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John G. Shedd Aquarium
John G. Shedd Aquarium
The Loop
view website1200 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605+2490
312-939-2426
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
John G. Shedd Aquarium Description
Sharks, dolphins, whales, jellyfish, giant sea turtles, and endless colorful species -- not to mention the building's gorgeous architecture -- make the John G. Shedd Aquarium a feast for the eyes as well as the brain. With close to 25,000 aquatic critters, representing bodies of water from inland lakes to the Pacific Ocean, the Shedd Aquarium will delight your entire family, especially any future marine biologists.
Other Thing To Do
Kid Tips
Babies: Watching the colorful, floating fish will have a calming effect on babies.
Toddlers & Pre-K: If your kids love SpongeBob Squarepants, check out his 4D movie in the Special FX Theatre.
School-Age Kids: Kids this age will love watching a diver feed the creatures in the Caribbean Reef, where eels, sea turtles, rays and other tropical animals play in the round tank. And don't miss the Oceanarium, where trainers play with dolphins and otters frolic in the cove.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Older kids will really sink their teeth into the Wild Reef exhibit, featuring 500 species of sharks living in 20 different habitats. A huge viewing window means there's plenty of room to watch the sharks, and there's even a glass floor where you can see them swim below your feet.
Planning Notes
- Extra for extras. Some of the aquarium's biggest treats, like the Oceanarium, cost extra admission. There are several different options when buying tickets, so make sure you know what you really want to see before you purchase yours.
Just the Facts
Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day, open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open late on Thursday evenings through the summer -- call or check the website to confirm. Fall and Winter hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission tickets are sold until 45 minutes before closing.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
Reviews of John G. Shedd Aquarium
Fun, relaxing
By Ukwazoo November 07, 2012 | Daughter: Age 23 months
Babies
What we loved:
Really cater to kids
What we didn't love:
Long lines for tickets
Buy your tickets online and get them at will call. The will call line is about 1/6th the size of the regular line and we got there when they opened. Read More
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