Polar Play Zone
In Polar Play Zone, little ones can slip into a penguin suit and try being a bird in the Icy South play area. From there, head to the Icy North to explore Arctic waters in a kid-sized submarine. You’ll learn about polar opposites — big and small, fast and slow, shallow and deep, even north and south — while you play.
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Feel
Dip your hand into the cool water of our sea star touch pooland discover for yourself the variety and textures of sea stars.
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See
Watch dolphins swim and see camouflage in action! Gray-and-white bodies help them blend into bright sky from below and darker waters from above.
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Play
Whether they’re exploring Arctic waters in a kid-sized submarine or pretending to be penguins, kids have fun as they learn about polar opposites.
A play place for kids
In Polar Play Zone, little ones can slip into a penguin suit and try being a bird in the Icy South play area. From there, head to the Icy North to explore Arctic waters in a kid-sized submarine. You’ll learn about polar opposites — big and small, fast and slow, shallow and deep, even north and south — while you play.
When play’s all done, get a little closer to the whales, dolphins and sea otters in the underwater viewing space.
Meet the Dolphins
Who's who in the dolphin pod at Shedd? Meet all five and learn how to recognize them by size, markings, or signature behaviors.
Meet the Penguins
From crested rockhoppers to smooth-swimming Magellanics, meet the penguins that call Shedd Aquarium home.
Meet the Belugas
Who's who in the beluga pod at Shedd? Meet them all, from 2,100-pound male Aurek to Annik, the newest calf!
Magellanic penguin chick Nia dove right into the water when she made her debut at Polar Play Zone!