Chicago Shedd Aquarium

Are you allowed to bring backpacks in?

Yes the allow backpacks, however, the bag must be smaller than 12”X12”X12” with exceptions only for diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. Bags that are any larger are subject to inspection by the staff.

Are you allowed to take photographs in the Shedd Aquarium?

Yes, the aquarium does allow photography, however, you cannot use flash photography as it could startle the animals.

admission to the shedd aquarium chicago

How much is admission?

There are several ways you can purchase tickets to get into the aquarium:


Purchase admission directly from the aquarium

Pricing can be seen in the image directly to the left.


Purchase a cityPASS and see Chicago’s top 5 attractions at 49% off. The cityPASS gives you access to the following:


·     Shedd Aquarium

·     Skydeck Chicago

·     Field Museum


You also get access to two of the following attractions:


·     Art Institute of Chicago

·     Museum of Science and Industry

·     360 Chicago Observation Deck

Pricing for the city pass is as follows:


·     Adults over the age of 12 - $109.00

·     Children ages 3 to 11 - $89.00

·     Children under the age of 3 – Free


Group Discounts:


If you have a group of 15 or more, you qualify for a discounted rate but you have to make your reservations at least three days in advance. To make a reservation you can call (312) 692-3333 or email groupreservations@sheddaquarium.org

Which days are free to enter?

Throughout the year the aquarium will allow free admission for Illinois residents to enjoy the entire museum. Tickets will need to be reserved online before you show up to the museum. You can check out the

Does the aquarium have any whales?

The aquarium has an abundance of wildlife including whales, sharks, dolphins, stingrays, penguins and octopus. As of the time of this writing, the aquarium has 9 beluga whales, each one of them having a completely different personality, different ages, and sizes. The beluga whales can be found in the Abbott Oceanarium habitat and are a must see when visiting the aquarium.


You can also visit the sharks, which can be seen in abundance at the aquarium. Several different species of sharks can be seen including: sandbar sharks, bonnethead sharks, zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, chain dogfish, leopard shark, Japanese wobbegong, swell shark, whitespotted bamboo shark, and the horn shark.

Is there a dolphin show?

Unfortunately there is no dolphin show, however, the aquarium does offer a chance to meet face to face with the beluga whales. The aquarium has a program where you can partner with a trainer and actually enter the water standing chest deep and play with the beluga whales. The cost for this experience is $200 (or $170 for members)


There is also a shark feeding tour that you can take part in. See how the sharks and rays respond to a ringing dinner bell. The cost for the feeding for adults is $94.45, children ages 10-11 $84.95 and members $50.00

Directions to the aquarium

From the north suburbs:


Merge onto I-94 E towards Chicago

Continue straight on I-94 for 20.8 miles

Exit onto N Orleans St

Turn left onto W Illinois St for 0.7 miles

Turn right onto lower Michigan Ave for 0.2 miles

Turn left onto E Lower Wacker Dr for 0.2 miles

Use the right lane to take the ramp onto US-41 for 1.6 miles

Turn right onto E Roosevelt Rd then a left onto S Columbus Dr for 0.2 miles

Take the left 2 lanes to turn left onto E McFetridge Dr for 0.3 miles

Turn left onto Special Olympics Dr and the Shedd Aquarium will be on the right side


From the western suburbs:


Merge onto I-355 S Towards Joliet

Take exit 12 B to merge onto I-55 N toward Chicago and continue straight for 25 miles

Use the left 2 lanes to take the US-41 N/Lake Shore Drive exit

Merge onto US-41 and continue straight for 0.5 miles

Turn right onto E Waldron Dr for 0.2 miles

Make a left onto Special Olympics Dr and the Aquarium will be on the right hand side


From northern Indiana:


Merge onto I-90 W and continue straight for 29.4 miles

Use the left lane to merge onto I-94 W for 4.7 miles

Take exit 53C toward interstate 55 N for 1.3 miles

Keep the left 2 lanes and take the US-41 N exit for 0.5 miles

Turn right onto E Waldron Dr for 0.2 miles

Make a left onto Special Olympics Dr and continue straight for 0.4 miles and the destination will be on your right side


From our offices of Chicago Tuckpointing and Masonry:


Head south on N Sheffield Ave and turn left onto Fullerton Ave for 1.1 miles

Turn right to merge onto US-41 S/N Lake Shore Dr and continue straight for 4.2 miles

Turn right onto E Roosevelt Rd and then a left onto S Columbus Dr for 0.2 miles

Make a slight left onto E McFetridge Dr for 0.3 miles

Turn left onto Special Olympics Dr and the aquarium will be on the right hand side