The Shedd Aquarium provides a wonderful indoor activity, in the heart of downtown on the Museum Campus. With several unique experiences included in the ticket price, and a ton of animals from around the world, the Shedd Aquarium is an educational place to explore!
Overall Thoughts on the Shedd Aquarium
Value:
Experiences:
Transportation & Accessibility:
Atmosphere:
Animals:
Overall Rating:
Ticketing and Pricing Information
When it comes to price, the Shedd, like many Chicago Musums features a variable pricing model. With tickets on day that are projected to be busy going for more and vice-versa. Tickets vary depending on the day and time and start around $34 per adult. As always, be sure to book tickets earlier to get the best deals.
One other thing to note is that again, like many other Chicago Museums, the Shedd offers a range of deals based on residency, Notably, if you are a Chicago resident you can also enjoy a discounted ticket for $19.95 for an adult daily.
That isn’t to say you are out of luck if you live outside the city limits as the Shedd also offers a selection of free days to any Illinois resident every month. Make sure to note that as of right now, tickets need to be purchased online before you go. This means even with an Illinois free day, you may need to pay a small fee for the ticket transaction.
Getting to the Shedd Aquarium
Via Car:
There is street parking for the Shedd Aquarium. Most Chicago street parking is about $5 an hour. If you are in the city often we suggest getting the phone app as you can add time on the phone instead of dashing to the car especially because Shedd Aquarium does not have in-and-out privileges.
Street parking has a tendency to fill up quickly. If that is the case there are many parking lots and garages near the museum campus or in South Loop. If you are looking for deals, we suggest trying Spot Hero or Parking.com.
Via Public Transportation:
Metra
If you are traveling to the Shedd Aquarium from the Suburbs (or from North Chicago) the Metra could be a good option. The aquarium is located right by the city center and is a walk and/or a bus away from all three downtown metra stops, Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Museum Campus/11th Street.
Museum Campus Bus 130- Seasonal: Memorial Day-Labor Day
This bus runs between Union/Ogilvie Transportation Centers and goes to Museum Campus Memorial Day- Labor Day. This is a good bet for visitors taking the Metra or Amtrak.
Bus 146
Unlike the 130, the 146 does not connect to Ogilvie or Union. However, you can catch the 146 on State Street no matter the time of year.
Walk
Depending on where you are in the Loop, walking could be a good option. I have even walked the 2-miles from Ogilvie/Union Stations.
Water Creatures at the Shedd Aquarium
At the Shedd Aquarium it’s Shark Week every day: Check out 9 shark species at the Shedd Aquarium, including the Sandbar Shark, Zebra Shark, Lepard Shark, and the Shedd Aquarium’s “Sharkiest” looking shark, the Blacktip Reef Shark.
“Oh Baby Beluga, Baby Beluga”: See the Beluga whales. They are sometimes the stars of the “Spotlight Show!”
Walking through the Shed Aquarium with my “Happy Feet” Visit the Rock Hooper and Magellanic Penguins.
You “Otter” see them: Check out the Sea Otters. You can visit them by the Polar Play Zone and the Abbot Oceanarium.
This one’s “Dolphin”atly cool: See the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin. They sometimes show off in the “Animal Spotlight” but you can see them in the Polar Play Zone and the Abbot Oceanarium.
“Righteous” Spot 7 different types of Turtles at the Shedd Aquarium. My favorite was the Fly River Turtle.
The Atmosphere:
Chicago Architect
You can see the White-sided Dolphins and Beluga Whales while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The Abbot Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium has a wall of windows that looks out at the lake. As a bonus, the Aquarium features several gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline.
Animal Enrichment
When we visited the Shedd Aquarium at the end of October, we were surprised to see pumpkins in the tanks. A fun treat for guests that offers the animals a unique snack!
Staff
Throughout the Shedd Aquarium, there was a robust presence of staff, both working with and assisting the animals and the visitors!
Experiences Included with a Shedd Aquarium Ticket
Sturgeon Touch
See these fish up close and touch their leathery and bony skin. This activity is monitored by a staff member who will tell you how to interact with the fish. A handwashing station is positioned right before the entrance.
Play areas
If you plan on bringing children on your visit you will be happy to learn that the aquarium features a thematic play area. Inspired by the nearby birds, there is a play zone located right by the penguins that lets children under 12 actively explore the habitat these creatures live in.
Located on the same floor, there is also a kid-sized submarine!
Animal Spotlight
Almost every hour, at the Abbot Oceanarium you can catch the Animal Spotlight. This educational show features a surprise guest animal. When we went, the early morning show featured Beluga Whales.
This show was well thought-out and informative with a slide show, a host giving facts about the whales, and the trainer helping the star Beluga Whales show off with cool tricks!
Stingray Touch
This summertime activity lets you see and touch Stingrays. It closes in early November. The activity is located outside of the building in a tent and is monitored by staff members who will guide you through the experience.
Back to zoos.
Great write up on the Shedd! Love your puns, good for a smile and chuckle! Nice how you include little videos too. Haven’t been in a very long time.
Thanks! If you haven’t been in a while now is a good time to revisit. They have and are continuing to renovate this aquarium.