Food And Eateries In Shedd Aquarium
While strolling around the Shedd Aquarium and experiencing the excitement inside, your stomach will definitely be grumbling. So check out the various dining options at the Shedd Aquarium-
.Soundings Cafe- Opens at 9 AM and offers a line of Starbucks coffee and beverages. Do indulge in the freshly baked pastries and sandwiches.
.Bubble Net Food court- The year round food courts offers pizzas, burritos, salads, burgers and has a family friendly menu. It opens at 11 AM and shuts down 2 hours before closing.
.Deep Ocean Cafe- It is a seasonal cafe and located in the Polar Play Zone. One can munch on Hot dogs, Dippin Dots and some Popcorn.
.Soundings Restaurant- This restaurant offers the best view of the town. The ingredients are seasonally and locally grown. Make sure to indulge in fresh grilled burgers, fresh wraps and salads while enjoying the terrace outdoor view.
Visitors can also bring their own brown bags packed lunch and save some money. There are outdoor garden tables and a Marine Munchroom which has tables and chairs to enjoy your home cooked food. There is a Popcorn kiosk and the Marine Munchroom which also offers fridges and vending machines to buy packaged meals.
Shopping At Shedd Aquarium
There is something for everyone at gift shops in Shedd Aquarium. Soft toys, merchandise, apparels are part of the exciting range available at the aquarium. They have toys made from recycled materials and have a range of reusable products. You can purchase bags, goodies, water bottles, thermoses which are great alternatives to single use items. The entire billing is non-profit in nature and all contribution goes to Shedd’s missions. So go ahead and carry a memory back home..!!
Whats At The Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals. Found amongst the many fascinating life forms in this tremendous facility are animals such as beluga whales, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, and a multiple species of sharks. There are several different ways to observe and even interact with these animals at Shedd these experiences include chats with expert Shedd employees, live feedings and aquatic presentations, and even a host of optional 4-D shows.
Some of the most popular features of a visit to Shedd Aquarium are found as part of individual exhibits highlighting specific animals and aquatic habitats. These favorites include attractions like Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Polar Play Zone, At Home on the Great Lakes, and the Abbott Oceanarium, where you can explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwests coastal ecosystem.
There are a number of other amenities available at Shedd Aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium shop sells a wide variety of souvenirs like t-shirts, keychains, books, and stuffed animals of your favorite sea creatures. A selection of wheelchairs and walkers are provided for free to those in need just inquire about complimentary rental at the Information Desk. Service animals are permitted at Shedd, although they are not allowed into certain exhibits throughout the facility for more details, check their website.
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Directions To The Aquarium
Merge onto I-94 E towards Chicago
Continue straight on I-94 for 20.8 miles
Exit onto N Orleans St
Turn left onto W Illinois St for 0.7 miles
Turn right onto lower Michigan Ave for 0.2 miles
Turn left onto E Lower Wacker Dr for 0.2 miles
Use the right lane to take the ramp onto US-41 for 1.6 miles
Turn right onto E Roosevelt Rd then a left onto S Columbus Dr for 0.2 miles
Take the left 2 lanes to turn left onto E McFetridge Dr for 0.3 miles
Turn left onto Special Olympics Dr and the Shedd Aquarium will be on the right side
From the western suburbs:
Merge onto I-355 S Towards Joliet
Take exit 12 B to merge onto I-55 N toward Chicago and continue straight for 25 miles
Use the left 2 lanes to take the US-41 N/Lake Shore Drive exit
Merge onto US-41 and continue straight for 0.5 miles
Turn right onto E Waldron Dr for 0.2 miles
Make a left onto Special Olympics Dr and the Aquarium will be on the right hand side
From northern Indiana:
Merge onto I-90 W and continue straight for 29.4 miles
Use the left lane to merge onto I-94 W for 4.7 miles
Take exit 53C toward interstate 55 N for 1.3 miles
Keep the left 2 lanes and take the US-41 N exit for 0.5 miles
Turn right onto E Waldron Dr for 0.2 miles
Make a left onto Special Olympics Dr and continue straight for 0.4 miles and the destination will be on your right side
From our offices ofChicago Tuckpointing and Masonry:
Head south on N Sheffield Ave and turn left onto Fullerton Ave for 1.1 miles
Shedd Aquarium Receives $1m In Funds To Restore Chicago River’s South Branch Near Bridgeport
Senator Dick Durbin speaks at an event in Bridgeport announcing $1 million in funding for the Shedd Aquriums restoration project of the South Branch of the Chicago River.
CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium is receiving $1 million in federal money to help restore the South Branch of the Chicago River, commonly known as “Bubbly Creek.”
Senator Dick Durbin joined members of the Shedd and Chicago Park District in Bridgeport for the announcement on Friday.
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“What we do in small parts today, we can build on tomorrow,” Durbin said. “Once we have devoted ourselves, we’re not gonna quit. There’s too much beauty, too many great opportunities to waste.”
The funds are part of more than $200 million secured for Illinois projects through a congressional appropriations bill.
The Shedd plans to use the funding to plant native prairie and wetlands along the South Branch, as well as to increase green space and expand wildlife habitats.
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Tips For A Great Visit
- Advance tickets required: Get to the aquatic world faster by booking your ticket in advance. Find the dates you are looking for with ease, knowing first-hand when dates are sold out.
- Meet the animals: Stingray Touch and Stingray Feeding are open for the summer. Feeding is subject to availability until 12 p.m. Sea Star Touchand Sturgeon Touch are open all day every day.
- Exhibit experiences: We’veadjusted our fish IDs to automatically scroll in order to convey information.
- Let the Shedd Go app guide you on your aquarium journey, right from your own mobile device. Available for Android and iOS.
- Accessibility offerings: Wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, and noise-cancelling headphones will be available on a first come, first-served basis and will be sanitized between each use. Details on Shedds accessibility offerings.
- Restaurants: Bubble Net food court and SoundingsCafé will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 2 hours before the aquarium closes that day. Any food or drink you bring with you or purchase from machines must be consumed in designated areas.
- Re-entry: Unfortunately, we won’t be ableto let people back into Shedd once they exit the building.
Travel: Shedd Aquarium Chicago Il
by Ellery Wong | Jun 20, 2022 | Kids, Travel |
If you are in Chicago, Illinois you want to stop by the Shedd Aquarium. It is a short walk along the Magnificent Mile on the edge of Lake Michigan. The Shedd Aquarium has one of the worlds largest indoor aquariums at ~ 5 million US gallons. I was fortunate enough to have a little time off from a trade show I was working at to visit it one year. Unfortunately, it landed on one of the Illinois Resident Free days which made it very crowded with a very long line at the entrance.
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Getting To The Shedd Aquarium
Getting to Shedd isnt hard as itis located on the Museum Campus near Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum,just off of Lake Shore Drive.
Driving
If youre driving, the best way toaccess Shedd Aquarium is to exit Lake Shore Drive at 18th Street andfollow signs for parking. Parking lots are located just south of the aquarium.Street parking can sometimes be located on Solidarity Drive, with pay-to-parkboxes that accept coins or credit cards.
Public Transportation
CTA buses take passengers toMuseum Campus. Buses with access include #130 and #146.
Of course, if the weather is nicethen a water taxi is a fun way to enjoy the scenic view while getting from oneplace to another. Shoreline water taxi provides service from Navy Pier toMuseum Campus.
Biking
On warmer days, you can grab abike from the Divvy share system and easily transport yourself over to theaquarium. The Shedd Aquarium is directly on the Lakefront Trail
They Can Create A Home For Other Wildlife
Some species of turtles, such as gopher tortoises, are natural born diggers. The tortoises dig themselves a burrow, which is a hole or tunnel for shelter or habitation. That space can also provide shelter for other small animals like burrowing owls, rabbits and bobcats. These burrows allow those animals to escape danger such as forest fires.
A freshwater turtle sits on a log with its long neck stretched upwards.
A western pond turtle stretches its neck.
An alligator snapping turtle sits in a pebbled habitat opening its hooked beak wide.
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Parking Information For Guests
All Museum Campus parking is owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. Parking rates typically are higher during special events, and access may be restricted to special event ticketholders.
Street parkingPleasenote, until further notice, there will only be garage parking on the MuseumCampus, no street parking on Solidarity Drive. If you choose to visit SheddAquarium, we strongly recommend arriving via public transportation.
Lot parkingThe Museum Campus also has several lots where you can park. Current rates, which can change without notice are:
Soldier Field north garageUp to 4 hours, $254 to 12 hours, $3012 to 24 hours, $50Special event, pay on the way in, $30
East museum lot
Early bird, before 9:30 a.m., $12Daily, $25Night rate, after 4:30 p.m., $15
For more information, visit soldierfieldparking.com.
Valet parkingAvailable most weekends for aquarium guests for $35 a vehicle, subject to limited availability. Take advantage of this service at the guest drop-off area on the south side of the aquarium, off Solidarity Drive. Please note that we cannot offer valet parking on certain Bears home-game days.
Reserve a space with SpotHeroWe recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Shedd Aquarium SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
Travel On Metra Commuter Rail
For all Metra information, please visit metrarail.com or call 312-322-6777.
Leave your car at home! Metra serves more than 100 communities with 241 stations on 11 lines running through Chicagos downtown. It’s easy to transfer from Metra to CTA. Find your downtown Metra station below for the best CTA route to Shedd Aquarium!
Union StationBoard the eastbound #130 bus at Jackson and the river. Please view the #130 schedule for more information.
For all other times, walk to Canal and Adams/Jackson and take the #28 bus toward Olive Harvey. Exit at 1100 S. Columbus . Follow the signs through the Museum Campus and walk approximately 10 minutes to Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #28 schedule for more information.
Board the eastbound #130 bus south on Clinton at Washington. Please view the #130 schedulefor details.
For all other times, walk to Clinton and Madison and take the number J14 bus toward 103rd/Stony Island. Exit at 1100 S. Columbus . Follow the signs through the Museum Campus and walk approximately 10 minutes to Shedd Aquarium. Please view the J14 schedule for detailed information.
Van Buren Station Board the #146 bus at State and Van Buren towards Museum Campus. Exit at Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #146 schedule for more information.
Millennium StationBoard the #146 bus at State and Washington towards Museum Campus. Exit at Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #146 schedule for more information.
For all Amtrak information, please visit www.amtrak.com.
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What Is The Band Line
Detour JazFunk
Chicago-based Detour JazFunks roster boasts some of the nations premier musicians, including guitarist/vocalist Phil Seed, percussionist/vocalist Ben Johnson, bassist Kenery Kent Smith and keyboardist Tim Gant. From smooth jazz to funky old and new school R& B and neo soul, Detour JazFunk delivers.
The Ava Logan Jazz Ensemble
Ava Logan is a veterinarian by day and a jazz singer at night! She hasperformed at clubs and festivals from Bel Air and Beverly Hills to Moscow, Minsk, Paris and Rome, along with local festivals in Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Olympia Fields and Maywood. Avas theater performances include Ella Fitzgerald & Friends and Lena Horne & Friends at the Skokie Theater, as well as portrayals of Ella and Nancy Wilson at Chicagos Black Ensemble Theater. Her accompaniment may be anywhere from one musician up to an 18-piece big band! For relaxation and excitement, dont miss this dynamic performer!
Rio Bamba
The Rio Bamba sound is a unique blend of bossa nova, samba, American jazz and Latin jazz, played by world-class musicians. The group moves easily from classic and swinging jazz, vocal or instrumental to a Brazilian samba that brings everyone to the dance floor.
Bob Davis Trio
Soul Message Band
Michele Thomas Quartet
Bill Boris Trio
Christopher Lucas Wilson Trio
Peta Van Nuis Quintet
Ken Davis Project
Jenn Przybysz Trio
Alyssa Allgood Trio
Victor Garcia Quintet
Alan Gresik Band
Tom Lowery Trio
Where To Eat At The Shedd
You will probably spend several hours at the Aquarium to see everything and will need to eat either lunch or a snack. You have three options at the Shedd Aquarium restaurants or you can pack your own lunch.
Bubble Net This cafeteria-style restaurant offers a variety of food to please everyone. It does get very busy at lunchtimes and when a Dolphin show or 4D movie lets out. I would suggest trying to time your stop for lunch when a show is going on to reduce the number of people eating. The seating overlooks the lakefront so kids can watch the boats go by while they eat.
The Bubble Net
Tip: The best value is ordering the whole pizza deal with four drinks. Easily feeds a family.
Pizza and Drink Deal
Deep Ocean Café Located in the lower level at the Polar Play Zone, it has quick snacks like pretzels, popcorn, and hot dogs. They also have picnic tables located across from the dolphins which makes for a great show while you eat
The Deep Ocean CafeSoundings Café This café offers wraps, fresh salads, and burgers. It tends to be a little less crowded and quieter than the Bubble Net. It also has windows that overlook the lakefront.
If the weather is nice, you can find picnic tables outside on the North Terrace Lakeside Lawn. You are able to leave and come back inside if you keep your ticket.
Need something to bring your lunch in? Check out this easy lightweight lunch bag I bring with the kids.
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They Help Maintain The Health Of Our Oceans
Sea turtles play a vital role in nourishing ocean ecosystems. They help coral reef ecosystems by balancing the food web and recycling nutrients on the ocean floor.
Turtles have been found everywhere living on land, in water, and around wetlands. They are an adaptable species that stand a test of time.
Jim Watson, senior aquarist
Travel On Chicago Transit Authority
For all CTA transit information, go to www.transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000.
CTAs # 146 Bus to Museum CampusOperates daily until around 11:35 p.m.Best for those heading from State Street downtown, North Michigan Ave. or the north side of Chicago.Please note that there is another route of the #146 Bus that will not take you all the way to Shedd. Please make sure the bus is labeled as going to Museum Campus.
CTAs #130 Bus eastboundOperates between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day only. Best bet for Metra or Amtrak users! Buses leave Union/Ogilvie stations between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The last #130 bus leaves Shedd at 6 p.m.
From O’Hare Airport:Board the Blue Line CTA train and exit at Washington, where you can grab the southbound #146 bus on State Street.
From the south side of Chicago or from Midway Airport:Board CTA bus #6 Jackson Park Express and exit at 11th Street and Columbus Drive, across from the Museum Campus. Or board the Orange or Green Line CTA train toward the Loop and exit at the Roosevelt Road/Museum Campus station, where you can transfer to the #146 Museum Campus bus.
From State Street downtown, North Michigan Avenue, or the north side of Chicago:Board the southbound CTA bus #146 Marine-Michigan to the Museum Campus or board the Red, Orange, or Green Line CTA train toward the Loop and exit at the Roosevelt Road/Museum Campus station, where you can transfer to the #146 Museum Campus bus.
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Bank Of America Museums On Us Program
All visitors with an active Bank of America®, Merrill ® or Bank of America Private Bank® branded debit or credit card – physical or electronic/digital card – and an active, valid photo ID shall receive one free general admission to Shedd on select dates.
Bank of America Museums on Us returns in September.
Advance reservations are required. Click the link below to reserve tickets. Admission benefits are not transferable and are valid for the cardholder only. to purchase tickets for additional guests. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D Experience .
Does The Aquarium Have Any Whales
The aquarium has an abundance of wildlife including whales, sharks, dolphins, stingrays, penguins and octopus. As of the time of this writing, the aquarium has 9 beluga whales, each one of them having a completely different personality, different ages, and sizes. The beluga whales can be found in the Abbott Oceanarium habitat and are a must see when visiting the aquarium.
You can also visit the sharks, which can be seen in abundance at the aquarium. Several different species of sharks can be seen including: sandbar sharks, bonnethead sharks, zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, chain dogfish, leopard shark, Japanese wobbegong, swell shark, whitespotted bamboo shark, and the horn shark.
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