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Shopping and Dining

Make your day at Shedd even more memorable by taking home the perfect souvenir from our gift shops! Sit down for a meal or grab a snack at one of our dining options, available on every floor.

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Apparel featuring art by Chicago artists is modeled by mannequins in Shedd's main gift shop.
The smaller gift shop in the north lobby invites guests to wander among displays of gifts.

Shopping at Shedd

Plushes, books, apparel and more—you’ll find something for everyone at our stores, including a range of sustainable items. We have toys made from recycled materials as well as great reusable products to replace single-use items. Your purchases directly support Shedd’s mission!

Explore the online shop

Dining Options

From popcorn to pizza, from sit-down to grab-and-go, there are a variety of dining options throughout the aquarium. You can also bring your own food to eat in designated dining areas. Compostable non-bending straws are available upon request.

Bubblenet cafeteria is located below Soundings in the Oceanarium, and features cafeteria-style dining from several different food stations.

Bubble Net Food Court

Open daily, weekdays 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and weekends 10:30 - 4:00 p.m. 
(hours may vary during late/early closures) 

Located in the Abbott Oceanarium on lower level 1, Bubble Net food court offers family-friendly meal options and plenty of seating. Enjoy a lakeside lunch with stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. 

Soundings Café in Shedd's Oceanarium serves up paninis, soups and sandwiches.

Soundings Café 

Open daily, weekdays 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
(hours may vary during late/early closures)

Located in the Abbott Oceanarium on the ground level, Soundings Café offers a full line of Starbucks drinks and coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches. Stop here for a quick break or a casual bite and a pick-me-up. 

The Farmer's Fridge is a vending machine operated by a touch screen, where one may buy fresh salads, snacks and other healthy food options.

Farmer’s Fridge 

Farmer’s Fridge and other vending options are located in Polar Play Zone on lower level 2. Dine amongst the dolphins in booths nearby. 

Shedd's Deep Ocean Café is located in the underwater viewing galleries, so that guests can eat snacks as they watch whales swim by.

Deep Ocean Café

Open seasonally

Located in the Polar Play Zone on the underwater level, Deep Ocean Café offers favorites like hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and Dippin’ Dots.

The popcorn cart near the centrally located Caribbean Reef habitat features several stations tucked together into an alcove, each with a countertop where coffee, snacks and popcorn are arranged for purchase.

Popcorn Kiosk 

Located on the main level near Amazon Rising, the Popcorn Kiosk offers a variety of quick and delicious treats. Enjoy freshly popped popcorn, cold drinks, salty snacks, flavorful chips, and indulgent Brown Cow Ice Cream, a Chicago-based favorite. Perfectly situated for a convenient stop during your visit, the kiosk provides a mix of sweet, salty, and refreshing options to satisfy every craving.

Bringing Your Own Food?

Any food or drink you bring must be consumed in designated dining areas. Deep Ocean Café is located in the Polar Play Zone on lower level 2. 

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