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Members

Thank you to our members, current and future!

If you are a member, be sure to log in to receive all of your member perks including complimentary admission, discounts on programs and events, special invitations to exclusive members events and much more! See your membership perks below. 

Not a member? Join today and unlock exclusive benefits!

Have questions? We're here to help.

Our members are important to us, and we’re always here to help. You can call our Member Hotline at 312-692-3284 or email [email protected] with questions. Our hotline is staffed seven days a week!

Become a Shedd insider

Support compassion, curiosity and conservation of the aquatic animal world and join us with a membership level that's right for you! Not only do you get free access to the aquarium year-round, but your support also helps animals across the globe!

Join today

  • Shedd Talk Logo sits on an image of schooling fish in the water.

    SheddTalks virtual events

    Receive member-only invitations to our SheddTalks virtual chats where you’ll learn more about the aquatic animal world with VIP access to scientists and conservation experts.

  • Pacific white-sided dolphin Sagu with head above the water at Shedd Aquarium

    Member-first opportunities

    Members often get the opportunity to sign up first for program launches, events and more.

  • A group tour is led behind the scenes by a Shedd volunteer.

    Behind-the-scenes updates

    Members are the first to know about new animal arrivals, new benefits, updates on Shedd’s mission and more through a bi-weekly eNews update.

While tickets are free, advance timed ticket reservation is required for entry.

Make the most of your visit

A beluga calf swims next to its mother at Shedd Aquarium.

Discounts at the aquarium and online

  • 40% discount on 4-D Experiences
  • 10% discount in Shedd gift shops
  • 10% discount at Shedd restaurants
  • 10% discount at our online store with code: TREEFROG

Special member pricing

Magellanic penguin chick Nia swims with her parents, still covered in downy baby feathers.

Member-exclusive moments

  • Member Oceanarium Sundays: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m., members can enjoy exclusive animal chats in our Abbott Oceanarium to connect with animals and learn from the people at Shedd who care for them daily.
  • Annual Member Open House: Every summer, members can join us behind the scenes to get a closer look at how Shedd Aquarium delivers our mission and helps protect some of the most vulnerable aquatic species on the planet.
  • Spark Sessions: Members receive invitations to special and dynamic onsite programming that changes throughout the year, highlighting our work with fascinating species from baby Blanding’s turtles to flamboyant cuttlefish.

See the aquatic world, around the world

The banded butterflyfish has a narrow, round body with large rounded fins framing a small fan-shaped tail.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reciprocity Program

Members receive reciprocal benefits at several participating zoos and aquariums across North America. See the list.

See the list

Your support makes a difference

By purchasing a membership, you are fueling the important work we do to save species, conserve biodiversity and provide public education that empowers the next generation to join us in protecting our blue planet. This mission work includes but is not limited to:

  • Creating dynamic learning programs and resources for Chicagoland students.
  • Conducting research both in the Great Lakes region and all the way to the Caribbean and beyond.
  • Rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need across the globe by keeping our Animal Response Team ready to rescue at a moment’s notice.
  • Providing exceptional animal care daily to thousands of species, including several rescued and vulnerable species.
  • Providing equitable access to nature for all.
  • Sagu, a Pacific white-sided dolphin born at Shedd to mother Piquet, swims in his mother's slipstream shortly after his birth.
  • A rescue sea otter feeding from bottle.
  • Matt Finn sits crouched on a platform suspended above the water of the Caribbean Reef habitat, grinning and holding a lettuce leaf as Nickel the sea turtle swims up to the platform in interest.
  • Animal Response Team member Kurt Heizmann helps with a penguin release, part of Shedd's work to support SANCCOB.
  • A rescued sea lion at CIMWI in California awaits treatment.

Add on global benefits

Fish rushing in a school towards, the camera, with the words 'surge: Shedd Aquarium' overlaid in bold white text.

Photo by: © naturepics_li/Getty Images

Surge with us!

Take action with us, your friends and neighbors to protect the planet we share. Discover a wealth of information of how to maximize your positive impact on earth by joining our new community, Surge. Get even deeper access when you sign up to be a Surge Stakeholder. Are you in?

Learn more

Membership FAQs

Membership FAQs