Shedd Aquarium
Let the Fantasea begin!
Message from Shedd Aquarium
Strap a mask and flippers on your imagination and chart a course to Shedd Aquarium. Ranked among the world's leading public aquariums, Shedd is home to more than 32,600 animals - from snails to sharks to whales, from the fresh and salt waters of the globe - that connect guests to the living world and inspire them to make a difference. If you haven't seen Shedd recently, you won't believe your eyes! The Oceanarium just reopened with new exhibits, new experiences and increased opportunities for interactions with animals. Polar Play Zone, a new exhibit just for children, will tap into kids' natural curiosity through hands-on exploration, water play and up-close animal encounters. And later this summer, dolphins soar, belugas dance, and penguins parade in Fantasea, Shedd's new aquatic show. Get swept away on an unforgettable journey.
Editorial by Citysearch
OverviewThe Oceanarium is a major draw. The marine mammal pavilion features beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaskan sea otters and harbor seals in a re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastal environment.
Features
One knockout attraction is the 90,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling Caribbean Reef exhibit in the Shedd's central rotunda. Home to more than 250 tropical Caribbean animals including sharks, eel, sea turtles and colorful fish, it's also the site of "aquatic theater." Another favorite exhibit is Amazon Rising, which houses exotic animals found in the Amazon like flying fish, piranhas and stingrays. The dolphins and/or whales can be seen demonstrating natural behaviors such as dives, breaches and tail bobbing during presentations in the amphitheater during the Marine Mammal Presentations.
Key Points
- Attractions
- Aquariums
- Museums
The Inside Scoop
- Know Before You Go - See the marine mammal presentations from a different perspective at the Animal Underwater Viewing area.
- The Extras - Gather around the Caribbean Reef exhibit to watch divers take the plunge when they feed the fish five times daily: 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 3:30pm.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
My Childhood Favorite
by YahtzeeGirl
The Shedd has been a favorite of mine since my parents took me to visit the aquarium at an early age. I love the way they have the aquarium mapped out , and how the group different species together. And at every visit I always learn something new or find a new favorite.
The gift shop is another great stop to make to get gifts for friends and family.
Pros: amazing selection of aquatic species
Cons: cost
Posted 11/02/09
Fun for Every Age
by JaDi
It doesn't matter how old you are or how many times you've been, the Shedd Aquarium always provides a fun time. This museum always has a great feature exhibit that's worth the trip, along with the must-see dolphin show. Bring your camera because the city views from the Shedd are breathtaking!
Posted 11/01/09
Amaaazing place!
by CSMobileUser
Amazing place. Friendly staff, great attractions. Beluga whale, penguins, sharks, seahorse, coral in downtown chicago. 4-D Planet Earth was an amazing experience. Missed dolphin show, but heard its awesome. A little steep in $$, however, well worth it! Would recommend to a friend.
Posted 08/20/09
Great place to visit
by aly511
This is a chicago staple. It is a great aquarium with an awesome view of Lake Michigan. The Oceanarium is very interesteing, along with the mammal show.
Pros: Lots to see and learn
Posted 05/10/09
Great tourist attraction
by Chadrock5
I could spend all day in this place. There is always something to see and enjoy. This is the perfect place to take friends or family who visit the city.
Pros: whats not to like about big fish?
Posted 05/10/09
Good Family Fun
by newgirl1
Every summer we go to the Shedd Aquarium and always have a great day. They have a huge assortment of fish and other marine life to learn about. Also, the Aquarium provides an abundence of information about all the marine life that you will see. I would recommend going to the Shedd with your family, it's money well spent.
Posted 05/26/08
Awesome for kids!
by iteachk
I have been to a few aquariums for school field trips and this one just beats them all! Because I am a teacher I received an all access pass for free which was a wonderful bonus, but even if I had to pay the entrance fees it is well worth the money because there was so much to see there. I also liked how the staff got the kids to play in some interactive games about the animals. I would love to go again some day!
Pros: Exhibits, Friendliness of staff
Cons: No guided tours
Posted 06/24/06
Very nice
by mamapn
Lots of variety and information. Dolphins and whale show was very good. Strictly an aquarium, no other animals at this location.
Posted 07/21/03
Not Wheelchair Friendly
by aurorarevolution
They claim to be wheelchair accessable but they were far from wheelchair friendly. It was a confusing maze with a lack of signs. A complete lack of assistance from the staff, they seemed to have no idea where we were supose to go to get to places and wouldnt get off thier chairs to help us figure it out.
After 40 minutes we had enough and got sent down the wrong hall for the last time, so we left. It was a huge waste of money and a real let down. I know they can do better!!!!
Cons: Not Wheelchair friend, confusing layout, poorly trained staff
Posted 07/04/03
great in a small package
by tyggergirl
The Shedd is one of my favorite attractions in Chicago. The Rising Amazon exhibit is really well-made. The feeding time for the main aquarium is an experience - definitely great for kids. It's just too bad that you have to pay an additional fee to see the beluga whales...
Pros: Kid-friendly
Posted 09/27/02
house of fish
by sukey
If you only have limited time to visit the Museum Campus, I would make the Shedd the third stop. The Amazon Rising exhibit is quite nice, but this museum isn't as interesting as the Field or the Adler.
Posted 08/25/02
Great Time
by red_rammer2002
We didn't go intot he entire building, We were able to get our fill just looking at the Free displays in the reception area. I am glad that we saved something for next time. Bring hte kids, they will really enjoy a look at nature here in Chicago!
Pros: FISH, WATER, FUN
Posted 08/24/02
Under the Sea
by nathanstull_citysearch
The Shedd Aquarium is quite interesting. All the tanks show some of the prettiest and most unusual creatures underwater. I personally liked the one large circular tank with sharks, sea rays and other fish, large and small. Then, we went down a floor to check out the penguins and sea mammals. The seahorse display was educating and interesting too, but the dolphins and large mammals take the cake for me.
Posted 05/12/02