Field Trips
Some of the richest learning experiences start by looking nature in the eye. At Shedd, you and your students will explore the world, making discoveries where science, technology, critical thinking and peer learning meet. What kind of adventure will you choose?
An unforgettable day of learning
From the feel of a sea star’s skin to a Q&A during a feeding dive in Caribbean Reef, a day at Shedd can bring classroom learning to life. Navigate the aquatic world of Shedd for an exciting and educational adventure.
Explore on-site programs
From being habitat designers to doing a squid dissection, your classroom can expand your curriculum with learning programs on animal behavior, habitats, adaptations, ecosystems, anatomy and water chemistry.
Illinois school groups visit free!
Groups from K-12 Illinois schools certified by the Illinois Board of Education, along with Illinois homeschools, will receive group admission plus the aquatic presentation free (aquatic presentation subject to availability). A 4-D Experience can be added for a fee.
Planning your field trip
Getting ready for a great day at Shedd with your classroom? Watch our orientation video to see how to make the most of your visit! You can also explore our field trip FAQs and resources.
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The length of your visit depends on what you’d like to see. Here’s how long we recommend for different parts of the aquarium — add them up to start planning your day!
- Original galleries: 45 to 60 minutes
- Wild Reef: Additional 30 minutes
- Abbott Oceanarium: Additional 45 minutes
- Aquatic show: Additional 30 minutes
- K-5 Science Tech Treks: 40 minutes
- 3-5 Learning Lab: 90 minutes
- 6-12 Learning Lab: 90 minutes
- Suggested lunch: 30 minutes
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We will try to schedule your trip and any learning programs for your first chosen date. If that date is not available, we schedule you for the next available date of your choice. You will receive a confirmation letter informing you of the field trip and any program dates, start times and fees. If you have registered for a learning program, a Shedd staff member will contact you to confirm these details.
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Yes, by digital connection and in person! For K-8 classrooms, our Live from Behind the Scenes program lets your students interact with Shedd’s animal care experts. For 3-12 classrooms, Shedd educators come to your school and lead Learning Labs about dissection or water testing.
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Request a reservation online, and a member of our team will contact you to confirm your requested dates.
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Yes! We encourage teachers to visit so that they can prepare for their field trips. Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can visit Shedd free by registering for a pass online. Please note: While teachers are admitted free, their guests will be required to pay the full admission price.
Field trip resources
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Exhibit Guides
Learn More, on the /educators/classroom-resources#exhibitguides pageConnect your classroom with Shedd’s Wild Reef, Amazon Rising and Rivers exhibits with our NGSS-aligned guides.
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Underwater Beauty
Learn More, on the Underwater Beauty pageDiscover how beauty helps animals thrive—and makes the underwater world diverse—with our online interactive.
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Virtual Field Trips
Learn More, on the Virtual Field Trips pageCan’t come to Shedd? That doesn’t stop you from going behind the scenes with penguins, sharks and Shedd caregivers!