Take a short bus ride to the beautiful coast of Lake Michigan. Outside of the Shedd are some great gardens which, we learned are managed by a biologist at the aquarium who doesn't use any chemicals on the plants and cures all of the pests with ladybugs and other natural resources.

Inside Shedd is a full day or more of adventure and abundance of every aquatic habitat imaginable. The staff are great, and would love to answer any questions and all the plants and animals are kept in top notch condition. There is something for every age at this aquarium.

As you walk past the ticket counter, you end up in the first part of the aquarium that was ever built: a large dome room with beautiful architecture and a circle under the sea habitat. The sea turtle named Penney is the top attraction in this exhibit along with the sharks and a million different kinds of fish. A couple of times a day, there is a presentation about these animals, and a diver goes in to feed them. Children love this.

The dolphins are also a "must see." The tricks that these dolphins can do with their trainers are amazing, and what makes the show even better, is the attitude that the show portrays by making it the opposite of a circus, and emphasizing how the trainers train and the real purpose for the training. For instance, one dolphin will put her tail up on the trainers shoulder while the trainer sits on a rock in the habitat. They say this is important for when the dolphins need a to have blood drawn for medical reasons, and they don't have to be stressed out about it. The whole show gives a great impression of the animal humaneness at Shedd.

Other great exhibits include: a sea lion named Ty, a mother beluga and her baby, lizards and the great Komodo dragon, Alaska, and the Amazon. If you have a chance to go to the 4D theater, (I never normally go to those kinds of things) that was even cool too.

There is food for sale in the food court with tons of tables for everybody to sit down at, and even a fancy restaurant if you're that kind of person.

The only thing that I didn't like about this place was the penguin exhibit, where it seemed like they were just placed together in a tiny room and they looked very bored. I felt sorry for them.

If you want more information about prices and current exhibits, the Shedd website at www.sheddaquarium.org is very helpful. I would definitely recommend this aquarium.

The Shedd Aquarium is simply one of the most amazing places I have ever been!

We visited in the midst of one of the worst heat waves Chicago has ever experienced, and even though the place was crowded with people trying to beat the heat in an air conditioned place the crowds did not diminish our overall experience one bit.

The Aquarium has a wide variety of informative and beautiful exhibits. And you don't just learn about the animals at the aquarium (which incidentally include aquatic creatures of all types - and even some landlubbers)but also often learned something about the places the animals call home and the cultures they are a part of. Ecology and love of nature are presented in a non preachy, but inspiring way.

It is most certainly worth the extra admission price to see the Oceanarium portion of the Shedd Aquarium. This is where you will find the dolphins, whales, sea otters and more. Show up bit early for the Dolphin Show, which is so much fun the kids barely notice where there is a little bit of education thrown in.

Some of the best exhibit design I've seen in any type of museum or zoo anywhere, fun and interactive exhibits and of course, beautiful sea life make the Shedd Aquarium a must on your Chicago to-do list - especially if you are looking for family friendly fun!

Save yourself the hassle of a long line by purchasing your tickets ahead of time online or purchasing a membership if you are lucky enough to be local.

Hours change seasonally. For current hours, information or to pre-purchase your ticket, visit www.sheddaquarium.org

Shed Aquarium is a huge complex of buildings holding different exhibits. Along with all the regular exhibits, they have a traveling exhibits which vary depending on when you go there. They also have an exhibit in which(under staff supervision) you can touch sea life. This is a place in Chicago that is not to be missed.

I love this aquarium because of all the different fish from all over the world. Plus, it is one of the only aquariums aside from Sea World where you can see Beluga whales! I also like their pirhana exhibit. It's a great place to visit. They have a dolphin show, which is a must-see. Also, the otters are spectacular. Their new exhibit is "Crabs," which I haven't seen yet but am planning on going back soon. Their tanks and animals are just so well cared for and clean. It's great to see a place put so much pride in their work.

I went for a university event and had a dinner paid for by the University of Chicago. Nevertheless, the aquarium is beyond belief. With the setting outside (winter), it was like being transported to the tropics back home.