Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 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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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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See what travellers are saying
- CaledoniaFamCaledonia, Michigan16 contributions4 Hours Well-SpentIt had been more than 30 years since I visited the Shedd Aquarium, and we had such a nice time. I imagined spending 2-3 hours there, but it was actually more like 4+. The Shedd was clean, well-staffed, and despite the construction activity, was still a very worthwhile visit. The dolphin show was a definite highlight (no extra charge). The only negatives were the cost of admission/parking ($30 for parking plus nearly $40/person x 2 adults and 7 teens) and the absence of paper maps. However, on the whole, it was a great visit!Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit!Written 16 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 February 2024
- sanju_222323New Jersey17,775 contributionshousing around 32,000 creatures.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...!Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit!Written 19 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 February 2024
- Mrudula128 contributionsDiscovering underwater wonders: Shedd AquariumIt is like a underwater adventure without going wet. There are many cool fishes, playful dolphins and majestic beluga whales(white whales). They are so cute. you will start with beluga whales then penguins then visit seal then go to dolphins. The dolphin show is so wonderful. It is just a 8-10 min show but they let us know lot of facts about dolphins. The best part is the giant tank with sharks and sea turtles. I could touch the starfish and know some are hard and rough while some are soft. Overall it's an amazing experience with kids.Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit!Written 26 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 February 2024
- Johna RogersCovington, Tennessee157 contributionsToo crowded and loud.Thankfully we got in here with a discount because I don’t think it would’ve been worth full price. It was overly crowded even for a weekday morning (school groups I think) and wasn’t a whole lot to do. The show in the main area is spaced too far apart timing wise to even catch it during a couple hour visit if you miss the prior one.Thank you 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, medium 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 take your feedback seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!Written 18 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 March 2024
- drpclarke317 contributionsCome see the dolphins!What a fun aquarium! Loved the dolphins, beluga, and the penguins! This is a great place for little kids too. It has a great cafe (bit pricey, but good!). This was a treat to visit! Shows are frequent, so you won't miss out on anything.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, especially the dolphins, belugas and penguins! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!Written 21 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2024
- GrandTour033434539301 contributionWatch your Entry Time!Plan on purchasing tickets in advance. My granddaughter and I Ubered there on the last Wed of March- got there around 1. Sign on stand says "QR code to purchase tickets". I did. Oh yeah ... didn't catch that the NEXT group to be admitted would NOT be UNTIL 5 pm (said one unhappy Nana, standing in the misty rain). Did the Sign notify you of that? NO ..... So I went to the portable office, where they at least allowed me to purchase a membership (note - I live in central Indiana), so for an additional 36.00, we could just go on in. I had to stop 4 other people from making my same mistake. Whether they stayed or went, I don't know. Very unethical to not post an additional sign, stating (sic) "You may have to wait longer" What a racket.Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry for your wait time. Spring Break is a very busy season for Shedd Aquarium, and we highly recommend guests and members reserve tickets in advance. We want to thank you for becoming a member, your support helps us make waves for our shared blue planet and the aquatic animal world! Our membership team would like to connect and get your feedback directly so we can assist with your next visit to Shedd. Please reach out to our membership hotline at 312-692-3284.Written 1 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
- EricLos Angeles, California21 contributionsFun way to spend a cold day.Nice aquarium with pretty typical aquarium exhibits. Exhibit space is fairly small per today's aquarium standards but still fun. The highlight is the indoor animal performance space. The 4D shows are fun as well. Don't forget 1 is included with the GoPass.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit! Certain parts of our building are being renovated and restored as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. The experience evolution of our building will help us meet the needs of our animals, our community and our guests of the future, and we’re so excited to share it with you.Written 8 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2024
- RebeccaBlasdelMountain Home, Arkansas117 contributionsShe AquariumOh my gosh there’s so much to see. I havnt been since I was a young girl. The navigating can be a little confusing. So definitely download the app. The staff is very friendly. There is quite a few stairs. But make sure you walk to the lake as well.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back soon!Written 18 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 17 April 2024
- FOTMMUnited States3,797 contributionsGreat aquarium with lots to see and do!Nice place to spend the day. Went with friends and the kids really enjoyed all of the interactive exhibits. There's plenty to see and the cafeteria was a great place to relax and take a break between exhibits. We went early, and it seemed to be getting much busier as the day went on so keep that in mind when planning a trip.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit!Written 24 May 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 May 2024
- Caitlin HKansas40 contributionsThe Majesty of Nature is Wheelchair AccessibleThe Shedd is host to some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife. The underwater beluga tank is mesmerizing and one of my favorite aquarium experiences ever. Plan to catch the animal talks. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and the info they share will help you get the most out of your visit. The aquarium has amazing wheelchair accessibility. There are elevators at both sides of the building, which eliminates the need to backtrack. Multiple bathroom configurations are available depending on your personal needs. I was particularly impressed by how the staff handled seating at the dolphin show. Not only was there reserved wheelchair accessible seating, but the staff was trained to reconfigure the crowd control stanchions so I would have an unobstructed view. Those little details are noticed and appreciated.Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and that our staff continues to be seamlessly and joyfully welcoming to all!Written 20 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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9,960 reviews
Excellent
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1,478
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424
Terrible
233
2CatsMom
Omaha, Nebraska72 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We visited here using our GoCity pass, which I highly recommend to anyone planning on visiting with kids especially, as you will save at least 30% off the normal admission price. To be fair, we live in Omaha and are quite spoiled with our great zoo and aquarium here. But my son and I still had a great time here and spent pretty much the whole day. The only let down is that the Amazon River exhibit section was closed for construction (my son was bummed he couldn't see the Mata Mata turtle lol) but otherwise we really liked the Shark Reef area and he was enchanted by the beluga whales. We went to the sea lion show, which afforded a great view of Lake Michigan through the huge windows. Great views of the lake and city skyline when we sat outside on the patio for lunch. The staff was friendly and engaging; my son took part in an interesting and educational demo about different water types (salt, fresh, brackish etc) and he's a gift shop freak, so he had a great time picking out a couple of things. In addition to the GoCity Pass, if you are visiting from out of town, save your money and hitch a ride on the CTA bus, which drops off and picks up right in front of the aquarium; it will save the headache of trying to find a place to park (limited) as well as the cost for parking.
Written 19 August 2024
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 and your son enjoyed your visit! We look forward to welcoming you back when Amazon Rising open again!
Written 19 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cryptic_Tourist
Saint Louis, MO1,104 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
My friends and I really enjoyed our time here! Even though they are under construction right now they still have a lot of the aquarium open for viewing. They definitely need some updates for sure. I would say if you’re coming here on a weekend during summer, make sure you buy tickets in advance. We bought ours about two weeks out and when we arrived we saw they were sold out for the day.
Also, when you get there at open there is a huge line to get in, but it moves pretty quickly. I do think they should probably start scanning people through security starting maybe 15 minutes before open to help alleviate some of this back up.
We did find the layout a bit confusing since a lot of the aquarium is “under ground” and we were trying to work our way through each level. The main level’s tanks are very small but I’m sure they’re working on that with the update. There’s not a lot of signage to tell you where to go. Even if you download the map to your phone it’s hard to find some things.
There are some great views of the skyline, I’m sure at night it looks even better! We really liked seeing the penguins but I think they need a bigger enclosure, same with the belugas. The reef section was also neat! Overall, I would say go if you haven’t been but just know it’s in need of some updates and that it’s under construction.
Also, when you get there at open there is a huge line to get in, but it moves pretty quickly. I do think they should probably start scanning people through security starting maybe 15 minutes before open to help alleviate some of this back up.
We did find the layout a bit confusing since a lot of the aquarium is “under ground” and we were trying to work our way through each level. The main level’s tanks are very small but I’m sure they’re working on that with the update. There’s not a lot of signage to tell you where to go. Even if you download the map to your phone it’s hard to find some things.
There are some great views of the skyline, I’m sure at night it looks even better! We really liked seeing the penguins but I think they need a bigger enclosure, same with the belugas. The reef section was also neat! Overall, I would say go if you haven’t been but just know it’s in need of some updates and that it’s under construction.
Written 27 July 2024
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, Sarah, for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet all 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.
Additionally, we would like to assure you that the needs, comfort and safety of the animal are always taken into account as top priority. Our animal experts monitor all of the animals’ health and wellbeing each day, as well as maintain their diets, environment and medical needs. The habitats that the animals live in are created specifically for them and their comfort and meet (and often, exceed) all space standards, laws, guidelines and requirements of the United States government, and heightened standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) of which we are accredited.
Please feel free to contact us with any other questions or concerns. Call us at 312-939-2438(9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 31 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BAKreiter
Milwaukee, WI321 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
My fiancé and I came here Saturday morning to celebrate his birthday. He really likes aquariums, but this was his first time at the Shedd. Guests were told ahead of time of construction and how some exhibits were under renovation. I think some of the previous reviews were given unfairly because they failed to do the proper research before visiting. Because they were picturing a different experience is on them, and blame shouldn't be placed on the Shedd. We knew ahead of time what we were getting ourselves into because of the renovations. We planned ahead and made reservations for the 9am entry. I suggest doing this, as the afternoon keeps getting busier as they let more and more groups in. Even with the closed exhibits, we had an excellent time. We stayed from 9:30am-1:30pm. We were able to catch 2 of the animal spotlight shows (around 10 minutes each), dolphins and sea lions. We really liked that a lot. The next time we come back we are for sure booking some sort of encounter (beluga, otter, shark feeding). Everything was booked up by the time we purchased our tickets. The groups for these encounters are small, so I would suggest booking early for something like this. Getting to and from the wild reef is a bit stressful since the only way is by elevator. Once down there they do make each group take a picture, which I would have bypassed given the choice. I appreciate that they offer a selection of food/drink throughout the facility, but they should really think about getting rid of popcorn as an option. Guests were making a mess everywhere we went, and we were continually stepping in it. We can't wait to come back once all of the updates are complete!
Written 30 June 2024
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.
Vicki M
Cleveland, OH59 contributions
May 2024 • Family
This is my second visit to the Shedd. I knew we were in trouble when we pulled in and saw a line of school buses. We reserved early morning with our City Pass based on their recommendation of low attendance likely for Monday. It was so loud and crowded it was hard to see the exhibits. Also a large portion of the museum is under construction and closed. The dolphin area is really nice.
Written 8 May 2024
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.
Hello, jvmath. We strive to be seamlessly welcoming to all ages here at Shedd. Weekday mornings are our most popular times for school groups, and weekends, holidays, and school breaks during the morning and early afternoon are popular for families. If you are interested, we offer multiple after-hours events that are 21+. We would love to talk to you more about these events. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Certain parts of our building are being renovated and restored as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. But we try to make sure there is still plenty to see, do, touch and explore while some exhibits are temporarily closed. The experience evolution of our building will help us meet the needs of our animals, our community and our guests of the future, and we’re so excited to share it with you.
Written 9 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacy K
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Business
We hosted a corporate event for about 115 people and we had a HORRIBLE experience. We went for 2 site visits before the event, went back and forth on a number of questions/clarifications prior to the event, but on the day of the event the communication and professionalism were very poor. They refused to recognize that it was a private party and adjust protocol accordingly. They would not allow re-entry under any circumstances, and in multiple situations made people stand outside the doors in single digit weather, while we still had guests inside and the party was still going on just because re-entry was "against protocol". They wouldn't even let a husband walk his wife to the uber and come back in. Security was heavy and extremely rude. The event planner did not communicate with security prior to the event so we had issues with parking that escalated. We had an issue with our penguin experience taking place 30 minutes later than scheduled. The event coordinator did not follow through on items that were discussed prior to the event. The list of issues goes on and on. Although the venue is nice and it was a cool experience for a number of our guests, the actual quality of service was extremely disappointing. I would not recommend hosting a private party here under any circumstance.
Written 13 December 2024
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.
travelbug_max
Montreal, Canada44 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
The Shedd Aquarium is close to two other big activities, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. It overlooks the beautiful Lake Michigan and is within walking distance of the train (metra) and bus.
The Shedd Aquarium is incredibly pricey for visitors. I have been to aquariums all over the world, and this is one of the most expensive ones I've visited. The visitor ticket is over double the price of the resident ticket. While I have no problem with paying more than a local, almost 60 USD per person is exaggerated. To make matters worse, the price point does not match the quality of the aquarium. For that price, I expect to be wowed, which did not happen.
Surprisingly, the aquarium is very small even though they have large mammals on display. The beluga tank is pretty crowded with 7 adult whales all in the same pool. The dolphin tank was empty when I went, so I can't comment on that one other than the water was very murky.
Despite there being no animals in the tank, there was a dolphin show at one point, although "show" is a strong word. The one I saw started at 12:30 and lasted 10 minutes. There were two dolphins in the pool who did a few tricks each, and then the rest of the time was spent on climate change and pollution awareness. I have nothing against this awareness message. In fact, I think it's very important to talk about these things and educate visitors. However, a ten minute talk can hardly be called a show.
Other than that, most of the exhibits were closed because the aquarium is undergoing renovations. That's understandable, but what is not understandable is, once again, the price of the ticket. Why would visitors pay the full price when most of the aquarium is closed and under repair? There should be reduced tickets until they wrap up their repairs. It feels like unsuspecting foreign visitors are being taken advantage of.
I would not recommend visiting the Shedd Aquarium, at least not until the renovations are completed. The visit currently takes less than an hour, unless you add to your visit a film viewing. However, why would you go out of your way to go to an aquarium to watch a movie? We go because we love animals and the oceans of our world, so that is what we should see.
The Shedd Aquarium is incredibly pricey for visitors. I have been to aquariums all over the world, and this is one of the most expensive ones I've visited. The visitor ticket is over double the price of the resident ticket. While I have no problem with paying more than a local, almost 60 USD per person is exaggerated. To make matters worse, the price point does not match the quality of the aquarium. For that price, I expect to be wowed, which did not happen.
Surprisingly, the aquarium is very small even though they have large mammals on display. The beluga tank is pretty crowded with 7 adult whales all in the same pool. The dolphin tank was empty when I went, so I can't comment on that one other than the water was very murky.
Despite there being no animals in the tank, there was a dolphin show at one point, although "show" is a strong word. The one I saw started at 12:30 and lasted 10 minutes. There were two dolphins in the pool who did a few tricks each, and then the rest of the time was spent on climate change and pollution awareness. I have nothing against this awareness message. In fact, I think it's very important to talk about these things and educate visitors. However, a ten minute talk can hardly be called a show.
Other than that, most of the exhibits were closed because the aquarium is undergoing renovations. That's understandable, but what is not understandable is, once again, the price of the ticket. Why would visitors pay the full price when most of the aquarium is closed and under repair? There should be reduced tickets until they wrap up their repairs. It feels like unsuspecting foreign visitors are being taken advantage of.
I would not recommend visiting the Shedd Aquarium, at least not until the renovations are completed. The visit currently takes less than an hour, unless you add to your visit a film viewing. However, why would you go out of your way to go to an aquarium to watch a movie? We go because we love animals and the oceans of our world, so that is what we should see.
Written 31 March 2024
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 detailed feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
Shedd Aquarium is committed to ensuring that price is never a barrier to connecting with the aquatic animal world. We offer a range of discounts to our valued educators, first responders and active military members. Our Plan Ahead pricing model allows guests who plan ahead to benefit from discounted admission on less busy days. Additionally, we take great pride in participating in City Pass, the Museums for All program and in hosting 52 resident free days annually.
Every ticket purchase supports Shedd’s mission, including animal care, conservation, public education and more.
Additionally, we would like to assure you that the needs, comfort and safety of the animals, like the beluga whales and Pacific white-sided, are always our top priority. Shedd's animal experts monitor all of the animals’ health and wellbeing each day, as well as maintain their diets, environment and medical needs. The habitats that the animals live in are created specifically for them and their comfort and meet (and often, exceed) all space standards, guidelines and requirements, especially the heightened standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) of which we are accredited. Daily water quality tests in the Abbott Oceanarium ensure that parameters like temperature, pH, salinity and more are within healthy levels, fostering an environment that helps the animals thrive. Despite the water sometimes appearing cloudy, it's rich in nutrients essential for the wellbeing of the animals.
Certain parts of our building are being renovated and restored as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. But we try to make sure there is still plenty to see, do, touch and explore while some exhibits are temporarily closed. We do our utmost to ensure all visitors are aware of this through multiple channels, including our website, pre-visit emails and signage. The experience evolution of our building will help us meet the needs of our animals, our community and our guests of the future, and we’re so excited to share it with you.
We take your feedback seriously. Please feel free to connect with us. Call us at 312-939-2438 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 1 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danielle G
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Not what I expected at all! My husband and I took our almost 2 year old and we were very disappointed. We’ve been to many aquariums and this had to be the worst.
First of all, we spent about $100 on tickets for two adults after $25 for parking. The whole aquarium was poorly laid out and very confusing. It was not your typical “look at all the fish species and other marine life”. There were mostly larger animals (1 otter, 1 beluga whale, and a few dolphins), which is cool, but it was difficult to even see them since the tanks were so dirty.
We wanted to be sure to see the “show” because that must be why we paid so much money. When it came time, we asked a staff member helping with seating which animal(s) we’d be seeing and he said “No one knows. It’s a secret”…. We watched one sea lion… for maybe 15 mins and it was difficult to even see anything, since it was not in the water, just standing in one spot.
Needless to say, I wish I had spent my time and money elsewhere and would never recommend it to anyone.
First of all, we spent about $100 on tickets for two adults after $25 for parking. The whole aquarium was poorly laid out and very confusing. It was not your typical “look at all the fish species and other marine life”. There were mostly larger animals (1 otter, 1 beluga whale, and a few dolphins), which is cool, but it was difficult to even see them since the tanks were so dirty.
We wanted to be sure to see the “show” because that must be why we paid so much money. When it came time, we asked a staff member helping with seating which animal(s) we’d be seeing and he said “No one knows. It’s a secret”…. We watched one sea lion… for maybe 15 mins and it was difficult to even see anything, since it was not in the water, just standing in one spot.
Needless to say, I wish I had spent my time and money elsewhere and would never recommend it to anyone.
Written 16 August 2024
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.
Hello, thank you for your feedback.
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. Additionally, daily water quality tests in the Abbott Oceanarium ensure that parameters like temperature, pH, salinity and more are within healthy levels, fostering an environment that helps the animals thrive. Despite the water sometimes appearing cloudy, it's rich in nutrients essential for the wellbeing of the animals.
Our Animal Spotlights are based on the animals and their scheduled wellness exams. While it is not a secret, they are subject to change based on the animals' routines, and we cannot always guarantee which animal will be featured.
We appreciate your understanding.
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amy h
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
I thought the tickets were expensive but that the experience would be worth it. It wasn’t. It started out with the entry being on the opposite side of the building after walking 30 minutes from the train, but that was a minor inconvenience. Once you enter, it’s SHEER CHAOS. There are literally hundreds of kids running and screaming as soon as you walk in, and no direction on where to go or what to see. We tried to use the online map, which was useless. Started at the lowest level and worked our way up. There was nothing special on display. Tiny fish tanks for the most part and then two larger aquariums with dolphins and belugas. That’s IT! They advertised a special experience with penguins and an octopus on their site (for a fee, of course) that turned out to be a movie. Who wants to watch a movie at a live animal exhibit? And we never found the “wild reef,” despite looking and fighting mass crowds for 45 minutes. Guess it’s a secret? My husband, daughter and I were relieved to get out of there and agreed that much smaller animal exhibits we’ve been to in Indiana were far superior to this. The only consolation is that perhaps our admission $ will go to help the animals in some way.
Written 6 April 2024
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.
Hello. 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, medium 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 strive to be seamlessly welcoming to all ages here at Shedd. Weekday mornings are our most popular times for school groups, and weekends, holidays, and school breaks during the morning and early afternoon are popular for families.
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 are sorry that you and your family did not see Wild Reef. We take your feedback very seriously and would like to connect with you to help you see Wild Reef. Please call us at 312-939-2438 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email us at contactus@sheddaquarium.org. Thank you!
Written 8 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA748 contributions
Jul 2023
The Shedd Aquarium has an excellent collection of marine life displays spread out over several floors. The marine animal tanks range from small (easy to see and spot the fishes) to very large (to see whole schools of some fish species pass by). A fun highlight during my visit was passing through the penguin exhibit at the same time as they were being fed; watching the penguins waddle around chasing the meal of fishes was cute.
I also caught the beluga whale show in the main amphitheater in the lower level. This show (included in the admission price) was crowded during the summer weekend I was there, so plan to show up early to get a decent seat. Showing up early may also allow you to watch the dolphins practice their athletic tricks before the main show, a nice benefit. The main beluga whale show was also pretty good.
For some reason this Museum still insists on selling tickets online before you arrive; none of the other Chicago museums (including the others on this same campus) require this. I hadn't bothered to buy online as I wasn't sure exactly when I'd arrive. I didn't have any problem just walking in and purchasing tickets at the main entrance's machines.
I also caught the beluga whale show in the main amphitheater in the lower level. This show (included in the admission price) was crowded during the summer weekend I was there, so plan to show up early to get a decent seat. Showing up early may also allow you to watch the dolphins practice their athletic tricks before the main show, a nice benefit. The main beluga whale show was also pretty good.
For some reason this Museum still insists on selling tickets online before you arrive; none of the other Chicago museums (including the others on this same campus) require this. I hadn't bothered to buy online as I wasn't sure exactly when I'd arrive. I didn't have any problem just walking in and purchasing tickets at the main entrance's machines.
Written 15 July 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.
Maria T
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The Shedd is exactly the same as it was when I was a child, which was 30 years ago. It’s extremely dated, which I’m assuming they’re addressing based on all the construction. A team member told me they anticipate all of the construction to be completed by 2030. It’s dark, gloomy, and small exhibits are just sad. Although the building/exhibits haven’t changed in 30 years, the price most certainly has. Only Chicago residents receive a discounted ticket, not cook county or IL residence. REALLY? $45 admission per person is straight blasphemy. And finally, the staff members here are just plain rude and act like they hate their job. No hello or goodbye, no welcome. No insightful tips or information. Just straight faced grumps. I think I encountered 2 nice employees during my 2 hr visit (which is a really all the time you need to spend here). You’re better off going next door to the museum. Way more bang for your buck there. Maybe I’ll give it another visit in 2030…..
Written 18 September 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’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. Certain parts of our building are being renovated and restored as we head towards our 100-year anniversary. But we try to make sure there is still plenty to see, do, touch and explore while some exhibits are temporarily closed. The experience evolution of our building will help us meet the needs of our animals, our community and our guests of the future, and we’re so excited to share it with you.
We are sorry to read that you had this experience with a staff member. We have taken your review and shared it with the appropriate leaders across the departments that were involved.
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 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The "Penguin Experience" is currently available.
Written 18 January 2023
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.
Written 1 September 2022
Hola, me gustaría saber qué día y horario es menos concurrido para visitar el acuario. Me recomiendan sábado, domingo o lunes? Gracias.
Written 14 March 2022
We bc ride the bus, so I can’t answer your question. Sorry.
Written 25 November 2021
Chris H
Chicago, Illinois
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?
Written 28 June 2021
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?
Written 18 June 2021
When visiting the Shedd Aquarium does everyone need to present an Illinois ID or just the person who purchased the tickets?
Written 10 September 2020
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.
Written 11 September 2020
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