Shedd Aquarium Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Shedd Aquarium. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

• 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour

• Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour

• Chicago Landmarks & Museum Campus Small Group Segway Tour

• Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

The price of admission tickets to the Shedd Aquarium varies by day of the week and time of year. Currently, general admission prices begin at US$38.95 for adults and US$28.95 for kids and go up from there (children under 3 visit for free). Members also visit for free, while Chicago residents pay a flat rate of US$19.95 every day.

Yes, the Shedd Aquarium is worth visiting. One of the star attractions of Chicago's Museum Campus, the aquarium is more than a century old and a National Historic Landmark. It's also home to more than 32,000 sea creatures, including beluga whales, penguins, sharks, and sea otters, making it a great choice for local and visiting families. As the aquarium is a top-rated attraction, booking tickets early helps guarantee your admission; you can also spot it from the outside on a Chicago sightseeing tour.

Per one customer who booked the 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour, "Great day with Will as our guide! Saw lots of cool sites. Very interesting guide who gave us lots of fun information."

As with most family-friendly attractions, visiting the Shedd Aquarium gets long lines. This is particularly the case on weekends and public holidays, during school vacations, and on days when the aquarium is free for Illinois residents. Visit as soon as it opens at 9am for the best chance of beating the crowds.

The Shedd Aquarium houses over 32,000 animals across more than 450,000 square feet (42,000 square meters) on four different levels. It can at least half a day to see it all—longer if you watch shows and films or join experiences—but some travelers get through in just a couple of hours.

No. There is no free parking at the Shedd Aquarium, and the aquarium recommends visitors arrive by public transit. Garage and lot parking on Museum Campus is expensive, but it’s not always available during special events. If you want to use the garage, it’s worth reserving a space ahead of time.

Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but you must consume them in the designated areas (the Marine Munchroom on the main level and the Deep Ocean Café in the Polar Play Zone on lower level 2). The aquarium also has its own dining outlets.

No, the Shedd Aquarium does not allow re-entry for any reason. Once you leave the building, your visit is over. However, the aquarium has all the facilities most travelers need for the day, including bathrooms, a gift shop, and a range of food and drink options.

Yes. Shedd Aquarium tickets can sell out, so it’s well worth booking in advance. Tickets to shows, encounters, and events often sell out fast. General admission tickets are by timed entry (even members have to book a time), and popular times and days can sell out during busy periods.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Shedd Aquarium. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Chicago:

• Chicago Riverwalk

• Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

• The Magnificent Mile

• Chicago River

• Wrigley Building

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Chicago.