Open 9 am - 2 pm (Early Close)
Shedd Aquarium will be closing at 2:00 p.m. today for a private event.
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Shopping and Dining

Make your day at Shedd even more memorable—take home the perfect souvenir! The aquarium has a range of gift shops 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.

Explore the online shop

Shedd's Amazon gift store is located near the exit to Amazon Rising and features Amazon-themed stuffed animals and novelties.

Dining Options

There are a variety of food options for purchase at multiple locations within Shedd Aquarium. Or, you can 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) 

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.

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

Soundings Café 

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

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.

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 Abbott Oceanarium on lower level 2. Seating is available 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

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.

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 

Freshly popped popcorn, Dippin’ Dots and sweet and salty snacks enhance your aquarium viewing experience. Grab a cold beverage as you’re enchanted by the wonders of the aquatic world. 

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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