Attraction
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a major encyclopaedic art museum on Michigan Avenue, with collections spanning thousands of years and a separate Modern Wing entrance…
Shedd Aquarium
Opened in 1930 on the lakefront, Shedd Aquarium houses aquatic life from around the world in galleries such as Amazon Rising, Wild Reef and the Abbott Oceanarium.
At a glance
- Type
- Public aquarium
- Area
- Museum Campus, Chicago, United States
- Official site
- sheddaquarium.org
Good to know
- Timed tickets
- Touch experiences
- Wheelchairs and assistive listening devices available
- Food court and café
Why we recommend it
Shedd Aquarium sits on the Museum Campus beside Lake Michigan, between the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. Its first exhibits opened on 30 May 1930, and as an indoor attraction it is a reliable choice in any weather.
The galleries take you through very different environments. Amazon Rising is devoted to the Amazon river basin, Wild Reef to life on a reef, and Waters of the World to habitats from around the globe. Wonder of Water and Oceans complete the main galleries, and the Abbott Oceanarium hosts animal spotlights and underwater viewing. Shedd is in the middle of a long redevelopment, so some experiences may be unavailable during your visit.
Touch experiences are a favourite with children. Sea Star Touch and Sturgeon Touch run every day, while Stingray Touch and stingray feeding operate in summer. Extras such as a penguin encounter, a shark feeding tour and 4-D films can be booked on top of general admission.
The aquarium sells timed tickets online, and booking ahead is strongly recommended because some dates sell out. Note that you cannot re-enter once you leave the building. Opening hours are listed on the website as 9am to 6pm, but check the calendar for the day you plan to visit. Chicago residents have their own ticket category, and there are discounted and free days, as well as CityPASS and other partner tickets; buy only from Shedd or its approved partners.
Families get the most from Shedd, but couples and solo travellers interested in marine life will happily spend two to three hours here. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer than weekends. Wheelchairs, assistive listening devices and noise-cancelling headphones can be borrowed from the information desk. Food is available at the Bubble Net food court and Soundings Café, and food brought in must be eaten in designated areas.
Public transport and nearby parking both serve the Museum Campus, but events at nearby venues can affect traffic, so check alerts before you set out. Combine Shedd with the Field Museum next door, then follow the path out to the Adler Planetarium for the classic skyline view.
Shedd Aquarium FAQs
Do you need to book Shedd Aquarium in advance?
Advance timed tickets are highly recommended, and some dates sell out.
What are the opening hours?
The website lists 9am to 6pm; check the calendar for the date of your visit.
Can you leave and come back?
No. Guests cannot re-enter after exiting the building.
Are there touch pools?
Yes. Sea Star Touch and Sturgeon Touch run daily, and Stingray Touch runs in summer.
When did it open?
The first exhibits opened in May 1930.
Is it accessible?
Yes. Wheelchairs, assistive listening devices and noise-cancelling headphones are available at the information desk on a first-come basis.
Is there food inside?
Yes. The Bubble Net food court and Soundings Café serve food.
How long should you allow?
Around two to three hours.
What is nearby?
The Field Museum is next door and the Adler Planetarium is a short walk along the lakefront.