Outside Food and Drinks Are Not Permitted

The Shedd Aquarium does not allow visitors to bring outside food or beverages into the building. This policy applies to all guests, including children, and covers everything from packed lunches to water bottles you brought from home. The restriction exists to protect the aquarium's exhibits and maintain the facility's cleanliness.

The only exception is water in clear, reusable bottles without caps or lids. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at the water fountains located throughout the building, which is useful during longer visits, especially with children or on warm days.

Key Takeaways

  • Outside food and drinks cannot enter the Shedd Aquarium, with the single exception of empty reusable water bottles that you can refill at fountains.
  • The aquarium operates multiple food vendors inside, including a café with hot meals, a quick-service counter, and snack stands throughout the building.
  • Food prices at the aquarium are higher than outside restaurants, so budget accordingly or eat before or after your visit.
  • If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can bring your own food by requesting a special accommodation at the main information desk when you arrive.

Food Options Available Inside the Aquarium

The Shedd operates a café called the Coral Reef Café, located on the main level, which serves hot meals including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pasta dishes. Prices typically range from $12 to $18 for entrées. The café also has a children's menu with smaller portions at lower prices.

A quick-service counter called the Splash Café offers grab-and-go options like pizza, hot dogs, and pre-made sandwiches, usually priced between $8 and $14. Snack stands scattered throughout the building sell popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, and candy. Beverages include bottled water, soda, juice, and coffee, ranging from $3 to $6 depending on the item.

All food vendors accept cash and card payments. The aquarium does not have a picnic area or designated outdoor eating space, so you will eat inside the building at tables near the food vendors or in the main lobby areas.

Dietary Restrictions and Medical Exceptions

If you have a severe food allergy, diabetes, or another medical condition that requires you to bring specific food, you can request an exception. Speak with a staff member at the main information desk when you enter the aquarium and explain your situation. The aquarium may allow you to bring medically necessary food in these cases.

You will likely need to show documentation of the condition or allergy, such as a doctor's note or prescription label. This process is not automatic, so arrive early enough to speak with a manager if you need this accommodation. The aquarium's policy on medical exceptions can also change, so calling ahead at 312-939-2438 to confirm what you can bring is the safest approach.

Planning Your Visit Around Meal Times

Many visitors choose to eat a meal before entering the aquarium to avoid the higher prices inside. The Shedd is located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park, near Navy Pier and the Museum Campus, so restaurants and cafés are within walking distance. You can eat lunch at an outside restaurant, then enter the aquarium in the afternoon.

If you plan to spend most of the day at the aquarium, budget $15 to $25 per person for food and drinks. Families with multiple children should expect to spend $50 to $100 on meals during a full-day visit. Bringing an empty water bottle to refill at the fountains will reduce your beverage costs.

What Happens If You Try to Bring Food Inside

Security staff at the entrance check bags and may ask you to remove outside food before you enter. If you refuse, you will not be permitted into the building. There is no bag check room where you can leave food temporarily, so you cannot store it outside and retrieve it later.

If you have already purchased food and realize you cannot bring it in, you can ask security if there is a nearby location to eat it before entering. Some visitors eat in their cars or at outdoor benches in Grant Park just outside the aquarium entrance, though this is not an official accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a baby bottle or formula for an infant?

Yes. Baby bottles, formula, and prepared baby food are permitted because they are medically necessary for infants. You do not need to request special permission—security will allow these items through. You can also ask staff where to find a quiet area to feed your baby if you need privacy.

Are there any snacks I can bring that won't be stopped at security?

No. The policy does not make exceptions for snacks like granola bars, crackers, or fruit. All outside food is prohibited except for medically necessary items and baby supplies. Your best option is to purchase snacks from the vendors inside or eat before you arrive.

Can I bring my own water bottle filled with water?

No. You cannot bring a filled water bottle into the aquarium. You can bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it at water fountains throughout the building. This is the only beverage exception to the outside food policy.

What if I have a nut allergy and don't trust the aquarium's food?

Call the aquarium at 312-939-2438 before your visit and speak with a manager about your allergy. Explain that you need to bring your own food due to cross-contamination concerns. Some aquariums make exceptions for severe allergies when you provide documentation, though this is not may provide. Having this conversation in advance gives you the best chance of being permitted to bring safe food.

Is there a picnic area outside where I can eat my own food?

The Shedd does not have a designated picnic area. Grant Park surrounds the building, and you can eat on the grass or benches outside the aquarium before or after your visit. However, you cannot leave the building to eat and then re-enter with the same ticket—you would need to purchase a new admission.