Planning a trip to Chicago?

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

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Aquarium
Museum Campus, Chicago
Save
Share
8.8/10
2,913
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Wired and AFAR Media
    • Wired
    • AFAR Media
  • Tips
    Lisa W.
    "The penguin encounter one was a great value and a wonderful time!"(18 Tips)
    Ricardo L.
    "Excellent aquarium, choose the CityPass, great deal!!!"(22 Tips)
    Latasha B.
    "I love the Beluga whales performance."(13 Tips)
    Carly H.
    "The holiday dolphin show is an interesting selection."(12 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon418 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • penguins
  • beluga whales
  • fish
  • dolphin show
  • scenic views
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Bon
    BonAugust 9, 2015
    A la carte pricing for the good stuff: otters, whales, and dolphins 🐶🐋🐬💰
  • Antonio B.
    Antonio BurrowesMay 29, 2017
    During summer season jazz at the shed is a hot spot
  • Brandon S.
    Brandon SullivanFebruary 16, 2013
    The smaller tanks are divided up like trinket stores in a big mall. They are cramped and poorly navigable. That said, the jellyfish, whale/dolphin, and tropical exhibits are exciting and fun.
  • Felix I B.heart icon on user image
    Felix I BobadillaApril 3, 2013
    If you get here with a Citypass ask about the tickets for the 4D theater and the show, they don't give enough information by themselves.
  • Pathik B.heart icon on user image
    Pathik BhattJuly 18, 2013
    Come watch the navy pier fireworks from the aquarium lawn, less crowd and beautiful view of the skyline
  • Laura G.heart icon on user image
    Laura GamboaDecember 23, 2014
    Sea otters and belugas. One of the biggest aquariums I've ever seen in the US
  • Beth W.
    Beth WongAugust 21, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    Buy a ticket online and avoid the lines. If you get there at opening, easier to zip through exhibits and you can park in the small close lot.
  • Rose D.
    Rose DavisJuly 18, 2013
    Definitely check out Jazzin at the Shedd on Wednesday nights! Fewer crowds than during normal hours, booze and great music.
  • Roosevelt Collection
    Roosevelt CollectionOctober 31, 2011
    Fun fact: More than 25,000 fish live here! Visit the newest permanent exhibit, Wild Reef to see live coral, sharks and rays!
  • Amanda W.heart icon on user image
    Amanda WhitneyAugust 21, 2016
    Jazzin at Shedd is something I look forward to every year. Great views of the Navy Nier fireworks!!
  • Duncan P.
    Duncan PJSeptember 2, 2014
    The lines in summer are bad unless your smart and buy a ticket in advance
  • Cooper S.
    Cooper SmithJune 29, 2013
    Buy your ticket the day before online (boooo ticketmaster fees) to avoid waiting in this hour+ long line
  • Alex D.
    Alex DewittAugust 20, 2013
    Glub Glub. Lots to see although we had to miss half of our aquatic show because the front desk lady scheduled our shows 1030/11.
  • ToryBurch
    ToryBurchJune 20, 2013
    The Shedd Aquarium is home to almost everything aquatic. The dolphin shows are fan favorites.
  • Joseph G.heart icon on user image
    Joseph GOctober 11, 2015
    Dolphins were blocked off for the newborn. Was a nice aquarium, may be biased but the Camden aquarium is nicer.
  • Kenny D.
    Kenny DallmeyerAugust 11, 2011
    Jazzin at the Shedd during the summer is fun. Sit outside and bring a picnic for free or mingle with the hip people inside.
  • Crystal H.
    Crystal HJune 10, 2013
    Call before going! They were having a "gala event" when I went, and closed at 2:00pm. My friend said the same thing happened to her when she went a few months before me.
  • Reggie
    ReggieAugust 3, 2013
    Got kids & a stroller? Use the stroller accessible entrance by the "man with the fish." The line is much shorter!
  • Dave F.heart icon on user image
    Dave FloydSeptember 17, 2012
    Spend the extra money. See the penguins. This should require no additional explanation... but in case you didn't know, it's fun to watch them on land and as they "fly" underwater.
  • Natalie N.
    Natalie NoblittJune 13, 2013
    Skip aquatic show and the 4D experience. Both were a big letdown. Aquatic show involves very little about the marine animals. Also, no companion spots for accessible seating so you can't really see.
  • Jose P.
    Jose PososAugust 17, 2014
    If you are buying anything the gift stores in the aquarium use the word "penguin" to get a discount.
  • Shedd Aquarium
    Shedd AquariumMay 20, 2010
    Make sure to visit Granddad, our Australian lungfish! Full-grown when he arrived for the 1933 Worlds Fair, he is at least 80 and possibly much older. Not only the oldest resident at Shedd, Granddad ha Read more
  • Peter M.
    Peter MartinDecember 2, 2011
    If you're a family of 4 and plan on visiting at least twice in a year then you might save some cash buying a yearly membership. Plus good perks
  • Kate F.
    Kate FurmanMarch 18, 2016
    Buy your ticket online and pick them up at will call to avoid longass lines.
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
    Did you know approximately 2 million guests visit the Shedd Aquarium each year? With more than 220,000 animals, it's no wonder!
  • Misha M.
    Misha MoskalykMarch 14, 2017
    Good place to spend time with your family. Very interesting to see different types of fish.
  • Valerie G.
    Valerie GoguenJuly 7, 2013
    It is definitely worth buying the City Pass if you are spending a few days in Chicago.
  • Chloe R.
    Chloe RosenJune 27, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    When its raining or when its super hot outside, there will generally be a long line. Be warned now. If you have small kids with you. Bring something to entertain them.
  • Brianna G.
    Brianna GoenApril 11, 2013
    The "chats" during the day are a fun and free way to learn more about the exhibits! Check them out!
  • Amanda
    AmandaMarch 31, 2014
    Containing over 25,000 fish, it was at one point the largest aquarium in the world.
  • Brian H.
    Brian HernalsteenFebruary 17, 2012
    If you become a member, you get to take home a penguin. Also, you get to ride the sharks. With an underwater jetpack.
  • Nam H.
    Nam HoangJuly 29, 2013
    On weekends Go early to avoid lines and book shows.
  • Victoriaheart icon on user image
    VictoriaDecember 27, 2019
    Don't miss all the exhibits - so much to see!
  • Laurie R.heart icon on user image
    Laurie RamirezJune 9, 2016
    Everything got to see a lot of different things awesome
  • Thao P.heart icon on user image
    Thao PhamDecember 4, 2015
    Great place - The daily pass won't include shows. 30$-80$ per ticket
  • Dora
    DoraJune 30, 2010
    Sharks, shmarks. OK, Shedd’s sharks are cool, but don’t miss the Amazon Rising exhibit, a trip to the rain forest with rain, sloths, anacondas, piranhas and stingrays.Powered by ParentsConnect.com Read more
  • Jennifer H.
    Jennifer HAugust 25, 2012
    There HAS to be a more efficient way of getting ppl in this bldg. We just waited an HOUR to get a ticket OUTSIDE in the 100-degree heat. If you have small children or health conditions, come in winter
  • Brittney B.
    Brittney BSeptember 12, 2012
    My son loved this aquarium. It was his first time here. And I can say we will be back.
  • CMP
    CMPApril 5, 2013
    Did the dolphin show and thé jellies... Loved em' both. Amazing place...will return.
  • Anamaria H.heart icon on user image
    Anamaria HernandezJuly 12, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    If the line is past the steps and by the hot dog stand, it will take over 2 hours. Be warned.
  • Laurasseinheart icon on user image
    LaurasseinJanuary 22, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most frequent school field-trip days, so try a Monday?
  • Andraya T.
    Andraya ThompsonMarch 24, 2012
    Make sure to prepurchase tickets or a city pass. Waiting inside is better than outside for a full city block!
  • Sheart icon on user image
    SSeptember 24, 2013
    They have a penguin exhibit in the polar area!!! The whole place was awesome for me.
  • Miss K.
    Miss KJuly 1, 2014
    Get there early in the summer. After 11 it gets packed camp kids & large groups
  • Shannon H.
    Shannon H.April 5, 2012
    The dolphin show was A LOT better before they turned it into Fantasea. It was so much nicer to watch the dolphins with the lake in background.
  • KneeTherapist
    KneeTherapistSeptember 18, 2014
    The unlisted $8 ticket is good for about 2 hours of walking around. That's a good deal
  • Nick F.heart icon on user image
    Nick FruendtMay 28, 2015
    The penguins are very funny and the beluga whales are cool!
  • Tracy
    TracyJuly 11, 2013
    Three bands throughout the bldg, access to the special exhibits and better food this year!
  • Carlos T.
    Carlos TorresOctober 15, 2012
    On free general admission days be prepared to still pay if u want to see the wild reef and other events. General admission exhibits are ok.
  • Kelly R.
    Kelly RApril 9, 2013
    Great place. Sign up for Chicago City Pass, skip LONG lines, get a great value!
Photos4,335 Photos

Related Searches

  • shedd aquarium chicago •
  • shedd aquarium chicago photos •
  • shedd aquarium chicago location •
  • shedd aquarium chicago address •
  • shedd aquarium chicago •
  • 4-d experience shedd aquarium chicago •
  • 4d experience shedd aquarium chicago •
  • abbott oceanarium chicago •
  • aquarium chicago •
  • aquatic show at the shedd aquarium chicago •
  • chicago john g. shedd aquarium chicago •
  • chicago lakefront--shed aquarium chicago •
  • chicago lakefrontshed aquarium chicago •
  • chicago, john g. shedd aquarium chicago •
  • fantasea show chicago •
  • shedd aquarium museum campus chicago

Foursquare © 2025  Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA