Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Free Illinois Resident Days, and Winter’s Most Immersive Family Experience
Chicago winters can feel endless. Gray skies. Frozen sidewalks. Lake Michigan whispering in ice. But inside the glowing walls of the Shedd Aquarium, entire ecosystems pulse with color, motion, and life. This season, the aquarium is giving Illinois residents even more reasons to step inside with free admission days, immersive experiences, and the unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Tour.
This is more than a visit. It’s an escape into living water.
Dive Beyond the Glass
The Shedd Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tour opens doors few visitors ever see. Past the public exhibits lies the beating heart of the aquarium, where science and care shape every drop of water. Towering filtration systems hum like underwater cities. Coral labs glow with quiet intensity. Aquarists move with practiced calm, guardians of fragile worlds.
Families searching for things to do in Chicago with kids discover something rare here. Not just entertainment, but connection. Curiosity sparks. Questions flow. Wonder deepens.
Guests may explore:
- Animal care and nutrition kitchens
- Coral and reef conservation labs
- Dolphin and aquatic mammal backstage areas
- Life-support and water filtration systems
- Stories of animal rescue, conservation, and behavior
It feels part science lab, part secret world, part living documentary.
Everyday Wonder Included With Admission
Admission to the aquarium unlocks daily discovery. Visitors can experience:
- Animal Spotlights showcasing marine mammal adaptations
- Touch experiences with sturgeon and starfish
- Live animal feedings and educational programs
- Expert chats about sharks, penguins, and aquatic life
- Evolving habitats like Wonder of Water
Every visit shifts and changes, making each trip unique for families, kids, and returning guests.
Illinois Resident Free Days Bring Winter Relief
Shedd Aquarium is announcing new Illinois resident free days in January and February, offering a warm escape into coral reefs, freshwater rivers, and vibrant aquatic worlds during Chicago’s coldest stretch.
Ahead of and following the aquarium’s annual maintenance closure, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on select dates.
2026 Illinois Resident Free Days January 6-8, 13-20, 27-29 February 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
Closed for Annual Maintenance January 21-22, 2026
The aquarium will also continue offering Illinois resident free evenings (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) throughout the year:
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19, 26 June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Advance reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand. A $5 convenience fee applies to online reservations, while phone reservations at 312-939-2438 carry no additional fee. All adults must provide proof of Illinois residency when redeeming discounted tickets.
Valentine’s Night Beneath the Waves
This year, the Shedd transforms after dark with its first-ever Heartbeat House Party, an adults-only Valentine’s celebration set inside the aquarium’s glowing aquatic world.
On Saturday, February 14, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., guests can dance to house music surrounded by drifting jellyfish and swaying seahorses. Expect themed bites, deep-sea surprises, and a sea of red and pink as couples, friends, and solo explorers celebrate beneath the water’s pulse.
It’s Chicago nightlife, reimagined underwater.
Why Families and Locals Love the Shedd
For anyone searching best family attractions in Chicago or unique Chicago experiences, the Shedd Aquarium delivers:
- Educational, interactive experiences
- Memorable family activities
- Conservation and science in action
- One of Chicago’s most iconic destinations
- A perfect winter escape for locals and visitors
The Shedd has always been more than an aquarium. It’s a living world in motion, a reminder that even in the coldest Chicago winter, life thrives just beneath the surface.
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