The Absolute Best Aquarium in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed twelve different aquariums throughout the city, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for their unique offerings.

From the captivating marine life to engaging educational programs, each location has its own charm and features that make it stand out.

In this article, I'll highlight my top picks and what makes each one deserving of a visit.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, you'll find that Chicago's aquariums serve as a gateway to the wonders of the underwater world.

Old Town Aquarium

Highlights
Knowledgeable and helpful staff
Welcoming to all tank sizes
Healthy fish and plants
Competitive pricing
Strong customer support

Old Town Aquarium in Chicago is truly a hidden gem for both seasoned aquarists and curious newcomers alike. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a team of staff members who were not only friendly but incredibly knowledgeable. They transformed my visit into an educational adventure, ready to answer all my burning questions about aquatic life.

What I found particularly delightful was their focus on welcoming all tank sizes. Whether you're looking to set up a cozy little bowl or a grand, expansive aquarium, they have something for everyone. And let’s talk about the health of their fish and plants—everything I saw was vibrant and thriving, an indicator of the care they provide.

The competitive pricing also caught my attention; it’s refreshing to find a place that offers quality products without breaking the bank. Plus, their commitment to strong customer support made me feel valued as a customer, ensuring I left with not only my purchases but also a plethora of advice.

In a city filled with options, Old Town Aquarium stands out as the best choice for all your aquatic needs. Don't miss it on your next visit!

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Aquatic Realm Inc

Aquatic Realm Inc truly captivated my senses during my visit. Nestled in the heart of Chicago, this aquarium is more than just a store; it's an underwater wonderland! The vibrant arrays of fish and intricate aquatic setups are a feast for the eyes. Each tank tells a story, combining creativity and care. The staff exudes a passion for marine life, eager to share their knowledge and assist enthusiasts of all levels. Prices are reasonable, making it accessible for everyone. If you’re on the hunt for aquatic treasures, Aquatic Realm Inc deserves a splash on your list of must-visit spots!

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Aquatic World

Highlights
Knowledgeable
Extensive stock
Helpful staff

Firstly, I was impressed with the staff's knowledge on all things aquatic. They were able to answer all my questions and even gave me some insider tips on how to keep my own aquarium looking its best. Their expertise definitely made me feel confident in their ability to take care of their extensive stock.

Speaking of which, Aquatic World has an impressive array of fish and other aquatic creatures. From brightly colored tropical fish to exotic sea creatures, they have it all!

But what really stood out to me was the exceptional customer service provided by the staff. They were patient and helpful in assisting me with choosing the perfect additions for my own aquarium.

Overall, Aquatic World is a top contender for the title of best aquarium in Chicago. With their knowledgeable staff, extensive stock, and helpful service, it's easy to see why they stand out from the crowd. So if you're looking for a fun day out or need some advice on your own aquarium, I highly recommend checking out Aquatic World!

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Aquatic Oasis

Highlights
Clean tanks
Friendly owner
Good suggestions
Assortment of fish & accessories
Elevated shark tank

Firstly, I must say that the tanks were exceptionally clean and well-maintained. The sight of vibrant fish swimming around in their beautiful habitats was a feast for the eyes. The owner of the aquarium, who was extremely friendly and approachable, gave me some amazing suggestions on which fish would be best suited for my home aquarium. Their knowledge and expertise really impressed me.

What sets Aquatic Oasis apart from other aquariums is their diverse selection of fish and accessories. From unusual tropical fish to rare aquatic plants, they have it all! And let's not forget about their elevated shark tank that adds an extra level of excitement. It's truly breathtaking to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Aquatic Oasis. With its clean tanks, knowledgeable staff, and varied selection of fish and accessories, it's definitely one of the best aquariums in Chicago. If you're looking for a fun yet educational experience or just want to admire some beautiful marine life, this place is a must-visit!

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Tank It Easy

Highlights
Friendly staff
Well-dressed tanks
Happy and healthy fish

What impressed me the most was their friendly staff who were more than happy to answer any questions I had about their aquariums. They even gave me a tour of their facility and showed me how they keep their fish happy and healthy.

Their tanks are also something to marvel at, as they are all well-dressed and beautifully decorated. Each tank has its own unique theme that is sure to capture your attention. From brightly colored coral reefs to calming aquatic gardens, every tank is a work of art.

But what really stood out to me was the condition of their fish. All of them looked happy and healthy, with bright colors and active movements throughout the tanks. It's clear that Tank It Easy takes great care in maintaining a clean and safe environment for its marine life.

Overall, I highly recommend Tank It Easy for anyone looking for a fun and educational experience in Chicago. Whether you're an aquarium enthusiast or just looking for something new to do, this place won't disappoint.

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Shedd Aquarium

Highlights
timed entry
multiple food options
great photo opportunities

First off, I was impressed with their admission process which involves timed entry. This means that there are no long lines to wait in and you can enjoy your visit without feeling rushed or crowded. As a result, I had ample time to explore each exhibit and learn about the various aquatic creatures.

When it comes to food options, Shedd Aquarium has multiple choices to satisfy any hunger pangs. From snacks to full meals, they've got it all covered. I personally enjoyed the variety of healthy options available as well.

Now let's talk about photo opportunities! I must say that Shedd Aquarium provides great photo opportunities for visitors. Whether you're snapping photos of your kids being mesmerized by the beluga whales or taking selfies with the sea turtles, every angle is Instagram-worthy.

In terms of exhibits, Shedd Aquarium has an impressive collection of marine life from around the world. My personal favorites were the jellyfish and seahorses exhibits - they were simply mesmerizing! The staff also does a great job of educating visitors about the creatures in each exhibit.

Overall, Shedd Aquarium is definitely one of the best aquariums in Chicago. With its timed entry system, multiple food options, great photo opportunities, and impressive collection of marine life - it's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aquatic life.

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Abbott Oceanarium

Highlights
Interactive shows
Underwater viewing
Beluga whales

First and foremost, I was blown away by the interactive shows offered at Abbott Oceanarium. The trainers put on an amazing performance with the dolphins and sea lions, and even got some audience members involved! It was a great way to learn about these animals while also being entertained.

But what really stood out to me was the underwater viewing area. Seeing the fish and other sea creatures up close was truly mesmerizing. And if you're lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of one of their resident beluga whales. These majestic creatures are a fan favorite and for good reason!

Overall, Abbott Oceanarium is definitely one of the top aquariums in Chicago. Between their interactive shows, stunning underwater views, and adorable beluga whales, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So if you're looking for a fun day out or just want to learn more about marine life, make sure to add Abbott Oceanarium to your list!

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Wild Reef

Highlights
Cool atmosphere
New shark exhibit
Unique experience

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the cool atmosphere. The dim lighting and blue hues made it feel like I was exploring an underwater world. As I ventured further into the exhibit, I was met with a display of vibrant coral reefs and schools of colorful fish.

But what really stood out to me was the new shark exhibit. It's not every day you get to come face-to-face with these apex predators. Watching them glide effortlessly through the water was both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying (in a good way).

One thing that sets Wild Reef apart from other aquariums is its unique experience. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through a tunnel surrounded by 360 degrees of water, giving you a truly immersive feeling. It's like being in your own personal submarine!

Overall, if you're looking for an aquarium that offers a cool atmosphere, new shark exhibit, and unique experience, then Wild Reef is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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Golden Aquarium

Highlights
Healthy fish
Great selection
Beautiful displays
Bilingual customer service

First of all, the fish at Golden Aquarium were some of the healthiest I've seen in any aquarium. It was clear that the staff take great care to maintain a clean and safe environment for their aquatic friends.

The selection of fish at Golden Aquarium is also impressive! They have everything from colorful tropical fish to exotic marine species. I especially enjoyed seeing their collection of jellyfish - they were mesmerizing to watch as they floated around their tanks.

But what really sets Golden Aquarium apart is their beautiful displays. The tanks are thoughtfully designed with natural-looking habitats and creative decorations that make each exhibit unique. It's clear that the team at Golden Aquarium are passionate about creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Another standout feature was the bilingual customer service. As someone who speaks both English and Spanish, I appreciated the effort made to accommodate non-English speaking visitors. It's always nice to feel welcomed and understood when visiting a new place.

Overall, if you're looking for an aquarium in Chicago with healthy fish, a great selection, beautiful displays, and helpful staff - look no further than Golden Aquarium!

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Seven Seas

Highlights
Smart dolphins
Well-cared for animals
Interactive storytelling
Fun for all ages

First of all, let me just say that the smart dolphins at Seven Seas are a sight to behold. They were trained so well that they could even do tricks that I never imagined were possible. It was truly an impressive display of intelligence and agility.

But what really stood out to me was how well-cared for all the animals were. The staff takes great care in ensuring that their habitats are clean and comfortable, and it shows in how happy and healthy the animals are.

One thing that I particularly enjoyed about Seven Seas was their use of interactive storytelling. Throughout the aquarium, there were exhibits featuring interesting facts about marine life, as well as stories about individual animals. It made for a more engaging experience than simply looking at fish swimming in tanks.

And don't worry about bringing your kids along - Seven Seas is fun for all ages. There's plenty to see and do, from watching the sea turtles swim around to exploring the touch tank area where you can get up close and personal with some aquatic critters.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Seven Seas if you're looking for the best aquarium in Chicago. With its smart dolphins, well-cared for animals, interactive storytelling, and fun atmosphere, it's definitely worth a visit.

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Ocean Design Aquarium

Highlights
Knowledgeable staff
Healthy fish and plants
Easy acclimation process

First and foremost, I was impressed by the knowledgeable staff. They were eager to assist me and answer any questions I had. It's always reassuring when you know that the staff is well-informed about the products they sell.

What caught my attention next was how healthy all the fish and plants looked. You could tell that they were well taken care of and maintained in a clean environment. The tanks were also immaculately clean, which is a definite plus for any aquarium.

Another highlight of Ocean Design Aquarium is their easy acclimation process. This makes it easier for new fish or plants to adjust to their new environment without being stressed out or getting sick. It's such a relief to know that they have this process in place, as it can be quite difficult for newcomers to adapt.

Overall, Ocean Design Aquarium definitely deserves recognition as one of the best aquariums in Chicago. With its knowledgeable staff, healthy fish and plants, and easy acclimation process, it's no wonder why it's a popular destination for aquarists in the area.

Caribbean reef

The place was absolutely stunning, with a vibrant and colorful array of marine life. The moment I stepped in, I felt like I was transported to the Caribbean. The aquatic animals were so fascinating - from the tiny seahorses to the massive sharks swimming above my head.

It was also great to see how well-maintained the aquarium was. The staff seemed knowledgeable and approachable, always ready to answer any questions or provide additional information about the sea creatures.

But what really caught my attention were the interactive exhibits - they made me feel like a kid again! I even got to touch some of the sea stars and crabs (which was both thrilling and a bit slimy).

Overall, if you're looking for an immersive and entertaining aquarium experience in Chicago, Caribbean reef is definitely worth checking out.