John G. Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of America's most popular aquariums. The "rainbow of colorful fish", the "enchanting" dolphins and beluga whales, I sure grief and other aquatic treasures will keep kids of all ages mesmerized four hours at this top-notch treasure, the world's largest indoor aquarium, located in Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan; arrive early to avoid the lines and make sure you are there for feeding time, recommend fans swept away by the scenery, but a few crabs cart that at $21 per person, you really have to like fish.

The John G. Shedd aquarium is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (939-2438; www.shedddnet.org), in Grant Park. The world's largest indoor aquarium has over 6600 species of fish in 206 tanks. The ocean aquarium features beluga whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals in the giant pool that appears to flow into Lake Michigan. See piranhas and tropical fish of the rain forests in the Amazon Rising exhibit or get a rare glimpse of seahorses in the oceanarium exhibit called the seahorse Symphony. Also, check out the sharks at the new wild reef exhibit. Open June to August, Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (oceanarium SER Symphony 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.); September. May Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feeding times are Monday through Friday at 11 a.m., two, 3 p.m. Combined admission to the oceanarium and the aquarium is $21, seniors and ages three to 11 is $15. Just a tour of the oceanarium is three dollars.