Fodor's Expert Review Shedd Aquarium

One of the most popular aquariums in the country, the Shedd houses more than 32,500 creatures from around the world. "Amazon Rising" houses piranhas, snakes, and stingrays in an 8,600-square-foot exhibit that resembles a flooded forest and re-creates the rise and fall of floodwaters. A shark-filled 400,000-gallon tank is part of "Wild Reef," which explores marine biodiversity in the Indo-Pacific. The exhibit also has colorful corals, stingrays that slide by under your feet, and other surprising creatures, all from the waters around the Philippines. Whales and dolphins live in the spectacular Oceanarium, which has pools that seem to blend into Lake Michigan. The aquatic show here stars dancing belugas, leaping dolphins, and comical penguins. Be sure to get an underwater glimpse of the dolphins and whales through the viewing windows on the lower level, where you can also find a bunch of information-packed, hands-on activities.

Lines for the Shedd often extend all the way down the neoclassical steps. Buy a ticket in advance to avoid the interminable wait, or spring for a CityPASS.