Shedd Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Chicago, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, the cost of admission can be a barrier for some people who want to visit the aquarium. Fortunately, Shedd Aquarium offers several opportunities throughout the year for visitors to enjoy free admission.
Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission on select days throughout the year. Visitors must reserve their tickets online before their visit. The free days vary based on the date and time of year, so it’s important to check the schedule ahead of time. In addition to the free days, Illinois residents can also enjoy free admission on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during certain months.
For those who are not Illinois residents or who cannot visit during the free days, there are still ways to save money on admission to Shedd Aquarium. Members of the aquarium can enjoy free general admission every day, and Chicago residents can purchase adult general admission tickets for $19.95 every day. Planning ahead can also help visitors save money, as Shedd offers value pricing on days with less attendance and surge pricing on days closer to attendance capacity. Overall, there are many ways to enjoy the wonders of Shedd Aquarium without breaking the bank.
Planning Your Visit to Shedd Aquarium
If you’re planning a visit to Shedd Aquarium, there are a few things you should know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. One of the most important things to consider is whether you qualify for free admission days.
Understanding Free Admission Days
Shedd Aquarium offers a number of free admission days throughout the year for Illinois residents, including several in February. On these days, Illinois residents can visit the aquarium for free, but advance reservations are required and a transaction fee may apply.
How to Qualify for Illinois Resident Free Days
To qualify for Illinois resident free days, visitors must provide proof of residency. This can be done by presenting a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID, or by showing a utility bill or lease agreement that includes the visitor’s name and Illinois address.
It’s important to note that while admission is free on these days, visitors may still need to pay for additional experiences like 4-D movies or special exhibits. Visitors can check the Shedd Aquarium website for more information on hours, exhibits, and additional fees.
Overall, planning ahead and understanding the requirements for free admission days can help visitors make the most of their visit to Shedd Aquarium.
Tickets and Reservations
Securing Tickets for Free Days
Shedd Aquarium offers several opportunities for free entry. For Illinois residents, there are Illinois Resident Free Day tickets, while for everyone, there are free museum days. However, to secure tickets for these free days, guests must reserve them online at the Shedd’s website. It is important to note that a $3 transaction fee applies to all Illinois Resident Free Day tickets reserved online.
Additional Experiences and Offers
In addition to free entry, guests can also purchase tickets for additional experiences such as Stingray Touch and Stingray Feeding. These experiences can be added to the General Admission ticket at a discounted rate. Premier Corporate Sponsors of the Shedd Aquarium can also enjoy additional offers and special pricing.
To purchase tickets or reserve free entry, guests can visit the Shedd Aquarium website and login or create an account. Planning ahead and purchasing tickets in advance can save guests money, as Shedd provides value pricing on days with less attendance and surge pricing on days closer to attendance capacity. All prices above and below General Admission are based on real-time ticket data.
Overall, guests can enjoy a variety of experiences at the Shedd Aquarium, from free museum days to additional experiences and offers. By securing tickets in advance and taking advantage of discounts and special offers, guests can make the most of their visit to this world-renowned aquarium.
Exploring the Exhibits
Visiting the Shedd Aquarium doesn’t have to break the bank. With free admission on select days, guests can explore the aquatic animal world without spending a dime.
Aquatic Animals and Special Events
The aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals and 1,500 species, including beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins. Visitors can experience Evolution, a permanent exhibit that explores the history of aquatic life, or check out the rotating special exhibits. One such exhibit is Underwater Beauty, which showcases the beauty of aquatic life through art and photography.
In addition to exhibits, the aquarium hosts special events throughout the year, such as Jazzin’ at the Shedd, an evening of live music and drinks.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Shedd Aquarium is committed to providing accessibility for all guests. Wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis, and the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible.
Guests can refuel at one of the on-site restaurants or the food court, which offers a variety of options for all dietary needs. Parking is available for an additional fee, but guests are encouraged to take public transportation to reduce their carbon footprint.
Overall, the Shedd Aquarium offers a fun and educational experience for guests of all ages and abilities. With free admission on select days, there’s no reason not to check out the exhibits and aquatic animal world.
Additional Information
Discounts and Free Access for Special Groups
Shedd Aquarium offers several discounts and free access to special groups. For example, Chicago residents can enjoy free admission on select days throughout the year. Teachers in Illinois can also enjoy free admission on Teacher Appreciation Days. Active-duty military personnel can receive complimentary admission with a valid ID.
Moreover, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the aquarium offers free admission to all guests. Firefighters and police officers can also enjoy free admission on certain days. For more information on discounts and free days, guests can visit the Shedd Aquarium website.
Staying Informed and Connected
To stay informed about the latest news and updates from Shedd Aquarium, guests can sign up for the aquarium’s newsletter on its website. The newsletter includes information about upcoming events, special offers, and more.
Guests can also follow Shedd Aquarium on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected and receive updates on the latest happenings at the aquarium.
Additionally, guests can download the Shedd Aquarium mobile app on iOS or Android devices to plan their visit, buy tickets, and explore the aquarium’s exhibits.
Before visiting the aquarium, guests should review the privacy policy on the Shedd Aquarium website to understand how their personal information is collected and used. They should also check the weather forecast and any routine maintenance schedules that may affect their visit.
For more information on museum days at Museum Campus, guests can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum websites. Guests can also stay updated on the latest news and events in Chicago by visiting Block Club Chicago for reporting on local news and events.
