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United States/Things to Do in Chicago, solo trip

Shedd Aquarium (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Shedd Aquarium?

86%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: Shedd hosts huge species range, free trainer chats, app tours and optional after-hours events, so a lone visitor stays engaged all day, but heavy weekend crowds can slow movement.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 31,812 reviews)

Positives:

  • App-powered navigation: Use the free Shedd Go! App to follow self-guided tours and see animal facts.
  • Social tour option: The Must See Tour puts you in a small group—easy way to meet others.

Challenges:

  • Peak crowding: Touch pools and galleries fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
  • Popular VR pods: Lines can form at virtual reality pods around lunchtime.
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🏖️ Explore Shedd Aquarium with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Shedd Aquarium. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Shedd Aquarium?

  • An indoor public aquarium on Chicago’s Museum Campus that houses tens of thousands of aquatic animals in freshwater and marine habitats
  • A neoclassical limestone landmark opened in 1930 and expanded with modern galleries blending historic architecture with contemporary design
  • A research and conservation institution home to specialized exhibits such as the Abbott Oceanarium, Caribbean Reef, Wild Reef and Polar Play Zone

What is so special about Shedd Aquarium for solo trip?

  1. Explore diverse habitats like the Caribbean Reef and Amazon Rising at your own pace
  2. Interact hands-on at Sea Star & Sturgeon Touch pools and attend free animal chats
  3. Enhance your visit with a guided Must See Tour or quick VR dive
  4. Use the Shedd Go! App for navigation and insider facts
  5. Plan early visits on weekends to avoid lines at popular exhibits

Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours

Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to explore key galleries, attend animal talks, and enjoy one paid experience at a relaxed pace.

(View Shedd Aquarium on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Shedd Aquarium

Caribbean Reef Gallery:

Walk through the acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

Tip: Visit right at opening to enjoy quieter 360° views through the tunnel.

Sea Star & Sturgeon Touch:

Feel sea stars and sturgeon glide by your hands in open-touch pools.

Tip: Arrive early to beat the queue at this popular interactive station.

Daily Animal Chats:

Attend free 10-minute talks led by trainers in galleries like Amazon Rising and Polar Play Zone.

Tip: Check times in the Shedd Go! App and arrive 5 minutes before start.

Must See Tour:

Join a 75-minute small-group, behind-the-scenes guided tour.

Tip: Book online in advance to meet other solo travelers and secure your spot.

Virtual Reality Pods:

Experience 5-minute immersive dives like Shark Dive and Swimming with Humpbacks.

Tip: Head here midday when café lines are shorter.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shedd Aquarium

  1. Buy tickets online: Reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance to skip the main ticket line.
  2. Work top to bottom: Start on the top level and descend through galleries to avoid backtracking.
🏖️ Tour Shedd Aquarium like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Shedd Aquarium. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Shedd Aquarium

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MH Benbouteldja

MH Benbouteldja

Jan 2026

Hello, I would like to sincerely thank you for this wonderful initiative. I had the opportunity to visit Shedd Aquarium with my children for free, and it was a great experience for our entire family. This was our first visit, and we truly enjoyed the exhibits, the organization, and the welcoming atmosphere. My children were very happy and excited. I sincerely hope this will not be our last visit. ...

Kevin Holevoet

Kevin Holevoet

Jan 2026

Purchasing tickets in advance was the key to getting in quickly. Also didn’t hurt that it was 2 degrees outside but I also believe many others thought it would be a great idea to go to the aquarium on such a cold day. The aquarium was much fun and loved the penguins, beluga whales, dolphins. Learned a lot about coral and enjoyed the different displays about jelly fish.

Cristian Martinez

Cristian Martinez

Jan 2026

This place is absolutely amazing. We got so lucky with the show and tickets. You definitely need to reserve this prior to coming, get the city pass. It was an incredible experience and I hope to come back soon. The gift shop is amazing as well bring a backpack or something to store things. They have a coffee shop inside. Staff is so nice and helpful. Loved this place completely.

*****

*****

Jan 2026

From the moment I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the beauty, care, and wonder that fill every corner of the space. The exhibits are breathtakin & each one portrayed a vivid window into the marvels of aquatic life. Tanks are pristine, with the lighting perfectly balanced to enhance the colors and movement of the animals, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws one in and holds att...

Sarah W.

Sarah W.

Jan 2026

The Shedd Aquarium is one of those check off the Chicago bucket list places, but having gone back as an adult I appreciate that not much has changed. We were able to get same day tickets, but don’t believe that is common. Parked at the parking garage and had a 10ish minute walk to the entrance. Easy entry with online tickets. There are lockers if you want to store your coats or whatever for $5 a ...

When is the best time to visit Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, United States)?

Kayak for Conservation tours run spring through early fall; book online weeks ahead. Summer weekends draw long lines at touch pools—visit first thing in the morning.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Chicago on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
General AdmissionUSD 39.95
Virtual Reality rideUSD 9
4-D ExperienceUSD 4.95
Total EstimatedUSD 53.9

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Shedd Aquarium

Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

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About Shedd Aquarium

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 312-939-2438

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