Shedd Aquarium FAQs

For the best possible experience, advance reservations are highly recommended for all guests including members due to the high demand for tickets. If you are unable to purchase online, please call 312-939-2438.

All guests and their personal items (bags, etc.) must pass through our touchless security screening system at the aquarium entrance. No stopping is required, no emptying pockets or removing bags. Guests and their personal items may be subject to additional security screening.

Lockers are available to rent during your visit. Standard-sized lockers are 10” high x 11” wide x 19” deep and family-sized lockers are 16” high x 11” wide x 19” deep. Due to the narrow width of our lockers, suitcase-sized bags most likely will not fit into even the largest lockers. There is no other facility for checking bags.

Our hours can change based on the day of week. For the most up-to-date schedule please visit our calendar page. 

Our building is evolving! We are constructing a refreshed accessible entrance to more quickly and seamlessly connect guests with the aquatic animal world. During this transformation, guests will enter the aquarium along the half-circle driveway and proceed up the ramp behind the temporary ticketing booth. Learn more about this transformation as part Shedd’s Experience Evolution.

Parking information for guests

All Museum Campus parking is owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. Parking rates typically are higher during special events, and access may be restricted to special event ticketholders.

Street parking
Please note, until further notice, there will only be garage parking on the Museum Campus, no street parking on Solidarity Drive. If you choose to visit Shedd Aquarium, we strongly recommend arriving via public transportation.

Lot parking
The Museum Campus also has several lots where you can park. Current rates, which can change without notice are:

Soldier Field north garage
Up to 4 hours, $25
4 to 12 hours, $30
12 to 24 hours, $50
Special event, pay on the way in, $30

East museum lot
$30

Adler lot
Early bird, before 9:30 a.m., $12
Daily, $25
Night rate, after 4:30 p.m., $15

For more information, visit soldierfieldparking.com.

Valet parking
Available most weekends for aquarium guests for $35 a vehicle, subject to limited availability. Take advantage of this service at the guest drop-off area on the south side of the aquarium, off Solidarity Drive. Please note that we cannot offer valet parking on certain Bears home-game days.

Reserve a space with SpotHero
We recommend booking parking in advance through SpotHero. You can visit the Shedd Aquarium SpotHero parking page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up. New to SpotHero? Download the SpotHero app and enter code SHEDDCHI for 5% off your first spot!

• Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. 
• Teens ages 14-17 or currently enrolled in high school may attend Shedd Teen programs without an adult. Pre-registration and signed participation waivers are required in order to participate. 
• Members at the Family level and above may designate an adult caregiver to bring their children, but the caregiver cannot use the membership to visit without the children. To add your caregiver to your account, please call the Membership Hotline at 312-692-3284.

Please arrive during the time frame you select during your ticket purchase. If you need to change your arrival time after your purchase, you can exchange your ticket for a different date or time here for a $5 exchange fee. Or you can call 312-939-2438 for assistance. 

Lockers are temporarily unavailable. 

For the safety and well-being of our guests, staff members and animals, no provisions are made for checking or holding prohibited items.

• Members: Free admission. Please book tickets in advance, advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets.
• General Admission:Prices vary - Guests can save on Shedd Admission by booking in advance. Learn more.
• Chicago Residents: $19.95 adults / $14.95 children
• Discounts: Please visit our Discounts and Free Days page to see if you qualify.

Yes, save 48% off Chicago’s top 5 attractions with CityPASS®! First, purchase CityPASS® online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Next, click the link on your mobile CityPASS ticket to reserve your visit date and time on the CityPASS Travel Guide. 

Shedd is pleased to offer a variety of community access opportunities, including Illinois Resident Free Days. We also offer ways to visit multiple Chicago attractions and save by purchasing a CityPASS ®, Go City Chicago All-Inclusive Pass or by purchasing through one of our hotel partners. Browse the full range of options on our Discounts and Free Days page. Or, become a member for free access to the aquarium year-round!

Please be aware of ticket scams. Shedd will not accept tickets sold by non-authorized sellers. You should only purchase tickets directly from Shedd Aquarium or our approved Shedd Ticket Partners: CityPASS, Go City Chicago, and these select hotel partners.

Ticketing questions can be directed to Guest Relations by calling 312-939-2438 or emailing [email protected] before you buy.

We are happy to help! Please call us at 312-939-2438 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).

Guests will be asked to make a reservation for a specific date and time, then validate their pre-paid tickets onsite. Click here to reserve your ticket.

If you purchased CityPASS® tickets, click the link on your mobile CityPASS ticket to reserve your visit date and time on the CityPASS Travel Guide.

Please be aware of ticket scams. Shedd will not accept tickets sold by non-authorized sellers. You should only purchase tickets directly from Shedd Aquarium or our approved Shedd Ticket Partners: CityPASS, Go City Chicago, and these select hotel partners.

Ticketing questions can be directed to Guest Relations by calling 312-939-2438 or emailing [email protected] before you buy.

Check our Discount and Free Days page for information on when Free Days are announced.

A limited number of free and discounted tickets are available through Museums for All. For the best experience, online reservations in advance are required. Details on how to reserve. 

Shedd is a nonprofit organization and revenue from your admission supports the advancement of our mission, including providing best-in-class animal care, increasing access to aquatic science education and funding conservation and research initiatives for our shared blue planet. 

For the best possible experience, advance reservations are highly recommended for all guests including members due to the high demand for tickets. Members receive free admission.

Yes, assisted listening devices are available on a first come, first-served basis. Visit the information desk or 4-D Theater to reserve a device.

Select interactives will remain available. We are regularly cleaning surfaces you might need to touch from handrails to elevator buttons. Help us keep surfaces clean by using one of the many hand washing and sanitization stations present throughout the aquarium. Need help finding one? Let us know!

Yes, assisted listening devices are available on a first come, first-served basis. Visit the information desk or 4-D Theater to reserve a device.

Yes, sound-reducing headphones are available on a first come, first-served basis. Visit the information desk, Abbott Oceanarium or 4-D Theater to reserve headphones.

The quiet room is temporarily unavailable at this time. 

Yes, accessible restrooms will be available. However, all restrooms will be periodically closed for cleaning. Please see a team member to be directed to the nearest accessible restroom. 

Shedd offers reusable as well as compostable, single-use cutlery.

Yes, weather permitting, the terraces are open for guests who purchase food from Shedd's restaurants.

Yes, unless you are visiting for Jazzin', House Party, or other evening Shedd Events where outside food and drink are not allowed. Any food or drink must be consumed in designated dining areas.

Corporate partners with valid ID will continue to receive free admission. For the best experience, online reservations in advance are recommended. Click here to reserve tickets.