Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by Usama
Opened in 1930 as the world’s largest indoor facility, Shedd Aquarium is also the oldest public aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. Now, it’s home to a collection of over 32,000 aquatic animals, while the number of annual visitors exceeds two million. Drivers have several Shedd Aquarium parking options on the campus, and we’ll help you find a perfect place for your car. You’ll also discover current ticket prices, designated ADA spots, private off-site garages, on-street parking restrictions, and local public transportation. Use our tips to save time and money and enjoy all the interactive exhibits or special events.
How Much Are Tickets to Shedd Aquarium?
See the list below for the general price information.
| Visitor | General Admission | Chicago Residents |
| Adult | $39.95 | $19.95 |
| Children (3–11) | $29.95 | $14.95 |
If visiting Chicago for the first time, there’s a great way to cut your costs while visiting the city’s points of interest. Chicago CityPass allows you to see all attractions at a discounted price and save 49%! The admission includes the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and a couple of optional places like the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.
Alternatively, there are several ways to get free admission:
- Illinois Resident Free Days: all Illinois residents receive free access to the entire facility (including all exhibits and Stingray Touch);
- Educators from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin can get a free Shedd Aquarium ticket online on non-event days;
- Museums for All: Shedd Aquarium provides discounted or free admission to eligible low-income families;
- Chicago police officers, firefighters, as well as U.S. military personnel receive free general admission;
- Membership: If you become a member, you may get free daily admissions and other exclusive perks.
Find Parking at Shedd Aquarium
Being a part of the Museum Campus, the Shedd Aquarium provides plenty of car parking lots. As you can see on the Museum Campus map, the park also encompasses the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place.
Here are the standard on-site parking prices, which may vary on certain event days:
- Valet service is available on most weekends for $35 per vehicle. The drop-off area is on the south side of the aquarium.
- Soldier Field North Garage offers 2500 covered parking spots. Rates are as follows: $25 for up to 4 hours, $30 for 4 to 12 hours, and $50 for up to 24 hours. A special $30 rate applies on event days.
- East Museum Lot is a short walk away from the aquarium and has a flat rate of $30.
- Adler Lot provides an Early Bird Special that allows you to pay only $12 if you arrive before 9:30 AM (on non-event days). The daily rate is $25, while a $15 fee applies after 4:30 PM.
- Accessible parking spaces are available in each Museum Campus lot for any visitor with a disabled parking permit, placard, or license plate.
Check out our Soldier Field Parking Guide for additional helpful info on event parking options near the Shedd Aquarium.
Off-Site Garages & Lots
Visitors who don’t mind taking a long walk to and from the aquarium can save over $20! The following structures are around a 15-minute walk away, and we listed the general SpotHero rates for a few hours of parking.
| Garage/Lot | Rate |
| Park Michigan Garage at 1220 S Michigan Ave. | $9 |
| 801 S Wabash Ave Lot (East-West University) | $15 |
| 835 S Wabash Ave Lot (SP+ Parking) | $10 |
| 1140 S. Wabash Ave Garage | $15 |
| Sky55 Garage at 1255 S Michigan Ave. | $12 |
Note: Street parking isn’t allowed on Solidarity Drive. This might change soon, so feel free to check up-to-date information on the website.
Public Transportation Options
Public transit is the most budget-friendly way to get to the aquarium. Hop on CTA’s buses 130 and 146 or use Metra Rail — it’s very easy to transfer from CTA to Metra. If traveling via Amtrak trains, go to Union Station and then take the CTA. Finally, you can take a water taxi; they run between the Museum Campus dock and Navy Pier. If you need a ride from ORD, look for the best Chicago O’Hare Airport shuttle.
We Make Parking in Chicago Effortless
Our in-depth guides help Chicago residents and visitors find convenient parking near popular city attractions, including:
- Navy Pier
- Willis Tower
- Field Museum
- Burnham Harbor
- John Hancock Center
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
Also, if you’re flying out of the city, find the best parking deals below.
- O’Hare >Get Rates
- Midway >Get Rates