See all
4,250 photos

Shedd Aquarium

Aquarium

Museum Campus, Chicago

Save

Shedd Aquarium

8.8^/10

2,900

ratings

Ranked #7 for exhibits in Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from Wired and AFAR Media
"The penguin encounter one was a great value and a wonderful time!"(18 Tips)
"Excellent aquarium, choose the CityPass, great deal!!!"(22 Tips)
"Jazzin' at the Shedd is the best time to visit the aquarium!"(7 Tips)
"Spend some time with the cute Beluga whales, they're cute and funny."(13 Tips)

417 Tips and reviews

Filter:

jazzin
penguins
beluga whales
fish
scenic views
aquariums
jazz music
cute
tours
jellies
free admission
discounts
outdoor seating
lines
architecture
great value
museums
exhibits
biking
fishing
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Jake SmithOctober 21, 2012
Check out the turtles, especially the huge Alligator Snapping Turtle and the Fly River Turtle, who is extremely friendly.
Julie ArrisonOctober 12, 2012
I haven't been to a great aquarium in a long time and this was GREAT. Not only was it wonderful marine life, but the architecture was to die for.
Shomari SmithMarch 8, 2012
Been here 100+ times
If you want to come to the aquarium and bring that special someone, do so after 1pm. Most of the groups are gone & you can see everything!
Anna MorrisAugust 2, 2012
Any weekend year round and midday any day during the summer will be a long wait. Come at 3:30 during the summer and spend the last two hours with a smaller crowd. Jellies exhibit is not worth the $.
Kim SolvesonJanuary 30, 2016
Shedd Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium. the dolphins and sharks are too amazing and cool . It is a outstanding view
John GondaAugust 3, 2016
Absolutely fun and amazing - my six year old loved it. Especially the playful beluga whales. Get there early!!
Brian WenteJuly 24, 2011
Incredibly long lines, however if you have children and bring a stroller, you can move to the ramp entrance and directly bypass all the lines. Saved us nearly an hour in line of 90+ degree heat!
Tracy HixonMarch 4, 2016
Though I miss the old style displays, the redesign is more informative. Always fun to see the fish in the main tank getting fed by the diver
Achal VarmaMarch 19, 2013
You need to purchase an all-day, all-access pass for $34.95, or pay $20 to enter the special exhibits and then pay extra to watch specific shows/exhibits such as the Belugas. The G.A. ticket costs $8.
Shedd AquariumSeptember 7, 2011
While the weather's still nice, step outside to snap a photo of the view! Our Lakefront Terrace boasts one of the best views of the Chicago skyline without even leaving the aquarium.
Alexandra Faught BivinsSeptember 30, 2013
Visited on Saturday and had a great time. Upgraded from the general admission so that we could see the whales and dolphins. My kids had a great time!
Lisa King MorganJuly 1, 2013
Buy your tickets online before arriving, otherwise you may be in line up to 2 hrs! Make sure to buy a ticket for the aquatic show. We thought it was included in the Shedd Pass. It is not.
Kim ZimmermanJuly 14, 2015
The aquarium is clean with large viewing areas. Getting there early meant short lines and easy access to the aquariums.
CMarch 11, 2014
Come early (before Noon) especially on the weekends, otherwise you'll be waiting in line for a while! Also, use the Soldier Field parking lot. ;)
Olli KMarch 23, 2015
Saying this place is amazing is an understatement. Great tourist spot but expect it to be a little $$. Great for all ages
Leland BrewsterApril 17, 2015
Beautiful aquarium but beware the long lines on weekends. Pre-purchase your tickets or be prepared to wait 30+ minutes to get in!
Daniel.MDMarch 25, 2013
The waiting line on monday morning was huge! Temp was on the low 30's. Getting the city pass was awesome 'cause we skipped the line and didn't waste at least 1hr !
Jung KimOctober 8, 2018
My 2 cents: must visit this place if you’re in town!
Megan KroneFebruary 20, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Buy a membership. You have unlimited visits for you AND a guest, plus discounts and sometimes special events! Plus, Jazzing at the Shedd in the summer is delightful.
Mark HOctober 10, 2011
Got here at 9.30am on a beautiful Saturdy morning n there were no lines! Hurray! $3 off tics with ur student ID. This place is nice but I think overhyped. View from restaurant's patio is amazing.
Terry TroskeSeptember 3, 2013
We spent seven hours here and only went home simply because they were closing. The entire experience was awesome as well as the food!
M.DJune 23, 2012
Sit outside for lunch. Beautiful view of the city and the lake. Avoid the free days for illinois residents. (way to crowded)
Kristen MariaMarch 25, 2018
Very crowded, kind of exhausting but loved the exhibits and so did my daughter!
Mariana PantalenaAugust 7, 2016
Nice place to take the kids. Normal aquarium, nice to see the beluga whales.They do important work rescuing and helping animals.
Anna StumpfApril 11, 2016
Although we arrived 30 minutes prior to opening and in the first 50 through the door the aquatic shows were sold out. People pre-purchase w/tix online which is nice for them, not if you have City Pass
Jeff JenkinsDecember 24, 2014
Get to the aquatic show early. This is the place fills up 10+ minutes before it starts
SPINJuly 22, 2011
Pete Wentz of Black Cards loves this aquarium turned skate park because you can see the dolphins swimming at night. They have penguins, whales, and sharks too!
Mauricio RotaNovember 5, 2014
incredible aquarium, the jellyfishes and the reef was amazing
Dougie CyanideApril 2
Make sure to schedule your visit in advance, so you don't have to worry about not being able to get in.
Ted MNovember 24, 2013
A better value than the planetarium (and i was an astronomy major), more to see here and do. Recommended!
Joanna FlammJanuary 2, 2014
If you're just there for a couple hours, the unlisted $8 General Admission gets you into several exhibits, but if you're making a day of it, you'll want the more expensive pass.
Lisa ZielbauerJune 3, 2013
The organization of the lines today was awful...1 hr wait in the cold outside vs. 1/2 wait if u bought the city pass which I highly recommend: $89 for a book of tickets for several attractions
Mike BlackleyJanuary 18, 2015
Fantastic day at the aquarium, I would skip the 4D show next time but the aquatics show was superb!
Jamie HoweJune 3, 2013
Absolutely love the Shedd Aquarium. Wish it wasn't so expensive cause otherwise I'd go every weekend!
Lisa WFebruary 20, 2013
Check out the special adventure options at the Shedd! The penguin encounter one was a great value and a wonderful time!
John KiddeApril 4, 2016
Great aquarium with plenty to do and see for the entire family.
ValerieSeptember 15, 2014
The $8 general admission is not advertised but gets you into the exhibits in the main building, if you don't need to see the special exhibits.
Mike DavisJuly 10, 2018
Get a city pass. You’ll be glad you did.
Phillip ROctober 5, 2013
Waiting in line will give you ample opportunity to consider exactly how ineffective the admissions process is. Don't believe the blue shirts, jump in the shortest line and feign confusion if they ask.
Kendra TorresJuly 15, 2012
Get a free background when you check in. I would have loves a colorful background Jellie instead but this is pretty nice
VeronikaOctober 30, 2015
Well, the aquarium in Dubai impressed me more, but this one is also nice. I wish the shows would be more interesting.
Damon SununtnasukJanuary 15, 2017
Massive and well appointed aquarium. Budget at least four hours
Emily MitchellJuly 18, 2013
So much fun! Go see the jellies exhibit before its gone! It's awesome! I love wild reef! Great picture oppurtunity's!
Kevin DulinAugust 13, 2014
The Coral Reef is one of the coolest parts of the aquarium. Worth the extra charge!
BingMarch 9, 2012
Wild fish and exotic reptiles live here, but these are the ones making a splash: http://binged.it/yo8Sjh
Rob VernonDecember 16, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Be sure to check out all the free expert talks they have scheduled throughout the day!
Dave FloydSeptember 17, 2012
Check out the Giant Japanese Spider Crab in the oceans section on the main floor. Largest species of crab in the world.
Andre Saikai GomesDecember 18, 2014
Great shows.. The dolphins are so cute.. You need to see all the shows.. Best ever
Federica RossiOctober 17, 2013
Probably the most beautiful in the world.. But get in at least 3 hours before the closing (5pm)!
BonAugust 9, 2015
A la carte pricing for the good stuff: otters, whales, and dolphins 🐶🐋🐬💰

1 2 3 4 5 6 7...9

4,250 Photos

Planning a trip to Chicago?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Shedd Aquarium

Related Searches

Places inside Shedd Aquarium

You might also like

Places people like to go after Shedd Aquarium

Upcoming Events

Appears on 943 lists

Is this your business? Claim it now.