Plan the perfect proposal with penguins, celebrate an accomplishment with sea otters and more!
Private encounters are customizable, personal experiences for only you and your group that will bring you closer than ever to the aquatic animal world.
Looking for other private group or family experiences? Join us for Kayak for Conservation!
Date, Time and Price
Dates, times and prices vary based on the type of encounter.
How to Book
Email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355 to learn more and book your private encounter. Requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance to provide you with the best experience.
Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of a Private Encounter.
Choose Your Private Encounter
Pick from a number of our Extraordinary Experiences:
Must See Tour
Sea Otter Encounter*
Penguin Encounter*
Shark Feeding Tour
*These encounters offer a proposal package
The Perfect Proposal
Get down on one knee with a little help from Shedd staff and incredible aquatic animals. Choose from one of our proposal packages or share your ideas with us so we can help make the moment as special as possible. Please fill out this form to tell us what you’re looking for!
Each package comes with:
A private encounter with space for six, eight or 12 participants (depending on the type of encounter)
A photographer will be with you during your encounter to capture your interactions with the animals and the proposal
And more surprises!
Requirements and Special Considerations
Please note: Requirements may vary based on the type of encounter selected.
Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-3355.
Questions?
Email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355 with questions or to book your Private Encounter. Requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance to provide you with the best experience.
Refund policy
No refunds. Participants who need to reschedule may do so up to 10 days before their scheduled experience. Otherwise, date and time exchanges cannot be accommodated. For additional details, see our refund and cancellation policy.
Those in your party who are not participating in the experience are not permitted to follow along and are not allowed in the behind-the-scenes areas. Please arrange a time and place to meet with your party after your experience.
Parking is available on the Museum Campus in several lots. See more information about parking at Shedd here. Metered parking may also be available on Solidarity Drive up to 10 hours, but only after 8 a.m. Shedd is not responsible for cars ticketed or towed by the City of Chicago. Parking is not permitted on the aquarium's service entrance. Vehicles parked at the service entrance or the bus turnaround may be subject to towing. To learn more about parking on the Museum Campus, visit soldierfieldparking.com.
For the safety of the animals and your belongings, coats, bags, phones, jewelry, and cameras must be secured in a locker. Complimentary lockers will be available for storing your belongings during your encounter.
