Review: Shedd Aquarium

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
The entire marine world—from Caribbean reefs to Arctic waters—on the banks of Lake Michigan in a vast building with a neo-classical facade and modern additions that frame the lake view.

What will we find here?
Some 32,000 animals live here. Big draws include Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sharks, stingrays, and some awfully cute otters.

Are there rotating exhibits?
There are. The special exhibits narrow the focus to things like underwater beauty, jellies, amphibians or seahorses, and are worth seeing as additions to the permanent exhibits, which are comprehensive.

What did you make of the crowd?
Families, couples, seniors—the Shedd draws them all by the thousands. In summer, lines snake out the door, down the steps and into Museum Campus (which is also home to the Field Museum of Natural History). But the animals seem to bring out the best in the crowds, and a sense of good cheer prevails.

On the practical tip, how were the facilities?
Old and new portions of the building are fairly well integrated, but it's the newer areas, particularly on the lower level, that are easiest to navigate and include gentle ramps for those who need them. Shedd Aquarium offers a Sensory Friendly App designed for guests with autism and sensory processing disorders in mind, making the aquarium more accessible to all guests

Any guided tours worth trying?
The "extraordinary experiences" at the Shedd are many. There's fun free ones, like the scuba diver in the Caribbean reef exhibit who talks while he feeds the fish, and animal encounters that allow you to safely touch. For a not-insignificant upcharge (prices may hit $200), visitors can partake in behind-the-scenes activities including training belugas and meeting penguins and sea otters: delightful but expensive.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
Like the animals? Buy a stuffed version! The Shedd cleverly stations kiosks throughout the museum, but don't miss the main shop near the entrance, which is rich in educational and sustainable toys.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
Dining is casual and often hectic, though the lake views are lovely from the main Soundings Restaurant or Bubble Net Café. Other cafés and kiosks sell hot dogs, Dippin' Dots, and the like. Useful, if not impressive. If you go that route and it's summer, head outside to the Lakeside Terrace or one of the picnic tables on the lawn next to the lake for lunch with skyline views.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
There's no way to do the Shedd justice in an hour, though if you arrive early enough to get a ticket to the first dolphin presentation of the day, then exited via the neighboring beluga pools, you'd also avoid peak crowds.