Zoo & aquarium · Chicago
Shedd Aquarium: free entry days, tickets & hours
Lakefront public aquarium on the Museum Campus with belugas, dolphins, penguins, coral reefs and Great Lakes habitats.
Independent guide, not the official Shedd Aquarium website. Official links are under Sources.
Shedd Aquarium is free for some visitors, not for everyone.
- Free for: Illinois Resident Free Nights on Tuesday evenings, 5-9pm (remaining 2026 dates); general admission for active-duty U.S. military personnel; general admission for Chicago police officers and firefighters; general admission for Illinois Gold Star families; and more below.
- Reserve online ($5 convenience fee per order) or by phone at 312-939-2438 with no fee; limited free walk-up tickets usually sell out.
Calendar
Free days at Shedd Aquarium
For Illinois residents
- TUE27OCTTuesday, 27 October 2026 · in 4 days · 17:00–21:00
- TUE3NOVTuesday, 3 November 2026 · in 11 days · 17:00–21:00
- TUE10NOVTuesday, 10 November 2026 · in 3 weeks · 17:00–21:00
- TUE17NOVTuesday, 17 November 2026 · in 4 weeks · 17:00–21:00
- TUE24NOVTuesday, 24 November 2026 · in 5 weeks · 17:00–21:00
- TUE1DECTuesday, 1 December 2026 · in 6 weeks · 17:00–21:00
Closures and public holidays are already taken out. Group-only days need proof of eligibility.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Illinois Resident Free Nights on Tuesday evenings, 5-9pm (remaining 2026 dates): Reserve online ($5 convenience fee per order) or by phone at 312-939-2438 with no fee; limited free walk-up tickets usually sell out.
- Complimentary ticket for educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin: Reserve online.
- Illinois residents: free Tuesday nights run 5-9pm through 15 Dec 2026. Book by phone (312-939-2438) to skip the $5 online fee.
- If you are not a Chicago resident, buy early: plan-ahead pricing means tickets for peak dates get dearer close to the day.
- Museums for All (EBT) gives discounted admission here, not free admission.
- Only buy from Shedd or its approved partners (CityPASS, Go City, select hotels); tickets from other sellers are refused.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free hoursIllinois Resident Free Nights on Tuesday evenings, 5-9pm (remaining 2026 dates) · 17:00–21:00 | Illinois residents | Adults must show a valid state ID or driver's license proving Illinois residence. Includes all exhibits and seasonal Stingray Touch. | Yes |
| Free forFree general admission for active-duty U.S. military personnel | military members and families | Service member only; dependents and family are not included. | No |
| Free forFree general admission for Chicago police officers and firefighters | chicago police firefighters | Not valid during special events. | No |
| Free forFree general admission for Illinois Gold Star families | illinois gold star families | Adults must show an Illinois driver's license or state ID with the Gold Star designation. | No |
| Free forComplimentary ticket for educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin | educators il in mi wi | Not valid during special events. | Yes |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Shedd Aquarium
All tickets and tours on GetYourGuide
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
Hours change by day of the week; Shedd points visitors to its online calendar for the daily schedule. Timed tickets; no re-entry.
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
Shedd Aquarium: common questions
Is Shedd Aquarium free?
Shedd Aquarium has no free entry for everyone. Also free: Illinois Resident Free Nights on Tuesday evenings, 5-9pm (remaining 2026 dates); general admission for active-duty U.S. military personnel; general admission for Chicago police officers and firefighters; general admission for Illinois Gold Star families; and more below.
When are the free days at Shedd Aquarium for Illinois residents?
Upcoming free dates for Illinois residents: Tue 27 Oct (17:00–21:00), Tue 3 Nov (17:00–21:00), Tue 10 Nov (17:00–21:00) and Tue 17 Nov (17:00–21:00). Bring proof of eligibility; booking rules are listed above.
Who gets free entry to Shedd Aquarium?
Military members and families — service member only; dependents and family are not included.. Chicago police firefighters — not valid during special events.. Illinois gold star families — adults must show an Illinois driver's license or state ID with the Gold Star designation.. Educators il in mi wi — not valid during special events..
Do I need to book for free entry to Shedd Aquarium?
Reserve online ($5 convenience fee per order) or by phone at 312-939-2438 with no fee; limited free walk-up tickets usually sell out.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Shedd Aquarium
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Sources
Where this comes from
- sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/get-tickets/discounts-and-free-hours/illinois-resident-free-hours · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
- sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/get-tickets/discounts-and-free-hours · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.