Shedd Aquarium in Chicago: Best Time to Visit and 5 Coolest Animals to See

Chicago is home to some of the most amazing buildings, restaurants, and attractions in the world. One of these must-see places is the Shedd Aquarium. Located right in the heart of the city along Lake Michigan, it was opened back in 1930 and has been serving locals and tourists alike ever since. This home to many fish and animals commonly ranks amongst the best aquariums to visit in the entire world. Back in 1987, the U.S. National Register of Historic Places added this beautiful place to its list. Being one of the most beloved aquariums around means there are a bunch of people who want to visit. That being said, there are certain times throughout the week that would make a visit to this place more enjoyable.

The Best Time to Visit Shedd Aquarium

Taking a trip to Chicago to experience the Shedd Aquarium should be a top priority for those who love sea creatures. When you get there, it’s important to commit to a time slot ahead of time. According to CityPASS, the best time to visit early in the morning during the weekday. In general, the best time to go to Chicago is anytime in the spring or fall. The summers, while beautiful, can be extremely hot and humid, making it less than ideal to walk around the town.

A winter in Chicago can be incredibly cold and grey. Part of the allure of Shedd Aquarium is the proximity to downtown and the walkability to other places. Going in the spring and fall lets you experience all of these things as best you can. Once you arrive, there are plenty of amazing animals to see. Here are five of the most noteworthy animals you will come close to at the aquarium.

Sharks at the Shedd Aquarium

Anytime you go to an aquarium, seeing sharks is a fun thing to do. These creatures rule the sea and it’s not easy to get up close and personal with one. At the Shedd Aquarium, there are nine different types of sharks that you’ll be able to see. Some of the exotic sharks you’ll come across here are the infamous Sandbar Shark, the stripped Leopard Shark, and the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark.

Stingrays at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

The stingray attraction at Shedd Aquarium is one of the best you’ll ever experience. The stingrays are kept in a tank that reaches about waist level, and you’re actually able to touch these sea creatures. Once get comfortable touching them (if you’re feeling really confident), you can then feed these animals. However, you’ll have to be at the aquarium between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and pay a $5 fee to help these animals eat.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin Inside the Shedd Aquarium

Transporting a dolphin from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the middle of the country is quite the task, but the Shedd Aquarium was able to pull it off. These gorgeous animals love to show off in front of an audience. They know many tricks and love to jump from the water. A lot of what scientists know about dolphins comes from being able to study them in aquariums. These animals aren’t just here to see… they’re also helping us learn more about them.

Penguins Located Within the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

It took serious effort to get to transport penguins from their natural habitat to Chicago, but it successfully happened. Penguins prefer to reside in colder climates, making the winter in Chicago the perfect place for them to be. The Shedd Aquarium has two different types of penguins at their attraction: Magellanic Penguins and Rockhopper Penguins. The Rockhopper Penguin is a little more colorful, while the Magellanic Penguin have the stereotypical penguin waddle.

Sea Otters You’ll See at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

Sea otters are known for being some of the cutest animals in the entire animal kingdom. Their furry bodies and love of the water make them incredibly entertaining to watch during the day. The Shedd Aquarium has the two different types of species of sea otters to admire. You’ll catch the northern sea otter and the southern sea otter. These creatures can be found along the coastline of the United States and Canada, and can even wind up all the way in Japan.

The next time you’re planning a trip to Chicago, make sure that the Shedd Aquarium is a place you make time for. In order to maximize your time there, try to get tickets for a weekday morning. This way, you’ll enjoy all the animals that this wonderful place has to offer.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sea Cow, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original