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Why Membership?

When a baby beluga whale needs a name, when the Animal Care team and expert partners perform a never-done-before surgery or when a brand-new exhibit is ready to be explored, it’s Shedd Aquarium members who make it possible. Support through membership isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential. Membership with Shedd goes beyond free tickets, (yes, free tickets!) it means contributing to an organization that is committed to a future thriving with aquatic life. Along with making a substantial impact on animal care, conservation and research, membership comes with plenty of perks! Dive in below and learn what there is to enjoy with Shedd through membership.

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A seadragon, fin-like fronds on its body giving it a plant-like appearance.

Events

As a Shedd member, you receive special invitations to events. Enjoy free, quarterly Member Nights and members-only Jazzin’ at the Shedd. Explore the aquarium after hours with engaging activities, exclusive educational chats or animal encounters!

SheddTalks are exclusive virtual chats that take members behind the scenes of the aquarium. Each episode covers topics from animals in our care to science of the aquatic animal world. Previous SheddTalks include going behind the scenes with the sea otters, learning about ReShark, a global conservation collective for shark and rays and speaking with the artist behind the dangling fish sculptures in Shedd’s entryway. Want to get a peek into member life? Check out SheddTalk minis for a preview.

An animal engagement ambassador on staff at Shedd Aquarium holds a snake while speaking to two captivated visitors as part of a member activity to deepen understanding of the animals in Shedd’s care.

Tickets

Members receive free general admission to the aquarium year-round! While tickets are free, advance reservations are highly recommended.

Members also receive additional discounts on other ticketed events. Enjoy discounts on after-hours events like Ritmo Del Mar and House Party. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to encounter a beluga whale eye to eye or help prepare an enrichment activity for a sea otter? Do this and more during an Extraordinary Experience and receive 20% off your purchase as a member.

Seldovia, the otter, holding a crab.

Sustaining Shedd

Membership sustains the work Shedd does to protect our shared blue planet. Every day, your contributions work to help the aquarium operate. From providing essential care for 32,000 animals to groundbreaking research trips, your membership helps Shedd function smoothly.

When Shedd’s Animal Response Team travels across the globe at a moment’s notice to assist with animal rescue and care, members can feel proud that their support made that critical work possible. Many of the marine mammals at Shedd, like guest favorites Laguna the California sea lion or Luna the southern sea otter, were rescued and found a permanent home at the aquarium thanks to member support.

Shedd researchers work from the Great Lakes to the southern tip of Patagonia and beyond. This crucial work helps protect and understand animals and their habitats to safeguard their future. Curious about Shedd’s research? You can read about Shedd’s work online.

Shedd is also able to educate millions of people from surrounding communities about the aquatic world and how to protect it. The Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios will open in 2026 with a diverse suite of new learning programs as part of Shedd’s Centennial Commitment and will further educational opportunities for youth in Chicago. With members’ help, Shedd serves as a conduit to keep nature accessible to all.

Lab manager Frank Olario, wearing safety googles, rubber gloves and a lab coat, lifts a petri dish out of a large centrifuge in Shedd's microbiome lab.

Member-only Perks

In addition to free admission year-round, members enjoy a range of discounts on 4-D Experiences, the Shedd Store, Shedd restaurants and our online store!

As part of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) Reciprocity Program, members at the Advocate level and above receive special benefits at several participating zoos and aquariums across North America.

A boy sits on the edge of his seat in the 4D theater

Aquarium Council

Annual Aquarium Council membership unlocks VIP Shedd access. Aquarium Council members are animal enthusiasts, advocates and nature lovers who support Shedd’s mission. These members enjoy exclusive science chats at Shedd, VIP access during Member Nights and an annual, private behind-the-scenes tour. Did we mention complimentary parking? To learn more about Aquarium Council level membership, visit Aquarium Council.

A clownfish swims in front of a beige-colored sea anemone

Be in the Know

As Shedd continues evolving through the Centennial Commitment, members are some of the first to know about each exciting update. Be among the first to experience and visit new exhibits. Members are also automatically enrolled in bi-weekly eNews where you’ll hear all about the latest and greatest in Shedd news!

From free tickets to engaging members-only events, membership with Shedd means supporting compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. With your contributions, Shedd provides exceptional care to thousands of species, including several rescued and vulnerable populations. For more information about membership with Shedd, visit Become a Member

Membership contributions are non-refundable and tax-deductible as permitted by law.