Behind-the-Scenes ToursFollow your guide through the door that leads to behind the scenes at Shedd and see the aquarium from the perspective of the animal-care staff. You’ll learn how we feed the animals and keep the water clean, and see the built-in features that make the beautiful exhibits truly natural habitats.
Wednesday through Saturday
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., 30 minutes each
$15 per person
10-person maximum per tour
Children must be 4'6" tall.
To register, call 312-692-2723
Overnights
Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and join us for an overnight adventure at Shedd. 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 6th grade.
Upcoming:
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
Right Bite Dinners
Enjoy extraordinary dinners at renowned Chicago-area restaurants and learn how your seafood choices can protect our environment. Indulge in sustainable seafood appetizers and entrees, dabble in desserts and hear from Shedd specialists about the latest happenings at the aquarium. Each restaurant will feature a unique environmentally friendly menu created just for this event.
Upcoming:
Naha – Monday, Sept. 8
Robert Morris College – Tuesday, Nov. 18
$75 per person per dinner
To register, call 312-692-3123.
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:
Basic party package
Starts at $275. Shedd members receive $50 off.
Premium party package
Starts at $375. Shedd members receive $50 off.
All parties include day passes to Shedd for your group, a birthday cake, an aquatic-themed activity and parking for the family.
To register, call 312-692-3355.
Trainer for a Day
Pull on a pair of our tall rubber boots and go behind the scenes to experience what it’s like to be a marine mammal trainer. You’ll assist a trainer with daily routines and experience several training and feeding sessions. From the Oceanarium kitchen, where meals for five dozen animals are prepared every day, to reserve areas, to poolside in a habitat, you’ll see what it takes to care for the belugas, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and penguins.
This behind-the-scenes opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Available in spring 2009.
To reserve your spot, e-mail trainerforaday@sheddaquarium.org or call 312-692-3224.
