Group Visits
From sea stars to stingrays, bullfrogs to beluga whales, you'll meet creatures from aquatic habitats around the world with a visit to Shedd Aquarium. Groups of at least 15 people receive discounted admission to the aquarium.
To receive your discounted rates, please book your reservation at least 30 days in advance. Please review the most up-to-date guidelines on our plan a visit page before booking to ensure your group meets our requirements.
Educators, reserving your school group visit to Shedd Aquarium online has never been easier!
Click “Book a School Group Visit” to:
- Choose the Learning Program that best matches your curriculum and needs
- View field trip pricing that fits your budget
- Lock in your field trip date and custom itinerary
- Book a lunchroom for your students
- Add a 4-D Experience
- Experience the aquatic animal world!
All tour groups and all non-school groups may register here:
This could include, but is not limited to:
- Tour groups
- Daycare groups
- College groups
- Scout troops
- Camp groups
- Family groups
- Other groups not associated with a school
Please use the link below.
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All Illinois, Chicago, out-of-state schools and homeschools (Pre-K – 12) now register here.
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- All tour groups and all non-school groups may register by clicking here. This could include, but is not limited to:
- Tour groups
- Daycare groups
- College groups
- Scout troops
- Camp groups
- Family groups
- Other groups not associated with a school
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Available dates open on a rolling basis. Please submit a request for a future date in the form below.
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.
See Our Educator Resources
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.
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
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+