Plan a Visit
Hours and Calendar
Hours:
May 31 through June 30, 2010
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
July 1 through Sept. 6, 2010
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sept. 7 through Dec. 24, 2010
Weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Weekends 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fantasea
Dolphins soar, belugas dance, and penguins parade in Fantasea, the new aquatic show at Shedd! Learn more about Fantasea.
Add to Shedd Pass on day of visit.
Check showtimes.
Special schedule: On June 24, the 5:00 p.m. Fantasea show will be moved to 5:30 p.m.
Dives
Check out our narrated dives in the schooling fishes habitat of Wild Reef daily at 10:30 a.m. And our new Caribbean Reef dive is the next best thing to getting in the water with the animals. You’ll find out more about sea turtle Nickel, the 7-foot moray eel, the pretty parrotfish and all the other reef residents during six daily presentations.
Times: 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Animal Encounters
You’ll find lots of animals to encounter up close and personal hourly at Shedd Aquarium, including tarantulas, turtles, snakes and lizards. You never know who you might meet as we add animals to this popular program. You may encounter Bonito, one of the smallest members of the toucan family.
Times: Hourly
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Camp Shedd
Take an imaginary canoe trip through the Great Lakes, visit a campsite and get close to native turtles, snakes, frogs, fishes and birds of prey like the barred owl, great horned owl, or red-tailed hawk. Learn about the creation of Camp Shedd.
Times: All day
Included in the Shedd Pass.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
During this 50-minute tour your guide will show you Shedd from the perspective of our animal care staff. You’ll visit the animal healthcare center, where preventive care keeps the collection healthy. Then you’ll go behind the galleries to view the animals from a new angle, learn about breeding programs, see where nutritious meals are prepared for a wide range of tastes, and witness the aquarium at work. Participants must be 55 inches or taller.
May 31 through Sept. 6: Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Sept. 7 through May 30, 2011: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
General Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Price: $14 a person
Premium Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Admission Package
Includes Total Experience pass (aquarium, Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Fantasea show)
Prices: $41.95 for adults, $34.95 for children
Inquire online or call 312-692-2723.
Please note: Photography and video recording are not permitted behind the scenes.
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Tots on Tuesdays
Tots on Tuesdays features special programs each week for Shedd's youngest visitors. From exploring Camp Shedd to dressing up like a penguin in Polar Play Zone, join the fun and learn something new!
Tots on Tuesdays is generously supported by the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Tips for a great summer visit
Take advantage of our extended hours:
Monday, June 14 through Wednesday, June 16 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 17 and Friday, June 18 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visit early or plan to end your day at Shedd.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line to get in.
Discover our wide-open spaces behind the scenes! Register for one of our extraordinary experiences, like a Beluga Encounter, Penguin Encounter, Trainer for a Day, or Behind-the-Scenes Tour.
Dress for comfort.
If you’re traveling with a toddler, use an umbrella stroller. It’s easier than larger models for negotiating exhibits and elevators.
Take public transportation to the aquarium. It can be easier than parking during Memorial Day weekend.
Plan your visit with one of our self-guided Ten Fun Finds tours. Concentrate on several select exhibits rather than rushing to “do” the whole aquarium.
Take breaks! Fantasea and the 4-D Experience give you a chance to sit down.
Don’t miss our live animal encounters, dives and chats. Check the schedule in the main foyer when you arrive.
Shedd Aquarium Celebrates 80 Years
Every day in September, Shedd will offer free general admission to the first 80 guests, to enjoy and explore the wonders of the original galleries opened in 1930—at the opening day price!
In addition, remember your favorite Shedd moments over 80 years as the aquarium launches its Share a Memory, Make a Memory contest through Shedd’s Facebook page and website. Fans on Facebook and online visitors can share their most memorable moments at the aquarium. The top five memories will be selected, and Facebook fans and visitors to Shedd’s website will vote for the best guest moment. The winner will receive Shedd’s newest extraordinary experience, a penguin encounter, for four, plus a gift certificate to Trattoria No. 10! Submit your entry between Sept. 1 and 19. Voting for the contest begins Sept. 20, with winners announced Sept. 30. Click here for contest rules.
Jazzin' at the Shedd
Every Wednesday this summer starting June 23 through Sept. 1, guests savor the sounds of summer concerts with some of the best musicians in the city from jazz to funk. While being serenaded, music lovers enjoy the aquarium’s extended hours and visit with all of their favorite creatures as the sun goes down and fireworks fly from Navy Pier over Lake Michigan. Terraces will be open until fireworks are over. The Oceanarium, Wild Reef and Polar Play Zone are open until 8 p.m. and the original galleries are open until 10 p.m.
Check out the performance schedule.
Buy a Jazzin' All Access Pass or a Jazzin' Mini Pass.
Jazzin' at the Shedd is sponsored by: 
Join our e-mail list to find out about the latest special events.
Extraordinary Experiences
Are you looking for a Shedd experience that’s a little more special, more personal, more in-depth? We’ve got extraordinary experiences you’ll never forget.
