Open 9 am - 6 pm

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.

on this page

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 the Shedd Store, located across from the Main Entrance. From giant beluga plushes to sustainably made toys, stylish clothes and Shedd keepsakes that rep your favorite animal, every purchase directly supports Shedd’s mission!

Active duty, retired and Veteran U.S. military personnel and Shedd members enjoy a 10% discount at the Shedd Store. Must show a valid military ID or digital member card to receive this discount.

Did you know Shedd also has an online store? You don’t have to wait until your next visit to grab the perfect merch or gift. Shop Now!

Shop the Store

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 10:45 a.m. - 3 p.m. and weekends 10:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
(hours may vary during late/early closures) 

Located in the Abbott Oceanarium on the Lower Level, 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 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. - 4 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 drinks and coffee from local business Metropolis Coffee Company. We also offer fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches, and donuts courtesy of Chicago-favorite Do-Rite Donuts. Stop here for a quick break or a casual bite and a pick-me-up. 

The newly renovated Deep Ocean Cafe, now open on the lower level of Shedd Aquarium

Deep Ocean Café

Open daily, weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (hours may vary)

Located near Polar Play Zone on the Underwater LevelDeep Ocean Café offers snacks and sweets like Chicago-style popcorn, savory nuts, premium jerkies, frozen treats, Deep Sea Gummies and our Retro Reef Candy Collection.

The new popcorn and refreshment stand outside of Wonder of Water

Popcorn Kiosk 

Open daily

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.

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 near Polar Play Zone on the Underwater Level. Dine amongst the dolphins in booths nearby. 

Bringing Your Own Food?

Any food or drink you bring must be consumed in the Deep Ocean Café, located near Polar Play Zone on the Underwater Level

Download our visitor map