Shedd Aquarium: Tips & Highlights – Your Complete Guide

There’s something magical about stepping into Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Maybe it’s the stunning lakefront views, or perhaps it’s the moment you first see beluga whales for the first time.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this aquarium a few times know and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about making the most of your visit to one of North America’s largest indoor aquariums.

Quick Facts to Get You Started

• Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Tickets: $39.95 for adults (Chicago residents get reduced rates)
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours minimum
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday/Wednesday
• Pro Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the notorious entrance line!

Why Shedd Is Special

I’m not why I keep ending up at Aquariums around North America, but the Shed is like nothing I’ve seen before.

The aquarium is in a beautiful 1920s Beaux-Arts building. Inside it holds 32,000 animals. And the enclosures are as beautiful as the exterior.

From playful sea otters to mysterious moray eels, Shedd houses some of the most fascinating creatures you’ll ever see.

What really makes it unique is how it blends historical architecture with modern marine science – the original marble and bronze details are just as impressive as the four-story Caribbean Reef tank they surround.

Getting There (Without Getting Lost)

The Shedd sits proudly on Museum Campus, right along Lake Michigan. Here’s the easiest way to reach it:

• By Public Transit: Take the #146 bus from downtown or the Red Line to Roosevelt
• By Car: Use the Soldier Field North Garage (but be prepared for Chicago parking prices!)
• Walking: It’s a gorgeous 20-minute walk from downtown along the lakefront

Must-See Exhibits

Let me walk you through the highlights that shouldn’t be missed:

1. Abbott Oceanarium

Home to the dolphins, belugas, and sea otters. The dolphins are incredible, but honestly? The Beluga’s steel the show. Watch them during feeding time, and you’ll see why they’re everyone’s favorites. They are so cute!

2. Penguins

The aquarium is also home to two varieties of penguins, rockhoppers and Magellanics. The penguins are so much fun to watch. You’ll find them on the lower level, where the whale and dolphin viewing areas are.

They have a bunch of areas to roam and you can even see them swimming. The only other zoo/aquarium that comes close to size is the Boston Aquarium.

3. Wild Reef

Head down to the lower level for a great exhibit, and easy to overlook, the Wild Reef. The floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor. The shark tank is impressive, but don’t miss the garden eels – they’re fascinating to watch as they sway in the current.

The Wild Reef is only accessible by the elevators next to Amazon Rising. It’s also where you’ll find the sharks!

4. Amazon Rising

A slice of South America right in Chicago. The electric eels have their own voltage meter display – how cool is that? Keep an eye out for the piranhas too, though they’re way less scary than movies would have you believe.

The Amazon Rising is located near the front of the Aquarium. If you enter from the southern entrance, you’ll need to swing left after entering to find them.

Insider Tips You’ll Thank Me For

• Best Photo Spots:
  • The main lobby stairs with Lake Michigan in the background
  • The underwater viewing area of the Oceanarium
  • The jellies exhibit (amazing for silhouette shots!)
• Avoid the Crowds:
  • Enter right at opening (9:00 AM) or after 2:00 PM
  • Tuesday and Wednesday are typically quietest
  • Avoid holiday weekends at all costs
• Money Savers:
  • Illinois residents get discount days (check the website for dates)
  • Military, First Responders, Educators, and EBT Card holders all get discounts too!
  • Chicago CityPASS includes Shedd admission
  • Bring your own water bottle – there are filling stations throughout

Making the Most of Your Visit

If You’ve Got 2 Hours:

1. Caribbean Reef (15 minutes)
2. Oceanarium shows (45 minutes)
3. Wild Reef (30 minutes)
4. Gift shop speed run (15 minutes)

Half Day Plan:

• Start with the Caribbean Reef
• Catch the first Oceanarium show
• Explore Wild Reef
• Lunch break (the café has great lake views!)
• Amazon Rising
• Jellies and special exhibits

Don’t Miss

When it comes to the Oceanarium show, you don’t want to miss it. We stumbled upon it, not sure if it was a pay or free thing. It was free. The show rotates around, featuring either the beluga whales or the Pacific White-Sided Dolphins.

We got to see the Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. They are absolutely amazing. They are not a dolphin I’ve seen in a lot of other zoos and aquariums.

The Oceanarium has one of the best views of the lake. Once the show starts, they’ll drop in a curtains, allowing for better visibility of the dolphins. The show talks about some of the features of the dolphins and you get to see a few flips and other tricks.

Kid-Friendly Features

Got little ones in tow? Shedd is incredibly family-friendly:

• The play area near the Oceanarium is perfect for burning energy
• Touch tanks let kids safely interact with stingrays and Starfish
• Stroller parking is available near major exhibits

Food Situation

The Soundings Café is actually decent, probably the best Aquarium food I’ve had (and the view is spectacular):

• Pack snacks if you’re budget-conscious. High prices are expected at most of these types of places.
• The café gets packed between 11:30-1:30. Get there at 11 when they open if you can.
• Bringing your own lunch? There are picnic spots outside with amazing skyline views

Practical Tips

• Bathrooms: Located near every major exhibit
• Photos: Allowed everywhere (no flash!)
• Temperature: Bring a light jacket – it can get chilly inside
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators to all levels
• Strollers: Available for rent, but bring your own if you can

Best Times for Special Experiences

• Animal Encounters: Book these in advance – they sell out!
• Feeding Times: Check the daily schedule when you arrive
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Worth it if you’re an animal lover.
• 4D Movies: A fun add-on, especially on crowded days

Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss

• The tiny seahorse exhibit near Wild Reef
• The historical architecture details in the original building
• The outdoor terrace (when open) has the best skyline views
• The living coral reef display – it’s easy to overlook but fascinating

Before You Leave

Don’t skip the gift shop – they have some unique items you won’t find elsewhere. And definitely take a moment to enjoy the view of Lake Michigan from the front steps. On a clear day, you can see for miles!

If you are headed to the Natural History Museum afterwards and don’t want to carry around souvenirs, most all of the gifts from the shop are available online too. We had our eye on giant beluga whales for the kids that are going to make a great Christmas gift.

Planning Resources

• Official Website: www.sheddaquarium.org
• Phone: (312) 939-2438
• Best For: Families, marine life enthusiasts, photographers
• Free Days: Check website for Illinois resident discount days

Final Thoughts

The Shedd Aquarium isn’t just another tourist stop – it’s a window into the amazing world beneath the waves. Take your time, talk to the incredibly knowledgeable staff, and don’t forget to say hi to the sea otters for me!

Pro tip: If you’re visiting Chicago, consider combining your Shedd visit with the Field Museum or Adler Planetarium – they’re all within walking distance on Museum Campus.

Have you visited the Shedd Aquarium? What was your favorite exhibit?