OK, I readily acknowledge that Shedd can be busy with a zillion kids. But my husband and I, proudly child- free, can easily say we love visiting Shedd Aquarium. He's from Chicago and we've been there a million times, and we'll keep going back. It is a gorgeous historic building right on the lake, first of all. Secondly, the exhibits are very beautiful and I haven't noticed any poorly-maintained tanks;although if kids are banging on them I'd like to see more staff discouraging it. All the fish and other animals seem to be thriving.

The best part is, of course, seeing the beluga whales and the otters. There isn't much better during a Chicago icy winter for me than being nice and warm inside Shedd Aquarium, watching the unearthly beautiful beulga whales swim in their infinity edge pool when beyond the glass the lake is frozen, heaved into icy waves. Incredibly beautiful and magical. These critical reviews fail to appreciate the beauty of being in the presence of these incredible creatures with whom we share a world but not frequently too much proximity in the same zip code. When I'm there, at least once a year, I like checking in with the whales. I don't know when renovations will be complete, check the web site.

Of course, being in the presence of screaming, banging, ill-behaved children can tax our ability to appreciate the aquarium if you're not in the mood for that. Try to look beyond them; I mean, you can see over their heads,right? : ) I suggest just getting something to drink there if you're thirsty and then instead of visiting the cafe or food area, which truly IS screaming kid central, duck out and visit one of Chicago's hundreds of lovely restaurants for a nice adult beverage and delicious food after you're done viewing all the great sea creatures. I think you can also buy tickets online and bypass lines. Don't be put off visiting Shedd- it's one of my favorite tourist haunts and well worth it. I also never tire of the Art Institute and the Field Museum.

Go with your sense of wonder and you won't be disappointed.

I was really looking forward to checking this place out and really felt robbed afterwards. The main floor which houses most of the tanks are all dark and full of algea so it was impossible to see the fish, they were all so dull. The tropical exibit on the lower ground floor was better but I was still unimpressed. I usually love aquriums but absolutly hated this one. The place was packed and felt like an airport departures hall. Save your money and go next door to the Field museum, that place was spectacular.

I visited the aquarium on a trip to Chicago with my 13 year old son. He was somewhat skeptical, but we ended up having a great time! It was soooo crowded and an attendant told me it was that crowded every day. Wow! We were still able to see the exhibits and they were really good. They have a wide variety of so many animals. Don't miss the huge anaconda in the front section! It was somewhat warm and stuffy because of all the people so dress in layers. The 4-D movies are wonderful and very entertaining although somewhat short. Have a great time!

Again, I wasn't really impressed with the Shedd Aquarium. I had heard rave reviews about it, so I was really looking forward to going, but I don't think it was really that great. Maybe it was because the Oceanarium was closed due to renovation, but I doubt it. It would be great for kids, but as an adult, I wasn't impressed. Half of it is fresh water fish and animals, the other half is ocean fish and animals. I felt like I was at the local (crappy) zoo. I did like the decorations of the ceiling, lamps, doors, and chandeliers throughout the aquarium. I also enjoyed the overhead aquarium in the wild reef exhibit.