Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. Opened on May 30, 1930, the 5 million US gal aquarium was for some time the largest indoor facility in the world. Today it holds some 32,000 animals.
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To reach Shedd Aquarium, you have several options. If using public transportation, you can take the CTA buses or Metra trains that stop near the museum campus. Alternatively, it is a short taxi or rideshare trip from downtown Chicago. For those driving, there is limited on-site parking available at an additional cost, or you can park in nearby public lots and walk to the aquarium.
It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to avoid long waiting lines. You can purchase general admission tickets on the Shedd Aquarium website or opt for a CityPASS to access other popular Chicago attractions at a discounted rate. Special experiences, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, should also be booked ahead of time.
The costs of visiting Shedd Aquarium can vary depending on your chosen experience. General admission tickets range from $19.95 for children to $39.95 for adults. Additional experiences, such as beluga encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, are available at an extra cost. A CityPASS, offering access to multiple attractions, is available for $109 for adults and $89 for children.
Some of the best things to do at Shedd Aquarium include exploring the various exhibits, such as the Abbott Oceanarium, Amazon Rising, and the Caribbean Reef. Don't miss the aquatic show featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals, or the touch pools allowing you to have a hands-on experience with stingrays and sturgeons.
When it comes to dining options, Shedd Aquarium has two on-site restaurants: Soundings Café and Bubble Net Food Court. For a more diverse selection, venture to nearby eateries like the popular Yolk - South Loop for a delicious breakfast or brunch, or enjoy a meal with a view at the nearby Giardano's, famous for its deep-dish pizza.
For accommodation, there are plenty of options in downtown Chicago. A couple of close options include the Best Western Grant Park Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and amenities at a reasonable price or the luxurious Hilton Chicago, located just a short walk from the aquarium.
Off the Beaten Path:
For a unique and unusual experience, consider booking a "Jazzin' at the Shedd" evening during the summer months. This event features live jazz music, stunning skyline views, and access to the aquarium after regular hours. Enjoy the marine life exhibits while sipping a cocktail and listening to the soothing sounds of jazz, making it a perfect way to spend a summer evening in Chicago.
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🐾 Wildlife spots 🤿 Underwater spotsNestled in a 1920s building, now a historic landmark, the John Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest in the United States, with over 32,500 animals in their natural environments and millions of litres of water. With its feet in Lake Michigan, this aquarium alternates between exhibition areas and shows, for an unforgettable visit.
Every year, this aquarium attracts about 2 million tourists and is one of the most hated aquariums in the United States. The special thing is that this aquarium is built of marble. This promises to be a wonderful space for families with young children, as well as an ideal destination for those with a passion for the vast ocean.
The Shedd Aquarium has a tank that holds 90,000 gallons of filtered seawater every hour, inside with a variety of interesting marine animals such as sharks, sea turtles, eels and many rare and colorful fish and corals. There is also an area called Oceanarium, home to the largest marine mammals in the world. It reproduces the coastal environment of the Pacific Northwest. In particular, there are adjacent lakes containing about 3 million gallons of water, which are home to whales, beluga dolphins, seals, otters and penguins.
Shedd Aquarium also regularly organizes exhibitions showing underwater habitats and campaigns to protect the marine environment.
The Shedd aquarium is quite large, so it will take you two to three hours to explore it all.
Adult: 39,95$
Children (3-11): 29,95$
But for residents of Chicago it will be cheaper and there are a few days of the year they will have free admission.
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2 km (1.2 miles) away from Shedd Aquarium