Shedd Aquarium
Explore diverse aquatic ecosystems, from the Amazon to the Great Lakes, at this world-class aquarium on Lake Michigan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit.
Shedd Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse aquatic ecosystems, from the Amazon to the Great Lakes, at this world-class aquarium on Lake Michigan.
"The best aquarium in the world! My family had fun visiting it as part of our Chicago trip."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Shedd Aquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Parking Savings
Consider Adler Planetarium's early bird parking for a cheaper option than aquarium parking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beluga Whales
Witness these magnificent marine mammals in their expansive habitat. A truly unforgettable sight!

Dolphin Show
Experience the intelligence and grace of dolphins in an engaging and educational performance.

Stingray Touch Experience
Get up close and personal with smooth, gentle stingrays in this interactive and tactile exhibit.
Amazon Rising
Explore the vibrant biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, featuring a diverse collection of fascinating fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Parking & Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Shedd Aquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Parking Savings
Consider Adler Planetarium's early bird parking for a cheaper option than aquarium parking.
📱 Use the Shedd App
Navigate the aquarium and check showtimes easily with the official Shedd Aquarium app.
🤝 Ask Staff for Help
Staff are incredibly helpful, especially for accessibility needs like wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Shedd Aquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Parking Savings
Consider Adler Planetarium's early bird parking for a cheaper option than aquarium parking.
📱 Use the Shedd App
Navigate the aquarium and check showtimes easily with the official Shedd Aquarium app.
🤝 Ask Staff for Help
Staff are incredibly helpful, especially for accessibility needs like wheelchairs.
🦈 Shark Size Expectations
While sharks are present, some visitors find them smaller than anticipated.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shedd Aquarium for its diverse and fascinating marine life, with many highlighting the beluga whales and dolphin show as unforgettable experiences. The staff are frequently commended for their helpfulness and kindness. While the aquarium is generally well-loved, some guests express disappointment with the size of the sharks and the cost of parking.
"This place was super nice. They had a lot of interesting fish and aquatic life. All of the staff were so helpful and kind. The City pass was nice to have since it included a 4d theater. I've never seen beluga whales before so that was really exciting!! Their gift shop was really nice and had a lot of variety. My only complaint is I was hoping the sharks would be bigger. They had a great selection of sharks but I was hoping for some larger breeds like I've seen in smaller aquariums."
Tracy Weis
"We had a really nice time at the shed aquarium. We enjoyed the variety of fish from various ecosystems. Our favorite was being able to see the dolphin show which highlighted 4 dolphins. It wasn't too busy during the week, but we enjoyed having tickets in advance through citypass"
Lindsey Schreiner
"THE BEST AQUARIUM IN THE WORLD! My family had fun visiting it as part of our Chicago trip. There are a lot of interesting sea animals there including the beluga whale.
The favorite part of the aquarium was the stingray touch experience. The stingrays were so smooth!
The dolphin show was my favorite. Heard that they are banning it in other states so get a chance to see it before it disappears in Illinois too!"
Jaewon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site (though it can be costly). Public transportation is also a great option, with several bus routes and the 'L' train lines serving the nearby Museum Campus.
Yes, there is parking available at Shedd Aquarium, but it is often expensive. Many visitors recommend the Adler Planetarium's surface lot for a potentially cheaper 'early bird' rate if you arrive before 9:30 AM.
For families, consider the convenience of public transport or rideshares to avoid parking hassles. If driving, factor in parking costs and potential traffic, especially during peak times.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk south from Millennium Park along the lakefront. You'll pass Buckingham Fountain on your way to the museum campus, which includes Shedd Aquarium.
Some visitors suggest looking into the Adler Planetarium's parking lot for an 'early bird' offer, which can be more economical than parking directly at the Shedd.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is recommended. Check the official Shedd Aquarium website for the most current pricing for general admission and any special exhibits.
Yes, Shedd Aquarium offers free admission days for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year, often in the evenings. These days are popular, so expect larger crowds.
While you can often purchase tickets at the door, it's highly recommended to buy Shedd Aquarium tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry, especially on busy days.
The CityPASS Chicago often includes admission to Shedd Aquarium along with other major Chicago attractions, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Shedd Aquarium typically opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 9 PM, depending on the day of the week and season. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the beluga whales, the dolphin show, the stingray touch experience, and the Amazon Rising exhibit. The variety of aquatic life from different ecosystems is a major draw.
Absolutely! Shedd Aquarium is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits like the stingray touch and engaging shows that children of all ages will enjoy.
Yes, Shedd Aquarium features popular shows, most notably the dolphin show, which is highly recommended for its educational and entertaining content.
The stingray touch experience allows visitors to gently interact with smooth stingrays in a shallow pool. It's a favorite for many, offering a unique tactile encounter.
Shedd Aquarium is generally accessible. Staff are known to be very helpful, and wheelchairs are available for visitors who need them, with staff assisting in getting them to and from the curb.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shedd Aquarium has dining facilities where you can purchase food and beverages. Options typically include cafes and snack bars.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to check their specific policy, but most visitors plan to eat at the onsite cafes or before/after their visit.
The Museum Campus area has several dining options, and you can also find numerous restaurants in the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods if you prefer to venture out for lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Shedd Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing the animals.
The large tanks with diverse marine life, the beluga whales, and the exterior views of the aquarium with Lake Michigan in the background offer great photo opportunities.
Avoid using flash photography, especially near exhibits with sensitive animals. Also, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways while taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
♿ Visitors with Accessibility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Planning Your Visit: Timing is Everything
Consider the time of year as well. Summer months and school holidays will naturally see more visitors. If possible, aim for a visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for potentially fewer crowds. Checking the Shedd Aquarium's official website for any special events or exhibits can also help you plan your visit and potentially avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter experience.
Navigating Costs: Tickets & Parking
Parking at the aquarium itself can be quite expensive. A popular tip among visitors is to consider parking at the nearby Adler Planetarium's surface lot. If you can arrive early, before 9:30 AM, you might secure an 'early bird' rate that covers the whole day for a lower price than direct aquarium parking. Alternatively, exploring Chicago's public transportation system, including buses and the 'L' train, can be a more budget-friendly and convenient way to reach the Museum Campus, especially if you're staying in the city.
Family Fun at Shedd Aquarium
When planning a family visit, remember that the aquarium can get busy, especially on weekends and during free admission days. Consider bringing snacks or planning for meals at the onsite cafes, though outside food is generally not permitted. The staff are known for their helpfulness, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance, particularly if you have strollers or need accessibility information. The aquarium's layout is generally easy to navigate, making it a manageable and enjoyable outing for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit