Who doesn’t love going to the aquarium to see and learn about the magnificent animals that live under the sea? Now enjoy an extraordinary experience meeting of these animals up close and personal. The Shedd Aquarium is offering encounters where guests are able to not only learn more about the animal, but also make a new friend!
Penguin Encounter
Looking to waddle with the penguins? Try out this 30-minute experience hanging out with the Shedd penguins! Explore what makes these flightless birds so remarkable by watching them explore, play with toys, and gulp down fish right before your eyes. You will also have the chance to touch their feathers, watch them “fly” underwater and take pictures. After the encounter, you will receive an email with a penguin ID card, so you are able to recognize your new friend at future visits. On select dates, this is encounter offered at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Prices are $94.95 for adults, $84.95 for children, and $50 for members. The price of the excursion includes admission to the aquarium as well.
Beluga Encounter
Ever wondered what a Beluga Whale looked like up close and personal? Then check out this 75-minute experience being face to face with a Beluga Whale! Standing next to a trainer on an underwater ledge, you will be able to touch a whale, try a few training techniques, and enjoy a few surprises along the way! On select dates, this is offered at 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. The encounter is priced at $200 per person and $170 per member. The price of the experience also includes admission to the rest of the aquarium.
Shark Feeding Tour
If sharks are more your speed, check out this 60-minute feeding encounter! The tour starts out with an in-depth look at Wild Reef that transports you 8,000 miles to a Philippines reef. Then after the tour, you enter the animal care area to witness the sharks mealtime. You will learn how the Shedd prepares the diet for each species and see how the sharks have been trained to respond to the “dinner bell”. You will even be able to feed a few of the sharks! For the safety of the animals, this encounter is only for ages 10 and up. This experience is held every Saturday and Sunday. Prices for this encounter are $94.95 for adults, $84.95 for children, and $50 for members (all prices include admission to the aquarium).
All encounters are available until June 2022. The Shedd Aquarium is requiring all guests above the age of 2 and regardless of vaccination status to wear masks over their nose and mouth in the indoor areas.
