View of Shedd Aquarium’s Lakeside Learning Studios with blue carpeting, curved seating, tables, and blue ceiling lighting.

Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios

This dynamic, 8,000-square-foot launchpad dedicated to science learning lets aquatic life lead the lesson. Come eye to eye with a tortoise, chat with a biologist in the field, taste the waters of the saltiest ocean and more as hands-on discovery comes to life at the Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios, where lakefront learning meets lifelong wonder.

Experiences and Resources

Location

Main Level

  • A child uses a stethoscope to examine a stuffed beluga whale.

    Explore

    Touch, test, taste and investigate the natural world through hands-on activities that bring science to life.

  • Kids in Shedd's Learning Labs look through microscopes and record their findings during a summer camp.

    Discover

    From the smallest plankton to our vast oceans, follow your curiosity and discover fascinating ways that shape life in and around water.

  • A child holding a pencil, listening to a teacher in a classroom.

    Connect

    Meet Shedd experts, foster a lifelong love for nature and discover how people can help protect the aquatic world we share.

Bringing Learning to Life for Everyone

At the heart of the aquarium, the Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios make environmental education a more visible and accessible part of every visit, inviting millions of guests of all ages to explore the living world through interactive activities and hands-on discoveries.

From quick moments of exploration to longer facilitated workshops, guests can engage with science in ways that fit their visit. Observe the behavior of a green-winged macaw alongside caretakers, connect virtually with Shedd experts in the field as they work to restore wetland habitats across Illinois or explore the connections between people, animals and water in Chicago through interactive experiences.

Whether visiting with family, friends or community groups, the Studios offer opportunities to ask questions, make discoveries and experience science in action.

The Studios connect guests to a growing range of learning experiences that inspire curiosity and care for the aquatic world, both inside and beyond the aquarium.

An adult and young child interact with a stuffed sea otter at an activity table.
A child measures a stuffed sea turtle with a measuring tape while another child watches.

Inspiring Learning for the Next Generation

From building habitats for turtles to investigating the health of Lake Michigan, learners can explore animal adaptations, investigate aquatic ecosystems and engage in real-world science alongside Shedd experts. Through an evolving lineup of facilitated programs for school groups, these experiences help young learners build curiosity, deepen compassion and inspire care for the aquatic world.

The Studios feature three flexible classrooms, two dedicated wet lab spaces, a central gathering space, a virtual learning pod and a student lunchroom. With views of Lake Michigan just beyond the windows and steps away from Shedd’s historic galleries, these spaces bring the Great Lakes into the heart of the aquarium’s learning experience.

Together, the expanded learning spaces and programming help Shedd reach more learners through facilitated school visits and learning experiences throughout the aquarium.

An adult shows a toy crab to a young child holding a stuffed sea otter.

The Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios are made possible thanks to the generosity of the Morgridge Family Foundation and their commitment to uplifting communities, elevating conservation and empowering youth.

Transformational support for the Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios has also been provided by the Admiral Daniel P. Haerther Charitable Trust, Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Pepper Family Foundation.