Shedd Aquarium Reviews

Great place to visit. Our teenage girls enjoyed our visit as well

Irrespective of my review , any ways you will visit it. Overpriced but well maintained. They opened only 2 registers on a Saturday morning making us to spend 45 mins in line which is not necessary

So this place is soooooo pricey! For 2 adults we ended up paying alomst 100 dollars oh and beware as soon as you enter after buying your tickets there is a small photo session that takes place so make sure you're ready for that just in case you do want to buy the picture afterwards which is also expensive 20 dollars for 1 picture absurd! I recommend this place for people who are huge animal lovers other than that I wouldn't waste my time going it's not a big aquarium so you will most likely cover the entire place in about 1 or 2 hrs. Oh and then they give you the option of buying tickets to see a 4D film about sharks and 2 other films, I don't recall their names, for an extra 5 dollars I do not recommend it. We got the tickets for the shark film and there was no 4D action at all only 1 small part of a bubble scene, so not worth it and then you will get wet while watching the film that's there way of adding to the experience of 4D by splashing you on some scenes of the film. If you are a resident of Chicago it is worth visiting because the tickets are way cheaper just make sure to take proof that you live there but honestly there's better places to go to while visiting chicago and less expensive.

Take at least 4 hours if want to go through all sections

Horrible, so crowded I could see nothing and was expensive

This was an absolutely beautiful aquarium. My favorite part was watching the dolphin show. I'm not an avid aquarium goer but I did love learning about the different aquatic species!

I am a member and yesterday, April 11, was the worst experience I've had with the Shedd ever. 1) The parking facility between Adler and the Shedd is $19. However, there is now a credit card machine that is clearly not user-friendly to the public because the line was down the street to get into the lot. 2) The line to get into the Shedd is always a long wait. Yesterday, members alone had to wait 45 minutes to get in because there were only TWO people behind the counter who were registering new members and checking IDs of existing members. One employee just stood and yelled out, "To make the line shorter, please only one guest in line to obtain tickets. All others stand to the side!" Ummm... how about putting more people behind the counter! 3) When my children and I went to view the exhibits we noticed that the American Lobster was literally stuck between two rocks in his cage. He could not move at all. People were making comments about it, so I went up to the counter to express my concern. All Guest Relations said was, "Fill out a comment card." Seriously? Their mission statement claims "..passionate about our animals, their habitats and the planet we share." I even tried calling about my concerns, but got voicemail. No one ever responded to my concerns. Yes, spring break is going to be crazy in the city regardless. However, the Shedd certainly did not prepare themselves. They were completely under staffed and the staff they did have did not want to be bothered.

Love to see these aquatic animals up close. I was there for an otter experience. I loved it. Trainers and staff so knowledgeable. It was nice to be back after so many years.

Haven't been to the Shedd in awhile took my kids yesterday (Presidents Day) was a little disappointed with the "extra experience shows" the 4D movidas like 5 min long? The dolphin show is definitely not what it use to be. The wild reef walk through was pretty cool but to me is too pricey for the actual experience probably won't be going in a very long time.

We only had 30 minutes because we had to catch our flight but we enjoyed the aquarium! Absolutely worth it! So beautiful! I felt really bad for the dolphins and beluga whales in captivity. No amount of space compares to the ocean

Appropriate for teens to travel in pairs and explore. Stingray touch, starfish touch, 4D Sharks Movie (not suitable for under 10). Beautiful, well taken care of.

Awesome place. Can really tell all the workers enjoy their work and keep all spaces clean

Went in a free day. The staff was AMAZING! Kind, attentive and informative.
Beluga whales made the entire trip that much better

Grat place for enjoyment . Great for kids. Lots of educational stuff and lots of fish

Those freaking Dolphins were Amazing the tricks were good & got everyone out of there seats. The Reef section tho under construction was great to visit & the staff's greeting & Construction Warning was Spot on. Thanks

A variety of aquatic life in a gorgeous building. The lines to get in are huge on holiday weekends so get there early or be prepared to wait an hour or more in line. I didn't get the chance to see the aquatic show or the movie as I was short on time but would love to come back to see those.

At first I was put off by the ticket price, but after reading some reviews and finding a somewhat discounted ticket we went. This aquarium is amazing! Three hours were not enough to see the whole place. We especially liked all the little play areas for kids to run free and play as penguins or in a submarine and let their tired parents rest a little. Highly recommend

I've always wanted to go here. Beautiful, wonderful, educational place. I ent with my 2 Granddaughters. We all had a blast!!

Great Aquarium. Great for kids and the cafe was good. Appreciate it being environmentally conscience!

Great time viewing a huge range of aquatic habitats, whale, and dolphin shows. The 4D theater experience was quite short, but enjoyable.

I'm sure the aquarium will be great, if I ever get there. Hate writing bad reviews but after spending 2 hours in line, to wait in another line, I'm a bit upset.

It doesn't help nobody explains how long you'll wait, or that once you get in after 1.5 hours outside in the cold you wait another 45 minutes to go around the corner into another line where the wait is another hour. The only benefit is a few token fish to look at in the third line and I'm spending my time complaining.

Things I do not appreciate: there was way more than enough room in the main waiting area for everybody to be inside and not waiting in the cold. Two, very little to no staff communication, and when they do tell you anything it is a halfhearted poorly timed joke about getting to wait in yet another line. Third is no pricing information. Buy the express pass for an outrageous amount of money to stand in line for 30 fewer minutes, or wait until you get to the cashier to launch a 5 minute speech on what you need to pay to see anything. Oh and fourth is maybe six cashiers total is not enough.

I am very disappointed an organization as large as this can mess this up. If I were not here for the aquarium, this would be a spectacular free line standing and walking show. If that's your fancy, go here.

Though not supportive of species under captivity, I visited to see what this institution had accomplished. I think that they ve done well, and have good exhibits.

Omg The aquatic animals are so fascinating! I was captivated by almost all of them. Also the workers are extremely friendly and helpful.

The Shedd is leading the game in terms of accessibility! I was treated to a very lovely dolphin/wild life show that was sensory friendly. Wish more museums were on the same level.

They also house a great variety of animals in this building with tons of info available if you're curious. The layout is very convenient and the staff is very helpful. Highly recommend if you're looking to explore one of Chicago's many museums.

A bit pricey but totally worth it! many many awesome species and exhibits!

Fish, sharks, jellyfish, lobster, sea stars, dolphins, penguins ... I could go on but why bother? You all know what's up. This place serves up aquatic fare better than a Hong Kong seafood restaurant. Absolutely the most dominant aquarium in the Midwest.

Hadn't been in a loooooong time. It was a real treat. My 5 year old loved it!

Great aquarium! There is a lot of space that allows for easy circulation. The water and land show, while only about 20 minutes, is worth it. The area that allows visitors to touch stingrays is well organized.

Great aquarium, got a free 4d video with the city pass. It was so worth it.