Best time to visit
Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.
Shedd Aquarium
Write a Review Chicago, Illinois All ages, with some experiences having age restrictions (e.g., Penguin Encounter for ages 6+). Verified•Aquarium
Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
About Shedd Aquarium
A Chicago landmark on the lakefront where penguins, stingrays, and freshwater wonders come within arm's reach.
Sitting on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, this aquarium is devoted to what it calls the love of waterkind, drawing visitors below the surface into marine and freshwater worlds. The focus is equal parts wonder and conservation.
What you'll see and do Daily animal chats and demonstrations cover feedings and adaptations, while seasonal attractions like Stingray Touch add hands-on moments. Paid extraordinary experiences go further: the Penguin Encounter (ages 6 and up) and the Must See Tour take you behind the scenes for a closer, more personal look at the animals and how the aquarium runs.
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Baby Changing
- Food Options
- Parking
- Pushchair Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Events at Shedd Aquarium
Sea Otter Encounter
May 26, 2026
A special encounter event with sea otters.
Stingray Touch
Summer Season
Dip your hand into tropical water and be greeted by cownose stingrays, feeling their soft bodies.
Penguin Encounter
Select dates through August 2026
Meet one of Shedd’s penguins in a 45-minute experience, with a chance to touch the bird's dense feathers.
Must See Tour
Ongoing
A 75-minute guided tour experiencing the best of Shedd, including behind-the-scenes access and animal expert chats.
Sea Star Touch
All day
An interactive experience allowing visitors to touch sea stars.
Sturgeon Touch
All day
An interactive experience allowing visitors to touch sturgeon.
Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evening
May 25, 2026
Free evening tickets for Illinois residents.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Shedd Aquarium.
Who it's for
All ages, with some experiences having age restrictions (e.g., Penguin Encounter for ages 6+).
Getting there
Onsite or nearby parking available at 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
Shedd Aquarium Reviews
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