Accessibility
At Shedd, we believe there should be no boundaries to your experience. Our exhibits, restrooms and most behind-the-scenes program locations are fully accessible.
Before You Visit
Construction
Construction at Shedd continues as part of our Centennial Commitment! Please be aware that unexpected and sudden noise from cutting, drilling and other work may be audible throughout the building.
Where to park
The small parking lot between Shedd and the Field Museum and the Soldier Field North Garage offer accessible parking. If you’re driving and would like to drop off a passenger, you can do so in our half-circle driveway. Please check our traffic alerts page for up-to-date information about parking near Shedd.
Where to enter
Shedd's widened and enhanced entrance quickly and seamlessly connects guests with the aquatic animal world. Access the entrance from the half-circle drive.
Our touchless security screening system at the entrance is fully accessible. People with implanted electronic medical devices can walk through, but please note that low frequency radio wave systems are in use.
Ticketing kiosks
We highly recommend reserving your tickets online in advance. If purchasing tickets on site, the kiosks in the Ticketing Pavilion have NVDA screen readers installed. Please ask a staff member for headphones to operate the kiosk using the keyboard, mouse and screen reader.
Animal Spotlights
The Animal Spotlights are welcoming, inclusive spaces where guests can feel comfortable responding to the presentation in their own way and stepping out if needed. You are free to attend as many Animal Spotlights as you would like during your visit.
Times vary throughout the day. This experience is included with general admission.
Straw policy
Compostable non-bending straws are available upon request.
Calm Waters
Calm Waters is an exclusive event for guests with disabilities and Veterans to explore Shedd’s exhibits and experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment.
Modifications for Calm Waters Include:
- Limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration
- A low-sensory animal spotlight
- An animal encounter opportunity
- ...and more!
General Resources
Wheelchairs and rollator walkers
Wheelchairs and rollator walkers are available for free checkout at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Wheelchairs will be sanitized between each use. Our Must See Tours, penguin encounters and shark feeding tours are all accessible for guests who use wheelchairs.
Accessible restrooms
All restrooms throughout the aquarium are accessible, equipped with a large stall and assistance bars. Family/companion restrooms are located on the Ground Level near the Main Entrance, on the Main Level off the Grand Hall, in Wild Reef and on the Underwater Viewing level near Sea Star Touch.
Adult changing tables are located in the family restroom on the Ground Level near the Main Entrance and in the the all-gender restroom near Bubble Net food court on the Lower Level.
All restrooms will be periodically closed for cleaning. Please see a team member to be directed to the nearest accessible restroom.
Automated external defibrillators
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the aquarium.
Accessible seating
Designated wheelchair accessible seating and companion chairs are available in the Abbott Oceanarium amphitheater for Animal Spotlights. Please see a Shedd staff member upon arrival for assistance.
Sound-reducing headphones
Sound-reducing headphones are available at the information desk for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Sound-reducing headphones will be sanitized between each use.
Nursing and lactation room
Please feel free to nurse anywhere you are comfortable. Additionally, there is a lactation room on the Ground Level near the Main Entrance, located across from the women's restroom by the lockers.
Quiet room
Guests are welcome to use the quiet room at any time, located on the Main Level off of the Grand Hall.
KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue
Shedd is a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Staff are trained to welcome all guests and better recognize guests with potential sensory needs. Throughout the aquarium, guests will see "Headphone Zone" signs, noting areas that might be louder than others. Guests can borrow a KultureCity® Sensory Bag during their visit — equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads — available for free check-out at the Information Desk in the Main Entrance.
Resources for Those Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language interpreters
American Sign Language interpreters can be arranged at no additional charge for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. We require two weeks’ notice to make arrangements. To request this service, please contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (CT) (voice call to Shedd) or 1-800-526-0857 (relay service).
Assistive-listening devices
Assistive-listening devices can be picked up at the information desk. Listening locations include animal chats, Abbott Oceanarium and Must See Tours.
Real-time captioning
Real-time captioned Animal Spotlights are available upon request with two weeks' advance notice. To request this service, please email us at [email protected] or call 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (CT).
Closed captioning for 4-D Experiences
Closed captioning devices for 4-D Experiences are available upon request at the Phelps Auditorium. Captions are available in English and Spanish.
Resources for Those Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Tactile models
Tactile models of a penguin and a sea otter are available in Polar Play Zone. When touched, the models play back identifying information about that body part.
At the Wonder of Waterexhibit, guests will find saltwater and freshwater fishes and coral cast in bronze mounted to the exterior curved wall. Amazon Risingalso features several tactile models of animals like caiman, red-footed tortoise, tambaqui and electric eel.
Tactile experiences
Guests can connect with aquatic animals through three touch experiences: Sturgeon Touch in the At Home on the Great Lakes gallery, Sea Star Touch in Underwater Viewing and Stingray Touch (seasonal) with an optional add-on of Stingray Feeding.
Audio description for Animal Spotlights
Live audio description of the Animal Spotlights is available upon request with two weeks' advance notice. To request this service, please email us at [email protected] or call 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (CT).
Aira
Access the free offering with your smartphone by downloading the app, available for both iOS and Android, creating an account and connecting with a highly trained sighted live agent through a video call that allows them to see what is in front of or near you. For 30-minute intervals, the agent can assist with guiding you through the purchasing process, wayfinding to the nearest dining area, shop or restroom, describing the exhibits with details about size, number of animals, signage and more. If you would like to continue beyond the allotted time, you can call again for a new agent.
Care Attendants and Service Animals
Personal Care Attendants Policy
Personal care attendants (PCAs) receive free admission while accompanying a paid guest with severe disabilities. This applies to all ticketed events, admission and Extraordinary Experiences that the guest has a paid ticket to attend. This also applies to membership, complimentary admission and group sales.
Guests with severe disabilities who wish to purchase tickets in advance should contact 312-939-2438 (option 9) to request a complimentary companion ticket for a PCA.
Service Animal Policy
Service animals are always welcome at Shedd Aquarium. They are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Shedd Aquarium is home to many animals, some of which may have a strong negative reaction to the presence of unfamiliar animals. For the health and safety of all animals involved, service animals are restricted from the following areas:
- Coastal Walkway is restricted at all times. The entire pathway along the Abbott Oceanarium habitats, from Secluded Bay through Misty Passage, along Whale Harbor and the North Pool. Guests can enjoy underwater views of belugas, dolphins and sea otters in Polar Play Zone, located in the lower level of the Oceanarium.
- Certain areas behind the scenes visited for Extraordinary Experiences. If you are signing up for one of these programs, please contact 312-692-2723 so we can prepare for your visit.
Service animal relief areas are located outdoors on any of the grassy areas surrounding Shedd Aquarium.
Emotional Support/Comfort Animal Policy
For the health and safety of the animals at Shedd Aquarium, emotional support/comfort/therapy animals and pets are not permitted anywhere in the building.
Questions
If you have other questions or would like information about additional accommodations, please contact Shedd at [email protected] or 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).
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Wheelchairs and rollator walkers are available for free checkout at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Wheelchairs will be sanitized between each use. Our Must See Tours, penguin encounters and shark feeding tours are all accessible for guests who use wheelchairs.
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Yes, assisted listening devices are available on a first come, first-served basis. Visit the information desk or 4-D Theater to reserve a device.
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Yes, sound-reducing headphones are available on a first come, first-served basis. Visit the information desk or 4-D Theater to reserve headphones.
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Yes, the quiet room is available for use. It is located on the Main Level off of the Grand Hall.
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Yes, accessible restrooms will be available. However, all restrooms will be periodically closed for cleaning. Please see a team member to be directed to the nearest accessible restroom.