Get the kids dressed, fed and on the South Shore Line because you’re about to have a great weekend!
Morning
Start your Saturday off by boarding the South Shore Line and riding to Museum Campus. We would recommend Train 502 that will get you to Museum Campus at 9:08am (The Shedd opens at 9am). Once you exit the train, you can take the 6-minute walk to the front steps of the Shedd Aquarium, where you will spend your morning visiting the Polar Play Zone and Waters of the World! Ticket tip: Make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time so you don’t spend an hour or two waiting in line to purchase tickets. Visit the Soundings Café for a cup of coffee and then immerse yourself in all of the exhibits the Shedd has to offer, as they are sure to make a splash with the whole family!
https://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Spring for tickets to the aquatic presentation, you won’t be sorry! You can purchase these tickets at kiosks in the lobby. Presentations for this Saturday are 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 5:00pm.
Afternoon
Hungry after all the underwater gazing?! Take advantage of the dining options that the Shedd has to offer at the aquarium by visiting Soundings Café, The Bubble Net, Deep Ocean Café, Stingray Touch, Popcorn kiosk, or bring your own food (weather prohibiting) and eat outside at one of the many picnic tables the aquarium has available to families. Dining tip: Dining options become busy following aquatic shows, so avoid the lines by dining before or during a show.
Wrap up your afternoon at the Shedd by visiting the aquarium shops and browse the plushes and books that they have to offer!
Next stop: Chicago Horizon! A 2-minute walk from the front door of the Shedd is the perfect family photo opportunity! The lateral reach of the structure offers two experiences to those who visit – at ground level, the Lake Michigan horizon and the viewing platform emphasizes the Chicago skyline.
Time for Ice Cream or a pretzel! Visit the Museum Campus Café for an afternoon pick me up. Just a quick 4-minute walk from Chicago Horizon, we are sure the whole family will love this sweet stop. https://www.facebook.com/Museum-Campus-Caf%C3%A9-260658350697651/
Night
Make the 5-minute trek over to Soldier Field for Dragon Lights! Dragons Lights will illuminate Soldier Field with thousands of handcrafted light sculptures, live Chinese acrobat performances, traditional handicraft demonstrations and many more programs to attract people of all ages. Gates open at 5:30pm, so plan the rest of your day accordingly. Visit their site for ticket information: http://dragonlightschicago.com/