Free days at the Shedd Aquarium in 2026

Throughout Chicago, families have access to a number of community spaces for enrichment and learning, from world-class museums to neighborhood cultural centers. However, rising ticket prices, additional fees and other barriers can make it difficult to balance these opportunities with a family budget. 

For parents looking for a fun family adventure at a price that won’t break the bank, the Shedd Aquarium has plenty of upcoming free days for Illinois residents to explore exhibits and learn about aquatic ecosystems. To help alleviate any concerns, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to secure a free trip to the Shedd Aquarium in 2026.  

2026 free days for Illinois residents at Shedd Aquarium

Free days are available to all Illinois residents with proof of residence. Be sure to show ID to secure your free tickets.

• February 2026: 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26

On select evenings from 5-9 p.m., free evening admission will be available to Illinois residents.

• March 2026: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 
• April 2026: 7, 14, 21, 28
• May 2026: 5, 12, 19, 26
• June 2026: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

What to know before you go

• Address: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
• Public transit: CTA bus #146 drops riders near Shedd’s entrance. Guests arriving by CTA train, Metra, or Amtrak should plan to transfer to a CTA bus to reach the aquarium. 
• Biking: The Lakefront Trail leads directly to Museum Campus, and Divvy bike stations are available within walking distance of Shedd.
• By water (seasonal): Water taxis can drop guests at the Museum Campus dock on the north side of the aquarium, with a short walking distance to the entrance from there. 
• Parking: Museum guests can pay $27 to park at the Soldier Field North Garage for up to four hours, or $32 for up to 12 hours. The East Museum lot charges $30. At the Adler lot, before 9:30 a.m., guests can pay $13, and after 4:30 p.m., $17. Any other time, the daily price is $27. To reserve a parking spot online, guests can use Spot Hero. 

Tips for reserving free tickets

Visitor volume is expected to be high on free entry days. To secure your tickets, we recommend using these tips to plan ahead:  

• Reserve free tickets online for a fee of $5 per order.
• To reserve tickets with no convenience fee, call (312) 939-2438 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• All adults must show proof of ID to qualify for free entry.
• Out of state guests are not eligible for free admission.

What’s coming soon at Shedd

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Set to open Spring 2026, the Shedd Aquarium 4D Immersion Theater is an up-close exploration of the ocean and its many diverse ecosystems. Shedd’s newest development gives guests a multi-sensory opportunity to experience marine life through an interactive pre-show and immersive visuals, making it a perfect stop for families and curious kids.