Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago's crown jewels and arguably the best aquarium experience for families in the Midwest. Sitting on the Museum Campus right on the shore of Lake Michigan, the building itself is stunning — a Beaux-Arts gem from 1930 that has been continuously updated with modern exhibits and world-class marine habitats.

The beluga whales are the star attraction and where your family should head first. The Abbott Oceanarium at the back of the building houses these magnificent white whales in a massive habitat with floor-to-ceiling viewing windows. Belugas are naturally curious animals, and they frequently swim right up to the glass, seeming to study the children who are studying them.

The moment a beluga makes eye contact with your kid through the glass is one of those pure-joy parenting moments that makes the ticket price feel like a bargain.

Below the main Oceanarium level, there is an underwater viewing area that most visitors rush past. Do not make this mistake. The underwater windows let you watch dolphins and belugas swimming from below, and the perspective is completely different from the top-level viewing.

Kids can sit on the carpeted floor and watch for extended stretches — it has a calming, almost meditative quality that provides a nice break from the stimulation of the rest of the aquarium.

The aquatic presentation in the amphitheater is a structured show featuring dolphins and belugas performing trained behaviors. It is educational rather than circus-like — the trainers explain the animals' natural behaviors and conservation challenges. Seating is limited and the shows run on a schedule (usually 2-3 times daily), so check the timing when you arrive and plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early for good seats.

For younger children, the Polar Play Zone on the lower level is a dedicated play space with sensory tables, a small climbing structure, and animal-themed activities designed for kids under 5. It is enclosed and climate-controlled, giving parents a contained space to let toddlers explore. This area is also where the penguin habitat is located, and watching penguins waddle and swim is universally entertaining across age groups.

The Caribbean Reef exhibit at the center of the building is the original heart of the aquarium — a massive circular tank filled with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Feeding demonstrations happen several times daily and draw a crowd. The Amazon Rising exhibit takes you through a flooded Amazon forest with piranhas, anacondas, and river fish.

Both exhibits are visually spectacular and do not require much reading, making them accessible to very young visitors.

Touch tanks are scattered throughout the building and let kids gently handle sea stars, horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and sea cucumbers. Staff members supervise and explain proper handling technique. These are consistently rated as a highlight by families because the hands-on element breaks up the passive viewing.

The honest truth about Shedd: it is expensive. A family of four pays $140-$180 for general admission, and the Total Experience pass with all extras runs over $200. If you are an Illinois resident, the free days offered throughout the year are the best deal in Chicago — check the Shedd calendar online.

For out-of-state visitors, CityPASS is worth considering if you are visiting multiple Museum Campus attractions.

Parking at the Museum Campus lots costs $25-$30 per day. A cheaper alternative is taking the CTA bus (route 146 from downtown) or rideshare. The lakefront terrace outside the aquarium offers one of Chicago's best skyline views — step out for a photo break midway through your visit.