All-Inclusive
Must-sees
Family-friendly
Indoors

Up to 3 hours

Shedd Aquarium

Up to 3 hours

Shedd Aquarium is one of the top places to visit in Chicago – a must-see attraction located on the shores of Lake Michigan and filled with thousands of fascinating marine animals from a range of diverse habitats.

All-Inclusive
Must-sees
Family-friendly
Indoors

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What you'll do

Go on a wild underwater adventure at Shedd Aquarium. This attraction is ideal for all the family and perfect for fans of sharks, stingrays, and everything in between.

You’ll see incredible creatures from freshwater, marine, terrestrial, and even aerial environments at the Shedd’s award-winning exhibits. Get nose-to-nose with sharks in the wild reef, dolphins and beluga whales in the oceanarium, and much more.

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago also does its bit for conservation and research, focusing primarily on animals and habitats in the Great Lakes and the Caribbean. Learn more about the important work they do at their range of talks and animal presentations. There’s also the chance to get your hands wet at the Stingray Touch exhibition which runs between May and September.

Shedd Aquarium highlights

Abbot Oceanarium

Immerse yourself in the magnificent, vibrant ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. Meet dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters and much more.

Plankton Revealed

Check out the microscopic but mighty in this insightful exhibition. Floating at the bottom of the food chain, plankton may be small but you'll learn about how this nutrient-rich food source plays a big part in ocean life. This is Shedd Aquarium's first bilingual exhibit, with signage translated into Spanish.

Wild Reef

Find yourself among the sharks as you explore a unique underwater world filled with color and movement. Learn about how Shedd works to restore precious coral reefs around the world and listen to the amazing tales of how a Philippine fishing village saved their reef.

Islands and Lakes

Explore these unique ecosystems, filled with beauty that can be found nowhere else. Look out for alligators, turtles and cichlids.

Oceans

Octopuses, horn sharks and moray eels are just a few of the fascinating creatures you'll spot beneath the ocean's surface. Take a stroll through the immersive Kelp Forest to see what mysterious animals you can find hiding among the macroalgae.

At Home on the Great Lakes

Discover the underwater world found right on Chicago's doorstep. The Great Lakes are home to more than 3,500 plant and animal species and this exhibit gives you the chance to meet our animal neighbors and understand how we can help protect the Great Lakes both for wildlife and for people.

Polar Play Zone

Kids can hop into a penguin suit and try out life like a bird in the Icy South or dip their hands into the sea star touch pool for a hands-on experience.

Facts

Sea lions' flippers aren’t just for swimming. On land, these incredible creatures use their flippers to run – faster than the average human.
Sea otters are secret hoarders, they store their favorite things in their ‘pockets’ – an area of loose skin located in their armpits.
Jellyfish aren’t fish at all as they have no bones, brains, blood.
The massive bullfrog is the largest of its species in North America and their call can be heard for more than half a mile.

What's included

With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
Access all habitats, animal presentations, and exhibits.
Learn about Shedd's important conservation work.

Facilities

Shedd Aquarium parking is available to book in advance through the SpotHero app and you can receive 50% off versus drive-up. Alternatively, Shedd offers valet service most weekends.
There are many hotels near Shedd Aquarium, check out the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, which are official partners of the aquarium.

Getting in

Show your pass to the staff at the new ticketing pavilion for entrance in the next available time slot.

Busy tip

Subject to availability – Shedd Aquarium can be very busy. We recommend visiting the Shedd Aquarium website for up-to-date information on availability for any upcoming time and date before you head to the aquarium.

Disclaimer

Shedd Aquarium is included exclusively on 1, 2, 3, and 5-day All-Inclusive passes! It is not included in the Explorer pass.

Wheelchair accessibility

Shedd Aquarium is fully accessible and offers various accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Visitor tips

For an additional fee, you can also purchase tickets at the will-call ticket desk (pending availability) for a 4-D Experience.
Shedd Aquarium is located on the Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus Tour route at stop number 7: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive.

Please note:

Personal photography and videography are allowed inside the aquarium, but commercial photography requires prior approval and an additional fee.

What is the Shedd Aquarium?

The Shedd Aquarium is a non-profit aquarium located in Chicago, Illinois that houses over 32,000 aquatic animals.

Can I bring food into the aquarium?

No, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the aquarium, but there are dining options available onsite.

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Where you'll be

On Chicago's Museum Campus 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive,, Chicago, US

How to get there

Take CTA: Red, Orange, or Green Line to the Roosevelt Road/Museum Campus stop. Take CTA bus #146 from points north or south as well as from the Roosevelt Road "L" stop.