Education
Field Trip Program FAQ
When is the best time of year to visit?
What kinds of opportunities does Shedd offer for school groups?
Will Shedd come to my school to teach a program?
Does Shedd offer field trip planning services?
What is the process for scheduling a field trip or an education program?
How many chaperones are required for school groups?
What happens after I register?
Can I visit Shedd before my field trip so I can prepare my students for their visit?
How long should I plan to be at the aquarium for my field trip?
Where should we go when we arrive at Shedd Aquarium?
Where should buses park while they wait?
What are the lunch options?
What's going on with the Oceanarium renovation?
When is the best time of year to visit?
Many school groups visit during April and May, and as a result, space is usually limited. Consider bringing your class between September and March, when exhibits and programs tend to be less crowded.
What kinds of opportunities does Shedd offer for school groups?
Self-Guided Field Trips
Visiting Shedd Aquarium on a field trip can be a wonderful experience for students, teachers and chaperones. Shedd always has something going on, whether it’s activities in our exhibit areas or chats with our staff. Visit Shedd Educational Adventures and Ten Fun Find Maps for ideas on how to focus your self-guided trip.
Inquiry-Based Group Programs
Add depth to your students’ field trip by registering for our interactive standards-based programs. Classes and labs for grades K–5 run 50 minutes and are offered Tuesday through Friday; programs for grades 6–12 run 90 minutes and are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All programs are held in our Aquatic Education Center (AEC). Download program descriptions.
Will Shedd come to my school to teach a program?
Yes! Enjoy a unique Shedd Aquarium small- or large-group program for grades K–5. Themed presentations may include animal encounters. Learn more about Shedd programs at your school.
Does Shedd offer field trip planning services?
We offer a one-hour professional development workshop for educators looking for extra help planning their Shedd Aquarium field trips. The workshop will guide you in planning a focused field trip for your students. We will explore program details, identify relevant locations around the aquarium and practice creating activities for before, during and after your visit. Get the full list of teacher professional development opportunities.
What is the process for scheduling a field trip or an education program?
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Request a reservation online or download a printable form and mail or fax it to us. A representative from our guest services department will contact you via mail to confirm your requested dates.
How many chaperones are required for school groups?
One chaperone is required for every 10 students, although one for every five is recommended. Teachers are counted in the chaperone-to-student ratio. Please note: There is an individual rate for chaperones exceeding a 1:5 ratio.
What happens after I register?
The group sales office at Shedd will try to schedule your trip and any education programs for your first chosen date. If that date is not available, they will move to your second or third choice. You will receive a confirmation letter informing you of the field trip and any program dates, start times and fees (including mileage fees, if applicable). If you have registered for a program, an education staff member will also contact you by phone to confirm these details.
Can I visit Shedd prior to my field trip so I can prepare my students for their visit?
Yes! We encourage teachers to visit before bringing their students. All teachers are admitted free with proper identification and may use the will-call line instead of the general admission line. Please note: Teachers are admitted free, but their guests will be required to pay full admission price. Map your route.
How long should I plan to be at the aquarium for my field trip?
There is a lot to see and do at Shedd so we strongly suggest that you make a schedule for yourself and your chaperones. If you are planning to see the main galleries, allow 45 to 60 minutes. If you would like to view the Wild Reef, plan 45 minutes for viewing. If you would like to view the Oceanarium, allow 45 minutes plus an additional 30 minutes if you are scheduled for the aquatic animal show. Programs for grades K–5 run 50 minutes. Programs for grades 6–12 run 90 minutes. You may also want to allow 30 minutes for lunch. Map your route.
Where should we go when we arrive at Shedd Aquarium?
All school groups should arrive in the bus drop-off area on the south side of the aquarium. Buses now have direct access from Museum Campus Drive. A guest services staff member will greet you with a brief orientation for your group before you take the ramp to the group reception center. A map is included with your reservation confirmation, but you can also view an interactive map of the area. See our traffic alerts for more information about any delays on the day of your visit. Map your route.
Where should buses park while they wait?
Buses may be able to park on a first-come basis in the Adler Planetarium parking lot for a fee. There is also limited free parking for buses west of the aquarium on Canal Street south of Roosevelt Road. We suggest making contingency plans in case parking is not available on the Museum Campus. Visit Standard Parking or call 312-235-7701 for more information and prices. Map your route.
What are the lunch options?
Students taking programs with us are guaranteed a lunch space. You must indicate on your reservation form if you want a lunch space. If you are on a self-guided field trip and are brown-bagging it, lunchroom reservations are on a first-come/first-served basis. Map your route.
What's going on with the Oceanarium renovation?
The Oceanarium has reopened! In spring 2009, Shedd welcomed back the belugas, dolphins, penguins, and sea otters and added some new animals. You and your students can explore the new interactive exhibits, experience the improved guest amenities and see a new Oceanarium show.
