Penguin Encounter
Meet one of Shedd’s penguins! During this 45-minute experience, discover what makes these birds so amazing! You will see the penguin explore, preen, play with toys, perch and gulp fish.
With the animal care expert's guidance, you'll also have a chance to touch the bird's dense, waterproof feathers which allow them to “fly” underwater and stay warm where it’s cold!
Dates
Select dates through March 2025
Ages
6 years old and up; participants 6 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult participant. For the safety of the animals, no one under the age of 6 may attend the encounter.
Price
Adults (12+): $99.95
Children: $89.95
Members: $80.95
Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of a Penguin Encounter.
Time
Penguin Encounters begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled encounter time.
Penguin Encounter highlights
- When doing the 8:30 a.m. encounter, you can start your adventure early and beat the crowds!
- Gently touch a penguin
- Chat with an animal care specialist and ask all your penguin questions
- Take a selfie with your penguin pal and share with friends
- Receive a virtual penguin ID card so you can identify your new friend on your next visit
- Admission to the aquarium is included!
Safety Precautions
Due to the up-close nature of the encounter, please contact us to reschedule if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms for the health and safety of the animals and the caretakers.
Requirements
- The minimum age to attend is 6 years old. Attendees ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult also participating in the Penguin Encounter, age 18 or older.
- Please bring a pair of socks; we will provide you with rubber boots for the encounter.
- A waiver must be signed by all participants. A parent or guardian must sign for any participant 17 years or younger.
- Observers may not be in the penguin encounter space. Please note, encounters are conducted behind the scenes and not in the penguin exhibit.
- Guests will need to understand information and instructions given in English or arrange for a paying translator to participate.
- We recommend that guests with shellfish or seafood allergies avoid participating in this encounter.
Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-3355.
Program includes sitting for 45 minutes.
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Those in your party who are not participating in the experience are not permitted to follow along and are not allowed in the behind-the-scenes areas. Please arrange a time and place to meet with your party after your experience.
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All participants must be at least 6 years old, and children 6-17 must be accompanied by a paying participating guardian.
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You will be wearing your own clothing during the program, so wear something comfortable, and something you don't mind getting a little dirty. We will provide rubber boots for your encounter, so please wear socks on the day of your encounter.
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Pictures will be allowed at the appropriate time and will be guided by Shedd team members.
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For 8:30 a.m. encounters, please meet your Penguin Encounter facilitator at Shedd Aquarium’s loading dock on the south side of the aquarium. For 12:30 p.m. encounters, check in at the Information Desk in the Atrium, up to 15 minutes before your scheduled encounter. Should you find a line outside the entrance to Shedd, please show your encounter confirmation email to a Shedd representative. They can help expedite your entry. Late arrivals may not be able to join the encounter, in which case the experience is forfeited.
Questions?
Email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355 with questions. We are unable to take reservations by email.
Refund policy
No refunds. Participants who need to reschedule may do so up to 10 days before their scheduled experience. Otherwise, date and time exchanges cannot be accommodated. For additional details, see our refund and cancellation policy.
Pricing
Adults (12+): $99.95
Children: $89.95
Members: $80.95
Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of a Penguin Encounter.
Entry
For 8:30 a.m. encounters, please meet your Penguin Encounter facilitator at Shedd Aquarium’s loading dock on the south side of the aquarium. For 12:30 p.m. encounters, check in at the Information Desk in the Atrium up to 15 minutes before your scheduled encounter. Late arrivals may not be able to join the encounter, in which case the experience is forfeited.
Questions?
Email us or call 312-692-3355 with questions. We are unable to take reservations by email.
Accessibility Needs
If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us.
Photography
Photography will be allowed at the direction of the penguin’s caretaker and the Shedd team member facilitating. Video recording is not allowed during this experience.
Refund Policy
No refunds will be issued unless Shedd Aquarium cancels the program. Participants who need to reschedule may do so up to 10 days before their scheduled experience. Otherwise, date and time exchanges cannot be accommodated, see our refund and cancellation policy.