Shedd Aquarium

"This place is absolutely amazing. We got so lucky with the show and tickets. You definitely need to reserve this prior to coming, get the city pass. It was an incredible experience and I hope to come back soon. The gift shop is amazing as well bring a backpack or something to store things. They have a coffee shop inside. Staff is so nice and helpful. Loved this place completely."

"From the moment I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the beauty, care, and wonder that fill every corner of the space. The exhibits are breathtakin & each one portrayed a vivid window into the marvels of aquatic life. Tanks are pristine, with the lighting perfectly balanced to enhance the colors and movement of the animals, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws one in and holds attention. The staff deserves special recognition for their kindness and professionalism. The time spent interacting with staff reflected genuine passion for work and safety for all (including the animals). Secondly, I had the pleasure of speaking with several managers; Gloria and Ana from Monterey, as well as Melody from Guest Relations. All were courteous, well mannered and ready to answer any questions that might arise. They shared insights that deepened my appreciation for the aquarium’s mission. With that being said, the pathways, displays, and viewing areas were spotless and maintained, contributing to a relaxed, immersive environment that makes exploring and filming each section a delight. The balance of ambient sound and lighting enhances the sense of discovery, allowing visitors to feel as though they’re traveling beneath the waves without ever leaving Chicago. In every respect, Shedd Aquarium exemplifies excellence and it's spectacular exhibits, dedicated staff, and an inspiring commitment to conservation and education. It is a place that not only entertains, but also instills a deep respect for marine life and the planet we share. Lastly, this visit left me in awe for the beauty of nature and for the people who work so passionately to showcase and protect it."

"My son and I absolutely love the Shedd Aquarium. While parking is limited and navigation inside could be more intuitive, those minor drawbacks don’t take away from the experience. The aquarium is engaging and fun for all ages, and the dolphin show is easily one of our favorite highlights. We also enjoy having lunch there, which makes it easy to spend several hours exploring. We usually save the main floor exhibits for last, and it’s always a great way to end our visit."

"The Shedd Aquarium is one of those check off the Chicago bucket list places, but having gone back as an adult I appreciate that not much has changed. We were able to get same day tickets, but don’t believe that is common. Parked at the parking garage and had a 10ish minute walk to the entrance. Easy entry with online tickets. There are lockers if you want to store your coats or whatever for $5 a day (single entry). The gift shop has super cute souvenirs and priced affordably for being a larger US city. The aquarium itself is easy to navigate and everything is so clean! The fish and creatures are so entertaining and are well taken care of. I appreciate seeing the variety of fish from different areas of the world. Overall, a very fun experience. If you can visit during the free days throughout the year, I highly recommend to save some money 😊😊"

"I absolutely loved my visit to the Shedd! The freshwater sections, especially the Amazon, were very well curated, with unique and healthy fish living in well designed and beautiful tanks. I especially loved the use of live plants above and below the water to create authentic habitats. The reef tanks were stunning, with pretty corals and tons of fish. The large shark tank was epic, especially the bowmouth guitarfish. The belugas and dolphins were super active and fun to watch, and the dolphin show was very entertaining! The building was clean, and though the aquarium was pretty busy, it was still very enjoyable, and I highly recommend!"