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Shedd Aquarium was established in 1930 as more than just a place to visit; it’s an active force for nature that engages directly with wildlife, investigates it further, investigates causes for conservation and inspires visitors. Every year two million visitors experience unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons at Shedd. Furthermore, Shedd acts as a conservation leader by working alongside partners both local to Chicago as well as globally to safeguard endangered species and their habitats.
Shedd Aquarium boasts numerous exhibits and can become quite crowded quickly, so we advise planning out what special shows you want to attend by looking up showtimes in advance and setting a meeting place should your family get separated. Masks may be optional but recommended; there are hand sanitizer stations throughout the aquarium.
Polar Play Zone is one of our most beloved exhibits, where visitors can interact with beluga whales in their underwater environment and also watch as sea otters, seals, and sea lions swim by.
Abbot Oceanarium features African penguins that have become quite the celebrities during Shedd’s COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; Wellington became especially well known when he visited Soldier Field and other spots within Museum Campus on his “field trips”.
Chicago CityPASS includes Shedd Aquarium as an attraction and provides discounted admission and VIP entry to Waters of the World galleries, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium Polar Play Zone & Amphibians special exhibit. Plus you can choose your 4-D Experience experience – buy it anywhere including Shedd, other participating attractions or online.
