How to spend an afternoon at The Shedd aquarium in Chicago
Do you love animals? If so, and you’re staying with us at Freehand Chicago, then you need to make sure that you pay a visit to one of the city’s best-kept secret destinations; The Shedd Aquarium!
This state-of-the-art indoor aquarium features a variety of sea creatures, but it is especially famous for its variety of habitats and stunning views of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for things to do in the Windy City, then we’ve got you covered with the low down on how to spend a captivating afternoon at The Shedd Aquarium.
Get ready to be mesmerized by majestic marine life, embark on fascinating educational experiences, and create unforgettable memories. So, let’s dive into the aquatic wonderland that awaits at The Shedd Aquarium!
Where is The Shedd?
If you’re staying at Freehand Chicago, then you’ll be happy to hear that you don’t have to travel far to reach The Shedd Aquarium! You’ll find it right in the heart of the city, nestled right along the iconic shores of Lake Michigan.
Located in the Museum Campus, The Shedd offers visitors stunning views of the city skyline and the glistening waters of the lake – defo Instagram-feed worthy! Whether you’re a local or a tourist exploring Chicago, The Shedd Aquarium’s convenient spot allows you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world without venturing too far from the heart of the city.
What animals can you see at The Shedd?
Plenty, that’s for sure! You can expect to see all kinds of aquatic animals from all corners of the globe at The Shedd!
From beluga whales and dolphins to cute sea otters and playful penguins, you’ll find yourself spending hours with these incredible animals. You can spend hours gazing at the vibrant colours of tropical fish in the coral reef exhibit, observe the graceful movements of stingrays in the touch pool, and witness the mysterious jellyfish floating gracefully in their tanks.
The Shedd Aquarium also houses an impressive collection of sharks, turtles, seahorses, and countless other species. To see a full list of creatures, visit their website here.
How to book tickets
Like most attractions in Chicago, we recommend that you pre-book your admission tickets online before you visit so that you don’t miss out! All tickets can be purchased directly through The Shedd’s website here.
As for pricing, Adult admissions start from $37.45 and $28.20 for children (ages 3-11), with infants going free. However, if you’re a Chicago resident, you can get admission for a discounted rate, with adult tickets costing $19.95 and children’s $14.95 – what a deal!
Opening Times
The Shedd Aquarium’s hours change based on the day of the week, so it’s best to check their calendar to ensure you don’t miss out.
How far is The Shedd Aquarium from Freehand Chicago?
There are a few different ways you can reach The Shedd from Freehand:
Car/Taxi: A 13-minute drive.
Walk: If you don’t mind the distance, this will take you 47 minutes.
Transit: 24 minutes plus walking – take the Red Line from 95th/Dan Ryan to Roosevelt and then walk 15 minutes to reach the aquarium.
