Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Shedd’s Website is easy to navigate and search. If you have a specific question about your visit, you’ll probably find the answer below.
General Questions
How much does it cost to visit Shedd Aquarium? Are there discount days? Are there different tickets for different exhibits?
See Ticket Prices.
Can I buy tickets to Shedd Aquarium on line?
Yes. Go to Buying Tickets On Line.
Is there something special to see or do on the day of my visit?
Before you visit, explore our plan a visit section for our daily programs and special events or activities. You don't want to miss an opportunity to hear a story, touch a tarantula, or make a great craft to take home. Daily event schedules are also posted in the aquarium's foyer.
What's the best time to arrive at Shedd?
Arrive early — Shedd is a popular place, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends, in the summer and on holidays. Sunday mornings, when the aquarium is least crowded, are a great time for relaxed, family visits.
Do exhibits ever sell out?
Yes, some exhibits may sell out early in the day during busy seasons (especially on weekends, in the summer and on holidays). Purchase tickets in advance to make sure you get in and to avoid waiting in line.
Should I try to see everything in one day?
There is a lot to see here! Instead of trying to rush through all the exhibits in one day, consider buying a membership so that you can come back often. You might also want to check out our self-guided tours to help you sample Shedd. Try a new one each time you visit!
How long should I plan for my visit?
The average visit takes 3 hours.
What and when are discount days?
On Shedd's Community Discount Days, general admission is free. See the schedule under Discounts. Community Discount Days are sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund.
Do you have lockers?
The aquarium provides coin-operated lockers for guests to store coats and other items when visiting. We cannot be responsible for packages or luggage that will not fit in one of our lockers.
Can I take pictures?
Yes, but for the animals’ safety and comfort, please turn off your flash. No tripods are allowed.
Is there handicapped parking?
The small parking lot between Shedd and the Field Museum offers reserved handicapped parking, as does the Soldier Field north garage. Shedd's bus turnaround, on the south side of the aquarium, is a convenient drop-off point, close to the accessible entrance, for those traveling with a driver.
Can I rent a wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are available for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis with appropriate identification and a credit card for deposit. Ask at the information desk.
Can I rent a stroller?
No stroller rental is available.
Where can I eat while visiting Shedd?
You can choose from the casual Soundings Café, the quick Bubble Net food court, or, especially for kids, the Deep Ocean Café in Polar Play Zone. Check out Dining at Shedd.
Can I bring a brown-bag lunch?
Yes. The vending area at the ground-level entrance has tables and chairs. You can purchase snacks and bottled beverages here.
Is there a nursing area?
Yes, we have a small designated nursing area. Ask a guest services representative to direct you to the location.
Can you answer a question about my aquatic pet?
We can’t take individual inquiries, but we can suggest resources to help you find an answer.
I’d like to work/volunteer/intern at Shedd — where do I start?
Visit our Working at Shedd page for career and volunteer opportunities at Shedd.
Can I have my wedding reception (or other special event) at Shedd?
Yes. Visit our Plan an Event page.
Where can I find information about the animals that live at Shedd Aquarium?
You can Explore by Animal.
If your membership question is not answered here, please call our members hotline at 312-692-3284, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail us at membership@sheddaquarium.org.
How do I purchase or renew a membership at Shedd Aquarium?
Purchase or renew a membership, call our members hotline, visit us at the membership booth (cash or credit card only), or send a check to the attention of the Membership Department at John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605.
How long is my membership good for?
Your Shedd membership is good for one year from the date of purchase and expires at the end of the month in which you purchased it.
What is included with my membership?
View the list of members benefits online.
When will my membership card(s)/expiration sticker(s) arrive?
Please allow four to six weeks for your membership packet, including permanent cards (or new expiration stickers) to arrive. In the meantime, you can present your photo ID at the membership booth for entry into the aquarium.
Are Fantasea show tickets included in my membership?
Yes. You do not need to pay extra for Fantasea tickets. Be aware, however, that the Fantasea show tickets are based on availability, so be sure to visit early to get tickets.
What is the difference between a Family and a Family Plus membership?
A Family membership allows for two adults (in the same household) and four children. A Family Plus membership allows for two adults (in the same household) and up to five children. With the Family Plus membership you can add additional children for $15 each.
It has been longer than six weeks and I don’t have my membership card(s)/expiration sticker(s) yet. What do I do?
Call our members hotline or e-mail us. You can still visit by presenting your photo ID at the membership booth for entry into the aquarium.
I lost my membership card/my name is misspelled/I need to change my address. What do I do?
To receive a replacement membership card or change your address; please call the members’ hotline or e-mail us.
Can I still visit without my card?
Yes. You will need to present your photo ID at the membership booth for entry into the aquarium.
I have a reciprocal membership. What benefits does the reciprocity get me?
Reciprocal admission or discounts are offered by select aquariums and zoos across the country. See a full list of participating institutions.
How do I purchase a membership for someone?
You can share Shedd with someone in any of three ways:
Purchase online
Call the members hotline.
Stop at the membership booth on your next visit.
Please allow three to four weeks for the gift membership package to arrive.
I purchased a membership online. How soon can I use my membership to visit the aquarium?
Immediately. Print out the confirmation page and present it at the membership booth with your photo ID for entry.
Can someone else use my membership?
Memberships are nontransferable and for the designated cardholder only.
Can my nanny/babysitter bring my children to Shedd without me?
Your nanny/babysitter may represent the membership to bring your children to Shedd, but he or she may not use it to visit without your children or to bring additional guests. To add your nanny/babysitter as a representative of your membership, call the members hotline.
I received stickers but no new membership cards. What do I do?
We have switched to permanent membership cards. Each year when you renew, you will be sent stickers to place on your membership card to indicate your expiration date. If you no longer have your membership card, please call the members hotline for a replacement card.
If I am a member and come with a school group, do I have to pay?
No. Go to the membership booth and present your membership card or photo ID to receive a ticket for the day.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit early and often! Shedd is a popular place, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends, in the summer and on holidays. Arrive at 9 a.m., when we open and exhibits are least crowded.
Where do members park, and is parking included with my membership?
All visitors to the aquarium, members and nonmembers alike, can find metered parking on Solidarity Drive. Flat-fee parking is available at several Museum Campus lots and the Soldier Field garage; rates are established by the management of Solider Field parking and are subject to change, based on the stadium’s event schedule. Be sure to check our website for parking and traffic updates. Shedd cannot validate parking for members. We do, however, offer limited valet parking on weekends.
If I’m visiting Shedd with friends/family who are not members, can my guests buy admission tickets with me at the membership booth?
Yes.
Whether you're arriving by car, bus, or cab, check for high-traffic days and special events on the Museum Campus.
Not sure where to go and what to see? We’ve put together some "Fun Finds” self-guided tours to help you sample Shedd. Try a new one each time you visit!
