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 ten days in advance.
| Illinois Schools* |
Other Groups** |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Group All-Access All exhibits, aquatic presentation plus a 4-D Experience |
||
| Adult | $4 | $29.95 |
| Students (ages 3-19) |
$4 | $22.95 |
|
Group Admission All exhibits and aquatic presentation (aquatic presentation subject to availability) |
||
| Adult | Free | $26.95 |
| Students (ages 3-19) |
Free | $19.95 |
The following dates are no longer available for group visits:
February 12-14, 17-21 and 24-28
March 4-6, 10-12, 13, 17-20, 24-27
April 2, 3, 9, 16-18, 22-24 and 29-30
May 1, 6-8, 13, 14, 15, 19-22, 26-29
*Illinois Schools are K-12 Illinois schools certified by the Illinois Board of Education, along with Illinois homeschools.
Illinois School groups (K-12) certified by the Illinois State Board of Education receive free Group Admission + Aquatic Presentation tickets at a 1:5 adult to student ratio. Any adults over the ratio will be charged the rates below. (We recommend a 1:5 adult/student ratio (grades K-5); 1:10 adult/student (grades 6-12).)
**Other Groups are parties of 15 or more, including out-of-state schools, in-state day cares, colleges, universities, park district groups, senior groups, adult groups, youth programs, church, family, or other social outings.
Tour operators or Chicago resident groups may email or call us at 312-692-3333 for special rates!
A $2 surcharge applies during peak visitation days. Peak rates are in effect for the following dates during 2020:
March: 6,12-13,19-20, 26-27
April: 2-3,16-17,23-24,30
May: 1, 6-8,12-15,18-22,26-29
June: 4-5
An Unforgettable Field Trip Destination
Some of the richest learning experiences start by looking nature in the eye. At Shedd, you and your students will explore the world, making discoveries where science, technology, critical thinking and peer learning meet.
See Our Educator Resources
Group Payment Options and Terms
We require advance payment at least 14 days before your scheduled visit. Admission is not guaranteed until your reservation has been fully paid. Payments are not accepted onsite at Shedd unless special arrangements are made. If you need to make special arrangements, or you will no longer be attending, please email our team with your group information and request details. Late payments and no-shows may be subject to a $250 reservation fee.
To pay by credit card, call 312-692-3333. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
To pay by check, mail to:
Shedd Aquarium Society
29017 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1290
Please include your confirmation number on the check.
Please note: we do not accept purchase orders (POs) for payment. Groups are responsible of providing the correct form of payment as listed above: major credit/debit cards or school check.
Confirming free visits for certified Illinois schools
Cancellation notices must be made online no later than 14 days before your visit date or your school will be charged a $250 reservation fee. You will also be sent an email prior to the 14 day required notice window asking you to confirm that you are still planning to attend. Inclement weather and unexpected school cancellations are not subject to this fee. Please contact our staff by email or by calling 312-692-3333 if there are special circumstances that may prevent your group’s arrival.
Refunds and changes
No refunds will be issued within 14 days of or after your visit date. Please notify us of any upgrades or changes in the number of adults or children in your group at least 14 days before your visit by emailing or calling 312-692-3333. On the day of your visit, you will be responsible for the number of tickets you have reserved, even if your group size has decreased. If you arrive with additional guests, we’ll make every attempt to accommodate them, based on availability of extra tickets.
Questions?
Email [email protected] or call 312-692-3333.