarium entrance. On a positive note, a friendly dolphin was communicating with me🫶🏻

A good time was had! Shedd is a must visit on a Chicago vacation with or without kids. The live animal spotlight shows are awesome and entertaining. I'm telling you, I just might get up land life and become a sea being cause let's face it, 2024 terrain living is just ghetto. It's been that way a while tbh. Included in my CityPass was access to two 4-D movie experiences. Your chair vibrates, the air moves, lights flash and other surprises await like water splashing on you! I don't know if they clean the glasses but I definitely sanitized my pair before putting them on my face! She'd also has a VR experience for an up charge but I didn't pay for it, $10 - $20 total depending on how many rides you do. They offer up close animal encounters but the fee is rather hefty to touch otters, penguins, sea lions. If you wanna spend that benji or two, have at it! I did do the touch experience which is include in your aquarium visit ticket. When I visited, they had them crocodile hunter killers on display lol, stingrays for those who don't know. All in all, it was a wonderful visit and the staff were all pretty helpful!

We had the Go City All-Inclusive pass and Shedd Aquarium was one of the exclusive offerings of the pass. With the Go City pass, we didn't have to reserve a time slot in advance and were able to scan in at any time. Entry was a breeze! It was our Museum Campus Day in Chicago, so we planned our day to get there during the Stingray Feeding, which is 9am-2pm daily (while supplies last) and included with admission in the summer. The stingray touch pool is outdoors (under a tent) and it was the first station we hit before even entering the aquarium. Before entering the tent, staff members instructed guests to wash hands first at the sink (all the way up to your elbows) to keep the habitat clean. Inside the tent, there was a station to pick up your piece of fish to feed the stingrays (one per person). They also teach you the best way to hold it. Then you are free to engage! There is a "lifeguard on duty" to make regular announcements to guests on safety rules and reminders. You can pet and feed the stingrays as long as you like. We were there for about 20 minutes before deciding that we should move on to the indoor exhibits, but we definitely could've played with the stingrays for a lot longer - they were so big, there were so many, and they were so friendly! There was also a hand-washing station with soap as you exited the tent, which is much appreciated :). Highlights of this aquarium were the beluga whales (there are eight!), penguins, dolphins, and stingrays, of course. There are additional encounters, tours, and shows available for purchase. There are limited spots, so sign up in advance if these intimate experiences are on your bucket list. Be sure to check their website for the daily schedule. There are also free animal spotlight shows and other presentations throughout the day. Make sure you show up on time/early for the free shows! The seats do fill up, and when the show begins, they will close the curtains and latecomers won't be able to enter. They don't announce which animal will be featured, so each show is a surprise. On our visit, the 12:30 show featured beluga whales, the 1:30 show featured dolphins, and the 2:30 show featured sea lions. We caught the dolphin show, and they did some cool tricks! Shows lasted about 10 minutes. There were other small fish, creatures, as well as a touch pool of starfish to view at Shedd. The Wild Reef exhibit (see the sharks!) is located on the lower level. There was a long line waiting for the elevator when we went, which was the only major bottleneck during our visit. Before entering the Wild Reef, there's a photo op and they'll try to sell you the photos before heading back upstairs as you exit the reef. Out of all the aquariums that I have visited, this shark tank was one of the least exciting - we didn't spend a lot of time here. Kudos to the cleaning staff who were constantly sweeping the area to keep it tidy. Loads of guests were walking around eating popcorn (it was a popular concession!), but staff members were on their A-game and kept sweeping like it was nobody's business. It was almost like being at Disney World! Shedd Aquarium was one of the many museums that we visited during our Chicago trip, and it was one of our favorites - definitely our top pick on Museum Campus!

Lots to see and touch. Lots of kids too lol so watch your step. Can get very crowded esp with kiddies and some parents who are too excited themselves that they do not keep watch of their children. Good display of fishes but sometimes can get difficult with the crowds. Tip: get admission to this as part of the City Pass which also gets you two free 4D movies per ticket.

We did the Must See Tour here and had a great time. Alejandro, our tour guide, was the best. He was very informative, knew a LOT especially with a fish enthusiast in our group, and he went above and beyond when another guest in our group had a panic moment. We loved him, he deserves a raise. Also our trainer we did a "one on one" with; Fiona, was outstanding to talk to and an absolute gem. We went when the Wild Reef was largely re-routed and the aquarium had big closures. They clearly had not updated their capacity room numbers. It felt dangerous and was very uncomfortable to be there for several hours. You couldn't safely move inside and it was hazardous. The children were throwing themselves on the floor, against other guests -- it was too much. I also did not appreciate being screamed at across a line of people when I was *looking for a bathroom* but then two women with strollers were allowed to jump the entire line?? Then another person scolded me for helping the aforementioned panic guest and I tried to tell her what was happening, but she literally pushed by me and never apologized for being so intense and in my face. I used to be a member and love the work some people here do, but I would not go back until all the construction is over and maybe only very early in the morning.

We loved Shedd Aquarium. What a beautiful aquarium - the exhibits were fantastic. We didn't know what to expect and it did not disappoint. The crowds are terrible, so prepare for that, but that was probably the worst thing about the museum and it's just a measure of how great it is. It took us a good 4+ hours to see what we wanted to see, so don't plan on going for just an hour. This is something we would definitely do again.

Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time! I loved this aquarium the first time I visited in July 2019, but this last time (June 2024) was not worth it. We came on a Monday and it was PACKED. It was difficult to see the exhibits or move around and we paid ~$50/person surge pricing for admission from the ticket booth on-site. Being under construction, we went through everything in a couple hours and felt quite unsatisfied based on how much we forked over for tickets.

It is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, housing around 32,000 creatures. While you're here, you can feel stingrays float beneath your fingers, listen to sea lions bark, and learn all about a variety of turtles. A stop at Shedd Aquarium is a must, especially if traveling with kids. Keep at least three hours to make the most of your visit. Buy online tickets- the earlier you purchase tickets, the cheaper they will be. Travelers with a Chicago City PASS or a Go City Chicago Card receive a complimentary Shedd Pass Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium -are all on the Museum campus and at a walkable distance between the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan view from here - it's amazing...!

Just a great aquarium, even when crowded. Otters for otter fans, great educational sections. Pricey, but go membership.

The Shedd is such a fun and inspiring place, it's a must-see especially if you have kids. Yes it feels crowded no matter what time you go visit but that doesn't take away from the wonder and joy of admiring all of the diverse marine life living here. There's currently a big construction project going on and part of the aquarium is not accessible to visitors. Guests currently have to enter and exit through the side door. Some highlights for me here are the beluga whales, penguins, dolphins (of course) and the coral reef exhibit (it features a spectacular shark tank). I also love their animal spotlights at the Abbott Oceanarium, it's a short 10 minute live presentation of a marine animal and it's definitely a hit for kids of all ages. The first one is at 1030am, and then one hour after that and so forth. They keep it a surprise as to which animal will be showcased. I like that they let you push the strollers inside the entire aquarium and there are elevators throughout to get to where you need. You can probably easily spend a good 4 hours here.

Glad we were able to snag a reservation in time to go in the Shedd Aquarium. We were shocked to see how long the line is! So be sure to reserve online for a time to go in! We were able to finish the aquarium in about an hour and a half. We loved the dolphin show they provided and also loved the big aquarium with sharks! It's a decent sized aquarium, definitely good to squeeze in your day.

My first time here, that's hard to believe. I came here with my fiancée for a Chicago day. This was one of many places we visited. We're big fans of aquariums. There's lots of cool fish to see. The kids can be annoying. The screaming, crying, running into you constantly, and the coughing/sneezing. Remember to bring your hand sanitizer! You can spend several hours here if you want to see everything. Luckily, for us, there weren't too many kids (went on weekday), and most exhibits were open. They have some hands-on exhibits with anemones. There's a couple of gift shops and lots of aquatic life to see. With our city pass, we received tickets to the 4D experiences in the theaters. Stingrays, sharks, fish, all sorts for you to see

Great aquarium. I loved watching the dolphins and beluga whales from above and below water and the shark tank. The rest of the smaller aquariums were good as well easy and easy to see all the fish and reptiles. I made the mistake of going in the morning and there were a huge amount of school children and it was a bit off putting with the yelling and screaming so if you want a quieter experience go after noon.

Had a fun Saturday exploring the Shedd with some friends and our kids! We scored a 4pm entrance time, which I'm happy we did because they ended up selling out for the day. We found parking for $30 just out front. Yes, it was expensive, but worth it when you've got a little one! The Shedd was mobbed, which we DID expect with it being a Saturday afternoon. The biggest inconvenience for us was the design of the museum itself. Because of the multiple levels, it ended up being a pain in the butt getting around with two strollers. We've decided it will definitely be more fun to visit when out little one is walking and we can all run up and down the stairs together and not have to wait for backed up elevators. The belugas were so precious, and seeing them swim by on the lower level was one of my favorite things! I also really enjoyed the penguins and dolphins. I was bummed to not see the otters though. Not sure where they were (napping? eating) but none came out when we were at the exhibit. Overall it was fun seeing all the sea creatures. I definitely recommend coming with a plan in mind. We didn't do this and we were a bit overwhelmed by where to go and how busy it was. I'm excited to come back with a gameplan when the kiddo is older!

Great views, fantastic sets of animals. The whales and dolphins were so cute and such a fun dolphin show. Clean and staff is so friendly. Was an awesome adventure and loved all the little side bars with penguin talk and educational activities and programs

expensive, and certain areas are restricted as a result of reconstruction. I feel like you have to spend x amount of money to have a good experience

Great displays, wide variety and plenty of things to do/look at. VERY easy to navigate and very family friendly. It made me sad how many people were tapping the glass, I wish there were signs that prompted people not to.

The Shedd Aquarium is a must see attraction no matter how many aquariums you've been to. The layout of the exhibits made it easy to navigate and because it was so well designed, there were pockets of places to dine and relax to view all of the beautiful creatures of the ocean. You didn't get that claustrophobic feel because each exhibit has ample space between them. We never felt over crowded going into each. The spectacular view of the Lake from the theater was stunning. Then when the shows start, the screens come down and the magnificent creatures of the sea come out. The seals, penguins and dolphins all have their own show so check the schedule to see which feature it is. Or do what we did and randomly pick two show times. The staff is very friendly and can share tips on where to sit for optimal views. There's really no bad seat in the house. I must say, even the gift shop was huge in this place but you didn't feel pressured to buy. Tees and plushies, jewelry and Ocean themed souvenirs aplenty. The quality of the goods were quite surprising - high end bamboo tees and sweats which are naturally pricey to begin with, now add the logo or Chicago to it and it's even more. But lovely merchandise, something for everyone. I was pleasantly surprised that there were quite a few cafe style dining areas and snack stations in between exhibits. That was such a smart design. Keeps the crowds to a minimum. Your usual quick fire foods like pizza, sandwiches, salad and yogurt. Fruit and even Starbucks themed drinks available. My family and I spent over 5 hours there as there was much to see and we circled back for the shows. There's an IMAX feature film for a separate cost but it was not expensive considering the venue. A lovely time had by all.

This is a prominent and popular Chicago attraction - and rightfully so. It is busy at peak times - namely weekends and any time kids are out of school. I liked the animal play areas, which were basically water habitats that were built to mimic a normal habitat. Above and below water views are available. I loved watching the handlers feed the Beluga whales. I really loved educational Dolphin presentation. Inside the main building away from the play area are a few rooms filled with aquatic animals, including one that was dedicated to wildlife local to the Chicago and Great Lakes area. If you're able, please plan out your trip. Please come early and please take your time - especially if you have kids. There is a lot to see and do, but it will get busy and you could get overstimulated. It might be worth it to visit at a non-peak time. I enjoyed my visit, but I also felt rushed and also felt like I was always in somebody's way.

I've been here several times but today we did the Beluga Encounter which was amazing!! The trainers are so invested, the animals are family. Highly recommend watching the dolphin show. Love the exhibits here and I definitely will return!

Over all good exhibits but for having to book a visit there were way too many people there. Especially on the main level where you enter. The dolphin show was very cool. At the stingrays it would help to have signs telling people how to wash their hands rather than having a worker yelling "you should be washing up to your elbow." Downstairs with the touch tanks and play area was very cool and way less crowded.

What a great aquarium. My favorite is the beluga whales, so majestic. We got the City Pass and got tickets to 2 4D shows. The Penguins 4D was good, but the Octopus 4D was stellar!! We saw the live show with the dolphins and that was simple but fun. I loved the Reef area, it is really well done. They do have one of those take your group picture, which I despise, but oh well. There are two great play areas for the kids. The food at the Bubble Bistro (I think that's what it's called) was good. This was our second time and we'll be back!

This place was a joke. So busy and the otters weren't in their habitat. We have an aquarium at home In Utah that was 10xs better. Wasn't worth the stop and time.

One of my favorite places in the city. Keep an eye out for events at the aquarium because I think it's 100000% worth coming when you can leisurely walk around with a little live music and glass of wine. There's also generally less kids around with the night events (if that's your vibe you're looking for). If you decide to go for jazzin at the shed, you have a beautiful view of the fireworks at night. There's so many different areas to explore and search through! I appreciate all the descriptions and fun facts of each fish/sea animal. I came here for an otter experience where I was able to meet all the otters. It was such a fun and unique experience/such a great birthday gift. You learn a lot of fun facts about the otters, prepare food for them, observe them behind the scenes, pet them for a brief second, and have pictures to take with you for memories. Once you leave the Aquarium, there's a lakeside walkway you can stride down to get back towards navy pier. You can also find a bike to bike the path!

Whenever I visit Chicago I love going to the Shedd Aquarium. The sheer number of species represented here is amazing, and it's always been a fun place for me to go. The last time we were here we went so that the tiny tot could experience it for herself. Naturally, she spent most of her time in the indoor penguin-themed playground area instead of looking at the animals lol. We tried the stingray pool and bought some food to feed them on this trip as well. It's definitely a very weird feeling having a stingray vacuum up fish from your hand with their mouths! Parking can get a bit tricky as it can get a little aggravating trying to find a cheaper street parking spot, and the lots we tried to park at were full or nearly full. We found that valet parking was easier and about the same price as the lot parking so that's what we did at our last visit and had no problems with the valet service. Details: - Valet parking $35 - AZA-accredited reciprocal list member (50% off admission if you have a membership with another AZA-listed zoo or aquarium) - Re-entry not allowed once you leave the aquarium - Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can receive a complimentary Shedd ticket by registering online - Discount for Chicago residents

My brother was in town and got to take him and his family to the Shedd. Overall it was a great experience. I personally did not like how ticketing was. I get a discount from my work for tickets and it did not apply. All of the live experiences were nice. We did wish that the penguin or dolphin shows were better described when they would be show as we could not find when they were showing. Overall I would say it's a great event for kids and even adults.

Philip at the theater obviously hates his job!!! Very rude and has a smart mouth. Our city pass included two free movies, we decided to watch octopus we loved it, so then we decided to go back and ask to see shark and went back to the ticket desk and asked to get tickets for that viewing and he rolled his eyes and made crazy faces, and said and then expressed that we should have got the tickets together in a rude tone. So yeah thanks Philip

I booked tickets for my significant other and I on their website. It was $85.90 for both of our tickets together, so it wasn't cheap. The website had me choose a date and a specific time to visit, so you should be cautious of that if it doesn't change. I chose 1/20/2023 at 9 am for our visit. I chose that time, so we were able to get in early in the day. Once I completed the purchase online, I was given an E-Ticket with a scannable code that displayed the Date for my visit. That was convenient. I also downloaded their app. This aquarium was located relatively close to me, for being what it was. There was a small walk before the entrance. Unfortunately for us, the weather wasn't too friendly. After we entered the aquarium on the Ground Level, our tickets were scanned almost immediately. We took an elevator up to the Main Level after that. There were plenty of displays to see at almost every turn. I really enjoyed the Pacific white-sided dolphin display. Of course, I also had to check out the Beluga whale display, which was just as pleasant to see! It was such a unique experience to see them. They were beautiful and they seemed happy in their environment. I was glad to see that! They had a Rockhopper penguin and Magellanic penguin display. That one was definitely my favorite. As we went along, we stopped at the Underwater Beauty area. There, I checked out the Spotted jelly, Lagoon jelly, and Blue blubber jelly area. They were so vibrant and each movement they made was astonishing! To switch things up, we checked out the Common musk turtle and Western pond turtle area. Close to them, we got to see more than one American Alligator in the Alligator Lake display. That was a real treat for me! I'm now an Alligator fan! There was also a Golden Shiner, Midas Cichlid, and Red-Eared Slider display within the Alligator Lake display. Besides viewing displays all day, we did get to sit down for a bit at the dolphin show. This show was included at no extra charge, so with that being said, it was a must-see show! The dolphins seemed to have a high level of training and they were entertaining. We stopped at Soundings Café for a break from all of the beautiful scenery. It was located on the Ground Level. I purchased a Strawberry Fruit Smoothie, a Peanut Butter Cookie, and a Monster Energy 16 Fl. Oz. to get some energy. The prices were a bit steep, but not intolerable for me. My order was completed relatively fast. We sat down at a table that they had there. The smoothie was thick, fruity, and tasty! The cookie was a good size and just as tasty! That was a relief, as it was rather pricey. The Monster was crisp and refreshing! This was a convenient stop. Before we headed out, we stopped at the shop on the Main Level of the facility. It was large with a variety of items to choose from. To give insight, I purchased a Shedd Aquarium mug, a Shedd Aquarium magnet, and a Shedd Aquarium keychain. The keychain came in a little bag. The prices at this store were definitely not the best. I didn't expect them to be. I'd say it's worth it to purchase at least one item if you have the chance, so you have a physical memory to take home with you. The whole place was tidy and clean. That was impressive to see a busy place still kept up with. The customer service I had throughout my visit was friendly. I didn't have any issues or encounter anyone with a bad attitude, so that was a plus! Overall, this was a relaxing experience for my significant other and I to do together. The displays were put together nicely and there was a variety of living things to admire! I loved all of the displays in a special way. I'm almost positive I'll return here again someday. Date of visit: 1/20/2023

This is a super touristy spot in the heart of downtown Chicago. This is a good place to bring people from out of town, or go for a date night, bring the kids to let out energy, etc. If you work for a corporate company I recommend seeing if they offer free tkts to the Shedd. There are signs everywhere that explain what animals/fish are in each exhibit and where they are typically found. We spent about 2-3 hours here which I think is the average time spent to see everything. Be prepared to pay for parking ($35 per car) and walk a few blocks. Wear comfy shoes!

I'm closing out my Chicago reviews showing some love to the Shedd Aquarium. Even though Chicago is inland, as a Pisces I had to still find some water time! Its 5 million gallons make it among the largest aquariums in the US, and is located in their Museum Campus along the Lake Michigan shoreline (and yes, Lake Michigan has actual waves!) The Adler Planetarium is also nearby, but by the time I got out of the Aquarium the Adler was closed. The exhibit space is pretty large, and is a great way to spend an hour. They have various exhibit tanks showing fish from lakes, from, the ocean as well as different rivers in the world. There's also a cool terrarium exhibit featuring wildlife from the Amazon including an anaconda. Another awesome exhibit was their outside stingray encounter where I had the chance to "boop" a stingray. There are a few handwashing stations around the petting tank as well aquarium staff. Spoiler: to me the stingray skin felt like touching a piece of deli ham. My ticket through CityPass also included access to one of the 4D movies, and I selected the shark one. I wasn't allowed to photograph in the movie theater (copyrights) but also for my camera not to get wet. That's right, the 4D experience includes the visual 3D (didn't get to keep the glasses :( but also motion, as the theater seating vibrated and some misters sprayed water. Definitely recommend this! LOGISTICS: 1. Get a CityPass. The entry fee is lower for Chicago residents but varies per hour and demand for other visitors. CityPass has a special rate and includes the bonus of getting in to the 4D movie. 2. It may be difficult to get an Uber to leave. Myself and other people had a difficult time being located by the app. I ended up having to walk outside to Michigan Ave.

It's my first ever visit. Lots of construction but still good stuff to experience. The online map is kind of confusing so plan ahead. Bigger crowd probably because it was a Sunday. The grandchildren really loved it. Valet park! Saves tons of time.

Chicago has a big aquarium. It's one of the biggest tourist attractions literally. Shedd Aquarium is one of the places located on the Museum Campus, close to the Field Museum, Soldier Field, and others. Give plenty of time to get through here. There's a lot of exhibits to check out, and some of these are seasonal so it gives you a reason to come back a few times. After being here a few times, I can say it's one of the best aquariums. It's for sure one of the biggest. The only bad thing is the price. It's currently about $39 for an adult. They have free admission days though. As for where to start, the entrance is a lobby that branches out to all these areas. Check out the basement level to see to coral exhibit. There's also an area you can touch sturgeons. Feels strange but it's cool. This also is the level where you can see the live shows. Often it's Beluga whales but there's also dolphins. The upper level has a rainforest exhibit. Also a few exhibits are seasonal, meaning you'll have to come back. The stingray touch is located just to the outside. It's from spring to autumn. The best other exhibits include the penguins and sharks. Good place except for paying to get in. It's better to go on a free day, but these are only for Illinois residents. These are listed on the website.

My family of five went at 9am on a Saturday morning. I was expecting it to be super crowded, but we were able to see everything and didn't feel like we were fighting the crowds to do it. The later in the morning you arrive, the more crowded it is. When we left at around 11:30am it was getting a little too busy for my taste. My family really enjoyed our morning at the aquarium. There is a lot to see and learn, and we loved the sea lion and beluga shows. I wish that the show was longer. It was only 10-15 minutes. We also really enjoyed the sturgeon and sting ray touch tanks. I would recommend checking this aquarium out. We enjoyed seeing some animals that we've never seen before. It's also right on the lakefront, so there's a lot to see and do in that area of the city.

I had a wonderful time yet again at shedd aquarium! This time I got to participate in the beluga encounter where the trainers take you into the tank, up close and personal with the beluga whales. I got to feed them and give them training commands in an intimate setting! Absolutely phenomenal experience thanks Adam for your knowledge and 8 years of continued enthusiasm doing what you love! Shedd is awesome they've got a bunch of different exhibits from sharks to dolphins, and penguins and otters!

I wasn't really into seeing all the museums but this was part of the Chicago Attraction Pass plus this is a great place to check out if you're touristing and you need a place to relax and stay warm during cold weather. AMBIANCE: Parking: Millenium Parking Garage and street parking. Experience: I'm surprised this place only has a mediocre average, I really enjoyed this place. I enjoyed the multiple dolphins swimming around, the range of sea creatures I got to see. The theater has motion and water sensors! Finally their cafe has a good range of food from classics to local flavors like the Chicago hotdogs. This is in Millenium park so you have other options of things to do but what's great is that its close to Lake Michigan, so you can enjoy the ebb and flow of the water and the Chicago city skyline. TL;DR OVERALL: 4.5 stars. Awesome! I had a great time here. I learned a lot of things, I ate well, and I stayed warm. Whether you've been to other great Aquariums - Monterey, Long Beach, Seattle, be sure to add this one on the list! Tips: * Check their website for events * Rainy or snowy, this is a great place to stay warm.

Expensive, educational, prep for crowds, expect to park far. I am reading this place three stars for now because of the construction. It is usually four stars in my book because it is a very educational and fun place to visit for kids. It is always minus 1 star because it is so expensive. The Shedd is a must see if you are visiting Chicago. Expensive: $42 adults, $32 kids for general admission. $20 adults, $15 kids for Chicago residents. They offer free days (weekdays) for Illinois residents so try to take advantage of that if you can. The place is fascinating and educational. I appreciate the viewing glass where you can observe the animals. My fave is the underwater viewing of the beluga whales, dolphin, and sharks. If you have kids 5 yrs old and below, they have a play area (submarine and penguin-themed) at the underwater animal observation floor. Currently (2024), part of the museum is under construction. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. We go to their dolphin show every time we are here. When we visited yesterday, 2/8/2024, the presentation was only 8 to 11 minutes long and it was mostly the host talking versus the dolphins doing their tricks. We are hoping this was an abbreviated version because our visitation day was a "free day". The kids were disappointed that the show was too short. The Museum has a food court that offers expensive and "basic" food: pizza, hotdogs, burgers, fries, etc. I do not recommend it but it is there if you really are starving. As a price point, one kid's meal is $12, a grilled cheese sandwich is nine dollars, french fries is $5. Yes! Expensive and basic. Street parking is available for a fee. However, it fills up quickly. There is also a parking lot by the Adler Planetarium ($25 flat fee) and under Soldier Field ($25 to $50). Expect to walk from these two parking lots. If you have kids, it is best to bring a foldable stroller. Valet parking is also available for $35+tip.

In life there are times when special opportunities arise and then there are opportunities of a lifetime. My beluga encounter was every bit of both. Our group of eight started with a guide that gave us a special tour. He walked us through the rules and expectations. We even watched a couple of quick movies to further clarify what was to be expected. Then he helped us with waders and encouraged hand washing. We had a brief conversation with the the two trainers that would be in the water with us. They explained how our group would be divided into two. They also shared that there would be four belugas in the water. Ooh how exciting and I'm not even in the water yet. We walk together to the entrance of the beluga's habitat and in the water we go. A bit strange walking in waders but we were encouraged to take small steps. I may have been the shortest in our group as the water came to my chest. Instantly the neoprene suctioned to our bodies. We touched them on the head and saw how water comes out of the blowhole. We touched the tail and it was explained that is where blood is drawn for tests. We fed them fish and squid. We had them do tricks. They took turns kissing us and it tickled. Then was the splash. I didn't want to get soaked so I splashed the beluga very gently. I received no mercy. Lol! Yes, I would do it again. Photo packages are 30$-40$ and must be downloaded. The price is 10$ for one print to go and comes in a nice sleeve. After the beluga encounter you are free to explore the Shedd Aquarium. After getting into dry clothes of course.

I've been here so much as a kid and now I bring my kids and we're never bored. We spend a lot of time here and my kids are always ready to go back. I'm excited that they are adding some new exhibits soon. The 4D shark show is so much fun but I hate that the dolphin show has been put on hiatus. If I could change anything, it would be better air conditioning as it can get warm when it's crowded. Be sure to check out the stingrays!

Immaculate location and experience! The beluga whales were our absolute favorite. They are so interactive. Our only gripe was a lot of construction and a few closed exhibits during our visit, but that just means improvement and things are getting better, I just wish we would have known prior to visiting, there wasn't really any indications of it when we bought tickets online. Would visit again when in town, definitely a location and size that's second to none!

Get reservations beforehand or else you will have to wait with absolutely no seating nearby with shade. There's lots of fish and I got to see some cool animals, I absolutely adored the otters. However it was loud and crowded which made it hard to actually see every exhibit.

Such a cool experience! A lot of the building was closed off for construction but we enjoyed our experience while in town nonetheless. We didn't interact with much of the staff but those we did run into weren't very friendly. Would highly recommend stopping into the touch pool for the sting rays! Also, this place is pretty pricey, I think it was like 75$/per ticket, just be prepared for that.

It's a pretty cool aquarium to check out when in Chicago. We went as it was part of the My City Pass that we got. It came with a quick 4D movie choice, and we chose the Octopus one. The aquarium has some good exhibits and is kid friendly. I really liked the penguins and the beluga whales.

The architecture of this aquarium was amazing, as was its exibits and most impressive dolpbine tanks. It was also conveniently located in walking distance to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium. Because of this, we were able to take an Uber from the city, not needing to worry about fighting for parking or paying the meter.

We wanted to come back here because we had a rough visit the first time around. We bought tickets online for 1PM on a Monday which was a solid choice because it wasn't too packed. The place is pretty big. We were able to see spend a good time in each exhibit without being too crowded. We loved all of it but our favorite parts were the seals, sea lions, and the penguin exhibits. It a great way to spend an afternoon especially if you have kids though. The ticket prices are pretty steep unless you're a Chicago resident but for the most part is worth it.

Dynamic ticket pricing meant that the adult ticket I purchased the morning of our visit was $57.45! It increased $5 from the night before. At least I got in for free thanks to my corporate benefits. Was the visit worth that price? Nope. Not good for last minute planners. There is construction going on. We enjoyed seeing the dolphins, beluga whales, and penguins. The top level sells popcorn which made the place seem a bit like a circus. If you bring a stroller, navigating to the elevators was OK (we went right after they opened).

We used our CityPass for this and were very impressed by the animals they had, especially the belugas, dolphins, and sharks. Great place for kids to play if you have them (we don't) and an amazing view of Lake Michigan right on the other side. Check it out!

I had a fun afternoon visiting the Shedd Aquarium with my husband's family yesterday. It's an amazing facility, but be prepared for some serious lines for everything! Definitely buy your tickets ahead of time and get there earlier than your time slot as the line to get in with tickets is probably 1/2 mike long- no joke!! It had been close to 10 years since my last visit and I don't remember it being like it was yesterday. The building is old and beautiful and the exhibits inside are really fantastic. You can see so many fish and sharks and even penguins and all their different habitats. My toddler's favorite part was the canoe in the Amazon exhibit that he was able to play in. He called it his campsite and we probably spent close to an hour there as he was having so much fun pretending to fish!

The Shedd Aquarium is an amazing place to visit! The variety of marine life is incredible, and the shark exhibit is truly awe-inspiring. Being able to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their habitat and behavior was a thrilling experience. I would highly recommend the Shedd Aquarium to anyone interested in marine biology or just looking for a fun and educational day out. It's a must-see attraction.

There's something about seeing sea otters, dolphins, penguins, turtles, and plenty of fishes in one place that brings me some sort of joy. But the Shedd happens to be one of my favorites, first and foremost... can we give around of applause for the incredible view at the museum campus? Parking tends to get s bit tricky when going in busy days but there is a parking lot and street parking nearby if you're lucky. Both options are paid options of course. From there you'll walk over to the entrance. If you purchased your tickets online -highly recommend! You can breeze right in through security. But otherwise, you can purchase tickets there. Lines do get a tad long on weekends! When you walk in you're greeted with a 360 degree tank with a variety of fish. Whether you're hoping to find Nemo, or dory or even a starfish the possibilities are endless. Some of favorite exhibits are the penguin ones, where we get to watch penguins take dives into the water, play with their toys and snooze. The dolphin shows are super fun too if you're able to grab a seat for one, how fun is it to watch them flip around and talk with their trainees. Too cute! And last but not least, the sea otters - esp. when there getting fed or played with. It's just too cute to watch them eat ice and swim around. Oh, and who can forget the stingray tank, and the ability to touch them. Careful not to touch their tails because they will splash you in return! There is a cafeteria on site, the food is decent but expensive. They have tons of variety and are able to accommodate various dietary restrictions if asked. There's both indoor and outdoor seating. As a Kid, this was my favorite field trip, but as an adult we have a whole new appreciation for the sea life.

They have timed tickets that can be bought entirely online. If people show in person they are out of luck. This is really unfortunate for people who are unaware or visiting internationally. It would be nice they kept spots in reserve in person - almost empty and no line at 9am despite being sold outThe QR code to buy tickets on their sign doesn't work. While website encourages online purchase it doesn't emphasize you won't be able to get tickets in person. Inside it's a fantastic aquarium I've loved since childhood.

Went Friday, September 22. It wasn't too busy. Perfect weather for walking around. No big crowds. We were able to take our time and look at everything. The Caribbean reef was under construction but everything else was open. I was looking for the wolf fish but didn't see it. The beluga whales and dolphins are always fun to see. There are a few things you can touch: starfish, sturgeon. They also had special exhibits but we didn't get around to those. Overall great time, I personally love aquariums and this is my favorite in the Midwest.