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Guests at stingray touch line the edges of the open-air habitat as stingrays glide just below the surface in the salty water.

Stingray Touch (seasonal)

Uncover the unique texture of a stingray as you dip your hands into the tropical waters of Stingray Touch. Are they smooth? Are they slippery? Discover rays as they glide around the habitat in a schooling pattern along your fingertips. 

This is a free experience, included with admission.

Exhibit Dates

Open seasonally, May-September.

Stingray Touch opens Saturday, May 23, 2026.

  • A cownose ray gently glides up under a visitor's palm.

    Touch

    The texture of these animals might surprise you.

  • The x-ray of a stingray shows many layers of cartilage fanning out from a robust ribcage.

    Learn

    Discover how Shedd cares for cownose rays and learn the interesting adaptations of this species. 

  • Stingrays swim through Stingray Touch, Shedd's seasonal hands-on exhibit.

    See

    Step outside to experience how social stingrays naturally school together, swimming side-by-side.

A cownose ray opens its mouth wide against a hand holding food

Stingray Feeding

Come up close and hand-feed a ray. Hold a small piece of seafood in-between your fingers and lower your hand into the water for the stingrays to slurp up their treat.

Cost is $5 ($3 for members) - pay at the Ticketing Pavillion, Information Desk, Virtual Reality or 4-D Theater. Available when Stingray Touch is open, with feeding times between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. while supplies last. Great for kids 6+ and adults.

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