The Shedd Aquarium, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. It is home to over 32,000 animals from 1,500 species, including dolphins, beluga whales, and penguins. The aquarium is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, like any other public attraction, the Shedd Aquarium has operating hours that vary depending on the day and season. In this article, we will explore the topic of when the Shedd Aquarium closes, and provide a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit.
Introduction to the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium that has been in operation since 1930. It was founded by John G. Shedd, a businessman and philanthropist, who donated $3 million to build the aquarium. The aquarium was designed to educate the public about the importance of marine conservation and to provide a safe and interactive environment for visitors to learn about marine life. Today, the Shedd Aquarium is a leading institution in the field of marine conservation, and it continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world.
Operating Hours of the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is open 364 days a year, closing only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The operating hours vary depending on the day and season. Here is a breakdown of the operating hours for the Shedd Aquarium:
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday to Sunday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Extended Hours (Summer) | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
It’s worth noting that the Shedd Aquarium may close earlier than usual during special events or inclement weather. It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours before planning your visit.
Special Events and Closures
The Shedd Aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, which may affect the operating hours. Some of these events include:
- Marine Mammal Shows: The Shedd Aquarium offers daily marine mammal shows, which feature dolphins, beluga whales, and sea lions. These shows are usually held at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
- Feeding Demonstrations: The aquarium offers feeding demonstrations for various animals, including fish, sharks, and sea turtles. These demonstrations are usually held at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: The Shedd Aquarium offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes of the aquarium. These tours are usually held at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM.
- Special Events: The aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and educational programs. These events may affect the operating hours, so it’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm.
In addition to special events, the Shedd Aquarium may close earlier than usual during inclement weather. If the weather is severe, the aquarium may close temporarily or for the entire day. It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours before planning your visit. (See Also: How Long Do You Boil Driftwood For An Aquarium? – The Ultimate Guide)
Seasonal Closures
The Shedd Aquarium is open 364 days a year, but it may close temporarily or for the entire day during certain seasons. Some of these seasons include:
- Winter Break: The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Summer Break: The aquarium may close earlier than usual during the summer months to allow staff to take a break.
- Holiday Closures: The aquarium may close temporarily or for the entire day during holidays such as New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, and Memorial Day.
It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours before planning your visit, especially during seasonal closures.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The Shedd Aquarium is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all visitors. The aquarium offers various accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting all levels of the building.
- Sign Language Interpretation: The aquarium offers sign language interpretation for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Audio Descriptions: The aquarium offers audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.
- Service Animal Accommodations: The aquarium welcomes service animals and provides accommodations for visitors with service animals.
It’s always a good idea to contact the aquarium in advance to confirm the availability of these accommodations and to make any necessary arrangements. (See Also: What Time Does Dubai Aquarium Close? Insider Tips)
Recap and Key Points
The Shedd Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium that is open 364 days a year, closing only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The operating hours vary depending on the day and season, and the aquarium may close earlier than usual during special events or inclement weather. It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours before planning your visit. Additionally, the aquarium offers various accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpretation, audio descriptions, and service animal accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: What are the operating hours of the Shedd Aquarium?
A: The Shedd Aquarium is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday to Sunday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during extended hours in the summer.
Q: Does the Shedd Aquarium close during special events?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium may close earlier than usual during special events, such as marine mammal shows, feeding demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Q: Does the Shedd Aquarium offer accommodations for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium offers various accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpretation, audio descriptions, and service animal accommodations.
Q: Can I bring my service animal to the Shedd Aquarium?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium welcomes service animals and provides accommodations for visitors with service animals. (See Also: How to Clean Large Driftwood for Aquarium? A Step By Step Guide)
Q: Does the Shedd Aquarium close during inclement weather?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium may close temporarily or for the entire day during inclement weather. It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours before planning your visit.