Shedd Aquarium Continues Free Summer Evening Admission Offerings for Illinois Residents in August

WHAT: Shedd Aquarium is continuing to offer evenings for Illinois residents to enjoy free admission, via the recently introduced series, Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings. Illinois resident guests can escape the heat and look nature in the eye for free in the evenings on these select dates, extending accessibility for those with work and other commitments during the daytime hours to take advantage of free admission.

With a valid ID, Illinois residents receive free general admission for the evening hours. Free general admission also includes the option to view an animal spotlight at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in Abbott Oceanarium, featuring animals like Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, penguins and California sea lions. Additionally, Stingray Touch, the seasonal, outdoor touch exhibit, will be open until 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. To register tickets in advance or plan your visit: www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit

WHEN: Illinois Resident Night Dives:

August 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays in August, starting Thursday, August 10 and ending Thursday, August 31 from 5-9 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.).

• This includes
  • Thursday, August 10
  • Tuesday, August 15
  • Thursday, August 17
  • Tuesday, August 22
  • Thursday, August 24
  • Tuesday, August 29
  • Thursday, August 31

PRICES: Admission for Illinois Residents during Night Dives: FREE

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 Illinois Resident Night Dives 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. 60605

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

Video can be found here:
https://personal.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8e6c68875d6571b09caa.

Video credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin