Shedd Aquarium FAQs

Beginning February 28, 2022, in accordance with the State and City guidelines, Shedd Aquarium is lifting the vaccination requirements for guests.

Beginning February 28, 2022, in accordance with the state and city guidelines, Shedd Aquarium is lifting the mask and vaccination requirements for guests. Guests and staff may continue to wear masks in the aquarium for a variety of reasons, so please continue to be kind and considerate of others.

For the best possible experience, advance online reservations are required for all guests including members. If you are unable to purchase online, please call 312-939-2438.

Do you have a fever, cough or feel short of breath? Have you been exposed to someone with these symptoms? Join us at a later date! 

Already have tickets? Call 312-939-2438 or email [email protected] and we’ll gladly reschedule your visit.

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. 

All guests will enter through the Accessible  Entrance at the entry time on your tickets. Look for the  Man with Fish  sculpture. 

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!

You can still support Shedd Aquarium in a variety of ways by making a donation, becoming a member, symbolically adopting an animal, or shopping our online store. You can also sign up for one of our programs like our virtual animal encounters.

Yes, Shedd’s dedicated caretakers and veterinarians have continued to provide the highest standards of professional care and welfare for all animals at Shedd while the aquarium was closed to the public and beyond.

Yes, there are many hand sanitizing stations present throughout the aquarium.

We will continue to offer timed tickets. Please arrive during the time frame you select during your ticket purchase. If you need to change your arrival time after your purchase, please call 312-939-2438 and we’ll make every effort to accommodate.

• Members: Free admission. Please book tickets in advance, online reservations are required.
  
• General Admission: $39.95 adults / $29.95 children
• 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 continue offering select community access opportunities. However, due to limited capacity, advance reservations will be required. Details on how to reserve.

We are happy to help! Please call us at 312-939-2438.

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 a CityPASS, click the link on your mobile CityPASS ticket to reserve your visit date and time on the CityPASS Travel Guide.

Check our Illinois Resident Free Daypage 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. 

Members will continue to receive free admission. For the best experience, online reservations in advance are required.

We look forward to welcoming you back when you are ready but in the meantime you can join us online! Here's some of our current online programs you can explore with your membership and receive a discount!

1. In-person Penguin Encounter
2. Virtual Penguin Encounter
3. Virtual Sea Otter Encounter
4. Virtual Shark Feeding Tours
5. Learn Online with Shedd

Yes, wheelchairs will be available on a first come, first-served basis and will be sanitized between each use. More details on Shedd’s accessibility offerings.

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, they will be available on a first come, first-served basis and will be sanitized between each use.

Yes, they will be available on a first come, first-served basis and will be sanitized between each use.

While the Northern Trust Suite will not be staffed, we can unlock the suite upon requests so guests can access the quiet room on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note there may be times the room is unavailable for use. 

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. 

Bubble Net food court and Soundings Café will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. Any food or drink you bring with you or purchase from machines must be consumed in designated areas. Please wait until you are seated to remove your mask before eating. 

Shedd is offering 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 required. Click here to reserve tickets.