The Shedd Aquarium is one of the top rated destinations in Chicagoland. On our recent July outing there, the temps were cool outside; it was also ‘cool’ in the acres of amazement under roof inside!
Before we entered, we encountered a peaceful protest group. Without taking sides on their issue, one must observe that it was obvious from taking part in the various activities that The Shedd staff are clearly committed to animal welfare. In fact, The Shedd staff showcased rescued animals and advocated adopting a pet.
The protests didn’t keep throngs of people from lining up to enter The Shedd to enjoy their amazing and entertaining facilities.
Before you call The Shedd an ‘Aquarium,’ it is helpful to realize that there are dozens and dozens of aquariums, tanks and pools inside. These aquariums/tanks range in size from quite modest, to immense. You can walk through areas of the Shedd – such as the Wild Reef where the sharks are kept – where you have aquarium tanks above, below and on almost all sides as you look around!
We took in:
- two 4D movies, which a glance at the baby strollers parked in front of the promo sign in the photo shown demonstrates that these movies
- were designed for a family audience.
- The Stingray touch experience.
- The Sharks! Part of the Wild Reef experience.
- the dolphin show, which also featured beluga whales, a sea lion and more
- The Jellyfish and so much more.
To prove that it is a small world, while we were at lunch, we bumped into manufactured housing industry veteran, Darren Krolewski of MarketIngenuity. Actually, Darren spotted us! He came over to say hi and chat for a few minutes before he took off with his family, who were also enjoying the wonders of The Shedd Aquarium. Darren is one of hundreds of thousands of factory built home industry professionals who knows that you can live better when you live for less, thanks to the quality lifestyle that manufactured homes provide millions of Americans.
You could easily spend two days here, if you really wanted to take it all in. Their website spells out current costs, and we found that the investments in souvenirs and meals are typical for this type of venue. For example, we spent just under $40 on a hardy lunch for three and about the same for 3 Shedd insulated travel drinking mugs in their gift shop.
The Museum Campus where The Shedd is located is also home to the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and boasts Soldier Field on the south end. You can see lots of the Chicago skyline from here, including this amazingly futuristic looking tower.
Planning a trip to or near Chicagoland? Consider making The Shedd Aquarium part of your travel plans. You’d be glad you did. ##
(Image Credits: Manufactured Home Living News)