Illinois residents enjoy free admission to the Shedd Aquarium on select days throughout the year, which are announced on their website on a rolling basis. Through June, Illinois residents are free on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 9 pm. Guests have access to all open animal and permanent exhibits, as well as the chance to attend Animal Spotlights in the Oceanarium throughout the day, where animal care experts highlight animal adaptations of penguins, belugas, sea lions and dolphins.

Free admission is validated when you enter your billing zip code during checkout, and IDs for all adult ticket holders checked at your visit. Please note that there is a $5 transaction fee to reserve tickets online, though you can also call to reserve admission with no convenience fee. Walk-ups reservations are also offered subject to availability, though spots fill up quickly so advance reservations are highly recommended.