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Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

1. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city. Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower. After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building. See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago: CityPASS® Save 48% or More on 5 Top Attractions

2. Chicago: CityPASS® Save 48% or More on 5 Top Attractions

Make use of the Chicago CityPASS® on your next trip to Chicago. See amazing animals, incredible views, fascinating science, world-class art, and more with your Chicago CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 48% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Shedd Aquarium – All-access admission • Skydeck Chicago – Expedited entry to Willis Tower’s 103rd Floor with admission to The Ledge Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Field Museum – All-Access Pass, including admission to all permanent and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions, plus your choice of 1 digital 3D film. Movie selection is subject to availability and specially ticketed exhibitions outside the All-Access Pass may be subject to additional charges • Art Institute of Chicago – Fast Pass Admission to permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions • Museum of Science and Industry– Museum entry to Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, YOU! The Experience, and much more, plus 1 timed-entry experience for a Giant Dome Theater film or Motion Ride • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck – Express entry admission • Adler Planetarium – All exhibitions and 2 Sky Shows • Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Sightseeing Tour

3. Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Sightseeing Tour

Experience the Windy City with our hop-on, hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour, or a panoramic sunset tour. Marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Chicago, including the iconic John Hancock Center, the towering Willis Tower, and the historic Wrigley Building. Our engaging and professional digital commentary will provide you with fascinating facts and insights into Chicago's rich history as you explore the city's most impressive landmarks. Hop on and off as many times as you want to visit attractions such as the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History. Marvel at stunning Lake Michigan, see the skyline from 360 CHICAGO, or take a stroll on the renovated Chicago Riverwalk. When you're ready, Big Bus will be back to pick you up. Download our free app for real-time bus tracking. Travel along the famous Magnificent Mile, considered one of the world's great avenues, to shop 'til you drop at the many flagship stores along the boulevard. Then cross over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River. With our convenient stops located throughout the city, it's easy to cruise through The Windy City without needing to navigate traffic or public transportation. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket, and take your time discovering all that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

4. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

Relax as you glide over the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan on this cruise. Enjoy the glow of the sunset on Chicago's sparkling skyline. Have the option to purchase delectable drinks and snacks at the onboard bar as you sail. Start your sunset cruise on the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue. Make your way along the main branch of the river towards Lake Michigan before entering the Chicago Locks, a modern engineering marvel, that will transfer the vessel onto the great Lake Michigan. The vessel will cruise along Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the wonderful skyline offering several amazing views. Your local tour guide will give a very brief commentary along the Chicago River and entrance to Lake Michigan, but most of the 1.5-hour cruise is spent without narration, leaving you to watch the sun put on a beautiful display with the City skyline. Admire the many angles of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Capture magical views of Chicago's twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the John Hancock Building. You'll also get to admire the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. During your cruise, treat yourself at the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products. Try local beer and spirits and Garrett’s Popcorn. Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

5. Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

This half-hour Seadog Speedboat ride along Chicago’s lakefront is one of the best ways to view the city’s skyline while learning about the city. Combine an exciting speedboat ride with informative and amusing stories about the world-famous Windy City. As you depart Chicago's Navy Pier, your captain will tell you interesting facts about the pier and the lakefront as he cranks up the music and races to key lakefront landmarks. Stop near the picturesque lakefront park of the Chicago Museum campus, where you’ll learn about the architecture and history of Chicago. Admire views of the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, including the Buckingham Fountain, Sears Tower, Grant Park, and Chicago's largest shopping district. Listen to the thrilling sound of the turbo engines as you race around the Lake Michigan waterfront and back to the Navy Pier. Upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride Option and experience exhilarating speeds and full 360° spins. This jet-propelled ride blasts off to start and splashes down to stop. Experience full-throttle slalom runs, sharp twists and turns, and the raw power of Seadog Extreme's 1400 HP engines.

Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

6. Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass by Go City provides free admission to the city’s top activities, attractions, and tours, offering the ultimate in convenience and savings. Choose durations of 1, 2, 3, or 5 days at a low, pre-paid price and save up to 50%* compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Take a trip up to SkyDeck Chicago, visit the Field Museum, have fun at Navy Pier, and enjoy a cruise. All these and more are included with your Chicago All-Inclusive Pass. The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass comes with a digital guide including useful attraction information. Use it to help you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. Activities, attractions, and tours included with the Chicago All-Inclusive Pass: • Shedd Aquarium (reservations required) • SkyDeck Chicago (reservations required) • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Classic Tour • 360 CHICAGO • Adler Planetarium • Museum of Science and Industry • Field Museum • Architectural River and Lake Tour • Chicago Children's Museum • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Bike and Roll Chicago: 2-Hour Bike Rental • Chicago History Museum • Lincoln Park Zoo Rides • Museum of Contemporary Art • Robie House • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home • 10pin Chicago 90-minute Bowling & Pizza (reservations required) • American Writers Museum • Lakefront Speedboat Tour • Extreme Thrill Ride • Downtown Chicago TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour (reservations required) • Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour • Chicago Must-See Architecture Walking Tour (reservations required) • Mobsters and Haunted Mysteries Walking Tour (reservations required) • $20 Food and Drinks Credit at The Cauldron Chicago • The Forge Adventure Park • Chicago Pizza and Drink Combo Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide included on your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions. *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago

7. Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago

Glide around the streets and parks of Chicago on a leisurely guided Segway tour. Perfect for Chicago newbies and veterans alike, the tour uncovers quirky facts about one of America’s most energetic destinations. Begin with a training session to become familiar with the unique self-balancing Segways, before exploring the Windy City in a fun and futuristic fashion. Start your Segway experience at Millennium Park and continue to Grant Park to stop and admire the famous Buckingham Fountain Ride to Museum Campus to soak up spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and beautiful lakefront. Capture pictures to share of the expansive views of the sea-like Lake Michigan. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.

Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

8. Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

Segways are amazingly fun and there is no better way to tour a world-class city like Chicago than on your own personal set of wheels--a Segway! Our eight-mile Lakefront Chicago Segway tour lets you learn about and view and many Chicago's attractions in a highly unique way. As you glide effortlessly and enjoy the lakefront, you can learn the history of our city from your friendly and professional tour guide. Immerse yourself in the area's countless attractions, gorgeous parks and gardens, and stunning photo opportunities. See sights like Grant Park, the BP Bridge, the Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain, as well as generous views of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyline. Segways are safe to use, easy to learn, and fun to ride. We offer a thorough training session from our certified guides before we begin the tour.

Chicago: Family Fun Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

9. Chicago: Family Fun Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning skyscrapers, historic buildings, and modern marvels on this fun, family friendly boat cruise. Relax and unwind as you admire scenic views from the Chicago River and the Chicago Harbor Lock. Then move out onto Lake Michigan where you can gaze upon the entire city skyline and shoreline. During the boat ride, enjoy lively narration and stories about Chicago’s rich history as your knowledgeable guides point out the many sights of the city including Willis Tower, Aon Center, John Hancock Building, Museum Campus, Marina City, Wrigley Building, Chicago Tribune Building, Navy Pier, the Lighthouse and more. The tour also gives you the opportunity to experience passing through the Chicago River Lock System. Listen to your guide explain the full workings of the lock and feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan, and then lower again when returning to the Chicago River.

Available activities

Other Sightseeing Options in Shedd Aquarium

Want to discover all there is to do in Shedd Aquarium? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Shedd Aquarium

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,784 reviews

It worked well and was recognized by all the listed vendors. To get the best value you really need to stay busy all day and evening at these venues.

I found really helpful to get the city pass, you skip the long queues everywhere and the process of getting the tickets is really fast

We enjoyed all the attractions on City Pass Chicagoand I would recommend it to everyone who wants to see what Chicago has to offer.

The pass is very easy to use and has some great locations in Chicago where it is accepted. Highly recommended.

Superb commentary from informed, intelligent and interesting boat tour guide.