Shedd Aquarium

About

Shedd Aquarium sits on Chicago's Museum Campus along the shore of Lake Michigan, offering one of the most impressive aquatic experiences in the country. Since opening in 1930, it has welcomed millions of visitors to explore the diversity of life beneath the water's surface.

The aquarium is home to more than 32,000 animals representing over 1,500 species. Exhibits span freshwater and saltwater ecosystems from around the globe. The Caribbean Reef exhibit places you inside a circular tank surrounded by sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. Waters of the World showcases habitats from the Amazon to the Great Lakes. The Abbott Oceanarium recreates a Pacific Northwest coastal environment where dolphins, sea otters, and beluga whales live in expansive pools with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Lake Michigan behind them.

Animal Spotlights presentations in the Oceanarium amphitheater offer close-up encounters with marine mammals and the trainers who care for them. The Polar Play Zone gives younger visitors a hands-on space to crawl through a penguin burrow and touch sea stars in a shallow pool. Seasonal exhibits rotate throughout the year, bringing new species and stories to the floor.

Plan to spend two to four hours exploring the full building. The aquarium is open daily, though hours vary by season. Timed-entry tickets are available online and often recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Combo tickets with the nearby Field Museum or Adler Planetarium can save money if you're visiting multiple attractions on Museum Campus.

Getting there is straightforward. CTA buses serve the campus directly, and paid parking is available in nearby lots. Walking from downtown takes about 20 minutes along the lakefront trail. Food options inside include a main cafe and smaller snack stations.

Whether you're watching a beluga whale glide past the glass or touching a sea star for the first time, Shedd offers something genuinely memorable for every visitor.

Accessibility

Shedd Aquarium provides wheelchair accessibility throughout the building. The main entrance is ADA-compliant with no steps or stairs required for entry. An accessible entrance is also located on the southwest side of the building. Accessible parking is available near the entrance.

Wheelchairs and rollator walkers can be borrowed free of charge at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The aquarium's interior pathways accommodate wheelchair users, though some areas can become crowded during peak times. Calling ahead to ask about quieter visiting times is a good strategy for those who prefer more space.

The Abbott Oceanarium amphitheater has designated wheelchair accessible seating and companion chairs for Animal Spotlight presentations. Staff members are available at the amphitheater entrance to help with seating arrangements.

Shedd staff throughout the building can assist visitors who need help finding accessible routes or accommodations. The aquarium recommends asking at any information point for guidance.

Visitors who are blind or have low vision will find that many exhibits feature large viewing windows at various heights. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should inquire about captioning or interpretation options for presentations.

Contact Shedd Aquarium directly at (312) 939-2438 for current details on sensory accommodations, service animal policies, accessible restroom locations, and any temporary accessibility changes due to construction or renovation.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Chicago)