Plan a Visit
Hours and Calendar
Fall and winter hours
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday
9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Shedd Aquarium is open every day of the year except Christmas.
Aquatic Show
Dolphins soar and belugas dance in the new aquatic show at Shedd!
Add to Shedd Pass on day of visit.
Check showtimes.
Dives
Our Caribbean Reef dive is the next best thing to getting in the water with the animals. You’ll find out more about sea turtle Nickel, the 7-foot moray eel, the pretty parrotfish and all the other reef residents during daily presentations.
Times: 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Animal Encounters
You’ll find lots of animals to encounter up close and personal hourly at Shedd Aquarium, including tarantulas, turtles, snakes and lizards. You never know who you might meet as we add animals to this popular program. You may encounter Bonito, one of the smallest members of the toucan family.
Times: Hourly
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Tips for a Great Visit
Visit early or plan to end your day at Shedd.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line to get in.
Discover our wide-open spaces behind the scenes! Register for one of our extraordinary experiences, like a beluga encounter, penguin encounter, Trainer for a Day, or behind-the-scenes tour.
Dress for comfort.
If you’re traveling with a toddler, use an umbrella stroller. It’s easier than larger models for negotiating exhibits and elevators.
Take public transportation to the aquarium. It's cheaper than driving and parking, and the CTA delivers you almost to our door.
Plan your visit with one of our self-guided Ten Fun Finds tours. Concentrate on several select exhibits rather than rushing to “do” the whole aquarium.
Take breaks! Shedd's Aquatic Show and the 4-D Experience give you a chance to sit down.
Don’t miss our live animal encounters, dives and chats. Check the schedule in the main foyer when you arrive.
Camp Shedd
Take an imaginary canoe trip through the Great Lakes, visit a campsite and get close to native turtles, snakes, frogs, fishes and birds of prey like the barred owl, great horned owl, or red-tailed hawk. Learn about the creation of Camp Shedd.
Times: All day
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
See Shedd from the perspective of our animal care staff during a 50-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour. At the animal healthcare center, you’ll see how preventive care keeps the animals healthy. Then you’ll go behind the galleries to view the animals from a new angle, learn about breeding programs, see nutritious meals prepared for a wide range of tastes and witness Shedd Aquarium at work. Participants must be 55 inches or taller.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
General Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Price: $18 a person
Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Admission Package
Includes a behind-the-scenes tour, express entry and admission to all exhibits, a ticket to the aquatic show and admission to the special exhibit, Jellies.
Prices: $47.95 for adults, $38.95 for children
Save $1 when you book the package in advance by phone.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Admission and 4-D Experience Package
Includes everything above, plus admission to the the Happy Feet 4-D Experience.
Prices: $51.95 for adults, $42.95 for children
Save $1 when you book the package in advance by phone.
Inquire online or call 312-692-2723.
Please note: Photography and video recording are not permitted behind the scenes.
Jazzin' at the Shedd
Enjoy spectacular skyline views, live music, fireworks and cocktails! Then visit 32,500 animals and explore Shedd's exhibits, including Jellies.
Jazzin' 2012 starts Wednesday, June 13, and runs every Wednesday evening through Sept. 5 (except June 20), from 5 to 10 p.m., on the Bill and Stephanie Sick Family Lakefront Terrace. Watch for the band schedule in late spring.
Jazzin' at the Shedd is sponsored by 
Jellies
Don't miss the Jellies special exhibit. Discover how these animals, which are 95 percent water, survive and thrive in the world’s oceans. Find out more.
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