Traveling to the Aquarium with National Charter Bus
Over 2 million people visit the John G. Shedd Aquarium annually. The presence of several aquatic species, from beluga whales to sea otters, makes it an attractive spot to visit. If you’re interested in exploring life in the ocean, gather your group and plan a trip to the aquarium with National Charter Bus.
Our transportation service can accommodate all trip types-- such as a field trip for young students, a team congregating for a corporate party or even families attending a wedding at the aquarium event halls. Browse through a list of bus models, including charter buses for large crowds, motorcoaches for mid-sized parties, or minibuses for a handful of people. Customize your rental with add-on amenities like free WiFi, on-board restrooms and numerous electrical outlets. At National Charter Bus, safety and comfort are our primary concern. Every driver is licensed and certified to drive you to your destination and back, guaranteeing a restful trip for everyone on board. Pick your bus today for an unforgettable adventure to the Shedd Aquarium!
A Guide to this Chicago Favorite
Need help picking out the right attraction at the Shedd Aquarium? National Charter Bus has compiled a brief guide on planning your trip to this local hotspot:
Experiences
There’s lots to see and do at the Shedd Aquarium. From an animated 4-D show about fish to learning about each creature during Animal Chats, your group will be entertained all day long. Check out the aquarium’s consolidated list of experiences and choose the ones that bring out the inner child in you.
Exhibits
Sea creatures from all over the world congregate under one roof at the Shedd Aquarium. From the ice waters of the Arctic to the colorful Wild Reef in East Asia, check out the list of exhibits below:
- Amazon Rising
Bright, beautiful and fascinating fish swim through the waters of the Amazon. Spot a piranha or a stingray if you can!
- Polar Play Zone
Is Happy Feet your all-time favorite movie? Then the Polar Play Zone is the exhibit for you. Wear a penguin suit and waddle on over to your bird friends.
- At Home on the Great Lakes
Included in the Waters of the World exhibition, this gallery is home to a diverse breed of sea creatures.
- Abbott Oceanarium
Play with one of the smartest animals in the world, the lovable Dolphins, or witness sea otters in a synchronized dance routine.
- Caribbean Reef
Take a 360-degree tour of the Caribbean Reef and observe a school of fish swimming around their circular home!
- Wild Reef
This award-winning exhibit contains the coral reef of the Philippines. It is a remarkable blend of sharks and live coral, ranging from every color of the rainbow.
- Waters of the World
Walk through 77 habits and admire prehistoric sturgeons and alien carp from a distance.
- Underwater Beauty
This new exhibit contains 100 species from all around the globe, such as pulsing jellyfish to slithering eels, that light up the entire aquarium.
Interested in attending one of these exhibits? Contact a reservation specialist from National Charter Bus and get a personalized quote!
Tickets
Tickets range in price for tourists and local Chicago residents. For tourists, the cost of an adult ticket is $39.95, while the one for children (ages 3-11) is $29.95. If you’re a Chicago resident, you’re in luck! Pay a reduced price of $19.95 for an adult ticket and $14.95 for children. View additional discounts here.
Hours
Generally, the aquarium is open from 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays, and 9 am - 6 pm over the weekend.
Shedd Aquarium
Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-939-2438
Group Outings to the Shedd Aquarium
National Charter Bus organizes a variety of trips to the aquarium. The most popular ones include field trips, corporate trips and weddings. Get insight on the various trips listed below:
- Field trips
The Shedd Aquarium appeals to kids of all ages. The idea of exploring another world is a source of inspiration and excitement for many. If you’re looking for group transportation to the aquarium for your school or university, let National Charter Bus be your primary transportation provider. According to past trips, the 18-passenger or 20-passenger minibus is a popular option for groups of 10-20 students. The amenities on board can range from free WiFi to a high-tech AV system to watch movies or TV while on the road. These amenities guarantee a productive trip where every student can utilize the internet to read up on their favorite aquarium exhibit or finish their remaining homework for the day. Your driver can pick up and drop off from any public or private school of your choice, with past trips arranged from the University of Chicago.
Sleepovers for the water babies
Interested in an all-night trip for your class? Check out Asleep with the Fishes for children from the ages of 5-12. The bus driver can drop off the students with their families for an overnight stay at the aquarium and pick them up promptly in the morning. Store your twin-sized or queen-sized air mattresses, air pumps, and pajamas in the overhead bus cabins or in the lockers in the external portion of the bus. Don’t worry about things toppling over, as the driver will ensure that everyone’s luggage is safely secured.
Chow down with the sharks
If you’re a slightly older group of students, the Shark Feeding Tour is a famous option. Your bus driver can drop you off for a behind-the-scenes tour of the scariest predators in the ocean. Observe the aquarists care for and feed the sharks during meal time. Since the aquarium does not allow outside food, feel free to store your own snacks on the bus and enjoy mealtime in your private climate-controlled transportation.
- Corporate trips
Are you a group of corporate executives attending a private event at the aquarium? Get dropped off at stunning spaces such as the Bill and Stephanie Sick Family Lakefront Terrace, the Caribbean Reef and Aquarium Galleries, or the Kovler Family Hall. Simmer down with your guests, eat exquisite food, and have cocktails with the dolphins watching from a distance. When it comes to transportation, every bus model is sleek and sophisticated, so that your group can arrive and leave in style. Find the right bus that can accomodate a group of 25 to 55 passengers such as the minibus or the spacious charter bus. Each bus can be fully stocked with luxury amenities to impress your VIP guests, such as reclining seating, numerous electrical outlets and glistening panoramic windows to admire the view from afar. Additionally, you can store your suitcases and carry-on luggage in the overhead bus compartments, so that you can stretch your legs and take that well-deserved catnap before the event at the aquarium begins.
Tap dance with the penguins
The aquarium hosts several events for adults from 6 pm - 10 pm, any day during the week. This falls under their event known as Shedd After Hours, which features a variety of activities ranging from penguin parties, salsa dancing around the Wild Reef, and various game nights. Your driver will drop off your group at any of these events and wait patiently until it ends.
- Weddings
Are you excited to say ‘I do’ to the love of your life? Plan your wedding at the Shedd Aquarium and reserve your guest transportation with National Charter Bus! Smooch amongst the sea stars at dazzling locations such as the North Terrace, the Abbott Oceanarium and Rice Foundation Amphitheatre, and more. Choose a 56-passenger charter bus to comfortably transport all your guests to and from the event hall. In addition, pick and choose your favorite amenities to ensure that your party is relaxed throughout the journey. Options such as an on-board restroom for last-minute touch ups, free WiFi to take fabulous wedding pictures, and a climate-controlled interior to prevent uncomfortable odors can be added to your bus model.
Customize Your Ride to the Shedd Aquarium
Are you ready to book your private transportation to the Shedd Aquarium? National Charter Bus is thrilled to escort your group to and from this major cultural attraction. If you feel like exploring other parts of the city, you can tailor your itinerary to include locations such as Millenium Park, Navy Pier or the United Center. Our transportation network also extends to other states including Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and many more. Speak to our customer service team at 312-392-0239 to plan your private tour to the Shedd Aquarium today!
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