From belugas and bluegills to stingrays and sturgeons, your little ones can discover and interact with sea life from across the globe at the Shedd Aquarium.
Created by the same design team as the Field Museum and Wrigley Building, the Shedd Aquarium is an architectural marvel. The white marble and terra cotta building has touches of aquatic life everywhere you look, including marine fossils in the limestone floor.
As beautiful as it is, don’t let the classical look fool you — this aquarium is anything but old school.
This article was recently updated on December 17, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on family-friendly events at the Shedd Aquarium. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
Gone are the days when aquariums were places to see marine life behind glass. At the Shedd, guests can get close up with sea lions, belugas, sea otters, sharks and more. Little ones will love touching sea stars, stingrays and sturgeons. With thriving ecosystems from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean seas, your family will discover exotic and exciting sea creatures at every turn.
Get ready to learn, discover and be mesmerized by the amazing wildlife at the Shedd. Before you go, read up on our best tips and suggestions for your family’s day at the Shedd Aquarium.
Quick details about the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
- Quick details about the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
- Address: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Hours: Opens at 9 a.m. daily. Hours may vary seasonally so be sure to check the Shedd’s calendar for the most current information.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by day and availability. $39.95+/adults, $29.95+/children 3-11, $19.95/Chicago resident adult, $14.95/Chicago resident 3-11, free/all children 2 and under.
- Getting there: The 130 and 146 CTA buses drop riders off steps from the aquarium.
- Parking: There are many parking lots near Museum Campus. The Soldier Field North Garage charges $25+ for up to four hours and $30+ for up to 12 hours. The East Museum lot charges $30+ for up to 12 hours. Drivers looking to score a deal on parking can visit the Shedd Aquarium SpotHero page to score 50 percent off parking rates. On weekends, valet parking is available for $35+.
What to see and do at the Shedd Aquarium with kids
- Circle the Caribbean Reef ecosystem, one of the Shedd’s most iconic aquariums.
- Visit the Polar Play Zone and spot a baby Rockhopper penguin. The newest addition to the Shedd’s beloved penguin fam is the first Rockhopper chick to hatch at the aquarium in eight years.
- Interact with sea stars and sturgeons at the Shedd’s free Touch Experiences.
- Meet dolphins, beluga whales and sea otters at the Abbott Oceanarium.
- Learn about our home habitat at At Home on the Great Lakes. You may be surprised at the diversity we have in the Great Lakes region — more than 3,500 plant and animal species, and some can only be found right here at home!
- Explore one of the tiniest aquatic ecosystems — plankton! At Plankton Revealed, the Shedd’s first bilingual exhibit, visitors learn about the important role these tiny organisms play through interactive elements, including using a magnifying glass to spot plankton.
- Touch a stingray at the outdoor Stingray Touch exhibit. This safe and gentle hands-on experience brings kids closer to nature. Add on a stingray feeding for just $5.
- Get up close and personal with sea lions. The aquarium’s new 45-minute sea lion encounters allow guests to get face-to-face with the marine mammals. Watch the sea lions play, feed and train, then snap a family photo with these incredible creatures. Experiences start at $99.95. Sea otter, penguin and beluga encounters are also available.
- Watch sharks enjoy brunch at a behind-the-scenes shark feeding tour. Learn about their restaurant-grade diet and watch in amazement as the sharks respond to a personalized dinner bell. Talk about a party trick!
- Shop sea life plushies, books, apparel and more and feel good about it! Many items at the Shedd’s gift shop are sustainable, reusable products made from recycled materials.
- Overwhelmed by all there is to see and do? Consider booking a Must See guided tour, led by an enthusiastic guide who will show you the highlights in 75 minutes.
Family-friendly events at the Shedd Aquarium
Calm Waters
- When: Feb. 23 and April 6, 2025; 9-11 a.m.
- Cost: $39.95/ages 12+, $29.95/children 3-11, free/infants 2 and under. Chicago resident discounts are available.
Enjoy the aquarium in a calm, comfortable and accepting environment. This sensory-friendly event offers limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration.
Shedd Aquarium Action Days
- When: Action Days are held throughout the year.
- Cost: Free
Shedd Aquarium Action Days provide hands-on opportunities to restore and protect nearby beaches, waterways and forest preserves. Kid-friendly activities include litter cleanups, river planting and coastal and woodland habitat restoration.
Teen Nature Days and Workshops
- When: Teen Workshops are held throughout the year.
- Cost: Free
High school students ages 14-18 can connect with animals during Teen Workshops. Learn about local and global conservation and explore careers at the Shedd. Workshop topics range from STEAM to investigating the aquatic world! The Shedd also offers Teen Nature Day excursions to local beaches, waterways and forest preserves around Chicagoland.
Tips for visiting the aquarium with kids
- Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Buy your tickets ahead of time online to find the best deals on admission.
- Before you go, download the Shedd Go! App. This mobile guide will help you find your favorite animals faster, deep dive into their stories and get access to extra info, maps and more. You can even plan your visit from home!
- We get it, it’s smart to carry extra jackets, gear and supplies just in case. Luckily, rental lockers are available for visitors who brought a bit more than they’d like to carry through the aquarium.
- Bring your own snacks, food and drink during normal hours and enjoy it at one of Shedd’s designated dining areas. Outside food and drinks are not allowed during extended evening hours or events.
- Order pizza, hot dogs, fish and chips and vegetarian options from Bubble Net food court, or grab a coffee, pastry or sandwich from Soundings Cafe. Whatever you pick, enjoy it on the Shedd’s outdoor dining terraces.
- A private nursing room is available for families who prefer a bit of privacy. Talk to a staff member to request access.
- Accessible restrooms, wheelchairs, rollator walkers, noise canceling headphones and assisted listening devices are available. The SensoryFriendly Shedd Aquarium app is available to make the aquarium more accessible for guests with autism and sensory processing disorders.
- For guests who need to step away from the exciting exhibits, a quiet room is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Talk to a staff member to be escorted to the quiet room suite.
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