John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, was opened in 1930, named for the late Marshall Field & Co. president who envisioned and orchestrated its construction. Conservation and education are elements that are central to the aquarium's focus. Accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, the popular attraction is home to cutting edge exhibits and innovative programs.

Engaging, inspiring, entertaining and informing are the words the aquarium uses to explain its mission. As a teaching and learning institution, as well as a leader in conservation efforts, the center partners with community and global organizations. Creative educational opportunities and programs pave the way for interweaving the worlds of animals, people and living things.

Oceanarium Reimagined is a collection of animal habitats, life-sustaining systems, hands-on exhibits and dining areas. The exhibit features amore than 32,500 marine animals. Coral shrimps, giant octopus, blue iguanas, bluegill, sunfish, moon jellies and sea stars are among some of the magnificent creatures on display. A total of 90 habitats are available for perusing.

Caribbean Reef offers a 360-degree view of an underwater reef community. Green sea turtles, moray eels, a variety of rays and parrotfish, angels and puffers swim by in a 90,000-gallon circular pool. The award-winning habitat was built in 1971 and allows guests to watch divers feed the animals and learn about their behaviors and habits.

While visiting Amazon Rising, guests can watch anacondas slither by. Piranhas, giant spiders and toxic frogs also call the exhibit home. Tetras, turtles and fruit-eating fish called tambaqui live in the habitat, which mimics the environment of the Amazon, which supports one-third of all living things on the planet. Fluctuations in water levels, as can be seen in the realistic enclosure, shows how rising floodwaters in the 8,600-square-foot walk-through man-made forest influences the lives of the Amazon's animals, plants and people. More than 250 species, including poisonous ants and 73 types of catfish, are on display.

The Wild Reef, Sharks at Shedd exhibit includes 20 habitats and supports 500 species. It is the largest live coral display in the Midwest and houses more than two-dozen sharks in a 400,000-gallon aquarium. Visitors can experience a diver's view of the marine civilization in the award-winning exhibit. It features a fishing village, a prismatic display of corals and garden eels, as well as a shallow lagoon and lush mangrove forest.

Shedd Aquarium also offers guests behind-the-scenes tours, diver displays, animal hospital tours, imaginary canoe rides a place for pet dogs to play and frolic, as well as receive training pointers, and much more. Other opportunities at the site include concerts, shopping, dining, overnight stays and trainer-for-a-day programs. With many fun, exciting interactive displays and exhibits, and a long list of activities and special events, there is something for everyone at the aquarium.