Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
United States
(312) 939-2438
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10
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2 Recommends
Citysearch Rated

"Let the Fantasea begin!"

Strap a mask and flippers on your imagination and chart a course to Shedd Aquarium. Ranked among the world's leading public aquariums, Shedd is home to more than 32,600 animals - from snails to sharks to whales, from the fresh and salt waters of the globe - that connect guests to the living world and inspire them to make a difference.

If you haven't seen Shedd recently, you won't believe your eyes! The Oceanarium just reopened with new exhibits, new experiences and increased opportunities for interactions with animals. Polar Play Zone, a new exhibit just for children, will tap into kids' natural curiosity through hands-on exploration, water play and up-close animal encounters. And later this summer, dolphins soar, belugas dance, and penguins parade in Fantasea, Shedd's new aquatic show. Get swept away on an unforgettable journey.

  • Attractions
  • Aquariums
  • Museums
(Information provided by Citysearch)
You don't have to go 20,000 leagues under the sea to experience the world of Jacques Cousteau.
February 07, 2006
(4.0 / 5 stars)

Overview
The Oceanarium is a major draw. The marine mammal pavilion features beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaskan sea otters and harbor seals in a re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastal environment.

Features
One knockout attraction is the 90,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling Caribbean Reef exhibit in the Shedd's central rotunda. Home to more than 250 tropical Caribbean animals including sharks, eel, sea turtles and colorful fish, it's also the site of "aquatic theater." Another favorite exhibit is Amazon Rising, which houses exotic animals found in the Amazon like flying fish, piranhas and stingrays. The dolphins and/or whales can be seen demonstrating natural behaviors such as dives, breaches and tail bobbing during presentations in the amphitheater during the Marine Mammal Presentations.

(Editorial review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 29 reviews | Go to Page 1 2 3
FantaFlop
June 01, 2010
(3.0 / 5 stars)

I am not sure how you can have a baby buluga whale and have a show like this. What a missed learning opportunity. This is by far the worst executive decision I have ever seen. This shows concept, idea, and funding should have never happened.
SOS...Shame on the Shedd..End this show now before word gets around..It's already not good.

Pros: Nice Clean exhibits
Cons: Soon you will have to pay people to watch the show
(User review provided by Citysearch)
FanFreakingTastic
April 22, 2010
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I just adore this place ever since I was a little girl - take a day off life and come here - make sure to find out which exhibits are showing at which time and GO !

Pros: So much fun
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Jaw Dropping
April 22, 2010
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Most amazing place ever! It really is jaw droppin. They have everything you can ever imagine and the dolphin show is pretty cool. Must see!!!

Pros: Most amazing place ever
Cons: Pricey
(User review provided by Citysearch)
bad show and poor education!
January 03, 2010
(1.0 / 5 stars)

They ahev taken what was a great fish show and turned it into a poor theatrical performance.
thier fantasia show really stinks!! If you b...

(User review provided by Insider Pages)
OMG It was SO boring!
December 21, 2009
(1.0 / 5 stars)

My husband and I spent fifty dollars on tickets to see the "AMAZING" Shedd Aquarium because it was all hyped up as one of the best attractions in Chicago. Yeah... not so much. After paying FIFTY bucks we essential walked around and looked at fish bowls. Oh, lets not forget FANTASEA!!!! That was fun. Wait, NO, it was poorly acted and boring. We left after about ten minutes. Save your money.

Pros: ...
Cons: Boring, EXPENSIVE, dull, boring.... parking meter was broken
(User review provided by Citysearch)
My Childhood Favorite
November 03, 2009
(5.0 / 5 stars)

The Shedd has been a favorite of mine since my parents took me to visit the aquarium at an early age. I love the way they have the aquarium mapped out , and how the group different species together. And at every visit I always learn something new or find a new favorite.
The gift shop is another great stop to make to get gifts for friends and family.

Pros: amazing selection of aquatic species
Cons: cost
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Fun for Every Age
November 02, 2009
(5.0 / 5 stars)

It doesn't matter how old you are or how many times you've been, the Shedd Aquarium always provides a fun time. This museum always has a great feature exhibit that's worth the trip, along with the must-see dolphin show. Bring your camera because the city views from the Shedd are breathtaking!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Amaaazing place!
August 21, 2009
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Amazing place. Friendly staff, great attractions. Beluga whale, penguins, sharks, seahorse, coral in downtown chicago. 4-D Planet Earth was an amazing experience. Missed dolphin show, but heard its awesome. A little steep in $$, however, well worth it! Would recommend to a friend.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Great place to visit
May 11, 2009
(4.0 / 5 stars)

This is a chicago staple. It is a great aquarium with an awesome view of Lake Michigan. The Oceanarium is very interesteing, along with the mammal show.

Pros: Lots to see and learn
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Great tourist attraction
May 11, 2009
(4.0 / 5 stars)

I could spend all day in this place. There is always something to see and enjoy. This is the perfect place to take friends or family who visit the city.

Pros: whats not to like about big fish?
(User review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 29 reviews | Go to Page 1 2 3
What to Drink:

There's a full bar, and mixed drinks are big and bargain-priced (less than $5).

Know Before You Go:

The atmosphere is upscale, but kids are welcome: A children's menu is available.

The Extras:

Gather around the Caribbean Reef exhibit to watch divers take the plunge when they feed the fish five times daily: 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 3:30pm.

Know Before You Go:

See the marine mammal presentations from a different perspective at the Animal Underwater Viewing area.

RECOMMENDED BY
THE DETAILS
Category:
Aquarium, Restaurant
Cuisine:
Seafood
Features:
Open 7 Days, Family-Friendly Dining, Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
Prices:
$$
Payment:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Serving 2 neighborhoods:
Near South Side, Central
GEOBLOGS
By Iwona Kiljan on 10/11/09 06:28 PM

Visiting Shedd Aquarium is a must for Chicagoans as is for visitors. You can easily spend a few hours there and not get bored. Generally, the...

By Jamal Cain on 10/13/09 10:03 PM

I had always wanted to go the the Shedd Aquarium, every since I was little. It wasn't until maybe last year that I had actually went. Some family and...