5 Ways to Get Outside with Shedd this Summer
As you near the end of your summer bucket list, don’t forget there’s plenty of ways to still enjoy Chicago summer with Shedd! Great for families, couples and friends alike, a trip to Shedd in the summer immerses you in the underwater world and lets you spend meaningful time outside. Shedd’s indoor programming at the aquarium and interactive experiences outdoors will let you soak up Chicago this summer. Start planning one of your next adventures with the ideas below!
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1. Kayak for Conservation
Get outside and on the river during a Kayak for Conservation tour! Guided by Shedd nature experts, you’ll spend time paddling down the river, encountering local wildlife and learning how you can support the health of the Chicago River. Combine fresh air, nature and a splash of exercise to get a perfect trip on the river!
No kayak experience is necessary, making this a great activity for beginners or seasoned kayakers! Learn more and sign up by visiting Kayak for Conservation.
2. Action Days
Make a difference for the community in our own backyard while spending time in fresh air! These free volunteer sessions offer a hands-on opportunity to create safe spaces for wildlife who depend on it. Whether you’re volunteering at a litter cleanup along Chicago beaches or helping cut down invasive plant species in woodland habitats, you’ll rack up time outside and help our blue planet.
Find a day to give back to our planet by visiting Shedd Aquarium Action Days.
3. Gardens
The buzz of dragonflies and bees among the 350 species of perennial and annual plants will greet you as you enter Shedd’s beautiful gardens! With interactive spaces created with learning in mind, walking paths and glimpses of local wildlife, Shedd’s garden spaces will transport you to a nature haven.
Shedd’s Nature Exploration gardens are the perfect way to interact with nature through tactile models of plant and animal life. While you’re there, keep an eye out for pop-up programming like nature journaling and bird watching. Learn more about the plants and garden spaces at Shedd by visiting Gardens.
4. Stingray Touch
Watch out for the splash zone! Stop by Stingray Touch and encounter the social rays swimming along the surface of the water. See how the rays naturally move in schooling patterns and dip your hand into the warm, tropical water. Will they feel soft or slimy?
Stingray Touch is a free experience, included with Shedd admission, located outside — but in the shade! Offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer weather while stepping out of the direct sun. For more information, visit Touch Experiences.
5. Museum Campus
While you’re exploring Shedd, take time to visit our neighbors on Museum Campus! Adler Planetarium, Field Museum and Soldier Field are iconic Chicago institutions with plenty of areas to explore. Enjoy local vendors and open green space and then, take a stroll on the beautiful lakefront.
This summer, expand your idea of what you can do with Shedd! To start planning your next visit to Shedd, check out Plan a Visit.