Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Get ready for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, sea stars and sea otters — and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world! See penguins fly through chilly waters, spot sleek sharks cruising overhead and count the suckers on an octopus’ legs. At Shedd, you can look nature in the eye, investigate and discover. Get ready for beauty that surprises, mesmerizes, inspires and moves you!
Duration: 2-3 hours
Does not meet animal welfare
guidelines
Tripadvisor does not provide bookings for this experience because it does not meet our animal welfare guidelines.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South Loop
This downtown neighborhood offers a variety of activities ranging from cultural to sporting. If you happen to visit during football season, you may bump into a boisterous few fans on their way to a Bears game on the southernmost tip of South Loop. On the flip side, Museum Campus offers cultural and educational experiences in its planetarium, museum and aquarium, all situated along the lakefront. Grant Park is one of Chicago’s premier locations for green space and recreation with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Take a stroll down memory lane in the historic Prairie District where you can enjoy views of old historic homes. Restaurants, theaters, and clubs are spread throughout the neighborhood along with a collection of burger joints along Michigan Avenue just across from the park.
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573 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Chris HGrand Rapids, Michigan1,283 contributionsHere Fishy FishyApprox 30 years since I was last here. It is 3 floors of Duh, Aquatic animals. The top main floor has different wings with different regions and their aquatic friends. In the center is a massive circular fish tank that's a couple stories tall. The next floor down has the show room floor, where they have their shows with Seals, or Dolphins, or even small Whales. Just a warning the shows are only 10 minutes long. That floor also has the Dolphin and Whale tanks. Plus a couple of exhibits. Plus there's a beaver habitat. Finally the bottom floor allows you to see the dolphins and whales from under the water. Plus there's a Penguin habitat. There is paid lockers at the beginning. I find that to be $5 that were well spent. Especially during winter. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Overall an easy 5 star review. Would I return? Absolutely, a great way to spend 3 hours.Visited November 2022Travelled soloWritten 13 December 2022
- Steve SLondon, United Kingdom16 contributionsAmazing array of both saltwater and freshwater animals from all around the world, spectacular!I would suggest the Shedd Aquarium should be added to any itinerary you have planned for Chicago! From the circular tank you first see, with its multitude of colourful sea animals to the Anaconda lurking deep in one of the tanks in the Amazon exhibit, you'll continue to be amazed. Not forgetting the Beluga Whales, Dolphins and Seals. Don't miss: A chance to stroke Lake Sturgeon, elegant fish that are smooth to the touch and almost seem to enjoy being "petted"; Sharks swim around and above you in the shark exhibit; Penguins, a joy to watch, always seem lovable, almost comic creatures; the Dolphin eco educational show, learn more about these highly intelligent animals; you can even find Nemo or someone that looks very much like him. Adult ticket costs around $38 and it's well worth it!Visited October 2022Written 5 January 2023
- ccarlson2022Niles, Michigan73 contributionsAlways a new experienceWe live about a 90 minute drive from the Shedd but I make sure to take my kids 3-4 times per year. The exhibits don't change fequently but with aquatic animals each visit is different. Love the dolphin and whale shows. The kids love the 'touch' experiences where you can touch star fish, sting rays, etc. If you go in the summer you can also feed the sting rays for a few dollars. Great place to visit and the kids always have a wonderful trip.Visited June 2022Written 6 January 2023
- mike hFort Worth, Texas506 contributionsFacility 5 stars - Entry process, crowds and broken elevators - 1 starBeautiful location and building on the lake. Abbott Ocean area was outstanding. Variety of exhibits was extensive. Whoever designed the entry process (3 steps) has never managed crowds before. Very crowded and numerous broken elevators made getting around a pain. Maybe go during the week in the morning?Visited February 2023Written 28 February 2023
- Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻Los Angeles, California8,278 contributionsFishes and More!I haven't been here since I was a kid, on long ago summer trips to visit family. So I made a point to go with grown up eyes this time. Having worked in an aquarium, I was quite impressed with the variety of critters on display. Even the California state saltwater fish, the Garibaldi, was featured in the kelp forest tank. Aquariums are especially fun for kids, and the various exhibits engaged them as well as the adults The Amazon display was especially interesting to me, as it showed all aspects of the region and how it functions, as well as reminding visitors about preservation. Highly recommend this, even if you've been to other aquatic venues.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 March 2023
- Beachcomb_33Eaton, Ohio714 contributionsNice AquariumNice aquarium, but expensive entrance fee. Timed entry, so book ahead on line. First time visiting and my honest opinion is, it's nice and big. Spacious and clean. Well thought out, all enclosures seem clean and well kept. Be sure to check out all levels of the aquarium. Nice gift shop.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 March 2023
- travelersalongwayMcLeansboro, Illinois151 contributionsSpring break 2023There wasn't a huge line. It's best to get tickets early. It's a wonderful aquarium and lots of tanks and a variety of fish. The beluga whales are active and beautiful. The shark and dolphins are playful. It's definitely a must do if you have the time.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2023
- Carrie HClare, Michigan277 contributionsLove the variety!Love the electronic screens at almost every exhibit to explore about each occupant of the tank or exhibit. Our 5- and 7-year-old grandkids loved them. They know how to navigate them and encouraged them to explore. A nice addition since my last visit. I always love seeing the whales. I was a bit disappointed that the shows were not planned ahead. We ended up seeing two shows and they were both dolphins. I really wanted to see the beluga whales. I loved it all. I will definitely be back.Visited April 2023Written 3 April 2023
- Gail E33 contributionsChaosWe expected a completely different experience. This is mostly for children of which there were a lot! In addition, it was chaotic, unorganized and no one to ask for help. Maybe we were there on a day that kids were home for Easter break but it was crazy and not enjoyable for adults.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 April 2023
- Linda B74 contributionsWonderful experieneWe had a great time. Yes it was crowded and lots of children, but we loved the excitement of the children seeing the fish and reptiles. We did not purchase our tickets ahead of time, but no worries there are machines to purchase a ticket by credit card with someone to assist you or you can go stand in line and see a person and pay cash. They give discounts to Active military and residents of Illinois. I love how the Shedd Aquarium was broken down into segments for example Great Lakes fish or fish from the Amazon. There are some fish with glowing eyes, jellyfish, stingrays and even a place if you want to touch fish. Recommend this place and take your time enjoy it.Visited April 2023Written 11 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
9,885 reviews
Excellent
4,782
Very good
3,001
Average
1,469
Poor
410
Terrible
224
Jillian M
Tampa, FL11 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
My husband and I enjoyed our Saturday evening at the Shedd Aquarium. The staff was eager to answer our questions and share fun facts about the resident animals with us. We entered at 3:30 PM and stayed until closing. We enjoyed the light crowds and perfect vantage points to view the animals. I could have stayed and watched the Belugas all day! There is plenty to do for all ages and definitely recommend a stop on your next visit to Chicago. We purchased a City Pass and it was 100% worth it! In two days we visited Shedd, Aquarium, Field Museum, Skydeck Chicago Experience and Art Institute of Chicago. They were all amazing but the Shedd was #1 for me.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Jillian, for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you and your husband enjoyed your date night, especially our helpful staff and the belugas. Thank you for choosing to visit us! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written 3 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cassie
Sandusky, OH221 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Even though there is construction going on it didn't interfere with our visit. Nice, big aquarium. Loved the cafe area & how much is recycled. Disappointed that the water was so cloudy in the underwater viewing area. Took less than 2 hours for the 3 of us. Very pricey.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the café! We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet all of your expectations.
We take your feedback seriously and would like to connect with you to learn how we can improve and ensure that all guests have the best experience during their visit. To connect with us, please call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 3 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandon
Pittsburgh, PA463 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Great for all ages! So much to see. The main attractions are definitely the Dolphins and the Beluga Whales. They do animal spot lights throughout the day that are definitely worth the watch!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, especially the beluga whales, dolphins and Animal Spotlights! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LaurenSCO
Scotland, UK48 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A lovely place to spend a few hours! Staff were very nice and it was great to walk around and see the dolphins and beluga whales! It was very busy though which meant seeing certain things was a bit harder! A good place for the kids!
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, especially the dolphins and beluga whales, and that you found our staff welcoming and friendly!
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amandak616
Erie, PA102 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I hadn't been to the Shedd aquarium since I was about 10 years old so I didn't remember much about it other than I really loved the experience. I'm happy to say that over 25 years later when I returned, I left with the same feeling. I opted to purchase the extra 4D Blue Planet Octopus experience for my husband and I and it was totally worth it! We also stuck around to see one of the free shows, which was a highlight on sea lions. I wish it would have been just a little bit longer, but it was still worth our time. The other exhibits, even though some of them were closed for renovations, were engaging and fascinating. I look forward to returning again after the renovations are completed to see the changes!
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Amanda, for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, especially the 4D movie! We are thrilled to hear that you still loved your experience 25 years after visiting! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FascinatedTraveller
Montreal, Canada152 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Neat aquarium, with lots of interaction. The staff was knowledgable and friendly, the place was nice and clean. We enjoyed the visit despite a fire drill evacuation out in the cold in the midst of our weekday afternoon - not too nice when your time is counted visiting and you spend lots of money to enjoy precious family vacation time. We made the best of it but would have appreciated a little more information from the museum staff, a symbolic compensation for our trouble (like a rebate for a future visit or a hot drink?).
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, FascinatedTraveller, for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit! Thank you for choosing to visit us for your family vacation!
We apologize for the inconvenience the fire drill may have caused, to keep up with our best safety practices we need to have these drills a few times a year.
We take your feedback very seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Victoria R
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The crowds were unmanageable, we went to the reef area with the sharks, no queue for the lift. WELL upstairs we had a quick walk around the shark area, but the queue to get in the lift to come down was 30 mins, the crowds waiting was awful, lots of children very bored and frustrated. I felt for the staff member on the lifts as they could only load 8 per lift, surely the best thing to do is limit the occupancy of the exhibit?!
The feature show in the auditorium was great but it must have lasted 10 mins max.
For those who have been to excellent aquariums such as Atlanta’s skip this one, the lack of organization and lack of priority on ‘the experience’ for customers makes this a one from our family.
The feature show in the auditorium was great but it must have lasted 10 mins max.
For those who have been to excellent aquariums such as Atlanta’s skip this one, the lack of organization and lack of priority on ‘the experience’ for customers makes this a one from our family.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Victoria, for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. With the implementation of our plan-ahead pricing model, guests have more visibility than ever when selecting a date and time to visit. This includes the opportunity to see if a date is expected to be low, media or high attendance before purchasing a ticket. Spreading out guests will result in a smoother guest experience for everyone by reducing lines, wait times and crowding.
We are also in the process of updating our building as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. This experience evolution will increase physical accessibility through modernized ramping and circulation pathways to make it even easier to see everything Shedd has to offer.
We take your feedback very seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda M
Guilford, NY80 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Let's start at the ticket booth where my ticket cost $45.00. Then after passing 3 staff who's job it was to point me to the door up a never ending ramp (I use a cane) i asked for the "coat check" and was directed to the lobby (which i wasn't in due to the fact that the door to the lobby was only an exit.) There it cost me another $12.00 to leave my coat in a locker for 2hr. as there is no coat check. I did enjoy tank after tank of little river fish from around the world, then a 5 minute show watching the white sided dolphins jump.
Overall the experience was a bummer and i wouldn't recommend it.
Overall the experience was a bummer and i wouldn't recommend it.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, 110lindam110, for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations and for the miscommunication with our lockers.
We are in the process of updating our building as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. This experience evolution will increase physical accessibility through modernized ramping and circulation pathways to make it even easier to see everything Shedd has to offer.
We take your feedback very seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BriannaW2323
Montgomery, TX194 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Super crowded, but it was holiday weekend. They had timed entry which helped. Good to buy tickets ahead of time. Nothing super special inside but it a huge facility.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Brianna, for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
We take your feedback very seriously and would like to connect with you to learn how we can improve and ensure that all guests have the best experience during their visit. To connect with us, please call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne S
Richmond, VA159 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Nice aquarium and larger than most, but still felt crowded atound fish tanks. There is not a clear flow through exhibitions so you have to wander back and forth to see it all.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, annesT7238VY, for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We are in the process of updating our building as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. This experience evolution will increase physical accessibility through modernized ramping and circulation pathways to make it even easier to see everything Shedd has to offer.
We take your feedback very seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 20 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am highly phobic of elevators. Are stairs easily accessible? Are all exhibits accessible by stairs?
dtw1969
Fairview Heights, IL177 contributions
Looks like it was answered. yes there are stairs, I will share that the main elevator is very large.
Palmbeach40
palmbeach516 contributions
Are there penguins in this aquarium?
lifeisgood4626
Clinton Township, MI61 contributions
The "Penguin Experience" is currently available.
Jan N
Murfreesboro, TN26 contributions
About how much time should I expect to spend there? It will be 2 adults, no children. I know you can’t give an exact, but any time frame would be helpful.
Hola, me gustaría saber qué día y horario es menos concurrido para visitar el acuario. Me recomiendan sábado, domingo o lunes? Gracias.
Where is the Closest place to park
cibaena212
Miami, FL32 contributions
We bc ride the bus, so I can’t answer your question. Sorry.
Chris H
Chicago, IL
When visiting the Shedd Aquarium does everyone need to present an Illinois ID or just the person who purchased the tickets? Also is the 4D experience worth it?
current hours listed are 9 am to 6 pm, do I have to leave at 6 or is that when they stop admitting people in?
When visiting the Shedd Aquarium does everyone need to present an Illinois ID or just the person who purchased the tickets?
JAB
Chicago, IL167 contributions
Tickets now are timed entry. Have them to be scanned either on your phone or printed out. They will check your purse or bag before you go in but, not an ID. If you mean free days then when you get the tickets online you will be ask if you are from Illinois/ Chicago before checkout online. When you get to the Shedd and they scan the tickets I doubt they would check an ID.
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Claim your listingSHEDD AQUARIUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shedd Aquarium
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Shedd Aquarium:
- Chicago CityPASS (From S$178.78)
- Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan (From S$201.17)
- Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Small Group Tour (From S$102.04)
- Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour (From S$73.37)
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- Hotels near Shedd Aquarium:
- (0.95 km) Le Méridien Essex Chicago
- (1.08 km) The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
- (1.03 km) Sonder South Wabash
- (1.49 km) Hotel Blake
- (0.96 km) Sentral Michigan Avenue
- Restaurants near Shedd Aquarium:
- (0.14 km) Kim and Carlo's
- (0.07 km) Soundings at Shedd Aquarium
- (0.28 km) Corner Bakery Cafe
- (0.26 km) The Field Bistro
- (0.84 km) Yolk - South Loop
- Attractions near Shedd Aquarium:
- (0.13 km) Solidarity Drive
- (0.27 km) Field Museum
- (1.55 km) The Art Institute of Chicago
- (0.92 km) City Segway Tours Chicago
- (0.61 km) Soldier Field