Policies

Accessibility Policies

At Shedd, we believe there should be no boundaries to your experience. Our exhibits, restrooms and most behind-the-scenes program locations are fully accessible. We offer a downloadable sensory-friendly app, assistive listening devices and a limited number of wheelchairs and walkers.  

Refund, Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies 

A ticket is good only for the event designated on the ticket. No part of the purchase price will be refunded if the ticket holder fails to use the ticket for the designated event. Ticket purchases are nonrefundable, unless and to the extent required by law. Shedd Aquarium reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any event(s) (including, without limitation, admission, attractions, and any other events) at any time and for any reason. Should the event designated on a ticket be cancelled and not rescheduled, you will be fully refunded within 30 days; your refund method will be based on your original method of payment. Event scheduling, rescheduling and cancellation information will be posted on our website at www.sheddaquarium.org. An event ticket is a revocable license, and Shedd Aquarium reserves the right to terminate the license granted by a ticket by tendering to the holder the purchase price indicated on the ticket. Ticket holders are subject to the policies of Shedd Aquarium located at www.sheddaquarium.org/policies, including Shedd’s mask and proof of vaccination requirements, and Shedd Aquarium may revoke the license granted by a ticket without any refund for noncompliance with any of such policies. Certain events at the Shedd Aquarium are subject to the additional terms and conditions of such events (such as execution and delivery of liability waivers) for which compliance is required. Certain events at the Shedd Aquarium are operated by third parties for which separate ticketing is required, and which tickets are subject to the terms, conditions and refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies of the operator thereof, for which Shedd Aquarium has no responsibility.

Please note that Membership transactions are tax deductible contributions to Shedd Aquarium, and as such they cannot be refunded, transferred, resold, or exchanged. Membership is valid for one year beginning on the date of the initial transaction and expiring one year later on the last day of the purchase month.

For both ticket holders and Members, Shedd Aquarium reserves the right to implement visitation policies or requirements that may not be present at the time of ticket or Membership purchase (including, without limitation, policies or requirements related to public health and safety). When visiting Shedd Aquarium, ticket holders and Members agree to comply with the Aquarium’s Code of Conduct.

Guests must adhere to all posted signage (including, without limitation, health and safety signage), and all directions of Shedd representatives.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed:

• Weapons, including mace and/or pepper spray
  
• Pocket knives
  
• Signs
• Outside alcoholic beverages
• Clothing with offensive or vulgar language
• Marijuana
• Illegal drugs
• Laser pens and pointers
• Noise-making devices (horns, whistles, etc.)
• Tripods
• Any other items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate

Firearms: Except for law enforcement and on-duty security personnel, carrying firearms on Shedd property is not allowed.

Shedd Aquarium is a prohibited area under Section 65 of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Individuals licensed to carry a concealed firearm are prohibited from carrying a firearm on, or into, Shedd Aquarium

Bag size: Lockers are available to rent during your visit. Standard-sized lockers are 10” high x 11” wide x 19” deep and family-sized lockers are 16” high x 11” wide x 19” deep. Due to the narrow width of our lockers, suitcase-sized bags most likely will not fit into even the largest lockers. There is no other facility for checking bags.

All guests and their personal items (bags, etc.) must pass through our touchless security screening system at the aquarium entrance. No stopping is required, no emptying pockets or removing bags. Guests and their personal items may be subject to additional security screening.

For the safety and well-being of our guests, staff members and animals, no provisions are made for checking or holding prohibited items.

Prohibited behavior/code of conduct

Distribution of propaganda, flyers, pamphlets, or other literature is not allowed on Shedd property unless it has been authorized by Shedd Aquarium. Courteous behavior is expected of all guests. Unruly or unsafe behavior that endangers people or animals, disrupts other guests’ ability to enjoy their visit, or interferes with business operations will not be tolerated and can result in ejection without a refund.

Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, attempting to enter the building with prohibited items listed above; smoking; offensive or disorderly conduct; throwing any object; entering or attempting to enter pools or exhibits; failure to follow the instructions of aquarium personnel; actions that might harm or endanger others; and any other conduct that is deemed inappropriate in a public setting.

Privacy Policy

John G. Shedd Aquarium (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your personal privacy and is committed to adhering to all applicable laws and industry guidelines relating to privacy and the protection of personally identifiable information.

Read Privacy Policy