Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. More than 2 million people visit Shedd each year to see its 32,000 animals. The average visitor spends about two hours at the aquarium.
Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. But how long does it actually take to see everything the aquarium has to offer?
The answer really depends on how much time you want to spend at the aquarium and what all you want to see.
A basic tour of Shedd Aquarium will take about 2-3 hours. However, if you want to see everything the aquarium has to offer, including all the special exhibits and shows, you should plan on spending 4-5 hours there.
Of course, if you have young children with you, they may not be able to last that long!
In that case, just plan on spending whatever amount of time works best for your family and know that there is plenty to see and do at Shedd Aquarium no matter how long you stay.
Credit: blockclubchicago.org
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Is the Shedd Aquarium the Biggest Aquarium?
The Shedd Aquarium is not the biggest aquarium. The title of the largest aquarium in the world goes to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, USA. The Shedd Aquarium is, however, the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 and houses over 100,000 marine animals. It is located on 22 acres (9 hectares) and has a total water volume of 10 million US gallons (37,854 cubic metres). The Shedd Aquarium was built in 1930 and occupies 5 acres (2 hectares).
Its total water volume is only 2.5 million US gallons (9,462 cubic metres).
So while the Shedd Aquarium may not be the biggest aquarium by land or water volume, it is certainly one of the most impressive – especially given that it was built nearly 80 years ago!
What Time are the Dolphin Shows at Shedd Aquarium?
The Shedd Aquarium has dolphin shows every day at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. These are the only times that the dolphins are on exhibit each day, so be sure to plan your visit around one of these showtimes if you want to see them!
How Long Does the Field Museum Take?
The Field Museum is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, and it spans over 350 acres. It would take the average person about 3-4 days to see everything in the museum.
Can I Bring a Backpack into the Shedd?
Yes, you can bring a backpack into the Shedd. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, all bags are subject to search upon entry.
Second, backpacks and other large bags must be stored in lockers located throughout the Aquarium. Lockers are free for the first 30 minutes, and $0.50 for each additional 30 minutes thereafter. Finally, please be considerate of other guests when carrying your backpack or any other belongings throughout the Aquarium.
Diving Into Chicago's Shedd Aquarium // One of the World's Largest Aquariums!
Shedd Aquarium Tickets
Looking to visit Shedd Aquarium, but not sure how much it will cost? Here is a breakdown of ticket prices for the popular Chicago attraction.
Adult tickets are $39.95, while seniors (65+) and children (3-11) are $29.95.
Children under 3 are free. There is also a discounted rate of $34.95 for Illinois residents with valid ID.
There are several ways to save on admission.
One option is to purchase an All-Access Pass, which provides access to Shedd Aquarium and four other top Chicago attractions (Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium). The price for an All-Access Pass is $99 for adults and $79 for seniors and children ages 3-11. Another way to save is by purchasing a CityPASS, which includes admission to five different attractions in Chicago (Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, The Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, and 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck) starting at $109 for adults and $89 for seniors/children ages 9-12 .
Shedd Aquarium Hours
Shedd Aquarium is open 365 days a year. Hours vary seasonally and by day of the week, so be sure to check the schedule before you visit.
During the summer months ( Memorial Day through Labor Day), Shedd is open extended hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The best time to visit is mid-morning during the week when it’s less crowded.
Winter hours (Labor Day through Memorial Day) are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m.. Again, mid-week visits are typically less crowded than weekends. Note that Shedd is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day .
If you plan to visit multiple attractions while in Chicago, we recommend purchasing a CityPASS , which provides access to five top attractions, including Shedd Aquarium, at a significantly discounted rate .
Shedd Aquarium Discount
Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. Located in Chicago, Illinois, Shedd houses over 32,000 animals representing 1,500 species. The aquarium was founded in 1930 by John G. Shedd, a department store magnate who wanted to provide the people of Chicago with a place to learn about and appreciate aquatic life.
Since its opening, Shedd Aquarium has been one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. Over 2 million people visit the aquarium each year. If you’re planning on visiting Shedd Aquarium, there are a few ways to get discounted tickets.
One way to get a discount is to purchase your tickets online in advance. Tickets purchased online are typically 10-15% cheaper than tickets bought at the gate. Another way to get discounts is through group rates.
Groups of 15 or more can receive discounts of up to 20% off regular admission prices. Finally, AAA members can also receive discounts on admission tickets by presenting their membership card at the ticket window.
Free Days Shedd Aquarium 2022
Looking for a fun, educational, and budget-friendly activity in Chicago? Look no further than the Shedd Aquarium! One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, the Shedd Aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals, including beluga whales, penguins, sharks, and more.
And the best part? Admission is free on certain days throughout the year!
Here are the free days at Shedd Aquarium for 2022:
January 10
February 7
March 7
April 11
May 9
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity in Chicago, a visit to Shedd Aquarium is a great option! But how long does it take to see everything the aquarium has to offer?
The answer depends on how much time you want to spend at each exhibit.
If you want to see everything, plan on spending at least 2-3 hours at the aquarium. However, if you only have an hour or so, you can still see most of the major exhibits.
Shedd Aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The aquarium has many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about and experience the animal kingdom up close. There are also several shows throughout the day featuring some of the resident animals.
