Shedd Aquarium Shares Initial 2024 Free Days Schedule

Shedd Aquarium offers free admission to Illinois residents on select days throughout the year to expand access to the aquatic animal world. With valid ID, Illinois residents receive free general admission.

Guests can come face-to-face with incredible aquatic life from around the world with full access to all exhibits. Additionally, admission includes touch experiences to discover the unique textures of some animals at Shedd and an Animal Spotlight to join caretakers as they highlight amazing adaptations of dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions and more in the Abbott Oceanarium.

WHEN: January 9-16, 23-25, 30, 31
February 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29

Free Tuesday Evenings: 5-9 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25

HOW: Advance reservations are highly recommended ahead of a visit using Shedd’s website.

Please note that there is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Day reservations made online. However, you can reserve tickets by phone at no extra cost by calling 312-939-2438. This helps ensure access to as many neighbors as possible by validating orders.

All adults must provide proof of residency in person when redeeming tickets at a discounted rate. For the latest information about the aquarium hours and discounts, please visit the “Plan a Visit” page.

WHERE: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Ill.

VISUALS: High resolution photos of Shedd Aquarium can be found here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8e6c68875d65707cb49a.
Photo credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Videos can be found here:
https://personal.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8e6c68875d6571b09caa.
Video credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin