The Fisher Family Blog: Chicago – Monday, Shedd Aquarium

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Chicago – Monday, Shedd Aquarium

Our second full day in Chicago we spent at the Aquarium. Both children have recently watched A Dolphin Tale, and Anabel is particularly in love with dolphins right now. Therefore, they have been anticipating this day at the aquarium for a long time.

This is the front of the museum.

The museum is right on the lake and the surrounding views and gardens are beautiful. We found out later that they use some of the gardens to grow food for animals, like lettuce for turtles.

The first thing you come to is a tank full of rays.

The Field museum, even late in the day, never felt crowded. It is very well laid out and the public spaces like bathrooms, play area, etc. were well designed. Also at the Field museum the display cases went all the way to the floor. By contrast, the Aquarium was very very crowded. Many of the displays in the main wings start at about 3 feet from the floor, meaning Bella couldn’t see anything without being held. We ended up not spending a lot of time in those areas, opting for the lower levels that were more modern (glass to the floor).

First thing we did was eat in the café, we were warned that it would be really crowded at noon. At 11:15 it was pleasant and we had a table with a view of the lake. The food at the aquarium was really good, there were many fresh options and they were very “green” in terms of re-using the flatware/trays/real plates, etc. I thought that was very appropriate given that they are a conservatory.

Here is a Chicago Dog…

Anabel saw me taking food pictures and wanted me to take one of her with her juice.

There is a huge patio that overlooks the lake.

Jacob took these next two.

After lunch we saw the jelly fish exhibit.

Next we watched a 4D movie about Antarctica. Then, it was time for the long awaited aquatic show. Right away Anabel went down to the tank to see the dolphins. That’s her and her Paw-Paw down on the left.