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.
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
Group Payment Options and Terms
We require advance payment at least 14 days before your scheduled visit. Admission nor program participation are not guaranteed until your reservation has been fully paid. 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.
Credit Card
To pay by credit card, call 312-692-3333. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Check
To pay by check, mail to:
Shedd Aquarium Society
29017 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1290
Please include your confirmation number on the check.
Group Cancelation
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 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 via phone as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, you will be fully refunded within 30 days. Your refund method will be based on your original method of payment.
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 with your order number. 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.
Free Visits for Chicago Public Schools and Certified Illinois School Groups
All school groups are required to have a minimum 1:10 adult to student ratio to visit Shedd Aquarium. At least 1 adult must be present to supervise every 10 students.
Please note: a complimentary visit for qualified groups is based on a 1:5 adult to student ratio. Students are considered free on your reservation (as long as they are within the appropriate grade range, Pre-K-12). For every 5 students requested, 1 adult on the reservation will be added for free.
Any additional adults (e.g. teachers, chaperones, or parents), that exceed the ratio will be charged at the stated group price below. Additional fees will be listed in the reservation for add-ons such as the 4-D Experience or lunch vouchers.
- Adults (ages 20+): $29.95 per adult
- Chicago Resident Adult* (Ages 12+): $19.95 per adult
- Students (ages 3-19): Free
- Infants (ages 0-2): Free
*Please note that all Chicago adults age 18 and above must provide proof of residency at time of check in for verification (State ID/Driver's License, or current photo ID alongside a piece of official mail or document that has matching name to ID with Chicago address.)
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] or call 312-939-2438. We look forward to assisting you.