The Shedd Aquarium offers free admission to Illinois residents which includes the Water of the World, Amazon Rising and the Caribbean Reef. However, you can see some things but not some of the major exhibits. But, hey, it’s FREE! And, something is better than nothing, especially on a cold winter day, ok, make that a cold spring day! (It is STILL snowing in Buffalo as of March 27th…ugh)

NOTE: Residents of the City of Chicago receive a $3 discount on admission EVERY Day, except Illinois Resident Discount Days. Also, you can get in free (city residents) with the Kids Museum Passport–a little hassle but it is free. Check it out here. It can be used at 15 museums.

NOTE: March 25 and 26 are the last free days for Illinois residents until JUNE.

However, if you have a Bank of America ATM, credit or debit card you can receive one free mini-pass on the first full weekend of every month. So, that is April 6-7, June 1-2, July 6-7, August 3-4, Sept 7-8, October 5-6, Nov 2-3 and December 7-8.

Here are the discounts:

Discounts at the Shedd Aquarium – Chicago Illinois
(See Dates That Apply for Illinois Residents)
(adult/child) Chicago Residents**
General Public Illinois Residents Educator Discount* Students
Waters of the World FREE FREE Active Military
Caribbean Reef FREE FREE Chicago Police
Amazon Rising FREE FREE Chicago Firefighters
Senior Citizens
(all three included) $28.95/$19.95 $20.95/$13.95 FREE ($3 discount)
Wild Reef (Shedd Pass)
Polar Play Zone
Abbott Oceanarium
(includes all three)
Jellies $34.95/$25.95 $26.95/$19.95 FREE
Aquatic Show
4-D Experience
*Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin
are free if you register for a pass online (and wait 2-3 days
for confirmation)
** Except  on Illinois Resident Discount Days
Illinois Resident Discount Days (Mondays & Tuesdays) – FREE
February 4-5, 11-12, 17-19, 25-26
 March 4-5,11-12,18-19,25-26
 June 3-4,10-11, 17-18September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30October 7, 14, 21, 28November 4, 11, 18, 25December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30