Dolphins, Sharks and Fish - oh my!

While our "Family Day" didn't go exactly as planned, we still had fun at the She.dd.Aqua.rium in Chicago. We had heard that the Dolphin exhibit was re-opened and knew that Eddie would love that...and yes, it was open, but they weren't doing any shows yet. :( It was alright though- they completely re-vamped the underwater viewing area and Eddie loved it down there. They had tons of hands on activities for older kids (2 and up would be perfect) including life size penguin statues (that were conveniently a rubber substance, so it wasn't too hard if a kid bonked one), a big turtle to play on in the Wild Reef exhibit, a submarine and even a see-through floor and viewing area with sting rays underneath that was awesome. We also got to talk a lot with the various trainers and staff in the beluga whale/dolphin area, so that made my day! On our way down there we just *happened* to walk by the entrance for people that have signed up for their "Trainer for a Day" program......and may have thought about walking back there. This is when having a crazy walking/running toddler would come in handy! We could just point him in the right direction and...oops! sorry! we couldn't catch him! :)) Maybe Frankie will remember for my birthday...hint hint.....

I was fairly surprised to see that the price of admission was $29....I was expecting around the $20 range, which is do-able but $30 seemed crazy. So...while Frank was waiting in an even crazier line, I noticed that the membership was $80 for an individual (me, plus a guest for free and Eddie gets in free until 2, I think....). So off we ran into the membership line, got our little stickers and are waiting for our card in the mail. For real...it is totally worth it. If we go one more time (to see the dolphins) with Frank, and then go once with Nanna over the summer, we have saved money. We also have the membership for the year, so hopefully that makes the fall and winter go a little faster, too.

My advice if we go again? Well, for starters, if you think you will go more than once, get the membership - you will save in the long run. Also, bring either an umbrella stroller that you are comfortable keeping in the locker area (but bring it the the entrance so you can get in the stroller entrance, which will save you tons of line time), but also bring a sling or carrier to put your child into if they are younger like Eddie. The stroller not only got in the way because we were constantly searching for elevators, but also because we couldn't get close to the tanks. (I plan on carrying him in the sling next time and getting a locker for the diaper bag). Lastly, go early and bring snacks! We got there about 10:30 and spent an HOUR in line. It opens at 9:00, so in the future we are planning on being down there super early. They also don't check your bags, so you are more than welcome to bring a lunch to eat in an of their 4 lunch areas. Oh - and be prepared for your picture at the entrance! We got ours printed - $5 off for being a member! - they take it in front of a blue screen and then put different backgrounds on that fit all of the main areas of the aquarium. They are so funny and so fake looking. We love them!

{Eh, I guess it's alright, mom...} {Yup, pretty coolish, Dad} {Hello, buddy!} {WHOA! What was that? Have you guys seen that thing?!?!?!}

{MOM! DAD! This is so cool!!}

{Eddie's new best friend}

As you can tell, at first Eddie wasn't crazy about the dolphins. Right when once came up to the glass, he was hooked. He stood up on the glass right away and would laugh, clap, snort (you know what I'm talking about if you know Eddie) and look from us to the tank to make sure we would see too. It was adorable!

{Lots to look at}

{Checking out the fish above us}

We can't wait to go back. Now that I think I have it mastered, hopefully it will run a little more seamlessly.

-maggie