With more than 32,000 aquatic animals from all over the globe, your family can have a great visit just looking through the glass at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. But your kids’ questions probably linger. How does the aquarium work? Who takes care of all these creatures? How do they keep the water clean? For a deeper understanding of the aquarium, book a behind-the-scenes tour during your next visit.
Get behind the scenes at Shedd for a view of your favorite animals.
We started in the animal care center and learned about how the water and animals are kept healthy. We watched staff in the lab testing water samples and visited with one of the many professionals doing routine health checks. As we walked through corridors, our guide pointed out enormous pipes and filtration systems needed to provide the thousands of gallons of water used at the aquarium. Did you know the aquarium originally brought salt water from Florida by train?
The highlights really come when you travel behind the galleries to see the collections (and the visitors) from the other side. Several animals live permanently off-exhibit so this is the only way to see them. My sons loved being able to toss food to the trout. We were all splashed with water as they fought for pieces of food. At the end of the tour, we were also able to touch some fish.
The tour lasts a little more than an hour with a good deal of walking and standing. You also need to be at least 55 inches tall to peer over the tops of habitats so it’s not intended for young children.
During the summer months (May 31-Sept. 6), Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. At just $12 per person, these tours are an excellent value for a completely unique experience. Reservations are recommended. Inquire online at www.sheddaqaurium.org or call (312) 692-2723.
Alena Murguia
With more than 32,000 aquatic animals from all over the globe, your family can have a great visit just looking through the glass at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. But your kids’ questions probably linger. How does the aquarium work? Who takes care of all these creatures? How do they keep the water clean? For a deeper understanding of the aquarium, book a behind-the-scenes tour during your next visit.
We started in the animal care center and learned about how the water and animals are kept healthy. We watched staff in the lab testing water samples and visited with one of the many professionals doing routine health checks. As we walked through corridors, our guide pointed out enormous pipes and filtration systems needed to provide the thousands of gallons of water used at the aquarium. Did you know the aquarium originally brought salt water from Florida by train?
The highlights really come when you travel behind the galleries to see the collections (and the visitors) from the other side. Several animals live permanently off-exhibit so this is the only way to see them. My sons loved being able to toss food to the trout. We were all splashed with water as they fought for pieces of food. At the end of the tour, we were also able to touch some fish.
The tour lasts a little more than an hour with a good deal of walking and standing. You also need to be at least 55 inches tall to peer over the tops of habitats so it’s not intended for young children.
During the summer months (May 31-Sept. 6), Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. At just $12 per person, these tours are an excellent value for a completely unique experience. Reservations are recommended.
