Virtual Overnight FAQs

Meetings will be held on Zoom. We will send an email with the link and password to the Zoom meeting no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. For security purposes, you must log in using your child's first name and last initial. We will only admit users to the session whose names appear on our roster. Please note: We will not admit participants who have not returned the participation agreement prior to the program.

Your unique link and password will give you access for just one device to log in to the experience.

• An internet connection
• A device that supports the Zoom platform
• A webcam and a microphone (so households can play games, share their ideas and show off their creations!)

No refunds will be issued unless Shedd Aquarium cancels the program. Shedd Aquarium reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason. If your event is cancelled, you will be informed by phone as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, you will receive a full refund within 30 days, based on your original method of payment.

Each program includes an evening of activities as well as an hour of programming the following morning.

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a waiver and virtual overnight participant questionnaire so we can group you with other families for the evening. Completing both forms are required for participation.

Two weeks before the program, you will receive a Virtual Slumber Party Guide with information about the overnight and other ideas to get you prepped for your virtual overnight experience with Shedd!

Yes! Our virtual programs have seen participants all over the world and we welcome you to join! If you have any issues booking please email us at [email protected] or call 312-939-2438. Programming takes place in Central Standard Time.

Yes! After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a required participant information questionnaire where you can tell us which other households you would like to be placed with for the evening. Please indicate the household name(s) of friends you would like to participate with and we can assign you to the same group for the evening programming.

No. At this time, our virtual overnights are geared towards households with children. Keep an eye on our website for future adult virtual programming options or check out one of our virtual animal encounters.

No. This program is designed to engage all members of the household and an adult will need to be present during the program.

We will send an email with the link and password to the Zoom meeting upon receipt of the signed waiver and virtual overnight questionnaire that were in your purchase confirmation email. For security purposes, you must log in with the email you provided in the virtual overnight questionnaire. We will only admit users to the session whose names appear on our roster.

Please log into Zoom using the email account you provided on the questionnaire. After logging into Zoom, please click on the Zoom link we sent via email and you will be directed to the program waiting room. Your Zoom name needs to match your household registration name that you provided on the virtual overnight questionnaire.

Note: you can still join the meeting without a Zoom account; please be sure your Zoom name matches your household registration name you provided on the questionnaire.

There are 45 slots reserved for each program. Each program may contain any number of participants and we will utilize Zoom breakout rooms to split into smaller groups of up to 15 families for activities throughout the program.

Yes, participants will be able to see one another, the host and any animal guests throughout the evening. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.

Yes, the hosts will be visible to engage with you and to answer your questions at multiple points throughout the program.

Yes! There will be time for questions and sharing of ideas throughout the program.