Shedd Aquarium Tours
1,010 Reviews

Once the world’s largest indoor aquariums, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, and amphibians. The aquarium sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and is part of Chicago’s famous Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.
The Basics
The first inland aquarium to include permanent saltwater exhibits along with freshwater exhibits, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. Permanent exhibits include the multilevel Oceanarium, which mimics ocean conditions off the northwest coast of North America; the Wild Reef exhibit, which simulates a Philippines reef ecosystem; and the Amazon Rising exhibit, which introduces visitors to the Amazon River and rainforest. Make the aquarium a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or visit after taking a Segway tour of the Museum Campus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long entry lines, which can sometimes take up to two hours.
- Entry lines can sometimes stretch outside, so dress appropriately in case of inclement weather.
- Allow two to three hours for your visit.
- The Shedd Aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to Get There
The Shedd Aquarium is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive and a short walk from downtown. It is accessible by several bus lines, and the nearest El stop is Roosevelt.
When to Get There
The Shedd Aquarium is open year-round and can be particularly busy on the weekends and school holidays. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or look for special evening events when you can experience the aquarium after dark.
Special Experiences at the Shedd Aquarium
Make your visit to the Shedd Aquarium truly unique by participating in one of the many special experiences available. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wild Reef and experience a shark feeding, get up close and personal with penguins or beluga whales, or visit the animal healthcare center and watch the animals’ meals be prepared. For an even more in-depth experience, spend four hours learning what it’s like to be a marine mammal trainer at the aquarium.
Address: 1200 Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm (until 6pm on weekends). Hours change quarterly.
Admission: Varies
17 Tours and Activities to Experience Shedd Aquarium
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Chicago Odyssey Dinner Cruise
Take a gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Climb aboard your recently renovated vessel, featuring a sumptuously-appointed rooftop lounge and stylish interior design, for your cruise along Lake Michigan. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner, informed by some of the world’s top celebrity chefs and composed of fresh ingredients cooked right on-board. After dinner, enjoy coffee and tea, captivating views of Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Navy Pier, plus musical entertainment provided by the onboard DJ.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Chicago CityPASS
Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and the Field Museum as well as a choice of the Art Institute of Chicago or Adler Planetarium, and Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory). Plus enjoy a wealth of useful Chicago tips and savings at a variety of other venues and retailers.
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Chicago Grand Half-Day Bus Tour
Get the perfect introduction to the wealth of sights in the Windy City during this 4-hour Chicago day tour. Discover the many landmarks spanning both the city's North Side and South Side, enjoying a scenic ride along Lake Michigan on Chicago's Outer Drive along the way. You'll also have the chance to admire the city's Washington and Grant Parks, explore inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, see Adler Planetarium and visit the iconic Wrigley Building. This Chicago in a half day tour also includes transport between all sites and tour narration.
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Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Small-Group Segway Tour
Experience Chicago like never before on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s ‘front yard,’ the beautiful lakefront and 57-acre Museum Campus. Glide along the fragrant floral paths to famous Buckingham Fountain. Then travel along the banks of Lake Michigan, past Monroe Harbor to the Museum Campus for a breathtaking view of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan with Breathtaking Views of Chicago
Soak up the views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline with a 2-hour sailing tour. This private charter is completely customizable, giving you the chance to choose your music, route, and up to 5 additional guests. Sail into the sunset with your own drinks and snacks (refrigerator and ice on board) and your family or friends by your side.
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$427.28
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From
$427.28
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Museum Campus Photo Shoot and Walking Tour
Enjoy a private portrait session with your own professional photographer during this VIP shoot in Chicago. Discover top landmarks in the city as you follow a photogenic, pre-planned route, with backdrops such as the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium. Then, receive a digital portrait gallery of edited images within just one to two days.
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$150.00
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From
$150.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour
Explore Chicago’s most iconic sites on a bike tour that explores Museum Campus, parks, and monuments. Follow your guide along the waterfront as you soak up the city skyline and enjoy the breeze along the easy-going route. Circle the Buckingham Fountain while you learn the history of the city’s public art, parks and museums, and capture unforgettable images of the Windy City.
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$49.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Best of Chicago Tour Including a Deep-Dish Pizza
Tour Chicago's sights aboard a luxury coach and enjoy some Chicago-style deep-dish pizza on this 5.5-hour guided tour. Visit sites like the Hancock Tower, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Loop. Pass through neighborhoods such as Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park and Gold Coast. Top off your tour with a visit to one of Chicago's most popular pizza restaurants to sample the famous Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
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$74.95
From
$74.95
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Chicago City Tour and Chicago River Cruise
See Chicago from a new perspective during this 4-hour combined bus and boat excursion covering some of the city's most iconic sights. First discover Windy City landmarks such as the skyscrapers of the Loop, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the former stomping grounds of President Obama during a narrated coach tour. Then take a Chicago cruise aboard your state-of-the-art yacht, enjoying a cruise of the Chicago River that provides a unique look at the city's architecture from the water. This half-day Chicago exploration also includes hotel pickup.
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$76.95
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Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Historic Chicago South Side Tour with Chicago Style Pizza
See the sights of Chicago's South Side on a tour that takes you south of the Loop along Michigan Avenue and South Lake Shore Drive. Pass by attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, former President Obama's home, the University of Chicago, Jackson Park, the Museum of Science and Industry, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain. Then head to Exchequer Restaurant and Pub for Chicago-style pizza.
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$52.95
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Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Historic Chicago South Side Tour and 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Discover the historical sights of South Chicago on a 2-hour group walking tour. Select the morning or afternoon start time, depending on your preference. Follow your guide to Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Obama's House, and other sites that define the historical South Side. Pause for photos and ask questions at any time. You also get a free ticket to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, which you can use at anytime until 10:30pm.
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Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Private Lake Michigan Sailing Charter and Sightseeing Tour of Chicago
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing away on your own private sailboat, this is the perfect excursion for you. You and up to five other invited guests will have the exclusive use of a sailboat, complete with captain and crew for the duration of your tour. Sail on Lake Michigan and enjoy the sights of Chicago’s striking skyline. If you want, you could even take a turn at the helm.
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From
$427.28
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From
$427.28
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour
Explore Chicago by Segway with the benefit of a scenic 7- or 8-mile tour led by your guide. Start with an orientation to operating the Segway and a few minutes to practice. Then roll through the paths of Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain and glide along the Chicago lakefront to view attractions such as Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and Soldier Field, homefield for the Chicago Bears.
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Private Segway Tour of Chicago
There's no better way to tour the world-class city of Chicago than on a Segway! On your very own private tour, we will cruise around the parks and along Michigan avenue and show you the best that Chicago has to offer. If you are passionate about history, architecture, hauntings, Al Capone, and gangster or more, just let us know! We will customize the tour to fit your interests!
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$145.95
Price varies by group size
From
$145.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

2-Hour Chicago City Lights and Skyline Segway Tour
Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see famous Buckingham Fountain’s breathtaking, evening light show, with an illuminated Windy City skyline as the perfect backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, taking in views of the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and Michigan Avenue. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour in Chicago
Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see famous Buckingham Fountain, with the Windy City skyline as the backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, taking in views of the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium and Michigan Avenue. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toe shoes.
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$75.00
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Chicago Sunset Segway Tour
Spend an evening in Chicago on a Segway tour along the lakefront and through the city's popular parks. You'll enjoy views of the Chicago skyline as you glide from Millennium Park past landmarks such as Shedd Aquarium, the Buckingham Fountain, and Museum Campus.
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