Water life is always something that seems to appeal to children so much. This is why I recommend the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium was built back in 1930. This aquarium is one of the best in the nation and a must see if you are going to be hanging out in Chicago with your kids. The collection of underwater life is so very amazing and will be intriguing to view. The Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive. I would recommend that you take the bus South bound (the STA bus #146 Marina-Michigan). Or you can take the Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt. Once you get off the train then take the Museum Campus trolley or transfer to the CTA bus number twelve. It is pretty easy to get there, it is not as hard as it sounds; residents of the city of very nice in giving directions, just in case you get lost, but I doubt that will happen.
There are several parking lots to pick from around the Shedd Aquarium. Just pick any one of them; they all have a flat rate of $15 for the day. The aquarium hours are Weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and weekend hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Shedd Aquarium is closed on Christmas day.
Here are some basic rules that will help you to get the most of your trip. The earlier you arrive the better; parking gets crazy so I would get there before 9:30 am. At least if you have to pay $15 parking for the day you want to have a good parking spot. If you can afford to buy yourself the All Access Pass; The Access Pass will get you around much quicker and won't have to wait in line. Eat lunch on the premises; they do not like guests to bring outside food items. There are many restaurants with lakefront views to eat at. If at all possible, try not to bring huge strollers and bulky bags. This just makes maneuvering very difficult and they do not have lockers, so pack lightly. All photography is prohibited! I know it really stinks! If you want something to remember your trip by, you can take pictures outside the building or buy postcards.
Suggested Exhibits
Caribbean Reef
The Caribbean Reef that just sounds amazing and relaxing to me.; this is the most popular exhibit at The Shedd Aquarium. The reef is so amazingly huge (90,000 gallon) and is filled with eels, sea turtles, sharks, sting rays and tropical fish. Several times a day there is a profession diver that goes into the tank and feeds the waterlife. During that time the kids are able to ask the diver questions.
Amazon Rising
This exhibit hosts fun water life creatures like huge spiders, anaconda's, toxic frogs and piranhas. Here is an interesting fact that I never knew, the Amazon hosts one third of all the living creatures in the whole world! The Shedd Aquarium does an impressive job a replicating the Amazon!
Waters of the World
This exhibit will take your children on an exploration of the waterways around the world. They will get to see waterways of over 90 habitats. On this journey they will get to see shrimp, bluegills, giant octopus and moon jellies!
