September Illinois Resident Free Days at Shedd Aquarium 2021

Following Labor Day, Shedd Aquarium will offer Illinois Resident Free Days in September on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month. On select dates, the aquarium will also extend its hours to expand access for an unforgettable experience with animals from sea lions to stingrays and penguins to Pacific white-sided dolphins and so much more.

With valid ID, Illinois residents receive free general admission, which includes access to all exhibits at Shedd. Large or small, freshwater or marine, favorite friends or new ones, the animals at Shedd will surprise, mesmerize, inspire and move you! Guests can also dive deeper daily with special, add-on experiences like a Stingray Feeding, 4-D Experiences or Virtual Reality Experiences to enhance their visit.

Advance reservations are highly recommended ahead of a visit to reduce wait time, ensure it’s not sold-out, and for the best possible guest experience. Free admission will not be granted to guests who walk up without a reservation. To reserve tickets and find the latest COVID-19 guidelines, visit https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit.

WHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, starting Sept. 7 through Sept. 29, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
*Tuesday, Sept. 28 will be from 9-5

WHERE: Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

HOW: Shedd Aquarium offers several reservation options for Free Days. For those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets by phone at no extra cost by calling 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time (CT). Shedd also provides free walk-up reservations; however, these are subject to availability and typically sell out quickly. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets.

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 or call 312-939-2438.

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.

VISUALS: General photos and b-roll are available.

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin