Shedd Aquarium

4.5 (31,906 reviews)

AquariumHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of Interest

Best time to visit

Arrive at opening on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy quieter viewing; late afternoon often features lively feeding demonstrations and active animals.

Budget tips

Buy timed-entry tickets online to avoid queues; CityPASS and Go City Explorer Pass include Shedd, and an annual Shedd membership pays off after a few visits by giving free admission and exhibit discounts.

Recommended for

Families with children, School and educational groups, Marine life enthusiasts, Photography enthusiasts

Plan your visit

2-3 hours

About

Quick facts: More than 32,000 animals fill galleries where you can get face to face with penguins, rays, and beluga whales. Visitors see about 1,500 species across tanks and exhibits, spotting dozens of different creatures in a single walk.

Highlights: Enter a dim gallery where the water’s surface casts rippling turquoise mosaics on faces. The cool, salty air and distant splashes turn the space into an underwater theater. Small groups gather quietly at feeding presentations, and watching hundreds of fish arc in sync as keepers feed them feels like front-row seats to a living ballet.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes; some galleries and viewing areas can be wet or have steps.
Check the daily schedule on arrival and plan to attend one feeding or talk for the most engaging encounters.
Photographers head for the Caribbean Reef tunnel and the Oceanarium terrace for dramatic close-ups and skyline backdrops.
Book early timed-entry slots on weekends, or visit midweek afternoon to avoid peak crowds and long lines.