Shedd Aquarium Surprises and Delights for Spring Break in Chicago

Families, kids and adults visiting Chicago can discover a sea of surprises for spring break at Shedd Aquarium as moments of wonder pop up at every corner. From spontaneous animal encounters with ambassadors like Beni the spectacled owl to pop-up programs, guests are invited to tap into their curiosity and embrace the unexpected as they explore aquatic ecosystems from around the world.

While spring break has some special surprises, guests visiting on any day of the year can check the “Today at Shedd” listing on the website to find the experiences, chats and programs available during their visit.

EXTENDED HOURS AND FREE EVENINGS

Guests will have even more time to see the sturgeon and sea stars with the Shedd’s spring break extended hours March 21 to April 4, 2026, with exact times listed on Shedd’s website.

Illinois residents can visit the aquarium for free from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in March and April. Advanced ticket reservations are highly encouraged as these free evenings can sell out quickly. Chicago residents also get discounted tickets on every visit, every day.

SEE LIKE A FROG, INVESTIGATE SHARK EGGS AND EXPLORE OTHER PROGRAMS

Across the aquarium, Exploration Stations welcome guests of all ages to channel their inner scientist and learn about aquatic animals and habitats through interactive experiences. These pop-up cart programs, free with general admission, give curious animal lovers the opportunity to try on glasses that let them see like a frog, compare different shark egg cases called “mermaid’s purses,” taste the salt levels of waters from around the world or discover how scientists identify heat-resistant corals.

SURPRISE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Guests wandering the aquarium might also get the chance to encounter an animal ambassador up close, creating a deeper connection with nature beyond the exhibits. The public engagement animals at Shedd, such as Beni the spectacled owl, macaws, armadillos, snakes, red footed tortoises, box turtles and more, make occasional surprise appearances and help guests learn more about wildlife and the importance of protecting it. Daily animal chats and live programs across Shedd also allow guests to ask experts questions about sharks, electric eels, belugas and other aquatic animals, and maybe even watch an animal feeding too.

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF PENGUIN NEST BUILDING

Every visit to the aquarium is a chance to see new, unique animal behaviors, whether it’s clownfish hiding in anemones or sea otters cracking open clams. In spring, guests in the Polar Play Zone get an exciting bird’s-eye view of the annual penguin nesting season, a natural part of the penguin life cycle.

During nesting season, guests may spot rockhopper and Magellanic penguins collecting rocks and pieces of lavender in their beaks to take back to their nests. The birds might exhibit courtship behaviors like preening, shaking their heads and vocalizing. To dive even deeper into the life of a penguin, guests can catch the “Penguins Live!” program – hosted every day from March 21 to April 5 at 2 p.m. – and talk to a Shedd animal expert.

ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE

The menu is always evolving at Bubble Net Food Court and Soundings Café with seasonal, chef-curated food and drink options for sit-down meals or a quick snack. For an extra-memorable aquarium trip, guests can add on a Virtual Reality experience and feel immersed in a 360-degree, 3-D live-action journey underwater. At the Shedd store, visitors can find apparel designed by local artists, unique Shedd souvenirs and sustainably-made plushes.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e7163895b6075b5a89b&C=50.
Photo/Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium

Press Release in Spanish / Nota de prensa en español