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Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Days in September 2022

On Select Dates, Access Expanded for State Residents to Look Nature in the Eye

August 25, 2022

Kathy, a volunteer at Shedd, points out animals in the Amazon Rising exhibit to a group of kids.

WHAT: After Labor Day, Shedd Aquarium will offer September Illinois Resident Free Days on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month. On select free days, the aquarium will extend its hours to expand access for those at work or in school during typical hours to take advantage of unforgettable experiences with animals from sea lions to stingrays, while still enjoying free admission.

With valid ID or proof of residency, Illinois residents receive free general admission, which includes access to all exhibits at Shedd, including special exhibit Underwater Beauty, as well as to the several daily animal spotlights, alternately featuring natural behaviors from Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, penguins or California sea lions. Guests can explore the aquatic world further with special, add-on activities like Stingray Feeding, 4-D Experiences or Virtual Reality Experiences.

Shedd Aquarium recommends securing tickets online before a visit to reduce wait time, ensure dates are not sold-out and for the best possible guest experience. To reserve tickets, visit https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit.

WHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, starting Tuesday, Sept. 6 through Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. Times for each date are online.

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

HOW TO GET TICKETS: 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.

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.

Photos and video can be viewed and downloaded here:

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Photo and video credit: ©Shedd Aquarium