The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its stunning architecture, fascinating exhibits, and incredible marine life, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world flock to this iconic aquarium. However, one of the most pressing concerns for visitors is finding a suitable parking spot. With limited parking options available, it can be a daunting task to navigate the streets and find a safe and convenient place to park. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various parking options available for the Shedd Aquarium, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit.
Overview of Parking Options
The Shedd Aquarium offers a range of parking options, including on-site parking, nearby parking garages, and street parking. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll discuss in detail below.
On-Site Parking
The Shedd Aquarium has a large parking lot located adjacent to the aquarium, offering convenient parking for visitors. The parking lot is open 24/7 and offers a range of parking options, including standard parking spots and premium parking spots with additional amenities.
On-site parking is a great option for visitors who want to park close to the aquarium and avoid the hassle of walking long distances. However, it’s worth noting that on-site parking can be expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per day, depending on the time of day and the type of parking spot.
Nearby Parking Garages
There are several nearby parking garages that offer convenient parking for visitors to the Shedd Aquarium. These garages are located within walking distance of the aquarium and offer a range of parking options, including standard parking spots and premium parking spots with additional amenities.
Nearby parking garages are a great option for visitors who want to park close to the aquarium without breaking the bank. Prices for parking in nearby garages range from $10 to $30 per day, depending on the time of day and the type of parking spot.
Street Parking
Street parking is another option for visitors to the Shedd Aquarium. There are several streets surrounding the aquarium that offer free or paid parking, depending on the time of day and the location. (See Also: How to Start Aquarium Cycle? A Beginner’s Guide)
Street parking can be a cost-effective option for visitors who are willing to walk a bit further to the aquarium. However, it’s worth noting that street parking can be limited, especially during peak hours, and may require visitors to walk long distances to the aquarium.
Cost of Parking
The cost of parking at the Shedd Aquarium varies depending on the option chosen. On-site parking is the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per day. Nearby parking garages offer a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per day. Street parking is the most cost-effective option, with free or paid parking options available.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for parking at the Shedd Aquarium:
| Option | Price (per day) |
|---|---|
| On-site parking | $20-$40 |
| Nearby parking garages | $10-$30 |
| Street parking | Free-$20 |
Tips for Finding Parking
Finding parking at the Shedd Aquarium can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Here are some tips to help you find parking:
- Arrive early: Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid the crowds and find parking more easily.
- Use parking apps: Parking apps like ParkMe and SpotHero can help you find parking spots and reserve them in advance.
- Look for alternative parking options: Consider parking in nearby neighborhoods or using public transportation to get to the aquarium.
- Be prepared to walk: Be prepared to walk a bit further to the aquarium if you’re parking in a nearby neighborhood or using street parking.
Accessibility and Disability Parking
The Shedd Aquarium offers accessible parking for visitors with disabilities. There are designated parking spots for visitors with disabilities located near the main entrance of the aquarium.
Visitors with disabilities can also use the accessible parking app to reserve a parking spot in advance. The app provides real-time information on parking availability and allows visitors to reserve a parking spot with a guaranteed spot.
Payment Options
The Shedd Aquarium accepts a range of payment options, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments. Visitors can pay for parking using the parking app or at the parking kiosk. (See Also: How Long To Spend At Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto? – Ultimate Guide)
Here’s a breakdown of the payment options available:
- Cash
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Recap
In this blog post, we’ve explored the various parking options available for the Shedd Aquarium, including on-site parking, nearby parking garages, and street parking. We’ve also discussed the cost of parking, tips for finding parking, accessibility and disability parking, and payment options.
Here are the key points to remember:
- On-site parking is the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per day.
- Nearby parking garages offer a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per day.
- Street parking is the most cost-effective option, with free or paid parking options available.
- Arrive early or use parking apps to find parking more easily.
- Be prepared to walk a bit further to the aquarium if you’re parking in a nearby neighborhood or using street parking.
- The Shedd Aquarium offers accessible parking for visitors with disabilities.
- The aquarium accepts a range of payment options, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to find parking at the Shedd Aquarium?
A: The best way to find parking at the Shedd Aquarium is to arrive early or use parking apps like ParkMe and SpotHero to reserve a parking spot in advance.
Q: Can I park my RV or large vehicle at the Shedd Aquarium?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium offers parking for RVs and large vehicles. However, please note that there may be limited parking options available, and you may need to park in a nearby neighborhood or use public transportation.
Q: Is parking free for visitors with disabilities? (See Also: Who Owns Ripley’s Aquarium? Behind The Scenes Revealed)
A: Yes, parking is free for visitors with disabilities at the Shedd Aquarium. There are designated parking spots for visitors with disabilities located near the main entrance of the aquarium.
Q: Can I pay for parking using my mobile phone?
A: Yes, the Shedd Aquarium accepts mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can pay for parking using your mobile phone at the parking kiosk or using the parking app.
Q: What happens if I lose my parking ticket?
A: If you lose your parking ticket, you can contact the Shedd Aquarium’s parking team to report the issue. They will provide you with a replacement ticket and help you resolve the issue.