Plan a Visit

Welcome to Shedd Aquarium! We can hardly wait for you to meet beluga whales and bluegills, rockhopper penguins and rockfish, alligators and an alligator snapping turtle, and so much more as you explore the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and reefs — all in the heart of Chicago.

The best Shedd visit begins online, not in line. We offer three easy ways to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid a long wait:

Purchase tickets online for priority entry.
Become a Shedd member.
Get a Chicago CityPASS, a great vacation value featuring Shedd and four other major attractions. See details on all advance ticket packages below.

Download a map of Shedd

Other ticket packages are available on site. Quantities are limited and may sell out.

Please note, for the well-being of the animals, areas of the aquarium may be closed for a portion or all of any given day without advance notice. Please contact us if you have questions about exhibit availability.

Hours

Regular hours
Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Extended summer hours (June 15-Aug. 18, 2019)
All days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of July 27

Special hours:.
July 27 - Early close: 3 p.m.

*Last ticket sales are 45 minutes before close.

Ages

Adult: 12+ years
Child: 3-11 years
Infant (free admission): 2 years and under

Getting here

Walk, drive, or take the bus—let’s find the best route for you.

Calendar of Events

Check our calendar so you don't miss exciting upcoming programs and events.

Daily activities

Carribean Reef Dive: 10:30 a.m. | 12 p.m.| 2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | Carribean Reef

Shark Chat: 9:45 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Wild Reef

Belugas and Sea Lions Chat: 11 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. Abbott Oceanarium

Penguins Chat: 12:45 p.m. | 3:45 p.m. | Polar Play Zone

Aquatic Presentation and 4-D Experiences: Occuring throughout the day

See the full listing of today's animal experiences!

Field trips & groups

Give your school or community group an unforgettable experience. Plan your field trip today!

Special offers

You’ll find ways to save, along with other offers here.

Tips for a great visit

Make the most of your trip with our tips for a great visit!

Policies

Help us keep Shedd safe for our guests and animals — review our policies before you arrive.

Contact info

Need more information? Send us an email or give us a call at 312-939-2438. We're happy to help!

Stay up-to-date with Shedd news

Sign up for Shedd's email newsletter to be the first to know what's happening at the aquarium, including unique events, behind-the-scenes updates, and exclusive offers.

All advance ticket packages include:

Underwater Beauty

Watch sea jellies pulse, eels ribbon and a rainbow come alive with reef fishes. In Shedd’s new special exhibit, 100 species from around the world embody living art shaped by the unmatched forces of nature and time. Learn more.
Caribbean Reef

Located in our historic rotunda, this 90,000-gallon habitat has been thrilling guests since 1971. Learn more.
Amazon Rising: Seasons of the River

Experience the Amazon’s yearly floods and meet some of the mighty river’s diverse residents. Learn more.
Waters of the World

Discover amazing animals from oceans, rivers, lakes and wetlands around the world in Shedd’s original galleries. Learn more.
At Home on the Great Lakes

Find out more about life along the Great Lakes, and touch a sturgeon, a living fossil. Learn more.
Wild Reef

Dive deep into the magical coral reefs of the Philippines and get within inches of sharks and rays! Learn more.
Abbott Oceanarium

Take an unforgettable stroll through the Abbott Oceanarium, where you’ll encounter dolphins, belugas, sea otters, sea lions and more. Learn more.
Polar Play Zone

Play! Splash! Pretend! Join the fun in this exhibit created especially for families with kids 2 to 7 years old. Learn more.