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Shedd Aquarium

Aquarium

Museum Campus, Chicago

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Shedd Aquarium

8.8^/10

2,907

ratings

Ranked #7 for exhibits in Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from AFAR Media and Wired
"The penguin encounter one was a great value and a wonderful time!"(18 Tips)
"Excellent aquarium, choose the CityPass, great deal!!!"(22 Tips)
"Spend some time with the cute Beluga whales, they're cute and funny."(13 Tips)
"The holiday dolphin show is an interesting selection."(12 Tips)

418 Tips and reviews

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beluga whales
fish
dolphin show
scenic views
aquariums
jazz music
cute
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jellies
free admission
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great value
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Antonio BurrowesMay 29, 2017
During summer season jazz at the shed is a hot spot
Felix I BobadillaApril 3, 2013
If you get here with a Citypass ask about the tickets for the 4D theater and the show, they don't give enough information by themselves.
Kirstjen LorenzJune 30, 2017
Not sure why this happens, but whenever I visit the Shedd, I feel like I did some kind of meditation. What is this calm that comes over me from fish??
Brandon SullivanFebruary 16, 2013
The smaller tanks are divided up like trinket stores in a big mall. They are cramped and poorly navigable. That said, the jellyfish, whale/dolphin, and tropical exhibits are exciting and fun.
ToryBurchJune 20, 2013
The Shedd Aquarium is home to almost everything aquatic. The dolphin shows are fan favorites.
Laura GamboaDecember 23, 2014
Sea otters and belugas. One of the biggest aquariums I've ever seen in the US
Crystal HJune 10, 2013
Call before going! They were having a "gala event" when I went, and closed at 2:00pm. My friend said the same thing happened to her when she went a few months before me.
Joseph GOctober 11, 2015
Dolphins were blocked off for the newborn. Was a nice aquarium, may be biased but the Camden aquarium is nicer.
Pathik BhattJuly 18, 2013
Come watch the navy pier fireworks from the aquarium lawn, less crowd and beautiful view of the skyline
Cooper SmithJune 29, 2013
Buy your ticket the day before online (boooo ticketmaster fees) to avoid waiting in this hour+ long line
Beth WongAugust 21, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Buy a ticket online and avoid the lines. If you get there at opening, easier to zip through exhibits and you can park in the small close lot.
Natalie NoblittJune 13, 2013
Skip aquatic show and the 4D experience. Both were a big letdown. Aquatic show involves very little about the marine animals. Also, no companion spots for accessible seating so you can't really see.
Rose DavisJuly 18, 2013
Definitely check out Jazzin at the Shedd on Wednesday nights! Fewer crowds than during normal hours, booze and great music.
Roosevelt CollectionOctober 31, 2011
Fun fact: More than 25,000 fish live here! Visit the newest permanent exhibit, Wild Reef to see live coral, sharks and rays!
Kenny DallmeyerAugust 11, 2011
Jazzin at the Shedd during the summer is fun. Sit outside and bring a picnic for free or mingle with the hip people inside.
Duncan PJSeptember 2, 2014
The lines in summer are bad unless your smart and buy a ticket in advance
ReggieAugust 3, 2013
Got kids & a stroller? Use the stroller accessible entrance by the "man with the fish." The line is much shorter!
Amanda WhitneyAugust 21, 2016
Jazzin at Shedd is something I look forward to every year. Great views of the Navy Nier fireworks!!
Jose PososAugust 17, 2014
If you are buying anything the gift stores in the aquarium use the word "penguin" to get a discount.
Alex DewittAugust 20, 2013
Glub Glub. Lots to see although we had to miss half of our aquatic show because the front desk lady scheduled our shows 1030/11.
Shedd AquariumMay 20, 2010
Make sure to visit Granddad, our Australian lungfish! Full-grown when he arrived for the 1933 Worlds Fair, he is at least 80 and possibly much older. Not only the oldest resident at Shedd, Granddad ha Read more
Kate FurmanMarch 18, 2016
Buy your ticket online and pick them up at will call to avoid longass lines.
Misha MoskalykMarch 14, 2017
Good place to spend time with your family. Very interesting to see different types of fish.
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaMay 13, 2013
Did you know approximately 2 million guests visit the Shedd Aquarium each year? With more than 220,000 animals, it's no wonder!
Peter MartinDecember 2, 2011
If you're a family of 4 and plan on visiting at least twice in a year then you might save some cash buying a yearly membership. Plus good perks
AmandaMarch 31, 2014
Containing over 25,000 fish, it was at one point the largest aquarium in the world.
Valerie GoguenJuly 7, 2013
It is definitely worth buying the City Pass if you are spending a few days in Chicago.
Brian HernalsteenFebruary 17, 2012
If you become a member, you get to take home a penguin. Also, you get to ride the sharks. With an underwater jetpack.
Brianna GoenApril 11, 2013
The "chats" during the day are a fun and free way to learn more about the exhibits! Check them out!
Dave FloydSeptember 17, 2012
Spend the extra money. See the penguins. This should require no additional explanation... but in case you didn't know, it's fun to watch them on land and as they "fly" underwater.
DoraJune 30, 2010
Sharks, shmarks. OK, Shedd’s sharks are cool, but don’t miss the Amazon Rising exhibit, a trip to the rain forest with rain, sloths, anacondas, piranhas and stingrays.Powered by ParentsConnect.com Read more
Chloe RosenJune 27, 2011
Been here 10+ times
When its raining or when its super hot outside, there will generally be a long line. Be warned now. If you have small kids with you. Bring something to entertain them.
Nam HoangJuly 29, 2013
On weekends Go early to avoid lines and book shows.
Laurie RamirezJune 9, 2016
Everything got to see a lot of different things awesome
VictoriaDecember 27, 2019
Don't miss all the exhibits - so much to see!
Thao PhamDecember 4, 2015
Great place - The daily pass won't include shows. 30$-80$ per ticket
Brittney BSeptember 12, 2012
My son loved this aquarium. It was his first time here. And I can say we will be back.
CMPApril 5, 2013
Did the dolphin show and thé jellies... Loved em' both. Amazing place...will return.
Andraya ThompsonMarch 24, 2012
Make sure to prepurchase tickets or a city pass. Waiting inside is better than outside for a full city block!
Anamaria HernandezJuly 12, 2014
Been here 5+ times
If the line is past the steps and by the hot dog stand, it will take over 2 hours. Be warned.
LaurasseinJanuary 22, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most frequent school field-trip days, so try a Monday?
SSeptember 24, 2013
They have a penguin exhibit in the polar area!!! The whole place was awesome for me.
TracyJuly 11, 2013
Three bands throughout the bldg, access to the special exhibits and better food this year!
Carlos TorresOctober 15, 2012
On free general admission days be prepared to still pay if u want to see the wild reef and other events. General admission exhibits are ok.
Miss KJuly 1, 2014
Get there early in the summer. After 11 it gets packed camp kids & large groups
Nick FruendtMay 28, 2015
The penguins are very funny and the beluga whales are cool!
Shannon H.April 5, 2012
The dolphin show was A LOT better before they turned it into Fantasea. It was so much nicer to watch the dolphins with the lake in background.
KneeTherapistSeptember 18, 2014
The unlisted $8 ticket is good for about 2 hours of walking around. That's a good deal
Green is UniversalNovember 11, 2011
The aquarium grows some of it's own food 2 protect against unsustainable fishing practices. For more green tips & to build ur Green Scene,download Green Square–available 4 iPhone & Android!
Jon ShecketJuly 28, 2013
Use the accessible entrance. It's open to everyone and the line is waaaay shorter.

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