Best Zoo & Aquarium Events In Chicago
Although you may not be thinking of wildlife and sea life when you consider visiting Chicago, the city does have an amazing free zoo and one of the nation's best aquariums right inside the city limits. Whether you're a couple looking to have a cute date or a family wanting to spend an educational time together, the zoo and aquarium events in Chicago will likely be more than satisfactory.
Shedd Aquarium: Private Events
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 692-3276.
www.sheddaquarium.org
The Shedd isn't just for tourists. If you are looking for a special place to host a fancy event, look no further. Whether it's a wedding reception or just a cocktail party, the Shedd is an amazing place to host an event. With amazing views overlooking the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan and spectacular scenery indoors with huge and colorful aquariums, the Shedd is a breathtaking, but often overlooked venue for very special occasions. The Phelps Auditorium also features state-of-the-art sound and visual production that can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Yoga at the Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2067
www.lpzoo.org
Have you ever done a yoga class at a zoo before? Well, enroll in Lincoln Park Zoo's Yoga at the Zoo program and you can. Classes are offered for adults only and also for parents and toddlers to do fun animal poses together. Work your pranayama while taking in views of the skyline and the nature boardwalk. Classes are offered rain or shine and if weather does not permit yoga outdoors, it is generally moooooved into the Farmhouse. Click here for rates and info on different packages offered.
Shedd Aquarium: Jazzin at the Shedd
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 692-3276.
www.sheddaquarium.org
Every Wednesday evening, starting on June 26 and running through September 4, you can take in the gorgeous views from the Shedd Aquarium while enjoying cocktails and some amazing live jazz music. Once the sun goes down, visitors can also enjoy the fireworks that go off at Navy Pier. In addition to the musical enjoyment, guests can take advantage of the extended hours in some of the Aquarium's exhibits before they wind down with their drinks. To get extra swanky, guests have the option of purchasing a ticket to the Aqua Lounge for these evenings and enjoying a buffet and air conditioning while taking in the same views and music. Click here for ticket options.
Related: Best Chicago Jazz Clubs
Lincoln Park Zoo: Wine and Wildflowers Garden Party
2200 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org
If you like a little education with your wine, reserve a spot at Lincoln Park Zoo's Wine and Wildflowers Garden Party which takes place on July 31 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests will learn about wine varietals and blends from around the world as well as pairing the wine with cuisine. Live music will provide a backdrop to the evening while those present take in animal education presentations as well as being educated about the gardens that surround the zoo's Swan Pond. Click here for ticket information or to register.
Shedd Aquarium: 4-D Experience
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 692-3276.
www.sheddaquarium.org
Want a movie night with the family that the kids will never forget? Get a ticket to one of the many showings at the Shedd's Phelps Auditorium and experience not only the sights and sounds of a 3-D film, but sit in special FX seats and feel the wind and bubbles and smell the scents that put you right in the center of the action with the characters on the screen. Three different movies are offered and a variety of showtimes are available to fit any family's tastes and schedule. Click here for showtime and film information.
Related: Best Summer Movie Events In Chicago
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
