John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

The reefs are fantastic as were the jellyfish. Whole family enjoyed the day. The Aquatic Show was disappointing-TOO much talk-not enough action. Kids AND adults got bored. The Local Waters was a little lame,too. Missing many of the sport fish from the lakes and rivers in this area. My family of fisherman like to see them. It was all TOO expensive. BEST ADVICE: But tickets and print online-GO EARLY- when we left at 2:00, it was getting very crowded. Bring your Lunch. We ate outside(May)-very nice and a great view.

It has been a while since we came to the aquarium and unless we hear things have changed, it will be our last. We will be telling all our friends who visit Chicago to stay away , too . We arrived before 9 am and waited 45 minutes to buy our ticket ?! Compare that to the Field Museum which was 10 minutes . After getting our ticket, we had to wait in another line to get in to the museum. Why ? Because they were taking pictures of everyone coming in . We didn't want this and had to tell them 3 times politely that we didn't want it and then could hear rude mumbling as we pushed by without getting our picture taken. The last straw is the staff . One of the tanks obviously had a problem . Water was leaking down the front and I tried to tell 3 different people with staff shirts on about this. They all told me that I should go to the front information desk and tell them myself ! Shouldn't someone who works there be concerned about it ? I figured if they weren't concerned, then neither was I . Sad to see such a nice place run the way it is now.

First if you must go, buy the City Pass, it will you save you a 2 + hr wait in line to buy tickets, and when say this I'm not kidding! Second, the City Pass will get you into all the attractions like the 4D show. the water show ect. Without the City Pass you will be stuck to just the aquariums, or you will have to purchase everything seperate which is quite costly. The place is way overcrowded with people, the water show lasts maybe 20 min. tops and the whales and dolphins do not do very many tricks. the 4D shows are geared more for young children, so if you have teens i would skip this attraction. Save your time and money for something else in Chicago, or save it, and visit Sea World.

There is so much to see and it really is cool. I have been to a lot of aquarium's and this is my favorite. Makes sure you see the dolphin show.

Some nice displays. However my family with 4 children couldn't afford to see extras. My children had to just watch as discounted tours went into the shows. Why can't they have a reasonable Family Price??? $100??? My kids are learning at a young age that working for a living is a bad idea in America One other thing that is very Troubling the Great lakes display has about 10 species Native to the lakes. No Trout, No Muskie, none of the fish that will be most effected by Illinois decision to leave a cannel open that will be the source of many invasive species entering the Lakes. Great custodians of our enviorment....

This is a fun, entertaining, and educational place to visit! It's a little pricey, but there are coupons available if you take the time to pick them up. As a previous review said, it gets quite busy, and gets a bit clustered, but the aquarium displays are well worth the short wait. The dolphin show was awesome! The animals and their trainers put on a great show! We will definitely visit again on our next trip to Chicago!

I've been to the largest aquariums in the world, and I suggest Shedd Aquarium the most.

I can not say enough great things about this aquarium. ALL the staff was very polite and professional. The exhibits were just awesome. they put a lot of faith in us. they let you touch the animals get you involved in the shows and go out of their way to make you comfortable and excited just to be there. ALL the children, not just mine, are simply mesmerized by the shows. It's almost as if they have some sort hypnotic magic involved. Most of the exhibits are designed in a way for you to get the most out of it. there are no scratches on the glass (if there is any glass!) the whole place was very clean (i even used the bathroom!). they have a picnic area inside or you can dine there. I left the childless stroller unattended several times with no worries. The only complaint and warning i have is the looooooong line (and i mean long!) to get in is just outrageous! seriously, it is a problem, but not if you have a membership. We skipped right past a line two blocks long with ours. The museum was so packed it was almost alarming but everyone was very polite and the staff does there best to keep everything running smoothly. TIPS: Don't bring a stroller if you don't have to. a small book bag should suffice. Your child really won't use it anyway. Highly recommend a carrier of some sort for smaller children. Don't bring too much. there is A LOT of people. I recommend pockets only. I know they are demeaning and i absolutely hate them, but some sort of leash for your child is a must. Something to locate your child easily in a rock concert type of setting (i did mention it is packed). I spent most of my time looking for kids instead of looking at exhibits. You may find you don't need one but please bring one just in case. a good camera that works well in dark WITHOUT A FLASH! You can not use a flash in 90% of the aquarium. Label everything (everyone) This is easily overlooked. Believe it or not people are good when given the chance. If you have to wait in line to buy tickets, have a squatter. they can call you when they are in. (yes it is that long) Have good communication. If there is more than one of you have a way to communicate with EVERYONE even your 9 year old. Be fast. find out show times and scheduled events as soon as you get there. be early. (don't sit on the second row of the dolphin show) Be assertive but be polite. You are all there for the same reason. Finally i have to mention Liz. She does the face painting. She is simply wonderful. she if fast and the kids are very comfortable with her. Of everything my kids seen and did that was the first thing they bragged about.

My husband, older children and I went to the aquarium even after reading all the negative comments. Seems like everything is in the eye of the beholders. We enjoyed our time there, the exhibits,the atmosphere and the food. Was a little crowded but it IS a public aquarium and in Chicago,so that's to be expected! The only thing we had a problem with was the length of the 4D movie but it was enjoyable. Those negative comments I think were from guests who are never happy no matter what they do. We are so glad we didn't rely on their opinions and went anyway. We all had a good time!

"They" are ruining a wonderful museum. You cannot even see the Dolphins unless you buy a show ticket. There is another show in 3D....wait in line....wait for show. Small number of penquins now, used to be many, many...No special exhibits this summer. Last year we saw the kimodo dragon, and lizards as the special exhibit. Food and souveniour keosks/stores seemingly every 25 feet. It has gone BIG time commercial. The Oceanarium is now the "Abbott Oceanarium"...what else can they sell off? Family of 4 next to my daughter & I cost $140 for entry. Cheaper to buy a membership, as we did...now at least I can go back for "free"...ha