If you teach in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin, Shedd Aquarium gives you a free ticket. Reserve it online ahead of your visit. The ticket isn’t good during special events or for the 4-D Experience, and teachers from other states aren’t covered.
That’s a free day in Chicago to plan around, whether it’s a Saturday with your own kids or a scouting trip before you book your class. Shedd doesn’t say which ticket the free one is, or whether the people you bring get a lower price, so plan on paying for guests.
How To Get The Shedd Aquarium Teacher Discount
- Go to Shedd’s Discounts and Free Hours page and find the Educators entry.
- Use the reserve button there to reserve your ticket online.
- Pick a day that isn’t a special event, since the ticket doesn’t work on those.
- Book ahead. Shedd recommends advance reservations because tickets are in high demand.
Reserve through Shedd itself. Shedd doesn’t accept tickets sold by unauthorized sellers.
Who Counts As An Educator
Shedd says educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, and doesn’t spell out more than that. It doesn’t say whether the state means where you live, where your school is or where you’re certified, and it doesn’t say whether support staff, private school staff or homeschool educators are covered. If you’re near a state line or your role isn’t a classroom teacher, call Shedd at 312-939-2438 before you drive in. It also doesn’t say what ID to bring, so ask that on the same call.
If You’re In Another State
Teachers outside those four states don’t get the free ticket. Shedd says non-Chicago residents can save on admission by buying tickets in advance. If you live in Illinois, Shedd also gives Illinois residents free admission during select hours throughout the year, which is a separate offer for everyone, not just teachers.
For Your Classroom
The ticket is for you. For your students, Shedd has free digital learning resources, including activities, videos and virtual habitat explorations, so you can start the unit before anyone boards a bus. Shedd also runs the Education Access Program, a fully complimentary virtual or on-site experience. It’s for 4th and 5th grade classrooms at Shedd’s selected partner schools, so it isn’t the same thing as the educator ticket.
Cash Back On Guest Tickets
A free ticket leaves nothing to earn cash back on, but if you’re buying tickets for guests, Fluz pays 1.5% cash back at Shedd Aquarium when you pay with a Fluz virtual card. Check that Shedd’s ticketing takes a virtual card before you count on it. You can start from our Fluz page.
Q&A
Is the Shedd Aquarium teacher ticket free?
Yes. Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin get a free ticket when they reserve online. It isn’t valid during special events.
Can teachers from other states get it?
No. Shedd lists only those four states.
Do I need to reserve ahead?
Yes. You get the ticket by reserving online, and Shedd recommends advance reservations because of high demand.
Does the ticket cover the 4-D Experience?
No. The educator ticket isn’t valid for the 4-D Experience.
What do I show to prove I’m a teacher?
Shedd doesn’t say. Call 312-939-2438 before you go and ask what to bring.
Is the Education Access Program the same thing?
No. It’s a separate free program for 4th and 5th grade classrooms at selected partner schools.
More Information:
Everything above is on Shedd’s Discounts and Free Hours page and Educators page. For more days out, see our entertainment discounts for teachers.