Family First SaturdaysExperience family-friendly fun at Shedd Aquarium during selected first Saturdays of the month. Each session features lively discussions, guided exhibit tours, hands-on activities and take-home crafts.
Each program takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sept. 6 — Birds of Prey
View the animal kingdom through the piercing eyes of Shedd’s newest flying predators.
Oct. 4 — Teeth, Tails, Spines and Scales
Explore the amazing adaptations of aquatic animals in this light-hearted tour of life on the reef.
Nov. 1 — Amazon: Land of Hidden Connections
Discover the connections animals, plants and people have in this complex ecosystem.
Dec. 6 — Reef Rangers
Warm up your winter with the tropical waters of the Caribbean Reef exhibit as you discover the mystery and magic of this incredible habitat.
Fee: $18 per person ($10 Shedd members) Includes admission to the aquarium only.
Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Children 2 years and younger are FREE.
Family Field Programs
Hey, Shedd families, add a little splash to your summer! Family Field programs are opportunities for families to enjoy local environments together with a Shedd twist. Program content is geared for families with children 5 to 10 years old, but all ages are welcome.
Gone Fishing
Cast a line with Shedd at a local fishing hole! Create your own family fish stories as you join us for a relaxing day of fun in the sun at Lincoln Park’s South Lagoon. This field event will include fishing, crafts, activities and a light snack.
Saturday, Aug. 2; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
South Lagoon in Lincoln Park (2045 Lincoln Park, Chicago)
Fee: $35 per person ($25 per person Shedd member)
Registration is required. To register, please call 312-692-2702. For more information or questions, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.
Shedd Explorers WeekendsShedd Explorers is a program geared for youth ages 11 to 14 who are energized by aquatic science and want to participate in exciting challenges, new discoveries and get unique glimpses of Shedd. Join us and uncover a new endeavor each session and discover how we can impact our natural world.
Each program takes place on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 6 — Exploring Birds of Prey
Get a bird's-eye view of the unique role these animals play in our world.
Nov. 1 — Exploring the Amazon
Explore the hidden connections this diverse rainforest holds.
Fee: $27 per person ($19 per person Shedd members) Includes admission to the aquarium only.
Special offer:
Those registered for Shedd Explorers Weekends enjoy free admission to the Family First Saturday program on the same day. They must be accompanied by another paying member of their family.
Registration is required. To register, please call 312-692-2702. For more information or questions, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.
Shedd Explorers Summer Camp: The Next Generation of Natural World Ambassadors
Get ready for a full week of aquatic excitement this summer at Shedd Aquarium.
As a Shedd Explorer you will connect with Shedd's animal collection, exhibits and experts through energetic learning adventures. Play interactive games and challenge your understanding while you're on your way to becoming a natural world ambassador. Featured activities for the Shedd Explorers Camp will include live-animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, exploration of the aquarium exhibits, outdoor learning and hands-on opportunities.
Each camp session runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose a one-week session based on the camper's age.
- Session A for 11- to 12-year-olds: July 7-11
- Session B for 11- to 12-year-olds: July 14-18: SOLD OUT
Fee: $250 per person ($230 Shedd members)
Registration is required. To register, please call 312-692-2702. For more information, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.
Asleep with the Fishes Group Overnights: 2008-2009Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and join us for an overnight adventure at Shedd Aquarium. Before snuggling into your sleeping bag, immerse yourself in the many aquatic environments through special programs, games and hands-on activities. In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast and visit with the animals once more before your journey comes to an end. These programs are geared for children in kindergarten to grade 6.
Each overnight program runs from 6:30 p.m. on Friday to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday on the dates listed below.
Fall 2008 - Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and 21
Winter and Spring 2009 - Jan. 16 and 30, Feb. 13, March 6, 20 and 27
Fee: $55 per person (child or adult)
Shedd members, please see group overnight brochure for discounted fee information.
Please click here to view or download the 2008-2009 group overnight brochure that includes the registration form and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.
Registration is required: Please call 312-692-2702. For more information or questions, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.
Family Overnight: Spooky Seas
Join Shedd for our annual family Halloween celebration that provides a safe and exciting Halloween alternative for families. Fee includes presentations, animal encounters, refreshments, trick-or-treating through our galleries, costume contests parades, and DJ and dancing. Children must be at least 5 years old to spend the night and accompanied by an adult.
Friday, Oct. 31- Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008
6 p.m.-9 a.m.
$60 ($50 Shedd members) per child or adult
To register, please call 312-692-2702. For more information or questions, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.
*Evening-only option available
Birthday Parties
Who are the real party animals at the aquarium? Find out by hosting your next birthday celebration at Shedd. We’ll handle the details, and you’ll make a real splash with that special child or grownup. Choose from:
Undersea Birthday Shellebration Package
Packages start at $375 ($325 Shedd members)
First 15 guests and birthday person are included; additional guests $25 each
SpongeBob Celebration featuring the 4-D Special FX Theater
Packages start at $450 ($400 Shedd members)
First 15 guests and birthday person are included; additional guests $25 each
All parties include a Premium Day Pass to Shedd, a birthday cake, a photo at the gift shop, reserved seating and special recognition of the birthday celebrant during the marine mammal presentation in the Oceanarium, an aquatic-themed activity and parking for the family.
To register, call 312-692-3355.
