Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

Shedd Aquarium does have a nursing mothers room available to any mom who wants more privacy to nurse their baby or those who need the space to express breast milk with manual or electric breast pumps. Shedd said "please feel free to nurse anywhere you are comfortable. A private nursery is located off the Main Lobby."

The Aquarium said: "we have a small designated nursing area. Ask a guest services representative to direct you to the location."

Mom Darcy also wrote: 
They also had family bathrooms and a nursing room. Always appreciated!

Our Fun Facts for Travel Moms and Kids at Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest and most renowned indoor aquariums in the world. For moms and kids who love marine life, it’s a must-visit destination that offers a mix of fun, education, and awe-inspiring experiences. With over 32,000 animals, interactive exhibits, and a beautiful setting on Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium provides endless opportunities for family fun. Here are some exciting facts and highlights that will make your visit to this iconic aquarium even more memorable.

1. A Historical Landmark

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium opened its doors in 1930 and was the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater fish collection.


• Why It’s Fun: Walking into Shedd Aquarium is like stepping back in time. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed in the Beaux-Arts style, with grand entrances and beautiful details. Moms and kids can appreciate the historical significance of the aquarium while exploring its modern exhibits. It’s a blend of history and marine wonder that adds depth to your visit.

2. Home to a Diverse Collection of Marine Life

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals from 1,500 different species, including fish, marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.


• Why It’s Fun: The sheer diversity of marine life at Shedd is astounding. From tiny seahorses to massive beluga whales, the aquarium offers an up-close look at creatures from all over the world. Kids can marvel at colorful tropical fish in the “Amazon Rising” exhibit, meet penguins in the “Polar Play Zone,” and watch dolphins perform in the “Abbott Oceanarium.” For moms, it’s a chance to see the wonder in their children’s eyes as they encounter these amazing animals.

3. The Caribbean Reef: A 360-Degree Experience

• Fact: The Caribbean Reef exhibit, located at the center of the aquarium, offers a 360-degree view of a vibrant coral reef ecosystem.


• Why It’s Fun: This iconic exhibit allows kids to feel like they’re diving into the ocean without getting wet. They can walk around the entire reef, watching colorful fish, rays, and sharks swim all around them. The exhibit is designed to be immersive, with interactive touch screens that provide information about the animals. Moms can enjoy the calming effect of the underwater scene, making it a relaxing yet engaging experience for the whole family.

4. Interactive Touch Pools

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium features interactive touch pools where visitors can touch stingrays, sea stars, and other marine creatures.


• Why It’s Fun: For kids, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of touching a real sea creature. The touch pools at Shedd offer a hands-on experience that’s both educational and fun. Kids can learn about the texture and behavior of different animals while gaining a deeper appreciation for marine life. For moms, it’s a great opportunity to engage with their children in a meaningful way, sparking curiosity and conversation.

5. The Oceanarium: A Marine Mammal Wonderland

• Fact: The Abbott Oceanarium at Shedd is one of the largest indoor marine mammal habitats in the world, housing beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, and more.


• Why It’s Fun: The Oceanarium offers a stunning setting where moms and kids can watch marine mammals up close. The “One World” show is a highlight, featuring dolphins, belugas, and sea lions in a performance that emphasizes the connection between humans and animals. The amphitheater-style seating provides great views for everyone, and the show is both entertaining and educational, making it a perfect family activity.

6. 4-D Experiences

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium offers 4-D experiences that combine 3-D film with special effects like wind, bubbles, and scents.


• Why It’s Fun: The 4-D theater at Shedd takes movie-watching to a whole new level. Kids can feel like they’re part of the action as they watch films about marine life with added sensory effects. The experience is designed to be immersive and exciting, making it a hit with younger visitors. Moms can enjoy the added entertainment value while watching their kids react to the surprising effects.

7. The Wild Reef: A Shark Lover’s Paradise

• Fact: The Wild Reef exhibit at Shedd Aquarium is one of the most comprehensive shark exhibits in North America, featuring a 400,000-gallon tank.


• Why It’s Fun: For kids who are fascinated by sharks, the Wild Reef is a dream come true. The exhibit simulates a coral reef environment and includes various species of sharks, rays, and other fish. The floor-to-ceiling viewing windows make it feel like you’re underwater with the sharks, providing an exhilarating experience. Moms can appreciate the educational aspects of the exhibit, which explains the importance of shark conservation and reef ecosystems.

8. The Amazon Rising Exhibit: A Journey into the Rainforest

• Fact: The Amazon Rising exhibit at Shedd Aquarium simulates the diverse and dynamic environment of the Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest.


• Why It’s Fun: This exhibit is an adventure through one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Kids can see piranhas, anacondas, and even a sloth as they explore the winding paths of the exhibit. The immersive design, complete with lush vegetation and flowing water, makes it feel like you’ve been transported to the Amazon. For moms, it’s a chance to introduce their children to the wonders of the rainforest and its importance to our planet.

9. Penguin Encounters

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium offers a Penguin Encounter experience where visitors can get up close with these charming birds.


• Why It’s Fun: The Penguin Encounter is a unique opportunity for kids to meet penguins in a personal and interactive way. They can learn about the different species of penguins, their behaviors, and their habitats while watching them waddle and swim. For moms, this encounter offers a memorable experience that combines learning with the joy of connecting with these adorable creatures.

10. Special Events and Family Programs

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium hosts various special events and family programs throughout the year, including sleepovers, behind-the-scenes tours, and conservation workshops.


• Why It’s Fun: These programs offer unique ways for families to engage with the aquarium’s exhibits and mission. Sleepovers allow kids to experience the aquarium after dark, complete with night tours and activities. Behind-the-scenes tours provide an insider’s look at how the aquarium cares for its animals. For moms, these events are a great way to deepen their children’s understanding of marine life while creating lasting memories together.

11. A Beautiful Lakeside Location

• Fact: Shedd Aquarium is located on the Museum Campus, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.


• Why It’s Fun: The location of Shedd Aquarium adds to its appeal, providing a picturesque setting for your visit. Moms and kids can enjoy a stroll along the lakefront before or after their aquarium adventure, taking in the views of the city and the water. The outdoor spaces around the aquarium are perfect for picnics or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Shedd Aquarium is a treasure trove of marine life and educational opportunities that offers something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant coral reefs, watching dolphins leap through the air, or touching a stingray for the first time, every moment at Shedd is filled with wonder and discovery. For travel moms and kids, a visit to Shedd Aquarium is more than just a day out—it’s a journey into the incredible world beneath the waves, where fun and learning go hand in hand.

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