Agua Viva

Sea Jelly Family Event

A Sneak Preview of the Sea Jellies Exhibit at The John G. Shedd Aquarium

YAY! YAY! YAY!

We are big fans of the Shedd Aquarium so when we were invited to a Family Event previewing the new sea jelly exhibit, we dove at the chance!

The event was held in the Polar Play Zone, and was attended by kids of all ages. In addition to the permanent exhibits, we saw the sea jellies (a.k.a, living water or agua viva), pet a tortoise, and worked on a fishy crafts project. And for adults, an open bar stocked with beer and wine made my husband happy.

As always, my son had a great time. And we look forward to the opening of the exhibit Friday, April 15, 2011.

We saw renderings of the exhibit & it looks beautiful. It will be in the standard exhibit space across from the Oceanarium. The layout looks like a sea jelly and you curve around into three unique rooms. The further you progress, the more the more in-depth the information. As always, the exhibit has a strong interactive educational component for children.

At opening, it will feature 11 different types of sea jellies, and these will change periodically. The first exhibits will include jellies from around the world: west coast sea nettles, moon jellies, and blue blubber jellies. The blue blubber jelly may prove to be our favorite as they bounce off the walls like ping pong balls!

So celebrate Emancipation Day, take a break from your taxes, and check out the sea jellies!

Whale Isn't that Something?

The John G. Shedd Aquarium

Address: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission: Shedd pass: $26.95; $19.95 kids

YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!

• Offers hands-on learning? Yes
• Engages an active toddler in play? Yes
• Provides interaction with other children? Yes
• Allows children room to play without long waits? Yes
• Is clean? Yes

Even though it is an expensive option, I would argue it is totally worth the admission price. The new children's area, Polar Play Zone, was added in the beluga & dolphin underwater viewing areas. They have a made the area completely kid friendly and interactive. Who wouldn't love sliding into a waddle of penguins? Playing in a submarine as belugas swim by? Or touching a feeling sea creatures in a tide pool?

It is the most visited cultural institution in Chicago so it can be crowded, especially when children are out of school. But we try to get there right when it opens when school is in session.

Our favorite exhibit, outside the play area, is the Wild Reef. As I push the strolled through, sharks swim overhead and sting rays underneath. And we always try to catch the new Fantasea show, featuring the dolphins, whales, penguins, and even a hawk. I wasn't sure my son would enjoy it, but he is simply enraptured. The aquarium worked with Cirque du Soleil on this show so it is highly entertaining as well as educational. It does cost an additional $2.

In addition, the aquarium has a large cafeteria and private areas for changing and feeding babies.

All in all, a very educational and entertaining experience. Sure to make you forget the snow & cold outside.