Shedd Aquarium

Overview – The Oceanarium is a major draw. The marine mammal pavilion features beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaskan sea otters and harbor seals in a re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastal environment. – – Features – One knockout attraction is the 90,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling Caribbean Reef exhibit in the Shedd's central rotunda. Home to more than 250 tropical Caribbean animals including sharks, eel, sea turtles and colorful fish, it's also the site of "aquatic theater." Another favorite exhibit is Amazon Rising, which houses exotic animals found…

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Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:: See the marine mammal presentations from a different perspective at the Animal Underwater Viewing area.
The Extras:: Gather around the Caribbean Reef exhibit to watch divers take the plunge when they feed the fish five times daily: 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 3:30pm.
Know Before You Go:: The atmosphere is upscale, but kids are welcome: A children's menu is available.
What to Drink:: There's a full bar, and mixed drinks are big and bargain-priced (less than $5).

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User Reviews (142)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Aside from the beautiful view and atmosphere, Soundings should work on making their food more flavorful.” “My wife and I enjoyed the view and the quiet ambiance.” “It is a great aquarium with an awesome view of Lake Michigan.” “Great view, good service”
food quality	95.0% positive	“They ahev taken what was a great fish show and turned it into a poor theatrical performance.” “come from an East Indian background and "tandoori" means spices and mouthwatering flavor to grilled meats and tofu in Indian cuisine.” “They have a huge assortment of fish and other marine life to learn about.” “restaurant is beautiful but we're really there for the food, put some heart into it.” “personally liked the one large circular tank with sharks, sea rays and other fish, large and small.” “My biggest complaint was that there was only one seafood entree on the main menu, but it was a nice tilapia with an adventurous sauce.” “Aside from the beautiful view and atmosphere, Soundings should work on making their food more flavorful.” “wanted to go back to the food court and order a wrap that I knew would taste better than the grilled tofu.” “would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is tired of the typical museum food.” “The range of fish that they have there is awesome.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“My biggest complaint was that there was only one seafood entree on the main menu, but it was a nice tilapia with an adventurous sauce.”
overall	100.0% positive	“went here as a chaperone on a field trip and was amazed how great this place was!”
return potential	100.0% positive	“wanted to go back to the food court and order a wrap that I knew would taste better than the grilled tofu.”
service	100.0% positive	“Friendly staff, great attractions.” “Great view, good service” “Little touches like the goldfish crackers were appreciated and the service was polite and attentive.”
value	100.0% positive	“They have a huge assortment of fish and other marine life to learn about.” “huge and spacious devotion to marine life that inspired further curiousity and i.” “This museum always has a great feature exhibit that's worth the trip, along with the must-see dolphin show.” “The Shedd Aquarium is in such a architecturally beautiful building with huge columns lining the front of the building.” “My husband and I spent fifty dollars on tickets to see the "AMAZING" Shedd Aquarium because it was all hyped up as one of the best attractions in Chicago.” “Because I am a teacher I received an all access pass for free which was a wonderful bonus, but even if I had to pay the entrance fees it is well worth the money because there was so much to see there.”

10/10/11

Wonderful place to visit!

by heartsarah13 at Citysearch

I want to bring my nephews here! They would learn so much!

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09/14/10

Great family activity!

by Jane Meyer at Citysearch

Great family activity, we go there at least once every summer with the kids - never gets boring!

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06/01/10

FantaFlop

by Randy Peabody at Citysearch

I am not sure how you can have a baby buluga whale and have a show like this. What a missed learning opportunity. This is by far the worst executive decision I have ever seen. This shows concept, idea, and funding should have never happened.

SOS...Shame on the Shedd..End this show now before word gets around..It's already not good.

Pros: Nice Clean exhibits
Cons: Soon you will have to pay people to watch the show

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04/22/10

Jaw Dropping

by fJohnson782 at Citysearch

Most amazing place ever! It really is jaw droppin. They have everything you can ever imagine and the dolphin show is pretty cool. Must see!!!

Pros: Most amazing place ever
Cons: Pricey

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04/22/10

FanFreakingTastic

by OhSheila at Citysearch

I just adore this place ever since I was a little girl - take a day off life and come here - make sure to find out which exhibits are showing at which time and GO !

Shedd Aquarium

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Editor's Tips

10/10/11

Wonderful place to visit!

by heartsarah13 at Citysearch

09/14/10

Great family activity!

by Jane Meyer at Citysearch

06/01/10

FantaFlop

by Randy Peabody at Citysearch

04/22/10

Jaw Dropping

by fJohnson782 at Citysearch

04/22/10

FanFreakingTastic

by OhSheila at Citysearch

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