Reviews of Shedd Aquarium (Fish Shop)

Gwendolyn Webber

Always has and always will be one of the best places to visit in Chicago. Took my 10 month old daughter there for the first time and she loved it too.

Trish / Patty Skudlarek

A fun place. Went on a particular night set aside for persons with disabilities and / or sensory issues. Great night to explore the aquarium

Twin Peaks

I really enjoyed my visit to the aquarium. There was so much to see and do with a lot of different marine life on display, the 5-D shark experience was also very interesting. A must if you're in the museum campus area

Abel Bain

There is so much to do here! The dolphin shows and 4-D experiences are free once you buy the tickets! This place is a must if you want to visit an aquarium! I will be back! I enjoyed this so much and it is good for a date or a family trip! Had a great time learning so much!

Abel Bain

There is so much to do here! The dolphin shows and 4-D experiences are free once you buy the tickets! This place is a must if you want to visit an aquarium! I will be back! I enjoyed this so much and it is good for a date or a family trip! Had a great time learning so much!

Ajay S

Amazing place!! Must see. Downside is lack of parking but still worth it! It’s close other stuff aswell

Robert Martinez

This is a world class aquarium. A must see for any tourist visiting the city. The water show is spectacular, employees and volunteers are helpful. I have done the Sea Otter experience and it was great! Got to be up close to the otters that are housed. If you are able to get a ticket, do it! Don't even hesitate.

Mother Bean

The best Aquarium, hands down! I have never been to such a fun, informative place! I have so many amazing photos. I learned so much and I got to touch a starfish!!! We also caught an awesome dolphin show with penguins and seals! So much fun! Also, right outside the doors there's a really good food truck that had some amazing burritos haha. I loved everything about it and would love to go back!

Yoli Luna

This was a really nice aquarium with a circular layout so it didn't seem like you could miss anything. The thing about Chicago is that they itemize your experience. I was happy with the basic fee because I didn't have a lot of time. The store was great. I found a lot of cute items.

Rhett Poppleton

Staffs were knowledgeable and had showed how they really loved their job. Fishes and the other sea creatures were cool and interesting. The place was well kept. Perfect place to visit with your family.

CB IV

We try and come down to the Shedd once a year with the kids. This year we ended up going during the polar vortex which sounds like a bad idea, but once we got inside we literally had the whole place to ourselves. Not many people were out (understandable) so we were able to enjoy the day there and kids got to do everything with only a hand full of other people around the whole time.

M3moRizes

The dolphin presentation was cool, but not much else was that interesting. It would definitely be a fun family experience.

Murad Ilyasov

Great place to spend some quality time with a family/kids. Being in the museum campus and proximity to Planetarium and the Field museum is a huge bonus. Dolphin show and stingray touching is a must :-) 4D/5D shark movie is okay but could be skipped as my 7 year old didn’t like it while 10 year old loved it.

Kris Hadis

Quite good collection aquarium. This place is also a good point to view downtown Chicago from a distance. Strolling along the shore from the aquarium to the planetarium is also relaxing

Joe Davila

I have not been here since I was a kid, it is very cool for not having an ocean nearby! It's a great way to spend a few hours. Here is a tip though, get your aquatic experience passes early, its included with your general admission ticket but you still need to scan you ticket and get the passes at the kiosks. The show fills up quick and seating is limited. Typical, expensive food and gifts for a big city attraction but overall fun.

Myeshea Holmes

We had a fantastic visit. (I’ve been to several aquariums in different states, but this was the best one by far.) We purchased our tickets online and was able to bypass the ticket lines. We had to park a little ways from the facility; so we suggest that you wear comfortable shoes for the possible extensive walk to and from parking. The animals and facilities were well kept. We especially enjoyed the Amazon River, Deep Sea, and Coral Reef exhibits. The staff was very nice and helpful. The facility also had fountains set up to refill your water bottles (conservation efforts).

Myeshea Holmes

We had a fantastic visit. (I’ve been to several aquariums in different states, but this was the best one by far.) We purchased our tickets online and was able to bypass the ticket lines. We had to park a little ways from the facility; so we suggest that you wear comfortable shoes for the possible extensive walk to and from parking. The animals and facilities were well kept. We especially enjoyed the Amazon River, Deep Sea, and Coral Reef exhibits. The staff was very nice and helpful. The facility also had fountains set up to refill your water bottles (conservation efforts).

Paranormal Society

This is an amazing aquarium with lots of exhibits and things to see. There is things for both adults and kids and it well worth the price of admission. It is a bit on the pricier side but once you experience it, it is money well spent. Plus you can always check online for discounts and illinois resident free days!

Paranormal Society

This is an amazing aquarium with lots of exhibits and things to see. There is things for both adults and kids and it well worth the price of admission. It is a bit on the pricier side but once you experience it, it is money well spent. Plus you can always check online for discounts and illinois resident free days!

Preston p

Always a good time at shedd aquarium and a place you can easily spend several hours exploring and learning. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. An adult is 39.95 but if you are a Chicago resident, bring your ID in and it's only 19.95.

Matthew D

Very cool aquarium. Large spaces, neat architecture. Really crowded with school age children when we were there over Christmas holiday.

Steve Gieser

This fabled 89-year-old aquarium is one of Chicago’s great museums. It is worth paying attention to the architecture with its many aquatic motifs inside and outside the building. Over two million visitors come each year, and it is often uncomfortably crowded and stuffy inside. Overall, the aquarium is dated when compared to other aquariums around the country. But it is still worth a visit, particularly at an off-hour during the week when there are a bit less visitors.

Dan T

Spent several hours here with friends and their children. The exhibits are many and very nicely done. The highlights of the day were the whales and getting to touch the stingrays. The Shedd Aquarium is definitely a place for all ages to visit when you're in the Windy City.

Dan T

Spent several hours here with friends and their children. The exhibits are many and very nicely done. The highlights of the day were the whales and getting to touch the stingrays. The Shedd Aquarium is definitely a place for all ages to visit when you're in the Windy City.

rmonlo Ibanez

Had a great time today at the Shed. Very glad I got to see the whales and dolphins on the lower levels. I recommend starting on the lower levels due to the crowds. Very clean easy to get around the whole aquarium. There was a lot of people coming in and out but the lines moved fairly quickly. Lines for the elevators were long for strollers wheelchairs.

rmonlo Ibanez

Had a great time today at the Shed. Very glad I got to see the whales and dolphins on the lower levels. I recommend starting on the lower levels due to the crowds. Very clean easy to get around the whole aquarium. There was a lot of people coming in and out but the lines moved fairly quickly. Lines for the elevators were long for strollers wheelchairs.

William Grant

Not worth the ticket price. I visited many aquariums in many cities ana countries and usually ticket price corresponded with offering. We were in and out of the place in less than two hours, $40 per adult and $30 per kid under 12 is way too much!

Heather Perkey

What an experience! We choose the aquarium for our afternoon fun and I'm so glad we did! This place is huge! Lots of shows and interactive fun.

Zuhayr Mohammed

Absolutely loved the all the fish and their tanks. I also got to touch a sturgeon for the first time. Lots of photos worthy aquatic animals and aquascapes. oh almost forgot about the beluga whales with its baby, dolphins and penguins.

Zuhayr Mohammed

Absolutely loved the all the fish and their tanks. I also got to touch a sturgeon for the first time. Lots of photos worthy aquatic animals and aquascapes. oh almost forgot about the beluga whales with its baby, dolphins and penguins.

CorreaPlayz01 Nunya

Great place but the line to go see the sharks was super long , and my son couldn't stand to wait that long ( was driving us nuts), so we left! We visited on a Saturday, maybe that's why it was so crowded , but the kids had an amazing, educational experience regardless

Pat Jewell

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Shedd Aquarium. Loved how they so thoroughly explained the importance of all of the different marine environments and how we can all make a difference in protecting them. It's also great that they have so many rescue animals. Check out the diver feeding the coral reef!

Pat Jewell

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Shedd Aquarium. Loved how they so thoroughly explained the importance of all of the different marine environments and how we can all make a difference in protecting them. It's also great that they have so many rescue animals. Check out the diver feeding the coral reef!

Aditya Kaveria

Able to see whole aquarium in about 4 hrs. Great exhibits. Touch tank for the stingrays is awesome. Great views. Decent food. Sea otters were only out for a few minutes. They just had a baby beluga born so no show.

Hadley Ott

Unforgettable experience! An absolute must do! It is clearly evident they take expert care of their animals. The exhibits are incredibly well done and arranged. The shows are engaging, informative, and exciting. We arrived at 9 am, took a break for lunch at noontime, and left the aquarium around 3 pm. We got to do everything, some things twice since my kids loved them so much, and we were able to really experience everything they had to offer. Worth every single penny (and yes, it is pricey and totally worth it!)

Cody Ernest

What a great place for families, although I must admit, the adults spent more time with the fish and the kids spent more time playing in the submarine or the penguin play area. I really enjoyed the beluga whales, especially since they have new born calf in the tank. I enjoyed the aquatic show but more for me than I think the kids...especially nowadays.

Tyke White

It's a good way to spend half a day. For nearly 100$ for two people kinda expected a little more excitement. But it is very big, it has 4 different levels with decent cafe court.

Esther Goodell

My only complaint is the price. It is on the pricey side if you are not a Chicago resident, but you can definitely spend 2-4 hours here. There are lots of fish and the live show is really cool. It was really busy when I went, but that is probably to be expected on a weekend. Bring a water bottle to refill at their water stations and snacks to avoid paying for pricey concessions. The 4D experience was very cool, but it was also very short, which is kind of disappointing considering it costs about half of a standard movie ticket.

Raphy & Sara Feolino

We went on a Illinois resident free day. Whoops! But because we’re not residents, we could enter with the non-resident guests. Lots to see and do. There were a lot of species I haven't even seen before! But because of the huge crowds the glass started to condensate. Maybe have something to wipe that down. Overall, I was very impressed with how clean they keep their facilities. It took us about 3 hours to do everything, eat and a 4-D film included. We watched the Sea Monsters film which was really cool to learn about prehistoric aquatic creatures. When we ate lunch, we paid $30 for 2 slices of pizza and a salad. That's too pricey and the quality of food wasn't great. I wish they had fresher options or a way to keep their pizza more fresh. Would love to return on a non crowded day with our own lunch sack. ***free admission for military***

Raphy & Sara Feolino

We went on a Illinois resident free day. Whoops! But because we’re not residents, we could enter with the non-resident guests. Lots to see and do. There were a lot of species I haven't even seen before! But because of the huge crowds the glass started to condensate. Maybe have something to wipe that down. Overall, I was very impressed with how clean they keep their facilities. It took us about 3 hours to do everything, eat and a 4-D film included. We watched the Sea Monsters film which was really cool to learn about prehistoric aquatic creatures. When we ate lunch, we paid $30 for 2 slices of pizza and a salad. That's too pricey and the quality of food wasn't great. I wish they had fresher options or a way to keep their pizza more fresh. Would love to return on a non crowded day with our own lunch sack. ***free admission for military***

Kelly F

How could you not love the Shedd! I guess if it's too busy it might not be the easiest to get up to the front of each tank, but the day we went was perfect. If you get there early enough there is parking right next to the building. Not a huge lot though.

Kelly F

How could you not love the Shedd! I guess if it's too busy it might not be the easiest to get up to the front of each tank, but the day we went was perfect. If you get there early enough there is parking right next to the building. Not a huge lot though.

Paula Harris

We attended a calm waters event and we had a great time. It is perfect for families that include differently abled children and/or adults. It is just the right amount of time to really see everything due to the reduced crowds. The aquatic show was amazing. Typically we don't bother trying to see them because it's just too much but the noise was down low and there weren't any crowds so we got to enjoy the show. Fair warning the 4D movie showing is still loud and can be disturbing for those with sensory processing issues. The movie feature vibrating chairs, spraying water, bubbles and blowing air to name a few.

carlos moreno

Amazing place. Get there early. The little movie is great. The dolphin show is great. The Marine life there is different. Will be back next time on city

Josh Patrick

This is a great place to visit. Very clean and well worth the admission price. There is plenty to do for younger kids. It will also bring a smile to us older kids as well. Do yourself a favor and purchase the tickets in advance. The line to buy tickets there was the longest part.

Rene Casas

This is a huge aquarium! Great for kids and military friendly...the dolphins presentation is fun and full of educational material. Included in the city pass! A must go attraction if you are visiting Chicago area! Food, lockers and restrooms available.

Charlie Burt

The Shedd is a great family friendly place to enjoy nature and aquatic wildlife. Our whole family always enjoys our time there. They have interactive aquatic galleries and a friendly staff to support you and share knowledge about the species there. If you get a chance - definitely check it out. Easily my favorite museum in Chicago.

April Lloyd

I had a lot of fun with my cousins in this place! It has a great variety of animals! Also the gift shop it's very well!

Ze n

Beautiful. A relief to finally see an aquarium where animals are kept humanely. The beluga whales and sting ray petting area are standouts. Recommend arriving before noon to avoid crowd and to catch the aquatic show. Expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours here.

Crystal C

Great aquarium! Lots to see. We love the giant salt water tanks throughout. It can definitely be a busy place. I was surprised that today wasn't so bad because it was a free day for IL residents (which was awesome because food and parking add up quickly) The touch tanks were super cool! The dolphins have a huge area to swim and seemed very happy. Fun day! It's our 2nd favorite aquarium. Definitely worth the trip.

Crystal C

Great aquarium! Lots to see. We love the giant salt water tanks throughout. It can definitely be a busy place. I was surprised that today wasn't so bad because it was a free day for IL residents (which was awesome because food and parking add up quickly) The touch tanks were super cool! The dolphins have a huge area to swim and seemed very happy. Fun day! It's our 2nd favorite aquarium. Definitely worth the trip.

Holly LaConte

A great place to spend a few hours, very educational and quite expansive as aquariums go. The cafe and gift shops were even interesting and unique. I look forward to another visit in the future!

Holly LaConte

A great place to spend a few hours, very educational and quite expansive as aquariums go. The cafe and gift shops were even interesting and unique. I look forward to another visit in the future!

Niv Pai

Huge aquarium with so many different exhibits. We went here on a weekend so the lines were super long to get in but they did move fast. The aquarium is huge with so many different exhibits and detailed information about each. The staff is also around and are very helpful if you have any questions. If you have a city pass, you get discounted rates to enter. You can easily spend couple of hours here. Highly recommend.

Mike Beresford

What a great trip out to an Aquarium. The Land and Sea (Dolphin show) is free included with the admission price! It can be quite busy here and not everyone has common decency with pushchairs and such. Great collection of aquatic animals. Food is Pricey here, I suggest packing a lunch to go! Or alternatively eat before you get here. Family friendly place. At first using the Elevators here is like a maze, but Staff are friendly and happy to help!

Lindsey Keeperman

This place is very good. I wish they would have better controll over the school groups that come in. THE teachers arent taking any action to discipline their behavior. Extremely rude. Kids. And their damaging property. And the teachers would rather talk a out drinking

Carlos Cordido

One of the biggest aquariums I have been too. Lots of locals and tourist but enough room to visit all exhibits comfortably. There is a show on trained dolphins and sea lions - not a fan of that. 15 minutes 4D movie was interesting and entertaining. Recommended.

Joseph Yamaguchi

Took behind the scenes tour, it was interesting enough and the guide did a good job overall but for the price probably not enough "wow" for most visitors, certainly not for kids.. Beautiful facility with lots of history and multiple exhibits. Lots of cool species to learn about. Easy to spend 2 to 3 hours here, likely more with kids or on busier days.

Jose Viola

Awesome place for those who loves to explore millions of sea creatures and learn their various habitats. Lines can get very long on weekends and free parking are limited. There are paid parking which ranges from $20- $50 in certain days.

Julian Boehnert Krueger

An excellent way to spend the afternoon if you're visiting the windy City like I was. It's a large aquarium with a wide variety of species from all over the globe. An entertaining dolphin show is included with the purchase of your ticket. The only critisim I have is that the 4d movie showing was very short despite having to pay extra.

George Dravillas

Oh, I have had a lot of good memories at this place. Mostly on field trips for school/summer camp. I have taken pictures, Seen tons of marine life, and touched stingrays. Good place.

Rejean Wagner

Just buy the year membership!! Great place to take kids. My son and I enjoyed it very much.

Sharyn Meffin

Lots of great displays of fish and habitats. Great awareness of change in land use effects. Person who took our tickets (we had City pass which meant we didn't need to queue) did not tell us we had to get additional tickets for the dolphin show although she told us the times and that we had paid for it.

Joe Davila

I have not been here since I was a kid, it is very cool for not having an ocean nearby! It's a great way to spend a few hours. Here is a tip though, get your aquatic experience passes early, its included with your general admission ticket but you still need to scan you ticket and get the passes at the kiosks. The show fills up quick and seating is limited. Typical, expensive food and gifts for a big city attraction but overall fun.

Charlie Schafer

It's a great aquarium. They have plenty of free days throughout the year and I would definitely recommend it. Lots of variety and the dolphin show was fun to watch.

Konamaneti Sreenivasa Reddy.

What a lovely collection. Jelly fish, corals, Sea horse, rare species. So much to see at one place. Kids can have lot of fun. Watch sharks and dolphins from top and bottom. Touch and feel... Stingray fish. Galleries exclusive for Amazon, Oceanarium bigger one ever saw had a huge collection of Sea mammals. Thousands of species to feast the eyes and mind. You may miss any other.... But don't miss this unique huge Aquarium. Enjoy a 4D show with a little cost inside the house. The building has great architecture.

Trish / Patty Skudlarek

A fun place. Went on a particular night set aside for persons with disabilities and / or sensory issues. Great night to explore the aquarium

Nicholas Napier

Let me tell you, your kids will love you for taking you to this place. We went to go see the 3D movie they had playing 2 times. My kids got to touch a stingray, a starfish, and got to see the beluga whales in action. Definitely a full day of family fun. Make sure when you go, did you get the 4D passes as well. I would definitely recommend others going as well as myself going again

Yoli Luna

This was a really nice aquarium with a circular layout so it didn't seem like you could miss anything. The thing about Chicago is that they itemize your experience. I was happy with the basic fee because I didn't have a lot of time. The store was great. I found a lot of cute items.

Nandini Sharma

Fun place. Loved the dolphin show.it was excellent. And the staff is super helpful.i accidentally booked my ticket for the next month and they changed it instantly without any extra charge.thank you guys.

Joseph Yamaguchi

Took behind the scenes tour, it was interesting enough and the guide did a good job overall but for the price probably not enough "wow" for most visitors, certainly not for kids.. Beautiful facility with lots of history and multiple exhibits. Lots of cool species to learn about. Easy to spend 2 to 3 hours here, likely more with kids or on busier days.

Cory Williams

Gotta love the Shedd. Always something to see and enjoy. Lots of sea life and exhibits to see. Very nice place to go on a date.

Pete Human

So much to see. Stunning visuals. Very impressive structure and arrangement. Beautiful, rich and colorful aquarium with equally beautiful aquatic creatures of all shapes, form, sizes and color. You are transported into an entirely new world as you've never seen or imagined.

Emily Larson

A must see if you like sea life and are in Chicago. It’s also a bargain of a price! The Shedd has a wide diversity of sea critters, amphibians, mammals, insects, and birds! My favorite exhibits were: the dolphin show, the sting ray touch pool, the sea otters, the penguins, and the Wild Reef. Also, the cafeteria was great because it offered so many choices.

Brandon W

I have never seen so many fish and reptiles in my life. This far surpasses the National Aquarium in Baltimore for species, exhibits and awe factor. My favorite was seeing the 10 day old beluga whale calf play with the mother. Cafeteria was okay, the soda machines had no fizz to them though. Price was normal for being inside of such a museum. My big complaint would be about the patrons. Parents... keep your kids close! Don’t let them cut people at the glass. It specifically states not the walls to look after the kids and not allow them To cut or bang on the glass. It’s a good way to catch a knee to the face when they cross cross out of the viewers. Also... turn the flag off on your phones! Don’t be the fool who can’t read and leaves the flash on. It happens like every 3 minutes on exhibits and the guides have to stop their show to tell someone to stop. Simple etiquette would go a long way to navigating for a better experience.

Esther Goodell

My only complaint is the price. It is on the pricey side if you are not a Chicago resident, but you can definitely spend 2-4 hours here. There are lots of fish and the live show is really cool. It was really busy when I went, but that is probably to be expected on a weekend. Bring a water bottle to refill at their water stations and snacks to avoid paying for pricey concessions. The 4D experience was very cool, but it was also very short, which is kind of disappointing considering it costs about half of a standard movie ticket.

Lauren Foran

Love.the layout, the walkability to so many other fun things in Chicago. Clean, fun great big gift shop, kids toys are reasonable. So much fun to revisit as an adult with my little one!!

Rahman W.

Very nice aquarium. Great entertainment for the entire family with a lot of exhibits to see. They also support the military with great discounts! Highly recommended!

Cheryl Ridenour

Beautiful aquarium. Such a fabulous location. Close to everything. We saw the dolphin show and the new baby beluga whale. Part of our City Pass and well worth it. Another great destination and star in the crown of Chicago!

Felicia B

Fantastic. I love the staff and the animals and the shows. I also loved that the whole building backs up against lake michigan. It made for a nice effect during the aquatic show. There was a lot to look at too, but not so much that you felt overwhelmed or that you wouldn't have enough time to see everything. Easily manageable in a couple of hours. Great for kids too! Lots of hands on stations

Branden Franklin

Very cool Aquarium! Knowledgeable staff is ready for any question you throw at them. Seeing beluga whales up close was an experience, but knowing that they are also in good spirits in their containment’s was even better. The architecture of those building has many small details that will please your eye...look closely. I went for the Wednesday night experience and had a blast with the best view of the city I had on my stay in Chicago. Thanks max for convincing us to attend the event! The only thing I wish that they would include is the impact that humans are making on the species and habitats presented.

Nathaniel Jones

Super awesome aquarium. All of the exhibits are amazing and the shows are really cool! We watched the 4d shark film and it was both beautiful and terrifying. This is a great place for kids. Also we had someone in a wheelchair with my group and we were able to do everything the aquarium offered! You have to visit this place!

Scarah Fulci

This is a wonderful place to visit. There are many different species of water life to observe and enjoy. Would you like to touch a sturgeon? They have a place to do that. Would you like to see an otter? They are adorable. This is a great place to take your children and enjoy the natural wonders of our Rivers, Lakes, and oceans.

Carolina Carpio

I think it is wonderful! There are many educational kid corners and there is a great variety of sea life :)

AnnMarie Biancalana

The Shedd Aquarium is my favorite place to visit. It’s so informative with an expansive map of exhibits and things to see. Wild Reef is the MUST-see... floor to ceiling glass to watch sharks, fish, and rays. The Shedd is a great place for all ages. Food is great, everything is clean, staff are nice and helpful.

Thomas Novelli

Great exhibits and great staff. A bit pricey but still very enjoyable. Be sure to visit the stingrays and sturgeons!

Timothy Johns

Shedd has a great diversity of sea life neatly displayed. We really enjoyed the aquatic show. My kids loved petting the stingrays and sturgeon too (especially our 4yr old daughter). We went on a weekday morning and were able to park closer to the planetarium on the street ($2 per hr).

Michelle Reid

To see all the various fish was amazing. Really neat place. I would highly recommend it! However parking for the day is going to be at least additional $25.00 plus and if you eat there you are going to easily drop another $40-$80 easily. Plus if you go to the gift shop. So make sure you have extra money on you to go!!

Aditya Kaveria

Able to see whole aquarium in about 4 hrs. Great exhibits. Touch tank for the stingrays is awesome. Great views. Decent food. Sea otters were only out for a few minutes. They just had a baby beluga born so no show.

Josh G

The building was nice and clean. Parking was not far away. Was very disappointed in the prices. Double the price for out of town guests is outrageous. Plus the staff that were working there were not nice and had attitude if you asked a simple question. $80 for 2 adults from out of town is crazy!

Aleesia Jackson

Jazzin' at the Shed was AMAZING! The view of the fireworks were great. The crowd was very diverse and the food was good! Both bands were great inside and outside.

Supermom pooja

Love this place early birds get parking .otherwise there is no free parking some free shows 4d shows are there nice and clean tanks variety of aquatic animals. Main attraction is beluga whales and dolphin show that is for free with your ticket. Food courts was not good for vegetarians.food was

Krista S

I really enjoyed this Aquarium. It was very easy to navigate and had wide hallways. I highly recommend buying you tickets ahead of time to avoid the line at the door. The exhibits were beautiful and well maintained. If you are looking for an experience without all the kids, look into their 21 plus nights. I hear it is amazing!

Fareeha Rahman

It was so nicely organized and clean. Loved the hand washing stations after being able to touch some of the fish.

Rene Casas

This is a huge aquarium! Great for kids and military friendly...the dolphins presentation is fun and full of educational material. Included in the city pass! A must go attraction if you are visiting Chicago area! Food, lockers and restrooms available.

Miguel Alejandro Rodriguez Portella

I don’t have words to describe this experience is awesome, 100% percent recommendation, if you want to see the 4D you need to pay more 5$ dollars include taxes, how many times you sighting the aquarium ? 2-3 hours I think, Sep 2,3 and other days is free for resident Illinois showing your ID.

Mike Beresford

What a great trip out to an Aquarium. The Land and Sea (Dolphin show) is free included with the admission price! It can be quite busy here and not everyone has common decency with pushchairs and such. Great collection of aquatic animals. Food is Pricey here, I suggest packing a lunch to go! Or alternatively eat before you get here. Family friendly place. At first using the Elevators here is like a maze, but Staff are friendly and happy to help!

Jenna Spangler

This is a fun aquarium! The exhibits are well thought out and educational. I really loved my visit.

Nick Sattelmaier

Highly recommend going here. It's a really awesome aquarium. There is so much to do here, honestly was super impressed with my entire experience.

Ashton Leinen

The staff were kind and knowledgeable. All employees I talked loved what they did and loved to talk about the animals. The little shows I went to about turtles and sharks were short fun and informative. Very clean facility. Clean signage for all aquatic life in each exhibit and the info panels around the exhibits were fun to read. Great place to spend several hours!

Steve Gieser

This fabled 89-year-old aquarium is one of Chicago’s great museums. It is worth paying attention to the architecture with its many aquatic motifs inside and outside the building. Over two million visitors come each year, and it is often uncomfortably crowded and stuffy inside. Overall, the aquarium is dated when compared to other aquariums around the country. But it is still worth a visit, particularly at an off-hour during the week when there are a bit less visitors.

Michael Dawes

Great facilities and shows. Very well laid out and great assortment of aquatic life. Had a wonderful day with my son here. It was extremely crowded as the day we visited there was an event that offered some free or discounted admission. Even with the extra wait times it was very enjoyable.

Clint Farrell

Easy to spend half a day to a day here depending on how long you look. Couple small play areas for little kids. Great photo opportunities. City Pass is helpful if you're visiting the other tourist sites

K Alexander

Awesome! Great place for friendly family fun to adult entertainment during the summertime with the Shedd's, Jazzin at the Shedd events on select evenings. You get an awesome view of the city while you hangout with some interesting aquatic friends. The fantastic work that the Shedd performs everyday to preserve life and educate the public is why I am a member, they ROCK!

Desiree Kirby

I'm giving the aquarium only 4 stars because they continue to use dolphins and beluga whales in shows for the public. In a time where other facilities are phasing them out, I feel like a reputable aquarium such as this should be doing the same. The shows did provide some educational information, but not enough to justify keeping them in my opinion. All of the other exhibits were great, however. I really enjoyed the rivers exhibit and the Caribbean reef tank.

jessica munZing

Love this place. What can I say... You're going to love it. It's big, full of knowledge, great staff, good entertainment, amazing displays!!! Gift store and food a little over priced. But it's downtown'ish Chicago. One of the main attractions.

Maurice Powell

I couldn't believe how nice this location in Chicago was based on my first visit here. Very family friendly, lots to do... Is off of lake Michigan and is in an amazing location. If you're ever in the Chicago area... Spend a few days at Navy Pier.. you won't be disappointed. As for shedd aquarium.. smaller than other aquariums I've been to, BUT you won't be disappointed as they have much to see here AND it's also in front of lake Michigan.

Jacque Paris

The Shedd Aquarium always has something to see. New baby beluga whale was incredible to see swimming slwith his mother. Such a graceful and friendly whale. They always seem like they are smiling at you!

Jose Viola

Awesome place for those who loves to explore millions of sea creatures and learn their various habitats. Lines can get very long on weekends and free parking are limited. There are paid parking which ranges from $20- $50 in certain days.

Chris Godfrey

Best aquarium I've ever been to. I was there for the whole day and saw maybe 2/3 of the offerings. Definitely pay extra for the penguin experience. You get to pet one and learn a ton.

CB IV

We try and come down to the Shedd once a year with the kids. This year we ended up going during the polar vortex which sounds like a bad idea, but once we got inside we literally had the whole place to ourselves. Not many people were out (understandable) so we were able to enjoy the day there and kids got to do everything with only a hand full of other people around the whole time.

Natasha Jackson

SO crowded, there is no flow to this place at all! It's a shame, I love being able to go to an aquarium and just look at all the aquatic life, but instead I had to watch out in case I was trampled. From what I was able to see though, the aquarium is beautiful and there was lots of information around the exhibits (if you can get close enough to the exhibit to read them). Like any other crowded place you get your fare share of extremely rude people, but the staff was very nice and knowledgeable.

pauline sachar

This place is so good and so crowded. We love packing a lunch and having a picnic on the LL2 to watch the dolphins and belugas swim by. The exhibits are gorgeous and inspirational.

Wayne Persico

The Shedd is a great experience, as long as you have the money to enjoy it. Once you get past the steep entry price and over priced food, there is nothing else to complain about. During my 16+ years in the military I was lucky enough to travel around the world twice, and visited a lot of aquariums along the way. Next to the aquarium in Okinawa, the Shedd is the best. There are so many different sections to visit, some additional exhibits that are free, (as well as some that you have to pay for), and seasonal events if you are lucky enough to be there when one is taking place. If you choose, you can easily spend a bulk of the day there, and then wander out and take in another site, or jump a short cab ride to the Pier and enjoy the rest of your night. Overall, the Shedd has always been, and will always be one of my favorite parts of getting to go home.

David Hong

The Shedd is an excellent way to look at fish and still be near the lake. You have great views all around. It's a bit pricey to get in but it's a great way to explore Chicago.

Stephanie Withers

Awesome aquarium and a bit better food selections with better prices would make it a 5 star. The dolphins and beluga whales are fantastic and the aquarium is HUGE! It was very busy and the birth of the new beluga did complicate foot traffic through the aquarium. All in all, great aquarium, just bring your lunch!

Scott Bedell

A fun family visit. Often has free days, but they tend to be very busy. This building is smaller than other museums, so pace yourself and enjoy every window. You can speed through the Sheds Aquarium in an hour or casually stroll through in a few hours. Extra exhibits/shows require tickets. Supports a great cause and positive research.

Adriane Morgan

Awesome views. A bit wet as you go down to see penguins, but just have to be careful. Love the free days. That way if you pay to do or see the other attractions, you wont feel like your money is gone so fast.

Murad Ilyasov

Great place to spend some quality time with a family/kids. Being in the museum campus and proximity to Planetarium and the Field museum is a huge bonus. Dolphin show and stingray touching is a must :-) 4D/5D shark movie is okay but could be skipped as my 7 year old didn’t like it while 10 year old loved it.

Ілля Москалюк

Great place! A lot of different kinds of fish and not only can be found here. I can compare this place with Monterey aquarium. It feels a little bit smaller than Monterey one, but it still requires at least 4 hours for visit. Also some show with dolphins included into program. I am really appreciate this.

Joshua Maish

It was a busy place! A little bit of a pain getting a small stroller in and out but I'm sure they had accommodations. Lots of cool interactions for kids. And definitely a lot to see!

Sarang Parikh

One of the largest and detailed aquariums we have ever been to. The dolphin amphitheatre was amazing along with the Beluga whales. Great for kids and adults alike. Price isn't cheap but goes towards a good cause.

David Hunke

Awesome Aquarium with great architecture and a lot of nice exhibits. Whales, dolphins, sharks, reptiles, turtles, etc. All on display. Well worth the trip for young and old. Also has tremendous views of the Chicago Skyline but the best views of all are at the Planetarium near by.

Chris Grenda

Awesome aquarium, the Beluga whales are amazing. The food court is a little on the pricey side ($33 for a burger, 4 piece chicken tenders 2 order of fries and 2 cokes but the view is great. Right on Lake Michigan. I would love to go again.

Daisy Rettaliata

We went the first Sunday of the month. For FREE! Bank of America pays for museums the first full weekend of the month for B of A credit card or debit card holders. There are some restrictions, like the aquarium is Sundays only, so check their website before you go places. There are tons of free places across the nation - not just in Chicago! Get your free dolphin encounters tickets early. There's a kiosk downstairs. Make sure to visit the Reef area - you have to take the elevator down. My favorite part. Kids loved the whales.

Jill Gentry

So many people. If you don't like crowds, run! Despite all the people we could see all the exhibits easily. The staff was helpful with directions. The service in the restaurant was slow, they lost our order, but were apologetic. My only issue is the cost. It is way too expensive.

Holly Rawlings

Worth every penny!!! Great for all ages. Having a 9 and a 2 year old it's difficult to find things they will both enjoy. But, Shedd was perfect for both. Spent over 3 hours and still didn't get to experience everything.

DJMS PRODUCTIONS

Love this place!!! Been going here since kindergarten!! Being able to take my sons and grandchild was a pretty cool thing! They have so much more to do now and ts still a great day with the fish. The Beluga Whales fascinated my kids the most. I might have to say...me too lol

Mark Emmons

Jazz at the Shedd on Wednesdays is an exceptional event! Three music platforms, beverage stations throughout, a decent serving of jerk chicken or jambalaya bowls for a moderate price, great educational lecture makes this event a go to! Did I mention you also have the opportunity to view all the exhibits Shedd offers in a less crowded and more leisurely pace. It's a new take on having wine with your fish!

Genevieve Kai

I love the Shedd!! So many experiences and even just going for a few hours is definitely worth it! The Beluga encounter was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my whole life!!

Irandira Gonzalez

Simply amazing inside and outside too. It was clean and very spacious. They have military discounts. And really yummy hotdog stands outside.

Samuel Strother

Very cool aquarium!! Definitely worth the visit. Don't miss on your next visit to Chicago. The kids will love it!!

Joseph Middleton

Always a great place to see, experience, and interact with aquatic life. Shedd Aquarium provides a wonderful space to get closer to nature and some amazing animals. With all of the education, rehabilitation, and work they do to ensure the quality of life, you can be sure that paying admission at Shedd is going towards a wonderful institution.

Kelsey White

This is my first real aquarium visit, so I'm pretty easily impressed. This place is large and has a wonderful variety with interactive touch screens that tell you what things are. My only issues are the general price (my family came on free day, BUT if my family of 3 came during a normal day, it could cost us over $100 just to get in) as well as the lack of nearby parking. Even the paid for parking, is a bit of a walk away. And my last problem, is the location. Driving through Chicago just is not my cup of tea. The actual visit to the aquarium though was very pleasant.

raul ibarra

It always has been nice every time. I did the 3d experience and touch the stingrays. Good time. I recommend it.

Josh Patrick

This is a great place to visit. Very clean and well worth the admission price. There is plenty to do for younger kids. It will also bring a smile to us older kids as well. Do yourself a favor and purchase the tickets in advance. The line to buy tickets there was the longest part.

Wesley Higgins

Excellent aquarium. Be sure to book the Land and Sea show ticket as soon as you get there it was a great show and you don't want to miss it.

Shifa SK

It was a good experience.. it’s a very huge aquarium, various types of aquatic lives all under one roof.. walking all way around , kinda got exhausted in the end .,it’s so dame huge, try to get timings before only n plan accordingly for special shows , I felt they r charging quite more but again , they have mainted it pretty well , so it’s fine I guess . I enjoyed the dolphin show n string ray touch.. memorable experience ..

Nakita Benjamin

Went in a free day. The staff was AMAZING! Kind, attentive and informative. Beluga whales made the entire trip that much better

Thea Banis

This is probably the best Aquarium I've been too. After being in Colorado the last 4 hours nothing can compare to The Shedd. They have such an expansive variety of fish, clean atmosphere, it's the perfect place for families wanting to spend the day away! You must see the 4D movies, stingray exhibit, and the dolphin show! All the animals look extremely taken care of and happy. The Shedd has rehabilitated and rescued many of the animals who live there. A must see if you find yourself in the city!

Niv Pai

Huge aquarium with so many different exhibits. We went here on a weekend so the lines were super long to get in but they did move fast. The aquarium is huge with so many different exhibits and detailed information about each. The staff is also around and are very helpful if you have any questions. If you have a city pass, you get discounted rates to enter. You can easily spend couple of hours here. Highly recommend.

Jeremy Odden

Nice aquarium, though not as large as it appears to be. The live show is worth it, and the 4D shows are short but fun. Depending on your reading speed, easily doable in 2 hours.

Sarah Bleecker

This is a beautiful aquarium! There were so many animals from all over the world. Shedd not only has fish but also dolphins, penguins, frogs, tide pool animals, turtles, sea stars, moon jellies, and sharks, among other animals. The dolphin show was fantastic! It was free to get in with the price of your admission. You just have to go to a kiosk to get the show ticket since there are limited seats. There was a nice variety of eating choices including snack bars, coffee, kid friendly (read: fried food & pizza) meals, and some healthier choices (salads, sandwiches, etc.). The building was well laid out, there were plenty of bathrooms & drinking fountains, and the elevators were clearly labeled.

Cord Torres

This museum is definitely a great experience. Come ready to spend several hours there. No outside food or drink so if you get hungry you're going to be paying a pretty penny. Amazing creatures that they have on display, but even on a slow day it's going to be crowded. The 4D movie experience was fun. MOST IMPORTANT: find out what discounts you can get before you go such as Student Discounts.

Matt Overman

Fun place. Highly recommend you get the city pass. Do multiple things in the city and get priority entrance. The land and sea show was worth the wait!

April Lloyd

I had a lot of fun with my cousins in this place! It has a great variety of animals! Also the gift shop it's very well!

Colleen Lemasters

I really enjoyed this past visit to the Shedd. They have a wonderful new exhibit called Underwater Beauty, which shows off amazing fish and corals. It’s a well curated exhibit! A staff member named Steve was especially great to talk too. We just happened to start talking to him and took us back to the huge shark tank to show us where some of the more unusual animals like to nap, such as the Saw Fish and the Wobbegong Shark. It was really cool and added a little something extra to our visit.

Robert Martinez

This is a world class aquarium. A must see for any tourist visiting the city. The water show is spectacular, employees and volunteers are helpful. I have done the Sea Otter experience and it was great! Got to be up close to the otters that are housed. If you are able to get a ticket, do it! Don't even hesitate.

Stephanie de Palacios

I enjoyed this place very much, I recomend the dolphins show is amazing, also I now it's only on summer but the entrance of the aquarium it's simple great I have never seen cocoa shells decorating the garden I will believe that has a purpose, the smell was delicious for me and for those cocoa lovers!

Joseph Clevenger

This was a pretty beautiful place ''but'' I honestly have to say for the price I'm thinking they could add some more features because a lot of the tanks are very small. I mean if you're charging $4 for a small 8 oz box of water, hopefully they're spending that money on updating the place. It is worth a first-time trip I don't know if I would go a second time.

Carmel Grace

Perfect when it’s a rainy day or cold outside! Kids will have a lot of fun and gets entertained with the fishes & everything! Though, it’s a little pricey if you’re not a member..

Jer S

Enjoyed the aquarium. I did find navigating through the aquarium somewhat of a challenge. However the exhibits were beautifully done to theme and the variety of underwater life wonderfully exciting.

Ellen Christensen

The aquarium itself is wonderful. A good variety of exhibits to attract all ages. My only problem with it is the "food court". Not a lot of variety in choices and for the price (which is up there) not great food. Maybe a few more hot food items could be offered, because the chicken and wild rice I had would have been so much better if it had been hot or even warm, instead of cold as it was served.

Jeannie Lee

Very much enjoyed this place. Great for all ages. We watched a dolphin show before seeing the many other aquatic life they have to offer.

Pam L

This aquarium is beautiful. It's a must visit every time I'm in Chicago. There are so many animals from all over the world and they are absolutely fascinating. You definitely need all day to visit if you want to see everything and take pictures. It's worth every penny if you love anything and everything related to the water. I would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets online (or get the City Pass if you plan on visiting The Field Museum too). The line can get pretty long and if you buy your tickets online you get to skip the line of people waiting in line to get tickets.

Ze n

Beautiful. A relief to finally see an aquarium where animals are kept humanely. The beluga whales and sting ray petting area are standouts. Recommend arriving before noon to avoid crowd and to catch the aquatic show. Expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours here.

tahoor hanafi

A pretty sweet place for families with who have toddlers and young kids. Lots of different types of species from different types of habitats. They also have a dolphin, whale, and seal show. You also get to touch different types of fish.

Paula Harris

We attended a calm waters event and we had a great time. It is perfect for families that include differently abled children and/or adults. It is just the right amount of time to really see everything due to the reduced crowds. The aquatic show was amazing. Typically we don't bother trying to see them because it's just too much but the noise was down low and there weren't any crowds so we got to enjoy the show. Fair warning the 4D movie showing is still loud and can be disturbing for those with sensory processing issues. The movie feature vibrating chairs, spraying water, bubbles and blowing air to name a few.

Ryan Wilhite

Attention parents! Great (not cheap) place to go with your kids if you have a multiple day stay in Chicago. Start out in the basement and work your way up. Decent food options and plenty of places to go and eat any home meals.

Josh E K

Outstanding aquarium with excellent quality exhibits and lots of ways to interact. My son loved it. We're thinking about becoming members.

Eric Saenz

I could spend the whole week here! Absolutely beautiful and informative as always. I was with a handicap individual and the exhibits are very wheelchair/stroller friendly. The diversity of the exhibits and species is ridiculous. Truly a world class aquarium.

Cody Ernest

What a great place for families, although I must admit, the adults spent more time with the fish and the kids spent more time playing in the submarine or the penguin play area. I really enjoyed the beluga whales, especially since they have new born calf in the tank. I enjoyed the aquatic show but more for me than I think the kids...especially nowadays.

Shea Gordon

What a fantastic aquarium!!! Very well maintained and the staff clearly cares for and loves all the fish and animals. The kids loved it and were engaged the entire time, especially with the stingrays. 100% worth the price as it's fun for both kids and adults.

Shea Gordon

What a fantastic aquarium!!! Very well maintained and the staff clearly cares for and loves all the fish and animals. The kids loved it and were engaged the entire time, especially with the stingrays. 100% worth the price as it's fun for both kids and adults.

Tracy Carnevale

A definite must-see when in Chicago. The show is awesome, and brings awareness to the ocean wildlife. Dolphins, beluga whales, and so much more to see.

Drew Pratt

Great aquarium, a large diversity of marine life to admire. I only wish there was more information about the species of fish they had besides just the name and location of habitat, but overall it was a great experience.

Michael Kim

One of the best aquariums in the US that I've been to. It's right near Lake Michigan so it's beautiful inside and out. The facilities were clean and the kids loved it. I love going here.

Michael Kim

One of the best aquariums in the US that I've been to. It's right near Lake Michigan so it's beautiful inside and out. The facilities were clean and the kids loved it. I love going here.

Khoi Nguyen

One of my favorite museums. This particular one features 4 floors and animals from all across the world. Layout is very easy to navigate around. I booked my City pass online and saved up to 50% off the daily rate. It comes with a 4 D show as well. This aquarium has plenty of activities for small children and very kid proof. Smell and temperature wise its kept in control here. Theres so much to do here and I feel I need at least 6 hours to see everything. I'll definitely be back to check out the dolphins and other exhibits.

Crystal Bishop

Fun with kids. Food is not great dont waste your money on that. New 4d show for kids was awesome there were real bubbles!

Erik Ducksworth

Love the IL residents free days! Great place lots of fun things for kids to do and see. Gets very crowded and parking can be tough. But very enjoyable.

Erik Ducksworth

Love the IL residents free days! Great place lots of fun things for kids to do and see. Gets very crowded and parking can be tough. But very enjoyable.

Paul Lauck

Not just for kids. Adults will really enjoy the Shedd as well. It's easy to miss the exit as it is not marked as well as you might expect.

Paul Lauck

Not just for kids. Adults will really enjoy the Shedd as well. It's easy to miss the exit as it is not marked as well as you might expect.

Timothy Johns

Shedd has a great diversity of sea life neatly displayed. We really enjoyed the aquatic show. My kids loved petting the stingrays and sturgeon too (especially our 4yr old daughter). We went on a weekday morning and were able to park closer to the planetarium on the street ($2 per hr).

Nick Sattelmaier

Highly recommend going here. It's a really awesome aquarium. There is so much to do here, honestly was super impressed with my entire experience.

Sarang Parikh

One of the largest and detailed aquariums we have ever been to. The dolphin amphitheatre was amazing along with the Beluga whales. Great for kids and adults alike. Price isn't cheap but goes towards a good cause.

Ellen Christensen

The aquarium itself is wonderful. A good variety of exhibits to attract all ages. My only problem with it is the "food court". Not a lot of variety in choices and for the price (which is up there) not great food. Maybe a few more hot food items could be offered, because the chicken and wild rice I had would have been so much better if it had been hot or even warm, instead of cold as it was served.

Emily B.

This is a great place to visit for couples who travel with kids. Otherwise this normally wouldn’t be on my list to see. Impressive aquarium but after awhile, they are all similar. I appreciated that there’s no separate ticketing/extra fees for the shows at this aquarium. The information are presented nicely and staff members all seem very friendly and patient.

Amanda Hurst

Such a cool aquarium and location! It does get really busy and hard to actually see stuff. But there are a lot of cool things. I love the Belugas and the octopus.

Amanda Hurst

Such a cool aquarium and location! It does get really busy and hard to actually see stuff. But there are a lot of cool things. I love the Belugas and the octopus.

Pete Human

So much to see. Stunning visuals. Very impressive structure and arrangement. Beautiful, rich and colorful aquarium with equally beautiful aquatic creatures of all shapes, form, sizes and color. You are transported into an entirely new world as you've never seen or imagined.

Daemien Curow

It was great! There were a ton of views and many close up experiences as well. In addition, there was a behind-the-scenes tour that showed some of the operations that took place unseen.

Lady E

Loved it. Great dolphin show included with admission. Loved seeing the sturgeon you could touch.

Marc Johnson

The only negative is parking. Always enjoy the ever changing live show. The 4 D movie experience is worth it ( they even have a good one for toddlers). There is a play space on the lower level across from the penguin exhibit. The best part of the aquarium is the jazz on Wednesdays evenings ( starts at 5pm) in the summer.

Marc Johnson

The only negative is parking. Always enjoy the ever changing live show. The 4 D movie experience is worth it ( they even have a good one for toddlers). There is a play space on the lower level across from the penguin exhibit. The best part of the aquarium is the jazz on Wednesdays evenings ( starts at 5pm) in the summer.

Amilie Fawn

Fantastic aquarium. Simply stunning enclosures and well kept species. The floor plan is easy to navigate and all of the tanks have a unique flair, so don't pass any up! They also have interactive stations to tell about the animals in each exhibit. I would like to see something bigger for their cetaceans and the lobster (I'm not sure if the sturgeon petting enclosure is their permanent residence or if they have a larger aquarium for them), but otherwise I feel everything else has ample space for a happy life. I will be coming back someday to show the family, would highly recommend!

Lauren Foran

Love.the layout, the walkability to so many other fun things in Chicago. Clean, fun great big gift shop, kids toys are reasonable. So much fun to revisit as an adult with my little one!!

Jeremy Odden

Nice aquarium, though not as large as it appears to be. The live show is worth it, and the 4D shows are short but fun. Depending on your reading speed, easily doable in 2 hours.

Beulah Lane

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best aquariums I've visited during my time of traveling. We had so many different areas to visit and I really enjoyed how easy it was to navigate throughout the entire place. All the sections were nicely organized, detailed with information about each dish and reptile, with informative signs pointing to where we should walk to next. We even got a chance to touch the leathery sturgeon! One thing we missed out on was playing with stingrays, as that opens up in late-May and we were there a little bit prior. We enjoyed the beluga show as well, which was fascinating and beautiful. Very entertaining, and very fitting for large groups of students. We saw plenty of groups of students on field trips that particular Tuesday. It was so cute! When we come back, I'd want to check our the stingray touch for sure.

Beulah Lane

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best aquariums I've visited during my time of traveling. We had so many different areas to visit and I really enjoyed how easy it was to navigate throughout the entire place. All the sections were nicely organized, detailed with information about each dish and reptile, with informative signs pointing to where we should walk to next. We even got a chance to touch the leathery sturgeon! One thing we missed out on was playing with stingrays, as that opens up in late-May and we were there a little bit prior. We enjoyed the beluga show as well, which was fascinating and beautiful. Very entertaining, and very fitting for large groups of students. We saw plenty of groups of students on field trips that particular Tuesday. It was so cute! When we come back, I'd want to check our the stingray touch for sure.

Sonna Egbers

If you've been to a really good aquarium, you'll be disappointed. I was expecting much, much more. Plenty of river fish. No information about the fish, the rivers or habitats, nada. Not educational. Very disappointing sea water section. The beluga/ dolphin show was pretty cool but honestly, I'd be just as happy simply being able to view them swimming and doing their thing rather than tricks. I gotta say though, seeing them leap out of the water is pretty spectacular. Very cool sting ray touching attraction. Don't know if it's stressful for the rays though. Small selection of food with a great view of the lake.

Desiree Kirby

I'm giving the aquarium only 4 stars because they continue to use dolphins and beluga whales in shows for the public. In a time where other facilities are phasing them out, I feel like a reputable aquarium such as this should be doing the same. The shows did provide some educational information, but not enough to justify keeping them in my opinion. All of the other exhibits were great, however. I really enjoyed the rivers exhibit and the Caribbean reef tank.

Shifa SK

It was a good experience.. it’s a very huge aquarium, various types of aquatic lives all under one roof.. walking all way around , kinda got exhausted in the end .,it’s so dame huge, try to get timings before only n plan accordingly for special shows , I felt they r charging quite more but again , they have mainted it pretty well , so it’s fine I guess . I enjoyed the dolphin show n string ray touch.. memorable experience ..

Alexander V

Great place to sea and learn about aquatic life. Shedd Aquarium also has many fun activities for children of all ages. I recommend getting a year membership since it pays for it self in two trips or so.

Alexander V

Great place to sea and learn about aquatic life. Shedd Aquarium also has many fun activities for children of all ages. I recommend getting a year membership since it pays for it self in two trips or so.

Philip Heistand

Shedd Aquarium is always a good time. They have so many incredible fish and the staff there are great sources of knowledge. We probably spent about six hours there and saw every exhibit. I had no idea at the time but when I was a teenager, I hit the jackpot at Shedd. I was checking out the Caribbean display while there was a diver in the water. She was showing off a bunch of the fish while feeding them. She also coaxed out the eel enough so I could see him. Later on the same trip, I got to see the sawtooth, which they say only comes out once or twice a day. Dead serious, I got to see both! It was awesome! My second trip to Shedd wasn't quite as unique but still so much fun! Thanks, Shedd!

Branden Franklin

Very cool Aquarium! Knowledgeable staff is ready for any question you throw at them. Seeing beluga whales up close was an experience, but knowing that they are also in good spirits in their containment’s was even better. The architecture of those building has many small details that will please your eye...look closely. I went for the Wednesday night experience and had a blast with the best view of the city I had on my stay in Chicago. Thanks max for convincing us to attend the event! The only thing I wish that they would include is the impact that humans are making on the species and habitats presented.

Vickie D

Says you can finish in three hours lol, but we made every chat, the presentation, all 3 4d movies, seen EVERYTHING, ate, went in each gift shop and did the monthly behind the scenes tour in 7 hours. Behind the scenes tour was wonderful, Cameron was great! Very interesting. Recommend going to Shedd, but see everything... Spend more time looking. All three of the 4d movies were good... wouldn't be able to tell you just one to pick.

Vickie D

Says you can finish in three hours lol, but we made every chat, the presentation, all 3 4d movies, seen EVERYTHING, ate, went in each gift shop and did the monthly behind the scenes tour in 7 hours. Behind the scenes tour was wonderful, Cameron was great! Very interesting. Recommend going to Shedd, but see everything... Spend more time looking. All three of the 4d movies were good... wouldn't be able to tell you just one to pick.

Andrew Pitcher

I love the Shedd. It's an amazing place with a lot of cool animals and knowledgeable staff who are very passionate about animal welfare and conservation. The dolphin show that they do is really exceptional and educational too. It's one thing to see a dolphin in a book or on TV, but it's entirely different to see them up close and and performing a lot of their natural behaviors inside. There's also great underwater viewing for the belugas. They're one of my favorite animals, and it's amazing to see them so up close.

Andrew Pitcher

I love the Shedd. It's an amazing place with a lot of cool animals and knowledgeable staff who are very passionate about animal welfare and conservation. The dolphin show that they do is really exceptional and educational too. It's one thing to see a dolphin in a book or on TV, but it's entirely different to see them up close and and performing a lot of their natural behaviors inside. There's also great underwater viewing for the belugas. They're one of my favorite animals, and it's amazing to see them so up close.

Chris Godfrey

Best aquarium I've ever been to. I was there for the whole day and saw maybe 2/3 of the offerings. Definitely pay extra for the penguin experience. You get to pet one and learn a ton.

Konamaneti Sreenivasa Reddy.

What a lovely collection. Jelly fish, corals, Sea horse, rare species. So much to see at one place. Kids can have lot of fun. Watch sharks and dolphins from top and bottom. Touch and feel... Stingray fish. Galleries exclusive for Amazon, Oceanarium bigger one ever saw had a huge collection of Sea mammals. Thousands of species to feast the eyes and mind. You may miss any other.... But don't miss this unique huge Aquarium. Enjoy a 4D show with a little cost inside the house. The building has great architecture.

COLLECT PLAY & CREATE

What can I say, it's a must visit place whether you live or visit Chicago. Best Aquarium, I have ever visit. Plenty to look at . They even have a large reef on the lower level. Their dolphin show is awesome. The place has a food court or you can bring your own food. They have rays when weather gets warmer. In our opinion it has always being a fun experience

COLLECT PLAY & CREATE

What can I say, it's a must visit place whether you live or visit Chicago. Best Aquarium, I have ever visit. Plenty to look at . They even have a large reef on the lower level. Their dolphin show is awesome. The place has a food court or you can bring your own food. They have rays when weather gets warmer. In our opinion it has always being a fun experience

Clint Farrell

Easy to spend half a day to a day here depending on how long you look. Couple small play areas for little kids. Great photo opportunities. City Pass is helpful if you're visiting the other tourist sites

Mike Williams

Was a fun time the beluga whales was worth seeing for me. Something you wont see in the wild for most people. Parking was close also.

Mike Williams

Was a fun time the beluga whales was worth seeing for me. Something you wont see in the wild for most people. Parking was close also.

Cord Torres

This museum is definitely a great experience. Come ready to spend several hours there. No outside food or drink so if you get hungry you're going to be paying a pretty penny. Amazing creatures that they have on display, but even on a slow day it's going to be crowded. The 4D movie experience was fun. MOST IMPORTANT: find out what discounts you can get before you go such as Student Discounts.

A Das

Honestly this place has kind of spoiled aquariums for me because every other one I’ve been to pales in comparison. The exhibits are large and breathtaking, there is an enormous diversity of species, and they even have 4D movies to watch. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Chicago.

A Das

Honestly this place has kind of spoiled aquariums for me because every other one I’ve been to pales in comparison. The exhibits are large and breathtaking, there is an enormous diversity of species, and they even have 4D movies to watch. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Chicago.

Heather Mahoney

The best aquarium we've been to! We particularly enjoyed the otter exhibit. All the the animals seemed well cared for, and the environments beautiful and well maintained. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and may get a membership.

Cynthia Phillips

This is the best aquarium ever! We thought we'd be there about 2 hrs, but spent almost 4 hrs there. Great displays and beautiful fishes.

Cynthia Phillips

This is the best aquarium ever! We thought we'd be there about 2 hrs, but spent almost 4 hrs there. Great displays and beautiful fishes.

Adriane Morgan

Awesome views. A bit wet as you go down to see penguins, but just have to be careful. Love the free days. That way if you pay to do or see the other attractions, you wont feel like your money is gone so fast.

Joe Rangel

A wonderful place for a family or anyone looking for a good time to go and see things you won’t get the chance to see anywhere else. Awesome shows, a wonderful staff, and tons of exhibits that will take up an afternoon and make it an experience to remember!

Tia Kuenzel

Beautiful aquarium packed with tons of fish and animals to see. The aquarium's within the facility were awe inspiring. They have lockers for rent and many restrooms. A cafe and an eating/concessions area by the dolphin underwater viewing area. It's nice and cool in the entire building, great escape from the summer heat.

Tia Kuenzel

Beautiful aquarium packed with tons of fish and animals to see. The aquarium's within the facility were awe inspiring. They have lockers for rent and many restrooms. A cafe and an eating/concessions area by the dolphin underwater viewing area. It's nice and cool in the entire building, great escape from the summer heat.

Shital Amin

Very well organized and lovely environment. The dolphin show was OK not too great and the 4D was also OK however our 6 year old loved it. The food court is not too great but if you have to eat there I recommend the fish and chips :-) They have a lot of good play areas for younger kids. Some pet areas (stingray, starfish for example). The staff are great and know alot about the different animals. They also have monkeys different birds and reptiles. We spent 6hours there and if you want to see the octopus in action you have to be there early.

Shital Amin

Very well organized and lovely environment. The dolphin show was OK not too great and the 4D was also OK however our 6 year old loved it. The food court is not too great but if you have to eat there I recommend the fish and chips :-) They have a lot of good play areas for younger kids. Some pet areas (stingray, starfish for example). The staff are great and know alot about the different animals. They also have monkeys different birds and reptiles. We spent 6hours there and if you want to see the octopus in action you have to be there early.

Muhammad Sajjad

Varieties of fishes on ground floor but condition not very good . Cleaning standard can be better , wall colour not good n strange smell reflecting cleaning standard not very good . Other floors are in very good conditions . Dolphin show is very good and very informative. Penguin, whales really nice to see .

Anthony Tarr

The whole place is great for anyone, kids and elders. It'll take you at least more than a day to cover everything inside this aquatic wonderland. The King Crabs are scary.

Emmeline Phaovisaid

A gem in our city! Chicago residents receive $10 off admission. Overall, admission is not cheap, but I'm willing to support this organization. They have a variety of exhibits and even without paying extra for the dolphin show, they have a window to see the animals underwater. A good place to spend a half or full day!

Kris Stoner

One of the largest aquariums I've been to. Many exhibits and a show! Kinda like a smaller sea world show with dolphin tricks. Kids enjoyed it and the adults did too. At the time of writing this adult tickets are about $40, age 3-11 (I believe correct age range) were $20, and under 3 were free. If you find my review helpful, please click like

Daisy Rettaliata

We went the first Sunday of the month. For FREE! Bank of America pays for museums the first full weekend of the month for B of A credit card or debit card holders. There are some restrictions, like the aquarium is Sundays only, so check their website before you go places. There are tons of free places across the nation - not just in Chicago! Get your free dolphin encounters tickets early. There's a kiosk downstairs. Make sure to visit the Reef area - you have to take the elevator down. My favorite part. Kids loved the whales.

Charles Hreha

Great exhibits, nice staff, the whales were very cute swimming around with the baby. The reef exhibit was cool and I was impressed with the in house coral breeding program for there exhibits, great experience. We went on an extended hours night when they had a jazz show and bar thing going on. Great city skyline shots from the steps too.

Charles Hreha

Great exhibits, nice staff, the whales were very cute swimming around with the baby. The reef exhibit was cool and I was impressed with the in house coral breeding program for there exhibits, great experience. We went on an extended hours night when they had a jazz show and bar thing going on. Great city skyline shots from the steps too.

Michael Barton

We loved it! Excellent shows and exhibits... Even the food was good. It's a little crowded on the weekends. Try to go during the week if possible. FYI: The 4D experience is well worth the extra $5.

Michael Dawes

Great facilities and shows. Very well laid out and great assortment of aquatic life. Had a wonderful day with my son here. It was extremely crowded as the day we visited there was an event that offered some free or discounted admission. Even with the extra wait times it was very enjoyable.

Yadira Solis

Everything is kid friendly with very few of the exhibits missing animals, about three. Everything has elevator or ramp access. There are many interesting fish and area to touch starfish and another to touch a long black fish.

Kim Graves

I really enjoyed this aquarium with its huge amount of different species. Also...there are a few interactive pools to allow visitors to actually touch the animals. I thought that was really cool...the kids especially were thrilled. I was quite dismayed how ever that they had a pool of beluga whales. It is SO past the time of keeping these kinds of animals in such small pools...i can only imagine that this environment must make them crazy and its proven their life spans in captivity is much lower. The overall experience was interesting, entertaining and just plain cool!

Kim Graves

I really enjoyed this aquarium with its huge amount of different species. Also...there are a few interactive pools to allow visitors to actually touch the animals. I thought that was really cool...the kids especially were thrilled. I was quite dismayed how ever that they had a pool of beluga whales. It is SO past the time of keeping these kinds of animals in such small pools...i can only imagine that this environment must make them crazy and its proven their life spans in captivity is much lower. The overall experience was interesting, entertaining and just plain cool!

Sally Shoptaw

I always have a wonderful time coming to Shedd. I got to experience the sting ray touch and dolphin show for the first time on my last trip. Have to say I nearly cried from excitement when the trainer brought out the blind sea lion. My only complaint is the people who work the touch encounters are less than friendly and give off the vibe that they hate their jobs.

Sally Shoptaw

I always have a wonderful time coming to Shedd. I got to experience the sting ray touch and dolphin show for the first time on my last trip. Have to say I nearly cried from excitement when the trainer brought out the blind sea lion. My only complaint is the people who work the touch encounters are less than friendly and give off the vibe that they hate their jobs.

Alex Gutierrez

This place is amazing! Huge! Soo may exihibits, and so well kept. The staff is knowledgeable and even the ones that aren't, well they are at least courteous. Beautiful building and beautifully kept. If you are a fan of the ocean and animals, its a must!

Brandon W

I have never seen so many fish and reptiles in my life. This far surpasses the National Aquarium in Baltimore for species, exhibits and awe factor. My favorite was seeing the 10 day old beluga whale calf play with the mother. Cafeteria was okay, the soda machines had no fizz to them though. Price was normal for being inside of such a museum. My big complaint would be about the patrons. Parents... keep your kids close! Don’t let them cut people at the glass. It specifically states not the walls to look after the kids and not allow them To cut or bang on the glass. It’s a good way to catch a knee to the face when they cross cross out of the viewers. Also... turn the flag off on your phones! Don’t be the fool who can’t read and leaves the flash on. It happens like every 3 minutes on exhibits and the guides have to stop their show to tell someone to stop. Simple etiquette would go a long way to navigating for a better experience.

Charlie Schafer

It's a great aquarium. They have plenty of free days throughout the year and I would definitely recommend it. Lots of variety and the dolphin show was fun to watch.

Colleen Lemasters

I really enjoyed this past visit to the Shedd. They have a wonderful new exhibit called Underwater Beauty, which shows off amazing fish and corals. It’s a well curated exhibit! A staff member named Steve was especially great to talk too. We just happened to start talking to him and took us back to the huge shark tank to show us where some of the more unusual animals like to nap, such as the Saw Fish and the Wobbegong Shark. It was really cool and added a little something extra to our visit.

Kristen Schiff

Love to see these aquatic animals up close. I was there for an otter experience. I loved it. Trainers and staff so knowledgeable. It was nice to be back after so many years.

Kim Mallory

A great place to go visit! Make sure you come early because it gets crowded very quickly. The shark exhibit is a must see along with the glow-in-the-dark jellyfish!

AnnMarie Biancalana

The Shedd Aquarium is my favorite place to visit. It’s so informative with an expansive map of exhibits and things to see. Wild Reef is the MUST-see... floor to ceiling glass to watch sharks, fish, and rays. The Shedd is a great place for all ages. Food is great, everything is clean, staff are nice and helpful.

Walter Widmer

Approach to the facility is best by cab as bus drop off is not convenient, nor is the parking convenient. Access into the Aquarium is convenient and complies fully with ADA. The displays are spectacular, diverse, and numerous. There are hands-on displays for children that are engaging and well received. With the summer crowds, navigating is challenging but doable. With the sheer number of exhibits you will surely find a choice pick. A down side, deciphering the provided maps of exhibits, and correlation to posted signage. For those with accessibility needs, the elevators are conveniently located, but may not provide access to the desired floor. The staff is pleasant, and courteous, but not always accurate or clear with directions. All-in-all, a worthwhile destination and adventure for yourself, friends, and families.

Walter Widmer

Approach to the facility is best by cab as bus drop off is not convenient, nor is the parking convenient. Access into the Aquarium is convenient and complies fully with ADA. The displays are spectacular, diverse, and numerous. There are hands-on displays for children that are engaging and well received. With the summer crowds, navigating is challenging but doable. With the sheer number of exhibits you will surely find a choice pick. A down side, deciphering the provided maps of exhibits, and correlation to posted signage. For those with accessibility needs, the elevators are conveniently located, but may not provide access to the desired floor. The staff is pleasant, and courteous, but not always accurate or clear with directions. All-in-all, a worthwhile destination and adventure for yourself, friends, and families.

Andrew and Morgan McAllister

We had a great time here. The belugas were so charming. There’s a lot to see. You could spend an entire day here easily. We made the mistake of going on a Saturday so it was crazy packed. The price is also a tad steep but if you do the city pass it seems like a much better deal and you get to skip the line. Overall great day!

Sharyn Meffin

Lots of great displays of fish and habitats. Great awareness of change in land use effects. Person who took our tickets (we had City pass which meant we didn't need to queue) did not tell us we had to get additional tickets for the dolphin show although she told us the times and that we had paid for it.

Stephanie Withers

Awesome aquarium and a bit better food selections with better prices would make it a 5 star. The dolphins and beluga whales are fantastic and the aquarium is HUGE! It was very busy and the birth of the new beluga did complicate foot traffic through the aquarium. All in all, great aquarium, just bring your lunch!

Emma W

Our family absolutely loved the aquarium. Beautiful displays of fish and animals, the dolphin show was fantastic and the sea lion was a highlight ! Staff there was friendly and helpful. our kids (4 and 1) loved every bit of it... SO much to see. We looked at most of the exhibits and it took a little over 2 hours. Our favorites were the shark exhibit and the interactive ones (you can touch a star fish and a sturgeon!)

Anita Bruce

Really nice aquarium. I have been to bigger and better, but this one is worth a visit. I have gone to it a couple of times

Brayla Jones

Me and my family thought this was a lovely place to visit because it had a numerous number of animals in places that looked like their own living environments. We definitely recommend you to come here and we will certainly be coming back.

Laura Harris

Brought my children after visiting myself several times as a child. Consistently well cared for water life with lots of hands on activities for adults and kids alike! Extremely environmentally conscious. Part of money spent goes to support wildlife conservation and research.

Laura Harris

Brought my children after visiting myself several times as a child. Consistently well cared for water life with lots of hands on activities for adults and kids alike! Extremely environmentally conscious. Part of money spent goes to support wildlife conservation and research.

Eric Saenz

I could spend the whole week here! Absolutely beautiful and informative as always. I was with a handicap individual and the exhibits are very wheelchair/stroller friendly. The diversity of the exhibits and species is ridiculous. Truly a world class aquarium.

jessica munZing

Love this place. What can I say... You're going to love it. It's big, full of knowledge, great staff, good entertainment, amazing displays!!! Gift store and food a little over priced. But it's downtown'ish Chicago. One of the main attractions.

Robert Cummings

The aquarium was fun. Illinois residents could enter for free on Monday. I purchased tickets that gave me access to 5 different museums and attractions. Beluga whales and dolphins were the hit attractions. But..i expected a bit more for $75. Granted I am going to other museums in Chicago so that $75 could go much farther.

Robert Cummings

The aquarium was fun. Illinois residents could enter for free on Monday. I purchased tickets that gave me access to 5 different museums and attractions. Beluga whales and dolphins were the hit attractions. But..i expected a bit more for $75. Granted I am going to other museums in Chicago so that $75 could go much farther.

Emily Miofsky

Very beautiful aquarium. You can sit on the lower level and eat lunch next to the dolphin tank. There are ipads nearly everywhere with more interactive information about their exhibits.

Colleen Denney

The Shedd Aquarium has many great exhibits highlighting different regions of the world’s aquatic life...including an exhibit discussing local waters called At Home on the Lake. During the summer you can enjoy The Stingray Touch. You are able to view the ocean wildlife from above the water as well as below the water through large windows. There are many staff located around each exhibit sharing helpful information. Plan to spend some time walking through this wonderful aquarium with your family. The city transportation system has a bus stop that drops off directly outside Museum Park.

Jeannie Lee

Very much enjoyed this place. Great for all ages. We watched a dolphin show before seeing the many other aquatic life they have to offer.

Sarah Bleecker

This is a beautiful aquarium! There were so many animals from all over the world. Shedd not only has fish but also dolphins, penguins, frogs, tide pool animals, turtles, sea stars, moon jellies, and sharks, among other animals. The dolphin show was fantastic! It was free to get in with the price of your admission. You just have to go to a kiosk to get the show ticket since there are limited seats. There was a nice variety of eating choices including snack bars, coffee, kid friendly (read: fried food & pizza) meals, and some healthier choices (salads, sandwiches, etc.). The building was well laid out, there were plenty of bathrooms & drinking fountains, and the elevators were clearly labeled.

Ashton Leinen

The staff were kind and knowledgeable. All employees I talked loved what they did and loved to talk about the animals. The little shows I went to about turtles and sharks were short fun and informative. Very clean facility. Clean signage for all aquatic life in each exhibit and the info panels around the exhibits were fun to read. Great place to spend several hours!

Chris Grenda

Awesome aquarium, the Beluga whales are amazing. The food court is a little on the pricey side ($33 for a burger, 4 piece chicken tenders 2 order of fries and 2 cokes but the view is great. Right on Lake Michigan. I would love to go again.

Kelsey White

This is my first real aquarium visit, so I'm pretty easily impressed. This place is large and has a wonderful variety with interactive touch screens that tell you what things are. My only issues are the general price (my family came on free day, BUT if my family of 3 came during a normal day, it could cost us over $100 just to get in) as well as the lack of nearby parking. Even the paid for parking, is a bit of a walk away. And my last problem, is the location. Driving through Chicago just is not my cup of tea. The actual visit to the aquarium though was very pleasant.

Bob Brennaman

Great experience. Well laid out. Pretty location on lake. Good views of city. Crazy expensive for what you get.

Srinivasan G

Fantastic aquarium I have ever seen. They have almost covered all the fishes including sea horse. Good information on the fishes they fishes they have. Wonderful experience and my kid enjoyed a lot. No extra tickets for any shows.All shows covered with one entry ticket. They also have reptiles , dolphin shows and shark reef. Kids will enjoy stingray touch.Parking is also available.

Ange S

They has great scenery! The beluga whale shows was nice, even tho I feel kinda bad for the whales to be trained like that. And it seems like they also did conservation to save them. The place was nice for family trip and to learn about marines life.

Ange S

They has great scenery! The beluga whale shows was nice, even tho I feel kinda bad for the whales to be trained like that. And it seems like they also did conservation to save them. The place was nice for family trip and to learn about marines life.

Mike St John

This is one of the best aquariums that I have visited in the country. Each wing of the building has it's own theme. You can even watch feedings of the different aquatic aninals in the center tank. The 4d theater is also a nice addition to the experience. A visit to here is a must on a visit to Chicago.

Imad Ajarmeh

Very cool. We loved it a lot. Will visit again

Suzanne Carroll

Forgot how much I loved this place. The dolphins put on quite a show and the sea lion was adorable. The beluga whales.. magnificent!!

Thea Banis

This is probably the best Aquarium I've been too. After being in Colorado the last 4 hours nothing can compare to The Shedd. They have such an expansive variety of fish, clean atmosphere, it's the perfect place for families wanting to spend the day away! You must see the 4D movies, stingray exhibit, and the dolphin show! All the animals look extremely taken care of and happy. The Shedd has rehabilitated and rescued many of the animals who live there. A must see if you find yourself in the city!

Nicholas Napier

Let me tell you, your kids will love you for taking you to this place. We went to go see the 3D movie they had playing 2 times. My kids got to touch a stingray, a starfish, and got to see the beluga whales in action. Definitely a full day of family fun. Make sure when you go, did you get the 4D passes as well. I would definitely recommend others going as well as myself going again

Berdo Barrera

We got to high five a Beluga Whale !!! We did trainer for the day and we absolutely loved it !! Monica was our guide . She is AMAZING !! She made the experience memorable and I will be recommending Shedd and what they have to offer . The staff truly love the animals and Im so thankful to have had a chance to come here and do this !!

Benjamin Hoffman

Great place to go with the kids. The dolphin show is always a hit and a few touching exhibits are pretty cool. The dolphin show even includes a red tail hawk and a sea lion which surprised my family. The only downside is that the price will leave you feeling like you took a wrong turn down a dark alley and lost your wallet. I paid an eye-watering $180 for my family and it only took 4 hours to see everything.

Brijesh Pandey

A wonderful place to see the underwater life. Take the 4D exp as well you will love it.

Marsha Strobel

Wow!! What an incredible place!! We were there about five hours but easily could have spent eight hours. An incredible experience. Would highly recommend for ALL ages

Kent Yung

Lots to see, lots to do, great for all types of families. Great selection of restaurants, but what impressed me most is the display, each tells a story on its own. A very educational and fun trip. Not to mention that the free show is a must watch.

Kent Yung

Lots to see, lots to do, great for all types of families. Great selection of restaurants, but what impressed me most is the display, each tells a story on its own. A very educational and fun trip. Not to mention that the free show is a must watch.

Scott Bedell

A fun family visit. Often has free days, but they tend to be very busy. This building is smaller than other museums, so pace yourself and enjoy every window. You can speed through the Sheds Aquarium in an hour or casually stroll through in a few hours. Extra exhibits/shows require tickets. Supports a great cause and positive research.

Tyler Do

Hands down best aquarium I've been to. Great layout. So many different types of fish. It was lovely.

Eric Wahlstrom

Between the aquatic experience live show and the Amazon Riding exhibit, my family was thoroughly entertained. Add on entertaining guides, cool animals, and good food at the cafe and you've got a great way to spend the day. If your family loves zoos and aquariums, you should easily be able to spend 5 hours. Pro tip: buy your tickets online and avoid the line!

Natasha Jackson

SO crowded, there is no flow to this place at all! It's a shame, I love being able to go to an aquarium and just look at all the aquatic life, but instead I had to watch out in case I was trampled. From what I was able to see though, the aquarium is beautiful and there was lots of information around the exhibits (if you can get close enough to the exhibit to read them). Like any other crowded place you get your fare share of extremely rude people, but the staff was very nice and knowledgeable.

Wendy Huang

The aquatic show is super nice. The staff are so caring for the animals and it’s nice to see. The aquarium is pretty big. There are some alligators and the beluga whales are cool. The dolphins jump during the show. My brother loved the sea lion.

Michael Downing

Excellent time whenever we go with the out of town family. Food and drinks are pricey, of course. But all in all, it's an interesting place with a friendly, helpful staff.

Ryan Johnson

It’s a decent aquarium in my opinion. Lots of really beautiful fish, but wish they had more shark related exhibits! A great place for kids.

Shane Urman

Fun place. Highly recommend you get the city pass. Do multiple things in the city and get priority entrance. The land and sea show was worth the wait!

Shane Urman

Fun place. Highly recommend you get the city pass. Do multiple things in the city and get priority entrance. The land and sea show was worth the wait!

Jenny Bernard

My family love here, first time in my life to saw white whale. Good place to spent time with family..

Rosemary Atta-Fynn

The staff needs to be educated that for a lot of the people who come to the aquarium, that is their first visit and they don’t know how things work there. The people at the front desk don’t tell you anything and if you don’t know the right questions to ask you won’t enjoy your visit. We were there today and no one told us we needed to scan our tickets to see the aquatic show until we got to the gate and we were told to do that so could not see the current show. People need to be told this when they are purchasing the tickets. Also the people at the food court could be a little more courteous. The exhibition was great but I was very disappointed with the attitude of the staff.

Rosemary Atta-Fynn

The staff needs to be educated that for a lot of the people who come to the aquarium, that is their first visit and they don’t know how things work there. The people at the front desk don’t tell you anything and if you don’t know the right questions to ask you won’t enjoy your visit. We were there today and no one told us we needed to scan our tickets to see the aquatic show until we got to the gate and we were told to do that so could not see the current show. People need to be told this when they are purchasing the tickets. Also the people at the food court could be a little more courteous. The exhibition was great but I was very disappointed with the attitude of the staff.

Jenna Spangler

This is a fun aquarium! The exhibits are well thought out and educational. I really loved my visit.

Kris Kreider

So much fun! This is a place for everyone of all ages. There is so much to see and learn at the Shedd Aquarium! Thank you to the staff for providing us with a great experience and a smile at every interaction! I would definitely recommend one of the live performances at the Shedd because they are so much fun and entertaining!

Pam L

This aquarium is beautiful. It's a must visit every time I'm in Chicago. There are so many animals from all over the world and they are absolutely fascinating. You definitely need all day to visit if you want to see everything and take pictures. It's worth every penny if you love anything and everything related to the water. I would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets online (or get the City Pass if you plan on visiting The Field Museum too). The line can get pretty long and if you buy your tickets online you get to skip the line of people waiting in line to get tickets.

Cheryl Ridenour

Beautiful aquarium. Such a fabulous location. Close to everything. We saw the dolphin show and the new baby beluga whale. Part of our City Pass and well worth it. Another great destination and star in the crown of Chicago!

Daniel

Acceptable quality especially for small children but not informative and/or impressive experience for adults. 80% of the exhibits are small sized aquariums with various fish, only a few larger tanks and no immersive glass tunnels - very different from modern aquariums internationally (Dubai, Japan etc) I would recommend it for a rainy day but with the lowest priority to visit of all other Chicago tourist attractions (Field, Science Museum, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute).

Bryant Hayward

Very cool. Awesome displays! I highly recommend. Only downside is how expensive the tickets are.

P Gallegos

The Shedd is always great! Their Underwater Beauty exhibit is fantastic. And I need to thank the man working in the gift shop, who allowed me to buy a 91 cent peppermint stick so that I could get the exact change I needed for the bus. Very knowledgeable, kind staff.

P Gallegos

The Shedd is always great! Their Underwater Beauty exhibit is fantastic. And I need to thank the man working in the gift shop, who allowed me to buy a 91 cent peppermint stick so that I could get the exact change I needed for the bus. Very knowledgeable, kind staff.

Michelle Reid

To see all the various fish was amazing. Really neat place. I would highly recommend it! However parking for the day is going to be at least additional $25.00 plus and if you eat there you are going to easily drop another $40-$80 easily. Plus if you go to the gift shop. So make sure you have extra money on you to go!!

O Bass

Very informative on aquatic life, a lot of neat things to see. Only catch so many ppl a lot of germs. Not sure if you can wear a face mask for germs!

Kris Kuykendall

Hours of entertainment, as long as you like Fish and aquatic life! There is a snack center there, and collectable trinket machines! Enjoy your trip, we did!

Tehn

Aquariums are great. But I also feel guilty going there because it's like a prison for the creatures that live there. Sorry for maybe bumming you out a little bit? But yea it's an aquarium... Enjoy

Steven Kramer

Love the fish. Tasty food as well. Would love to go again next time I am in the city! Go bears!

Steven Kramer

Love the fish. Tasty food as well. Would love to go again next time I am in the city! Go bears!

Daniel F Evan

Amazing place. I've payed every year to see what's new and bring friends or girlfriends. By now I should be free. Like is there a account I can make that will show I've payed for 30 to 50 tickets last ten years 20 being for other people... I should at this point get sales commissions or something lol

IndianaJenz R

Our family has always liked aquariums and this is a good one. Nice exhibits. A couple of hands on exhibits to touch sturgeon and stingrays and starfish.

Tokyo Addicted

Absolutely incredible... Chicago residents get in for $20 too, that’s hard to beat. For those who love aquariums, take note that this one really does a great job of representing FRESHWATER fish in all range of habitats in addition to saltwater fish as well.

Tokyo Addicted

Absolutely incredible... Chicago residents get in for $20 too, that’s hard to beat. For those who love aquariums, take note that this one really does a great job of representing FRESHWATER fish in all range of habitats in addition to saltwater fish as well.

Stephanie Hogan

We love the shedd! The free days in the fall are the best because you can explore the entire museum for free! Have lunch next to the dolphin tank, and don't forget to go downstairs and relax in front of the big tanks full of sharks and other amazing sites!

András Benke

Was here the first time, thinking that we'd finish in about an hour or so - spent 5 hours there to "max it out". It is absolutely worth the price - it's quite a lot, but the experience (especially the dolphin show) will make up for it. Only thing I disliked was the pricing of the food court.

Nathaniel Jones

Super awesome aquarium. All of the exhibits are amazing and the shows are really cool! We watched the 4d shark film and it was both beautiful and terrifying. This is a great place for kids. Also we had someone in a wheelchair with my group and we were able to do everything the aquarium offered! You have to visit this place!

Lovely Fairy

I loved that place it had so many sea creatures in it. My daughter and son really loved that place. We even saw some creatures that we didn't even know they were in the water! I think this is the best place for someone to go and see all the sea creatures!

Lovely Fairy

I loved that place it had so many sea creatures in it. My daughter and son really loved that place. We even saw some creatures that we didn't even know they were in the water! I think this is the best place for someone to go and see all the sea creatures!

Fedra A

Amazing aquarium and definitely a must see while visiting Chicago! The variety of fish and other animal species exhibited is wide and include species from all over the world! I was hoping to see some bigger sharks instead of the few smaller species displayed but the dolphins, beluga whales, penguins (and more!) definitely made up for that! The aquatic show was fantastic and so much fun to watch as well as educational! There are several gift shops around the aquarium with fun souvenirs that are priced as is expected for places likes this (a bit too much but not over the top). Since we didn’t get food or drinks, I can’t say much about the quality or prices of that but I can imagine they would be in a higher price range.

Fedra A

Amazing aquarium and definitely a must see while visiting Chicago! The variety of fish and other animal species exhibited is wide and include species from all over the world! I was hoping to see some bigger sharks instead of the few smaller species displayed but the dolphins, beluga whales, penguins (and more!) definitely made up for that! The aquatic show was fantastic and so much fun to watch as well as educational! There are several gift shops around the aquarium with fun souvenirs that are priced as is expected for places likes this (a bit too much but not over the top). Since we didn’t get food or drinks, I can’t say much about the quality or prices of that but I can imagine they would be in a higher price range.

Holly Rawlings

Worth every penny!!! Great for all ages. Having a 9 and a 2 year old it's difficult to find things they will both enjoy. But, Shedd was perfect for both. Spent over 3 hours and still didn't get to experience everything.