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Shopping and Dining

Make your day at Shedd even more memorable—take home the perfect souvenir or join us for a tasty meal! The aquarium has a range of gift shops and dining destinations to meet your needs.

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Shedd's main gift store is located just off of the main foyer, and features a large octopus hanging from the ceiling.
Shedd's main gift store features interactive toys and a constantly changing collection of toys and novelties.

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, including water bottles, thermoses, straws, cutlery sets, bags, bowls and even plastic wrap! Because we’re a not-for-profit organization, your purchases directly support Shedd’s mission.

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Shedd's oceanarium gift store is located at the bottom of the blue stairwell, in front of the 4-D theater.
Shedd's oceanarium gift store features aquatic-themed books and toys for everyone.
Shedd's gift stores feature aquatic t-shirts, gifts and accessories.
Shedd's Amazon gift store is located near the exit to Amazon Rising and features Amazon-themed stuffed animals and novelties.
A girl in Shedd's gift store cuddles up to two soft penguin toys.
Shedd's gift shops feature sustainable and artisan-made products.
Shedd's main gift store is located just off of the main foyer, and features a large octopus sculpture hanging from the ceiling.

Dining Options

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

Soundings Café 

Coffee shop open daily at 9 a.m. until one hour before closing  
Enjoy a full line of Starbucks drinks and coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches.

Soundings Café is located in the Abbott Oceanarium on the ground level, near the foot of the green staircase.

Shedd's North Terrace features a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline and a small garden waterfall to bring guests closer to nature.

Soundings Restaurant

Restaurant open 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. seasonally 
Find fresh salads, wraps and burgers fresh off the grill, all with locally grown ingredients when in season. The casual atmosphere includes one of the best views in town — either inside or on one of our outdoor terraces.

Soundings Café is located in the Abbott Oceanarium on the ground level, near the foot of the green staircase.

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

Bubble Net Food Court

11 a.m. until two hours before closing

Explore a family-friendly menu that features pizza, iconic Chicago foods like the Chicago dog and Italian beef, grass-fed burgers, sustainable-sourced fish and chips, house-made soups, and artisan grain bowls. We also offer vegetarian choices like the Beyond Burger™ and feature Partnership for a Healthier America kids meals.

The Bubble Net Food Court is located in the Abbott Oceanarium on lower level 1, near the sea otters.

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 

Open daily
Choose from and customize a range of fresh, tasty pre-packaged meals in the Marine Munchroom, everything from a southwest quinoa bowl to sesame cashew noodles.

The Marine Munchroom is located on the main level, at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Aquatic Education Center in the main lobby.

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 daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (seasonal) 
Satisfy the kid in everyone with this café in the Polar Play Zone on lower level 2. Choose from favorites like hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and Dippin’ Dots.

A photo of the outside of the large tent enclosing Stingray Touch, featuring the colorful illustrative graphic on the front showing stingray silhouettes rendered in cheerful colors.

Stingray Touch

Open daily at 11 a.m. until one hour before closing (seasonal and weather dependent)
Grab a quick Vienna hot dog, Dippin’ Dots or a refreshing beverage after your Stingray Touch animal encounter. Convenient outdoor seating provides a quick break before hopping along to your next adventure.

Stingray Touch can be accessed from the ground level, through the double doors next to the 4-D Theater.

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

Open daily at 11 a.m. until one hour before closing 
Freshly popped popcorn, Dippin’ Dots and sweet and salty snacks enhance your Caribbean Reef viewing experience. Grab a cold beverage as you’re enchanted by the wonders of the underwater reef.

Caribbean Reef is located centrally on the main level.

Bringing Your Own Food?

Guests are welcome to bring their own brown-bag lunch to Shedd. The Marine Munchroom vending area at the ground-level entrance has tables and chairs, and you can also purchase snacks and bottled beverages. Outdoor picnic tables are also available in Shedd's lawn area.