John G. Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd offers the opportunity to see one of the world’s largest and best collections of sea life. There are so many options here that you should consider this a half-day event. The centerpiece of the aquarium is the 90,000 gallon Caribbean Coral Reef display. Here, more than 300 creatures will swim past you offering a colorful palette of amphibious life from such faraway places as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Haiti.

Additionally, there are rooms near the huge tank with an equally spectacular collection of sea life from across the globe. Amble over to the freshwater display to see what Chicago’s fish population looks like or catch the Marine Mammal Presentation in the Pacific Northwest Coast Oceanarium, an exciting show featuring dolphins and whales. And don’t forget to check out the sea lions and otters among the pine trees and running water.

You can be a part of the Shedd experience by putting on some boots and taking part in the Trainer for a Day program, learn the intricacies of feeding, see what the world looks like underneath three million gallons of water and step into areas usually reserved for the staff. And if you are into conservation, ask the staff about any of their programs including Coral Propagation, Seahorse Husbandry and Conservation, or Species Survival Plans. You can take pictures too!

Best Bet: Beat the crowds and watch a Caribbean Reef diver talk about and feed the animals during the day's first dive at 9:30 am