Night Dives: IL Resident Free Evenings are SOLD OUT today, Tuesday, June 24. Next available date is Tuesday, July 8.
Open 9 am - 9 pm (Late Close)
Beluga whales crowd around a camera just beneath the water's surface.
A group of elementary school children sit on a bus, waving and smiling at the camera.

An Unforgettable Field Trip Destination 

Some of the richest learning experiences start by looking nature in the eye. At Shedd, you and your group will explore the world, making discoveries where science, technology, critical thinking and peer learning meet.

Bus Funding for Field Trips to Shedd

Shedd is committed to ensuring access to the aquatic animal world for Chicago Public Schools. One way we create access is through our Bus Fund Program.

Bus funds are available on a limited basis to eligible CPS schools that are visiting for a field trip. During the online registration of your field trip, if your trip and school are both eligible, you will be presented with the option to apply for reimbursable bus funds if they are available. If awarded funding, detailed instructions for reimbursement will be provided. 

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Free Visits for Chicago Public Schools and Certified Illinois School Groups

Groups from K-12 Illinois schools certified by the Illinois Board of Education, along with Illinois homeschools, will receive group admission plus the free (aquatic presentation subject to availability). A 4-D Experience can be added for a fee (subject to availability).

Accessibility

At Shedd Aquarium, we believe there should be no boundaries to your experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]

Chaperone Requirements

For school groups we require one chaperone* for every 10 students, although one for every five is recommended. Teachers are counted in the chaperone-to-student ratio. Please note: There is an individual fee if your chaperones exceed a 1:5 ratio.

*Chaperones must be age 20+