Shedd Aquarium
Weather-proof wonder — the Polar Play Zone is the toddler landing spot in a world-class aquarium.
Why you'll go
An indoor marvel for a rainy or freezing day, and the Polar Play Zone (waddle like a penguin, a kid-sized sub, a sea-star touch) is built for little ones.
What they'll love
The Polar Play Zone is built for ages two to seven: little ones climb into a many-buttoned, kid-sized submarine, waddle through a penguin play area, and reach into a touch table to feel the backs of starfish. Down in the Abbott Oceanarium, toddlers tend to lock onto the beluga whales circling their tank and the sea otters, which can be watched from both above and below the water.
Real talk
The priciest of the group — ~$40 adult, Chicago-resident ~$19.95, under 3 free. IL-resident free is nights only (5–9pm select Tuesdays Mar–Jun) and they sell out — call 312-939-2438 to dodge the $5 online fee. It's big; pick 2–3 galleries, go at 9am open.
Don't miss
- Polar Play Zone first, before the crowds The dedicated kids' zone (ages 2-7) has the kid-sized submarine, penguin role-play area, and a starfish touch table — the one spot built for a toddler to touch and climb rather than just look. Walk in close to the 9 a.m. opening and do the quieter looking-exhibits first, then let a tired toddler burn off energy in Polar Play later — the play area gets busy midday.
- Beluga whales and sea otters in the Oceanarium Toddlers gravitate to the belugas slowly circling their tank and the sea otters, which can be watched from both above and below the water so a short kid can press up to the glass. The Oceanarium's middle floors are the hardest part of the building for a stroller — the elevator fills up on busy days. Grab any open elevator and time it around early lunch when congestion eases.
- Reserve an Illinois Resident Free Day Illinois residents get free general admission on dozens of dates in 2026 (free daytime days run through February; free Tuesday evenings 5-9 p.m. continue spring into summer), which makes a big swing in what the visit costs. Online free-day reservations carry a $5-per-order convenience fee — call 312-939-2438 to book by phone with no fee. Every adult must show proof of Illinois residency in person when redeeming.