The best things in life are free.
It’s probably safe to say that most of us are well and truly over the initial excitement that the snow brings. Persistent winter storms and arctic gusts are providing a numbing chill and the snow isn’t showing any signs of offering us any significant respite any time soon!
To give us a little bit of light during this frigid February Shedd Aquarium has now announced that after the snowy days of this week there will be a week of free days next week.
Monday, February 22, will kick off a full week of Illinois Resident Free Days that will run through Friday 26 and all Illinois residents will be able to enter for free between the opening hours of 9 am – 5 pm.
An announcement on the Shedd Aquarium website reads “Our Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibits, our special exhibit Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch. Take a deeper look at our current available exhibits here.”
Due to health and safety restrictions, however, advance reservations are required and tickets must be secured via the Shedd Aquarium website or by calling 312-939-2438. Adults will need to provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets to be granted free admission.
The tips outlined by the Shedd Aquarium online read:
- Capacity is limited—all tickets must be reserved ahead of time. No walk-up ticket purchases will be permitted.
- Upon your visit, please present a valid state ID or driver’s license that proves your Illinois residence.
- Masks are required for all guests over the age of 2 so that you and all other guests may safely enjoy your exploration of the aquatic world! See all safety guidelines.
- A $3-per-order transaction fee applies to Illinois Free Day tickets reserved online. This helps ensure access to as many neighbors as possible by validating orders.
- The 4-D Experience admission is a $4.95 upgrade for all guests.
Shedd Aquarium reopened at the end of January and now operates with “additional onsite protocols meant to create a fun and safe environment for guests include timed tickets to entry, mask requirements, hand sanitizer stations, one-directional pathways and more.”
More information about the free days can be found here: http://shedd.link/3rXPYRi
For those who do not wish to visit the aquarium, there will still be a number of digital programs to make sure aquatic-enthusiasts can still learn and interact with the animals of the aquarium. Virtual Aquarium Mini-Camp for Kids and Virtual Animal Encounters can be enjoyed via the Shedd Aquarium’s website and there are also several free episodes and activities available online to keep kids entertained.
See more: The Ultimate Chicago Bucket List: The Top 10 Things To Do In Chicago In 2021
[Featured image from Instagram / @shedd_aquarium]