There’s so much to discover about the aquatic animal world, and a visit to Shedd Aquarium is the gateway for people of all ages to explore what lies beneath the surface. Learn about Shedd’s recent beluga rescue story and how the dolphins and belugas at the aquarium receive quality care during an Animal Spotlight, dip your hand in cool water to feel a soft sea star or simply stop to take in the beauty of underwater worlds. That, and much more, is waiting for you!
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Explore our Historic Galleries
Our Historic Galleries take you on a journey through oceans, lakes, rivers and streams to see aquatic animals of all shapes, colors and sizes. Count the suction cups on the arms of a giant Pacific octopus in the Oceans gallery, or witness leopard sharks navigating through gently swaying fronds of kelp in the Kelp Forest habitat.
Step in between towering freshwater and saltwater habitats in Wonder of Water. Get up close to an elusive alligator snapping turtle in At Home on the Great Lakes, and freshwater fishes like lake sturgeon, pike, bass and walleye that you can find in our own backyard. Make sure to peer into the nursery habitats of Plankton Revealed to discover how growing plankton advances conservation and sustainability.
Visit the Abbott Oceanarium
Take a stroll through the Pacific Northwest and marvel at the incredible marine mammals that live there. Hear the beluga whales chirp, watch the Pacific white-sided dolphins jump, see the sea otters bobbing on their backs and the sea lions snoozing on a rock. Venture to the underwater viewing area to see these animals from a new perspective, plus visit a fan favorite — the rockhopper and Magellanic penguins — in Polar Play Zone.
Reach Out and Touch
Truly immerse yourself in the aquatic animal world through three touch experiences. Feel the armored scales of lake sturgeon, discover the texture of sea stars and, seasonally, feel a cownose ray glide beneath your hand in our outdoor Stingray Touch.
Learn from Shedd Experts
Hear Shedd’s recent beluga rescue story and learn about how the dolphins and belugas at the aquarium receive quality care that helps us better understand and protect these species in the wild in an Animal Spotlight.
Plus, check out the calendar for daily Animal Chats to connect with penguins, sharks and other astonishing animals!
Know Before You Go
- Advance tickets are highly recommended: Secure your spot by booking your tickets in advance. Find the dates you are looking for with ease, knowing first-hand when dates are sold out.
- Directions and Parking: Between public transportation and parking nearby, you’ll be on your way to Shedd in no time.
- Download the Shedd Go! App: Let the Shedd Go! app guide you on your aquarium journey and access a building map, right from your own mobile device. Available for Android and iOS.
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Accessibility offerings: At the information desk, wheelchairs, assistive listening devices and noise-cancelling headphones are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See details on Shedd’s accessibility offerings.
- Restaurants: Bubble Net food court and Soundings Café will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 2 hours before the aquarium closes that day. Any food or drink you bring with you or purchase from machines must be consumed in designated areas.
- Shopping: Make your day at Shedd even more memorable by taking home the perfect souvenir!
Beyond the Exhibits
Go behind the scenes and have a chance to meet the animals that live at Shedd during an Extraordinary Experience, or attend an after-hours event to deepen your connection with the aquatic animal world.
Attend an Event
Enjoy live music from award-winning jazz ensembles to the city's best DJs, dance with friends and family, eat delicious food and watch dazzling fireworks across Lake Michigan, all at after-hours events at Shedd.