The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Chicago where you will get to learn more about aquatic animals and their habitats. You will be amazed to see the 32,500 animals that live here. Animals like Asian arawana, Beluga Whales, Bonnethead Sharks, Dwarf Caimans, Frogfish, Giant Pacific Octopus, Green Anaconda, Green Sea Turtle, Parrotfish and many other can be seen in this aquarium.

- Amazon Rising:You will see anacondas, Piranhas, spiders, crocodiles, turtles and the fish that consumes fruits called tambaqui in this exotic tour.

- Caribbean Reef: This one is the 90,000-gallon award winning circular habitat of Shedd. You will see sharks, parrotfish, green sea turtle and moray eel out here.

- Oceanarium: You will see a large variety of fishes, sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins and sea otters here.

- Polar Play Zone: This one is a fun place for the kids. You will see Belugas and sea stars out here.

- Waters of the World: Enjoy watching the mantella frogs, blue iguanas, moon jellies, giant octopus and sea stars in this tour.

- Wild Reef: This one is an amazing award winning exhibit of the sharks.

- Fantasea: This special tour will start sometime in late summer. Its here you will see how these aquatic animals are supremely talented. Check out the dance moves taught by their trainers.

The tickets here are priced at $ 17.95 for children from 3-11 years and $ 24.95 for adults. Its open on summer's from 9am to 6pm everyday through May 25 to September 7. Enjoy a great meal at the Bubble Net, Deep Ocean Cafe and Soundings Cafe. Don't miss out the 4-D experience in the Phelps auditorium. School trips and group visits can be easily planned at the Shedds.

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

What are the nearby accommodations?

You can check out the following Chicago hotels for a great stay:

- Four Seasons Chicago.

http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/

- Hilton Chicago.

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CHICHHH-Hilton-Chicago-Illinois/index.do

- The Ritz-Carton Chicago.

http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc/

Located in the grant park museum Shedd aquarium has got several free days. You can easily get a free day and learn more about the aquarium. There are many free days offered in Chicago Shedd Aquarium every year. In fact, during these days whoever attends does not pay anything for admission. However, it is important that you be updated about these days since they are subject to change.

You can take advantage of attending the aquarium during these days and enjoy all the fun here. In these days you absolutely pay nothing for entrance. Parking too is available at a discount. Below is the list of these free days as planned for the whole year.

- June 14th to 19th,

- September 21, 22, 28, and 29

- October 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 19, 26, and 27

- November 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30

http://chicago.about.com/od/museumsattractions/p/SheddFreeDays.htm

These dates are subject to change and it is advisable for the individual to keep on checking for the changes. There are many Chicago hotels that you can stay in while visiting the aquarium.

http://www.chicagohotblog.com/shedd-aquarium-free