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I almost skipped the Shedd Aquarium because I have seen several in varioius cities around the world, including a very good one at Wonders of the Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri. However, I am glad I went.
The Shedd Aquarium is worth seeing for the range of sealife inlcuded in the large exhibits.
Seals are entertaining. I was only a few feet away from this one. See video below.
The Beluga Whale exhibit is quite impressive. You can see them from the surface and below the water level.
The penguin exhibit is another favorite.
As you might expect, there are many informative, unusual, and colorful exhibits throughout the aquarium.
The glass was clean and the lighting did not interfere with photography at most displays. This is a valuable lesson other aquarium designers should consider.
My City Pass included a film. I chose the 4-D film about sharks- great fun.
Check out the video clip from the Dolphin Show.
Here's a video clip from the seal show.
Location: The Shedd Aquarium is located on the Museum Campus by Lake Michigan.
Admission: It's expensive for those of us from out-of-state. I bought a City Pass to save on costs at five attractions. Some exhibits or events cost extra. Check the website for details.
Crowds: It did not take long after opening for lots of groups of children to arrive. The aquarium is large enough that it did not feel crowded.
Hours: Open daily --check the website for the latest.
Food: There are places to purchase lunches and snacks. I was able to bring in my own food.
Friendliness: All the staff I spoke to were friendly.
The Natural History museum is one of the best in the Smithsonian group in DC.
We enter into the round court where we are greeted by a large African Elephant, which has been present for years.
We are impressed by the Ocean gallery where there are many exhibits from ancient fossils to recent discoveries. Fish and other sea inhabitants range from the microscopic to the massive whales.
The mammal hall houses a collection that has been present for years.
The human origins hall provides an interesting overview of human evolution and interactive "cave video" presentations.
One special exhibit featured wildlife photography.
Other galleries contain butterflies and other insects, birds, and a few dinosaurs (the dinosaur and fossil hall will re-open in 2019).
Some displays are hard to view because of the low light or glare from the placement of lights and reflections off the enclosed exhibits.
The museum stores have reasonable prices.
Food and drinks are available in food services. There are several restaurants a little north of the museum.
Food and drink were not permitted in the museum galleries (except for water) when we visited.
Check the website for current hours and other information like changing exhibits.
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